Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith
A structural element for the realization of three-dimensional constructions, consisting of a generally planar tripod-shaped body, with three equidistant arms whose free ends are adapted to be deviated angularly for their union with the free ends of the arms of similar tripod bodies in such a way as to form an approximately spherical grid structures.
The present invention relates to a structural element for obtaining three-dimensional constructions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe object of the invention is to make available a structural element having a particularly simple and 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 and rapid fashion with similar structural elements to form three-dimensional grid structures with high intrinsic strength.
These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by means of 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.
As shall become readily apparent, said grid structure is generated by the union of eight of the aforesaid structural elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSAdditional characteristics shall become readily apparent from the description that follows with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided purely by way of non limiting example, in which:
The structural element of the first type, globally designated in
Each structural element 1,2 consists of a body in the form of a generally planar tripod, having three angularly equidistant arms 1a, 2a which extend from a central part 1b, 2b. This central part is preferably, but—as will be shown—not necessarily hollow, and the arms 1a, 2a can be at least partially hollow.
Each arm 1a, 2a has a respective free end 1c, 2c, opposite to the central part 1b, 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 1c, 2c of the arms 1a, 2a are elastically deformable, or rather elastically foldable. This is obtained either simply thanks to the elasticity of the arms or more conveniently, as in the case of illustrated example, thanks to the fact that each free end 1c, 2c is connected to the respective arm 1a, 2a through a narrowed cross section 1d, 2d which defines a folding line. If 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 1d, 2d will in practice constitute flexible hinges.
Naturally, 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.).
In any case, for the reasons which shall be set out below, the angular deviation of the free ends 1c, 2c of the three arms 1a, 2a of each structural element 1, 2 will be in the same direction, i.e. at the same side relative to the general plane of the tripod body.
The free ends 1c, 2c of the arms 1a, 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. In the case of the structural element 2 the free ends 2c are formed with a through opening 4 able to be engaged, by means of a set-in or snap-in coupling, by the hook-like projections 3. In this way, 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 1c, 2c, which as stated in the case of the example illustrated in
In this way, as a result of the mutual union between the eight structural elements 1, 2, an elementary grid structure is obtained, with approximately spherical shape, designated by the reference number 5 in
The so-called elementary grid structure 5 can in turn be connected to identical grid structures 5, e.g. with the aid of junction elements, whereof one is designated by the reference number 6 in
In this way, 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.
As clarified above, the conformation of the structural elements 1 and 2 described with reference to the example illustrated in
Further alternative embodiments of the tripod which can be employed in the grid structure according to the invention are depicted in
Naturally, the construction details and the embodiments may vary widely from what is described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A structural element for the realization of three-dimensional constructions, said element comprising a generally planar tripod-shaped body, with three equidistant arms whose free ends are adapted to be deviated angularly at a same side relative to the general plane of the tripod body to connect with free ends of arms of similar tripod bodies in such a way as to form an approximately spherical grid structure.
2. Structural element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said approximately spherical grid structure is generated by the union of eight of said structural elements.
3. Structural element as claimed in claim 1, wherein said free ends of the arms are elastically deformable for said angular deviation.
4. Structural element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said free ends are articulated in hinge fashion to said arms for said annular deviation.
5. Structural element as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of said free ends is connected to the respective arm through a narrowed section.
6. Structural element as claimed in claim 5, wherein said narrowed section consistes of a flexible hinge.
7. Structural element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said free ends of said three arms of the tripod body have formation for mutual rapid coupling with the free ends of the arms of similar tripod bodies.
8. Structural element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said mutual coupling formations are of the set-in type.
9. Structural element as claimed in claim 7, wherein said mutual coupling formations are of the snap-in type.
10. Structural element as claimed in claim 8 wherein said mutual coupling formations include male and female engagement members.
11. Structural element as claimed in claim 10, wherein said male engagement members include a pair of contiguous hook-like projections and said female engagement members include an opening which can be engaged by said hook-like projections.
12. Structural element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tripod-shaped body has a slightly convex configuration.
13. Structural element as claimed in claim 1 wherein said element is made of a moulded thermoplastic or thermosetting material, or of an elastomeric material, or of a high strength composite material, or of a metallic material.
14. Grid structure comprising eight tripod structural elements as claimed in claim 1, the free ends of whose arms are deviated angularly and are mutually joined in such a way as to define a body of approximately spherical shape with twelve nodal points defined by the union of said free ends.
15. Grid structure as claimed in claim 13, further comprising mutual junction elements for the union of said grid structure with identical grid structures to obtain complex three-dimensional constructions.
16. A three-dimensional construction game comprising a plurality of structural elements for the construction of a grid structure comprising eight tripod structural elements as claimed in claim 1, the free ends of whose arms are deviated angularly and are mutually joined in such a way as to define a body of approximately spherical shape with twelve nodal points defined by the union of said free ends.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 30, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 8, 2007
Inventor: Davide Gastaldi (Murello(Cuneo))
Application Number: 10/574,321
International Classification: A63H 33/08 (20060101);