Tripod shaped structural element and grid structure obtainable therewith

Abstract

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.

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.