WO2005032682A1 - Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith - Google Patents
Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005032682A1 WO2005032682A1 PCT/IB2004/003193 IB2004003193W WO2005032682A1 WO 2005032682 A1 WO2005032682 A1 WO 2005032682A1 IB 2004003193 W IB2004003193 W IB 2004003193W WO 2005032682 A1 WO2005032682 A1 WO 2005032682A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- structural element
- free ends
- tripod
- arms
- grid structure
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/04—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts
- A63H33/06—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts to be assembled without the use of additional elements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a structural element for obtaining three-dimensional constructions. Summary of the invention The object of the invention is to make available a structural element having a particularly simple arxd economical configuration from the constructional point of view, and at the same time capable of being effectively used for the composition of grid, structures, also complex ones, both in the field of three-dimensional construction games, and in the civil and industrial field. An additional object of the invention is to provide a structural element able to be coupled in simple an i rapid fashion with similar structural elements to form three-dimensional grid structures with high intrinsic strength.
- a structural element that is essentially characterised in that it consists of a body- in the form of a generally planar tripod, with three equidistant arms whose free ends are arranged to be angularly deviated from a same side relative to the general plane of the tripod body to achieve their union with the free ends of the arms of similar tripod bodies in order to form an approximately spherical grid structure.
- said grid structure is generated by the union of eight of the aforesaid structural elements .
- Figure 1 is a plan view of a tripod structural element of a first type according to the invention
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of Figure 1
- Figure 3 is a plan view of a tripod structural element of a second type according to the invention
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of Figure 3
- Figure 5 is a perspective view in reduced scale which shows a grid structure formed by the union of eight tripod structural elements according to the invention
- Figure 6 is a lateral elevation view, partial and in enlarged scale, showing a detail of the union between a structural element of the first type
- Figure 5 Figure 7 shows a tripod structural element of a third type according to the invention
- Figure 8 is a perspective schematic view of a junction element, shown in an open configuration, usable for the mutual union of grid structures according to Figure 5
- Figure 9 is a perspective view of Figure 8, showing the junction element of Figure 8 in a closed condition
- Figures 10 and 11 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing an alternative embodiment of the tripod structural element according to the invention
- Figures 12 and 13 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing a further alternative embodiment of the tripod structural element according to the invention
- Figures 14 and 15 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing another alternative embodiment of the tripod structural element according to the invention
- Figures 16 and 17 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing still a further alternative embodiment of the tripod structural element according to the invention
- Figures 18 and 19 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing a first spacer element employable with the grid structure according to the invention
- Figures 20 and 21 are perspective and plan views, respectively, showing a second spacer element employable with the grid
- Figures 1, 2 and 3, 4 show the structural element according to the invention respectively of a first and of a second type: as will be shown hereafter, they have such a conformation as to be able to be mutually connected to generate grid structure that is - so to speak - elementary, in turn connectable with identical grid structures to form complex three-dimensional constructions .
- the structural element of the first type globally designated in Figures 1 and 2 with the reference 1
- the structural element of the second type designated in Figure 3 and 4 with the reference 2 have a general configuration that is identical with the exception of the details highlighted farther on.
- Each structural element 1,2 consists of a body in the form of a generally planar tripod, having three angularly equidistant arms la, 2a which extend from a central part lb, 2b.
- This central part is preferably, but - as will be shown - not necessarily hollow, and the arms la, 2a can be at least partially hollow.
- Each arm la, 2a has a respective free end lc, 2c, opposite to the central part lb, 2b, which is arranged to be deviated angularly relative to the general plane of the tripod body. This angular deviation is made possible by the fact that the free ends lc, 2c of the arms la, 2a are elastically deformable, or rather elastically foldable.
- each free end lc, 2c is connected to the respective arm la, 2a through a narrowed cross section Id, 2d which defines a folding line.
- the structural elements 1 and 2 are to embody a three-dimensional construction game, they will be advantageously formed by moulding of a thermoplastic material: in this case, the narrowed sections Id, 2d will in practice constitute flexible hinges.
- the structural elements 1, 2 can be produced with different materials, for example elastomers or thermosetting materials and even metallic materials, such as light alloys, or high strength composite materials, particularly if the structural elements 1 and 2 are destined to build industrial or civil structures (beams, trestles, cranes, floating structures, impact-resistant panels, protective shells, signposts, ladders and mezzanine floors, load-bearing structures for industrial and sporting buildings, roofs for greenhouses and roofs in general, roof elements and composite beams, etc.).
- industrial or civil structures beams, trestles, cranes, floating structures, impact-resistant panels, protective shells, signposts, ladders and mezzanine floors, load-bearing structures for industrial and sporting buildings, roofs for greenhouses and roofs in general, roof elements and composite beams, etc.
- the angular deviation of the free ends lc, 2c of the three arms la, 2a of each structural element 1, 2 will be in the same direction, i.e.
- the free ends lc, 2c of the arms la, 2a of the structural elements 1, 2 are preferably, but not necessarily, provided with formations for rapid mutual coupling.
- This arrangement is the chosen one if the structural elements are to constitute components for three-dimensional construction games, whereas as shall be seen it is not normally provided if the structural elements are intended for the construction of civil and industrial structures .
- What distinguishes the structural element 1 from the structural element 2 is the conformation of said formations for rapid mutual coupling: in the case of the structural element 1, the formations consist of pairs of contiguous hook-like projections 3, facing the same way relative to the general plane of the tripod structural element 1.
- each arm la of the structural element 1 can be coupled with an arm 2a of a respective structural element 2, and vice versa. Thanks to the capability for angular deviation of the free ends lc, 2c, which as stated in the case of the example illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, 4 is made possible by the presence of the flexible hinges Id and 2d, four structural elements 1 can be joined to four structural elements 2, mutually coupling by means of the respective male and female formations 3, 4.
- This junction element 9 which can also be made of a single piece of moulded plastic material or similar material, consists of two parts 10, 11 mutually articulated in book fashion around a flexible hinge 12 and whereof the first one has a pair of projections with engaging teeth 13 able to be engaged in set-in or snap-in fashion into corresponding hollow recesses 14 of the second part, as a result of their mutual superposition in the manner shown in Figure 9.
- the elementary grid structures 5 obtained as a result of the union of eight structural elements 1, 2 can be mutually composed for the obtainment of complex three-dimensional constructions.
- each structural element 1, 2 may consist simply of a tripod body of the type illustrated by the reference number 15 in Figure 7, the free ends 15c of whose arms 15a projecting from the central element 15b may be joined to the free ends of similar elements 15 with traditional mechanical systems such as welding, bolting and the like.
- the free ends 15c may be angularly deviated in such a way that the mutual union between the arms 15a of eight structural elements 15 will generate an approximately spherical grid structure similar to the structure 5 of Figure 5, and said grid structures may then be mutually connected (in this case also by means of conventional mechanical junction systems) to obtain complex three- dimensional grid constructions with high intrinsic strength.
- Further alternative embodiments of the tripod which can be employed in the grid structure according to the invention are depicted in Figures 10 and 11, 12 and 13, 14 and 15, 16 and 17.
- Figures 18 and 19, 20 and 21, 22 and 23 show different constructive arrangements of spacer members (respectively a two-way straight configuration, a two- way angled configuration and a four-way cross configuration) which can be employed to build up complex grid structures deriving by the union of two or more elementary grid structures.
- spacer members spacer members (respectively a two-way straight configuration, a two- way angled configuration and a four-way cross configuration) which can be employed to build up complex grid structures deriving by the union of two or more elementary grid structures.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE602004005606T DE602004005606D1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2004-09-30 | DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT AND GRID STRUCTURE THUS TO BE OBTAINED |
EP04769527A EP1670558B1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2004-09-30 | Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith |
US10/574,321 US20070054588A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2004-09-30 | Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000767A ITTO20030767A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2003-10-02 | TRIPOD STRUCTURAL ELEMENT AND RETICULAR STRUCTURE |
ITTO2003A000767 | 2003-10-02 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2005032682A1 true WO2005032682A1 (en) | 2005-04-14 |
Family
ID=34401324
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2004/003193 WO2005032682A1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2004-09-30 | Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070054588A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1670558B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE357952T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602004005606D1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITTO20030767A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005032682A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007135800A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Yoshiritsu Kabushiki Kaisha | Knockdown block |
US9917398B1 (en) * | 2013-03-21 | 2018-03-13 | Barobo, Inc. | Mechanical snap connector assembly |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2791868A (en) * | 1955-05-02 | 1957-05-14 | Viken Reidar | Constructional toy |
US5823531A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1998-10-20 | Christian Huber | Three-dimensional puzzle assembled from separate pieces |
WO2000056415A1 (en) * | 1999-03-24 | 2000-09-28 | Macarthur Onslow Rohan | A module for buidling a toy structure |
Family Cites Families (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2310772A (en) * | 1942-03-14 | 1943-02-09 | William W Welch | Plastic fan stand |
US2493366A (en) * | 1947-01-02 | 1950-01-03 | Simcich Matt | Hubcap |
US2549885A (en) * | 1949-09-19 | 1951-04-24 | Oster John Mfg Co | Agitator for drink mixers |
US2902821A (en) * | 1954-11-01 | 1959-09-08 | Jr Leo J Kelly | Fastener joint for spangles and other members of flexible resilient material |
US3698124A (en) * | 1971-06-16 | 1972-10-17 | Reitzel Designs Inc | Construction toy |
US3940100A (en) * | 1974-10-29 | 1976-02-24 | Haug Merrill W | Modular construction element |
US4701131A (en) * | 1985-11-20 | 1987-10-20 | Hildebrandt Paul R | Geometric modeling kit and method of making same |
US4718874A (en) * | 1986-08-27 | 1988-01-12 | Warren Marc R | Rotary flight device |
US5490678A (en) * | 1987-08-13 | 1996-02-13 | Darnell; Eric | Ambidextrous boomerang |
US5395086A (en) * | 1993-08-05 | 1995-03-07 | Goldstein; Eric | Tripod stand for elevation of can bottoms |
US6032615A (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2000-03-07 | Virtu Company | Amusement device for household pets, such as cats |
US6565404B2 (en) * | 2001-10-10 | 2003-05-20 | Mark Oblack | Flying pet toy |
US6659832B1 (en) * | 2003-02-12 | 2003-12-09 | Precision Machinery Research & Development Center | Boomerang for sport |
-
2003
- 2003-10-02 IT IT000767A patent/ITTO20030767A1/en unknown
-
2004
- 2004-09-30 AT AT04769527T patent/ATE357952T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2004-09-30 EP EP04769527A patent/EP1670558B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2004-09-30 US US10/574,321 patent/US20070054588A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-09-30 DE DE602004005606T patent/DE602004005606D1/en active Active
- 2004-09-30 WO PCT/IB2004/003193 patent/WO2005032682A1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2791868A (en) * | 1955-05-02 | 1957-05-14 | Viken Reidar | Constructional toy |
US5823531A (en) * | 1995-06-14 | 1998-10-20 | Christian Huber | Three-dimensional puzzle assembled from separate pieces |
WO2000056415A1 (en) * | 1999-03-24 | 2000-09-28 | Macarthur Onslow Rohan | A module for buidling a toy structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ITTO20030767A1 (en) | 2005-04-03 |
EP1670558A1 (en) | 2006-06-21 |
ATE357952T1 (en) | 2007-04-15 |
US20070054588A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
EP1670558B1 (en) | 2007-03-28 |
DE602004005606D1 (en) | 2007-05-10 |
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