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WO2001033004A1 - Tetrahedron body - Google Patents

Tetrahedron body Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001033004A1
WO2001033004A1 PCT/IB2000/001590 IB0001590W WO0133004A1 WO 2001033004 A1 WO2001033004 A1 WO 2001033004A1 IB 0001590 W IB0001590 W IB 0001590W WO 0133004 A1 WO0133004 A1 WO 0133004A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
triangles
tetrahedron body
tetrahedron
connections
spigot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2000/001590
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Theunis Gysbert Dirkse Van Schalkwyk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU10463/01A priority Critical patent/AU1046301A/en
Publication of WO2001033004A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001033004A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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
    • 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
    • A63H33/14—Building blocks, strips, or similar building parts specially adapted to be assembled by adhesive or cement
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
    • E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
    • E04B2/04—Walls having neither cavities between, nor in, the solid elements
    • E04B2/12—Walls having neither cavities between, nor in, the solid elements using elements having a general shape differing from that of a parallelepiped

Definitions

  • the blocks can be used for a multitude of purposes, for example as building blocks or as toy blocks.
  • One of the features of some blocks is that they can be stacked together so that they completely fill a three- dimensional space.
  • a building block is disclosed in US 3,672,110 for erection of interior and exterior walls, partitions and like building structures.
  • the building block is shaped in such a way that by combining a number of such blocks m various ways it makes it possible to obtain walls and providing simultaneously building-technical advantages and aesthetical effects.
  • the basic shape of this building block is, in the preferred embodiment, that of a cube from which four corner pieces have been cut away such that four triangular faces are formed in the cubic body. These triangular faces extend essentially in parallel with two opposite side faces of the cube, and have two of its sides contiguous to two of the remaining, non-opposite walls of the cube.
  • the sides of the cut-away triangles opposite the apex define a rectangular face extending m pairs in parallel relationship with one diagonal line, and also n pairs in parallel relationship with the other diagonal line of the side opposite faces of the cube, one diagonal line crossing the other diagonal line preferably at right angles.
  • WO 95/33902 Another type of building block is shown in WO 95/33902, which block can be used to construct a structure made up of a number of identical such blocks disposed side to s de.
  • the blocks are usually square although triangular blocks may be used in conjunction therewith.
  • the preferred form of the square block is provided with four flat sides including parallel first and second sides and parallel third and fourth sides.
  • Each of the abovementioned blocks have at least one set of parallel sides. This inhibits a person using the blocks m their creativity by only allowing them to build in straight lines .
  • US 4,334,870 describes a set of tetrahedron blocks capable of assembly into cubes or pyramids.
  • a tetrahedron body includes four substantially similar planar triangles; each triangle defines an isosceles triangle having a base and two equal sides; two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base with vertexes formed by the equal sides of one pair of the triangles being joined by the common base of the other pair of triangles; and attachment means associated with each triangle adapted for attachment to an associated tetrahedron body.
  • the triangles may have a vertex angle of about 70.5°.
  • the triangles sharing a common base may extend at right angles to each other.
  • the tetrahedron body may be made from a blank which is suitably folded.
  • the blank may be a pliable material, such as paper or cardboard.
  • the tetrahedron body may be made of a solid material, such stone, cement, metal, wood or plastics.
  • the triangles may be constituted by a frame structure.
  • the frame structure may be made of separately attachable poles or rods.
  • the attachment means may include an associated pair of socket and spigot connections.
  • the socket and spigot connections may be trapezoidal m shape.
  • the socket and spigot connections may be arc shaped.
  • the socket and spigot connections may be triangular in shape .
  • the socket and spigot connections may be columnar in shape.
  • the attachment means may be an adhesive element such as glue or cement.
  • a tetrahedron body includes four substantially similar planar triangles; each triangle defines an isosceles triangle having a base and two equal sides; and two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base with vertexes formed by the equal sides of one pair of the triangles being joined by the common base of the other pair of triangles.
  • the tetrahedron body may be a building component.
  • the tetrahedron body may be a toy.
  • Figure 1 a plan view of a blank, which can be folded to form a first embodiment of a tetrahedron body in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 a front view of a first embodiment of a tetrahedron body folded from the blank shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tetrahedron body in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 5 a front view of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow V in Figure 4 ;
  • Figure 6 a plan view of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow VI in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 an exploded view of the components of the tetrahedron body shown in Figures 4 to 6;
  • Figure 8 a front view of one of the components of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow VIII in Figure 7 ;
  • Figure 9 a perspective view of multiple tetrahedron bodies shown m Figures 4 to 8 joined together.
  • FIG. 1 a flat blank of a tetrahedron body in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown.
  • tetrahedron body is shown to be constructed from a flat blank 10, it also may be a solid body.
  • the angle ⁇ is about 54.7° ⁇ 1°.
  • the angle ⁇ is about 70.5° ⁇ 1°.
  • the blank 10 may be weakened along the folding lines 22,24,26 to allow easier folding of the blank 10. Once the blank 10 has been folded along the folding lines 22,24,26, the side 18 is bent into two edges 18.1 and 18.2. Similarly, the side 20 is bent into two edges 20.1 and 20.2.
  • the blank 10 is folded along the folding lines 22 and 24 such that the edge
  • the triangles 28, 30, 32, 34 may be constituted as separate plates or as two pairs of plates which are suitably joined together (e.g. by gluing) to form a tetrahedron body 36.
  • the tetrahedron body 36 is able to be stacked together to completely fill a three-dimensional area or space. Such stacking encompasses the placing together of similar tetrahedron bodies 36 so that one of the triangular faces 28,30,32,34 fully abuts
  • the tetrahedron bodies 36 can be attached to each other to keep them properly located. Such an attachment can be made by a suitable mechanical fixture, such as commercially available VELCRO, or by way of
  • the tetrahedron bodies 36 can also be attached with glue or cement . Because none of the triangular faces 28,30,32,34 of the tetrahedron body 36 are parallel to one another, it is possible to construct unique fully-filled three-dimensional spaces .
  • the web of material 12 can be any pliable material such as paper or cardboard.
  • the tetrahedron body 38 is manufactured from a rigid material such as stone, cement, metal, wood or plastics.
  • the tetrahedron body 38 will be made by the injection moulding of plastics material, e.g. from polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene.
  • the tetrahedron body 38 is constructed out of two similar parts 40,42 (see Figure 7) .
  • Each part 40,42 includes a first wall 44 and an integrally formed second wall 46.
  • Each wall 44,46 is shaped as an isosceles triangle, the first wall 44 being joined at right angles to the second wall 46 along their common base 48.
  • the first wall 44 has two edge sides 50, 52 of equal length extending from the base 48 to meet m a vertex 54 while the second wall 46 has two edge sides 50, 52 of equal length extending from the base 48 to meet n a vertex 56.
  • the parts 40,42 each have an inner double triangular face 58 and an outer double triangular face 60.
  • the parts 40,42 are adapted to be removably joined to each other by means of a first pair of socket 62 and spigot 64 connections provided on their inner sides 58 respectively.
  • the spigots 64 of the part 40 are adapted to be secured in the sockets 62 of the part 42, and vi ce versa .
  • the base 48 of the part 40 extends between the vertices 54,56 of the part 42.
  • the base 48 of the part 42 extends between the vertices 54,56 of the part 40.
  • Each part 40,42 is further provided with a second pair of socket 66 and spigot 68 connections on their outer faces 60 respectively.
  • socket 66 and spigot 68 connections are shown m the drawings as being trapezoidal, they can have any other suitable shape, such as triangles, arcs or columns.
  • more than one tetrahedron body 38 can be stacked together to completely fill a three dimensional space.
  • One of the walls 44, 46 of the body 38 fully abuts against a similar wall 44, 46 of another adjacent body.
  • the spigots 68 of the body 38 are adapted to f ⁇ ctionally join to the sockets located m the adjacent body.
  • the spigots of the adjacent body are adopted to frictionally join to the sockets 66 of the body 38.
  • the tetrahedron body 36, 38 can be used for any suitable purpose, e.g. as toys or in the construction of structures in the building industry.
  • Figure 9 shows a unit constructed of multiple tetrahedron bodies 38 assembled together. This is only one shape of such assembled bodies and numerous other shapes are possible .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

The invention discloses a tetrahedron body (36, 38), which includes four substantially similar planar triangles (28, 30, 32, 34, 44, 46). Each triangle (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46) defines an isosceles triangle having a base (18, 20; 46) and two equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52). Two pairs of the triangles share a common base (18, 20; 48) with vertexes (54, 56) formed by the equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52) of one pair of the triangles are joined by the common base (18, 20; 46) of the other pair of triangles. Attachment means (64, 66) are associated with each planar triangle adapted for attachment to another similar tetrahedron body.

Description

Tetrahedron body.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tetrahedron body.
BACKGROUND TO INVENTION
Various types of three-dimensional bodies, such as blocks, are known. The blocks can be used for a multitude of purposes, for example as building blocks or as toy blocks. One of the features of some blocks is that they can be stacked together so that they completely fill a three- dimensional space.
One form of a building block is disclosed in US 3,672,110 for erection of interior and exterior walls, partitions and like building structures. The building block is shaped in such a way that by combining a number of such blocks m various ways it makes it possible to obtain walls and providing simultaneously building-technical advantages and aesthetical effects. The basic shape of this building block is, in the preferred embodiment, that of a cube from which four corner pieces have been cut away such that four triangular faces are formed in the cubic body. These triangular faces extend essentially in parallel with two opposite side faces of the cube, and have two of its sides contiguous to two of the remaining, non-opposite walls of the cube. The sides of the cut-away triangles opposite the apex define a rectangular face extending m pairs in parallel relationship with one diagonal line, and also n pairs in parallel relationship with the other diagonal line of the side opposite faces of the cube, one diagonal line crossing the other diagonal line preferably at right angles.
Another type of building block is shown in WO 95/33902, which block can be used to construct a structure made up of a number of identical such blocks disposed side to s de. The blocks are usually square although triangular blocks may be used in conjunction therewith. The preferred form of the square block is provided with four flat sides including parallel first and second sides and parallel third and fourth sides.
Still yet a further block is described in US 4,964,834 in the form of equilateral triangles or combinations of equilateral triangles such as parallelograms, trapezoids, and hexagons. Studs are provided on the male sides of the blocks which mate with triangular openings on the female sides of the blocks and when the blocks are interconnected, they are frictionally held together.
Each of the abovementioned blocks have at least one set of parallel sides. This inhibits a person using the blocks m their creativity by only allowing them to build in straight lines .
It has been shown that other forms of building blocks can also be used. US 4,334,870 describes a set of tetrahedron blocks capable of assembly into cubes or pyramids.
It is an object of the invention to suggest an alternative tetrahedron body, which can be used for building or construction purposes or as a toy.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the invention, a tetrahedron body includes four substantially similar planar triangles; each triangle defines an isosceles triangle having a base and two equal sides; two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base with vertexes formed by the equal sides of one pair of the triangles being joined by the common base of the other pair of triangles; and attachment means associated with each triangle adapted for attachment to an associated tetrahedron body.
The triangles may have two equal base angles of about 54.7° each .
The triangles may have a vertex angle of about 70.5°.
The triangles sharing a common base may extend at right angles to each other.
The tetrahedron body may be made from a blank which is suitably folded.
The blank may be a pliable material, such as paper or cardboard.
The tetrahedron body may be made of a solid material, such stone, cement, metal, wood or plastics.
The triangles may be constituted by a frame structure.
The frame structure may be made of separately attachable poles or rods.
The attachment means may include an associated pair of socket and spigot connections.
The socket and spigot connections may be trapezoidal m shape.
The socket and spigot connections may be arc shaped.
The socket and spigot connections may be triangular in shape .
The socket and spigot connections may be columnar in shape.
The attachment means may be an adhesive element such as glue or cement. Also according to the invention, a tetrahedron body includes four substantially similar planar triangles; each triangle defines an isosceles triangle having a base and two equal sides; and two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base with vertexes formed by the equal sides of one pair of the triangles being joined by the common base of the other pair of triangles.
The tetrahedron body may be a building component.
The tetrahedron body may be a toy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.
In the drawings there is shown in:
Figure 1 a plan view of a blank, which can be folded to form a first embodiment of a tetrahedron body in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 a front view of a first embodiment of a tetrahedron body folded from the blank shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 a view of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow III in Figure 2;
Figure 4 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tetrahedron body in accordance with the invention;
Figure 5 a front view of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow V in Figure 4 ;
Figure 6 a plan view of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow VI in Figure 5; Figure 7 an exploded view of the components of the tetrahedron body shown in Figures 4 to 6;
Figure 8 a front view of one of the components of the tetrahedron body seen along arrow VIII in Figure 7 ; and
Figure 9 a perspective view of multiple tetrahedron bodies shown m Figures 4 to 8 joined together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Referring to Figure 1 a flat blank of a tetrahedron body in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown.
It must be noted that although the tetrahedron body is shown to be constructed from a flat blank 10, it also may be a solid body.
The blank 10 includes a planar web of material 12 having opposite parallel end sides 14,16 and opposite parallel sides 18,20. The blank 10 further includes three folding lines 22,24,26 of which the folding line 24 is parallel to the end sides 14,16. The folding lines 22,24,26 are situated such that the web 12 is divided into four isosceles triangles 28,30,32 and 34. The end sides 14,16 and folding lines 22,24,26 are of equal length and form similar angles α with the sides 18,20. At their vertexes, the end sides 14,16 and folding lines 22,24,26 form angles β.
The angle α is about 54.7° ± 1°.
The angle β is about 70.5° ± 1°.
The blank 10 may be weakened along the folding lines 22,24,26 to allow easier folding of the blank 10. Once the blank 10 has been folded along the folding lines 22,24,26, the side 18 is bent into two edges 18.1 and 18.2. Similarly, the side 20 is bent into two edges 20.1 and 20.2.
Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the blank 10 is shown
5 folded into a three-dimensional tetrahedron body n accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 36.
In order to form the tetrahedron body 36, the blank 10 is folded along the folding lines 22 and 24 such that the edge
10 18.1 abuts against and is secured to be adjacent the edge 18.2 of the side 18. Similarly, the blank 10 is folded along folding lines 24 and 26 such that the edge 20.1 abuts against and is secured to be adjacent the edge 20.2 of the side 20. This causes the end side 14 to abut against the end
15 side 16, which two end sides 14,16 can then be secured to be adjacent each other.
The triangles 28, 30, 32, 34 may be constituted as separate plates or as two pairs of plates which are suitably joined together (e.g. by gluing) to form a tetrahedron body 36.
20 Due to the particular angles α and β, the tetrahedron body 36 is able to be stacked together to completely fill a three-dimensional area or space. Such stacking encompasses the placing together of similar tetrahedron bodies 36 so that one of the triangular faces 28,30,32,34 fully abuts
25 against one of the triangular faces 28,30,32,34 of an adjacent tetrahedron body 36. The tetrahedron bodies 36 can be attached to each other to keep them properly located. Such an attachment can be made by a suitable mechanical fixture, such as commercially available VELCRO, or by way of
30 interlocking spigots and sockets. On a larger scale, the tetrahedron bodies 36 can also be attached with glue or cement . Because none of the triangular faces 28,30,32,34 of the tetrahedron body 36 are parallel to one another, it is possible to construct unique fully-filled three-dimensional spaces .
The web of material 12 can be any pliable material such as paper or cardboard.
The tetrahedron body 36 can also be formed in a wire-frame construction. This can be done by connecting suitable rods or poles to each other such that each rod or pole represents an end 14,16, an edge 18.1 and 18.2, an edge 20.1 and 20.2, and the folding lines 22,24,26.
Referring now to Figures 4 to 9, a second embodiment of a tetrahedron body m accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 38, is shown. The tetrahedron body 38 is manufactured from a rigid material such as stone, cement, metal, wood or plastics. Preferably the tetrahedron body 38 will be made by the injection moulding of plastics material, e.g. from polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene.
The tetrahedron body 38 is constructed out of two similar parts 40,42 (see Figure 7) . As the parts 40, 42 are similar, features on them will be described using the same reference numerals. Each part 40,42 includes a first wall 44 and an integrally formed second wall 46. Each wall 44,46 is shaped as an isosceles triangle, the first wall 44 being joined at right angles to the second wall 46 along their common base 48. The first wall 44 has two edge sides 50, 52 of equal length extending from the base 48 to meet m a vertex 54 while the second wall 46 has two edge sides 50, 52 of equal length extending from the base 48 to meet n a vertex 56. The parts 40,42 each have an inner double triangular face 58 and an outer double triangular face 60. The parts 40,42 are adapted to be removably joined to each other by means of a first pair of socket 62 and spigot 64 connections provided on their inner sides 58 respectively. The spigots 64 of the part 40 are adapted to be secured in the sockets 62 of the part 42, and vi ce versa . When the parts 40,42 are joined, the base 48 of the part 40 extends between the vertices 54,56 of the part 42. Similarly, the base 48 of the part 42 extends between the vertices 54,56 of the part 40.
Each part 40,42 is further provided with a second pair of socket 66 and spigot 68 connections on their outer faces 60 respectively. Although the socket 66 and spigot 68 connections are shown m the drawings as being trapezoidal, they can have any other suitable shape, such as triangles, arcs or columns.
The socket 66 and spigot 68 connections are provided as a pair on each wall 44,46 in a constant orientation. Thus, for example, when each wall 44,46 is vertically orientated and the base 48 is horizontal, the socket 66 will always be located on the left side of the spigot 68.
In use, more than one tetrahedron body 38 can be stacked together to completely fill a three dimensional space. One of the walls 44, 46 of the body 38 fully abuts against a similar wall 44, 46 of another adjacent body. The spigots 68 of the body 38 are adapted to fπctionally join to the sockets located m the adjacent body. Similarly, the spigots of the adjacent body are adopted to frictionally join to the sockets 66 of the body 38.
The tetrahedron body 36, 38 can be used for any suitable purpose, e.g. as toys or in the construction of structures in the building industry. Figure 9 shows a unit constructed of multiple tetrahedron bodies 38 assembled together. This is only one shape of such assembled bodies and numerous other shapes are possible .
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 blank
12 web
14 end side
5 16 end side
18.1 edge
18.2 edge 20 side
1020.1 edge
20.2 edge
22 folding line
24 folding line
26 folding line
15 28 triangular face
30 triangular face
32 triangular face
34 triangular face
36 tetrahedron body
20 38 tetrahedron body
40 part
42 part
44 wall
46 wall
25 48 base
Figure imgf000011_0001
52 edge side
54 vertex
56 vertex 30 58 inner double triangular face
60 outer double triangular face
62 socket
64 spigot
66 socket 35 68 spigot

Claims

1. A tetrahedron body including four substantially planar triangles (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46), characterised thereby that each triangle (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46)
5 defines an isosceles triangle having a base (18, 20; 48) and two equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52); two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base (18, 20;
48) with vertexes (54, 56) formed by the equal sides
(14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52) of one pair of the
10 triangles being joined by the common base (18, 20; 48) of the other pair of triangles; and attachment means
(64, 66) associated with each triangle adapted for attachment to an associated body (36, 38).
2. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 1, characterised 15 thereby that the triangles have two equal base angles
(cc) equal to about 54.7° each.
3. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterised thereby that the triangles have a vertex angle (β) equal to about 70.5°.
204. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised thereby that the triangles (28, 30, 32, 34, 44, 46), sharing a common base (18, 20,48) extend at right angles to each other.
5. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the 25 preceding claims, characterised thereby that it is made from a blank (10) which is suitably folded.
6. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 5, characterised thereby that the blank (10) is a pliable material, such as paper or cardboard.
. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised thereby that it is made of a solid material, such as stone, cement, metal, wood, or plastics .
5 8. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised thereby that the triangles (28, 30, 32, 34, 44, 46) are constituted by a frame structure.
9. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 8, characterised thereby that the frame structure is made of separately
10 attachable poles or rods.
10. A tetrahedron body as claimed m any one of the preceding claims, characterised thereby that the attachment means includes an associated pair of socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) .
15 11. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 10, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are trapezoidal in shape.
12. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 10, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot
20 connections (68) are arc shaped.
13. A tetrahedron body as claimed m claim 10, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are triangular in shape.
14. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 10, characterised 25 thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are columnar in shape.
15. A tetrahedron body as claimed m any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised thereby that the attachment means is an adhesive element such as glue or cement.
16. A tetrahedron body including four substantially planar triangles (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46), characterised thereby that each triangle (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46) defines an isosceles triangle having a base (18, 20; 48)
5 and two equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52); and two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base (18, 20; 48) with vertexes (54, 56) formed by the equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52) of one pair of the triangles being joined by the common base (18, 20; 48)
10 of the other pair of triangles.
17. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is a building component.
18. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, which is a toy.
15 19. A tetrahedron body substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated m the accompanying schematic drawings.
WO 01/33004 AMENDED CLAIMS PCT/IBOO/01590
[received by the International Bureau on 20 March 2001 (20.03.01); original claims 1- 19 replaced by new claims 1 - 16 (3 pages)]
I. A tetrahedron body including four substantially planar triangles (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46), characterised thereby that each triangle (28, 30, 32, 34; 44, 46) defines an isosceles triangle having a base (18, 20; 48) and two equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52); two pairs of the triangles sharing a common base (18, 20; 48) with vertexes (54, 56) formed by the equal sides (14, 16, 22, 24, 26; 50, 52) of one pair of the triangles being joined by the common base (18, 20; 48) of the other pair of triangles; and an associated pair of socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) associated with each triangle suitably adapted for attachment to an associated pair of socket connections
(66) and spigot connections (68) of an associated body
(36, 38) .
2. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 1, characterised thereby that the triangles have two equal base angles (°c) equal to about 54.7° each.
3. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterised thereby that the triangles have a vertex angle (β) equal to about 70.5°.
4. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised thereby that the triangles (28, 30, 32, 34, 44, 46), sharing a common base (18, 20,48) extend at right angles to each other.
5. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised thereby that it is made from a blank (10) which is suitably folded.
6. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 5, characterised thereby that the blank (10) is a pliable material, such as paper or cardboard.
7. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised thereby that it is made of a solid material, such as stone, cement, metal, wood, or plastics .
8. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised thereby that the triangles (28, 30, 32, 34, 44, 46) are constituted by a frame structure .
9. A tetrahedron body as claimed in claim 8, characterised thereby that the frame structure is made of separately attachable poles or rods.
10. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are trapezoidal in shape.
11. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are arc shaped.
12. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are triangular in shape.
13. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised thereby that the socket connections (66) and spigot connections (68) are columnar in shape.
14. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is a building component.
15. A tetrahedron body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, which is a toy.
16. A tetrahedron body substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying schematic drawings.
PCT/IB2000/001590 1999-11-04 2000-11-03 Tetrahedron body Ceased WO2001033004A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU10463/01A AU1046301A (en) 1999-11-04 2000-11-03 Tetrahedron body

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA99/6935 1999-11-04
ZA9906935A ZA996935B (en) 1999-11-04 1999-11-04 Three-dimensional body.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001033004A1 true WO2001033004A1 (en) 2001-05-10

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2000/001590 Ceased WO2001033004A1 (en) 1999-11-04 2000-11-03 Tetrahedron body

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AU (1) AU1046301A (en)
WO (1) WO2001033004A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA996935B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101250203B1 (en) * 2011-03-15 2013-04-03 유성훈 Tetrahedron block structure and method thereof
KR20140110179A (en) * 2013-03-05 2014-09-17 농업회사법인 주식회사 사이언팜 Tetrahedron block structure and preparation method thereof

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US4334870A (en) * 1979-02-12 1982-06-15 Roane Patricia A Tetrahedron blocks capable of assembly into cubes and pyramids
AU8843982A (en) * 1981-09-14 1983-03-24 Peter Malcolm Colman Octahedral and tetrahedral building blocks
EP0121433A1 (en) * 1983-03-30 1984-10-10 Novation Design Ltd. Interconnectible polygonal construction modules
FR2597526A1 (en) * 1986-04-21 1987-10-23 Burgard J Marc Modular element of tubular construction
EP0337344A2 (en) * 1988-04-11 1989-10-18 Rolf Schaefer Set or game for the composition of figures, shapes and patterns
WO1996009447A1 (en) * 1994-09-23 1996-03-28 Iverson Jeffrey B Modular space frame
WO2000056415A1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2000-09-28 Macarthur Onslow Rohan A module for buidling a toy structure

Patent Citations (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4334870A (en) * 1979-02-12 1982-06-15 Roane Patricia A Tetrahedron blocks capable of assembly into cubes and pyramids
AU8843982A (en) * 1981-09-14 1983-03-24 Peter Malcolm Colman Octahedral and tetrahedral building blocks
EP0121433A1 (en) * 1983-03-30 1984-10-10 Novation Design Ltd. Interconnectible polygonal construction modules
FR2597526A1 (en) * 1986-04-21 1987-10-23 Burgard J Marc Modular element of tubular construction
EP0337344A2 (en) * 1988-04-11 1989-10-18 Rolf Schaefer Set or game for the composition of figures, shapes and patterns
WO1996009447A1 (en) * 1994-09-23 1996-03-28 Iverson Jeffrey B Modular space frame
WO2000056415A1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2000-09-28 Macarthur Onslow Rohan A module for buidling a toy structure

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR101250203B1 (en) * 2011-03-15 2013-04-03 유성훈 Tetrahedron block structure and method thereof
KR20140110179A (en) * 2013-03-05 2014-09-17 농업회사법인 주식회사 사이언팜 Tetrahedron block structure and preparation method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU1046301A (en) 2001-05-14
ZA996935B (en) 2000-03-29

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