Patent Abstract:
The disclosure depicts a high-strength yet lightweight material composed of interconnected struts that typically form a tetrahedral lattice structure.

Full Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims domestic priority under 35 USC §119(e) based upon provisional patent application No. 60/836,214 filed on Aug. 8, 2006. The entire provisional application No. 60/836,214 is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim into this patent specification. 
     
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention is a high-strength yet lightweight material composed of interconnected struts that typically form a tetrahedral lattice structure. Each strut of the interconnected struts has first and second ends spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis. The strut has a generally triangular cross-section at planes perpendicular to this longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the triangular cross section comprises an isosceles triangle, with a pair of base-angles approximating 55 degrees. It is important that the first and second ends of each strut are equivalent to one another to facilitate the assembly of the struts into a lattice structure of these interconnected struts. 
         [0003]    Each strut has a vertex point positioned at an outermost point with respect to the longitudinal axis. The vertex point is positioned on a line within a plane that symmetrically divides the triangular cross-section, and is the intersection point of a plurality of planar polygonal faces. 
         [0004]    The first and second polygonal faces share a common edge and angle outwardly toward the vertex from the upper edge of the triangular cross-section. These first and second faces, preferably triangles, are generally symmetric about the common edge. Third and fourth faces of the end portions of the strut angle outwardly and upwardly from a base of the triangular cross section toward the vertex point. Preferably, the third and fourth faces share a common edge extending from the vertex point to the base of the triangular cross-section of the strut. 
         [0005]    A manifold comprising fluid ducts may pass through each strut. In a preferred embodiment, a duct passes from the first face of one end of the strut to the second face of the other end. Another duct may do just the opposite and criss-cross it. 
         [0006]    Comparatively, another pair of ducts may cross from the third and fourth faces of the opposing ends as well. Of course, other arrangements of the manifold are possible, including making the entire strut hollow so that a manifold can be created by interconnecting the struts into a lattice structure. Fluid may be injected, forced or moved through the manifold in order to regulate the temperature of the material. 
         [0007]    The lattice structure, of course, will create a material that comprises struts and voids therebetween. The material may be made solid by pouring a filler (such as fiberglass, epoxy, concrete, or the like) into the lattice to fill these voids thereby creating a solid material. 
         [0008]    Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lattice structure, according to the principles of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lattice structure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the lattice structure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view detailing a unique method that incorporates the inventive lattice structure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows a side view isolating a strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is an end view isolating a strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a plan view isolating the strut that comprises the lattice structure 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view isolating the strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of isolating a second preferred embodiment of a strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a bottom view isolating a second preferred embodiment of a strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a bottom view isolating the strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of isolating a second preferred embodiment of a strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a bottom view isolating a second preferred embodiment of a strut that comprises the lattice structure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  and are perspective views detailing how the struts interconnect to form a tetrahedral lattice structure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]      FIG. 1  gives a perspective view of a first embodiment of the lattice structure, according to the principles of the invention. As shown, the lattice structure  10  comprises a plurality of interconnected struts  12  that form triangles within a plane, and extend to form a tetrahedral spatial structure. In selected planes, the struts  12  form triangular structures with space therebetween. It is well-known that triangular support structures provide very stable, durable support, and are likewise resistant to trauma. The instant design takes full advantage of this principle regarding triangles, and simultaneously generate a relatively lightweight lattice structure because much of the structure is open space. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the lattice structure  10 . The view shown in  FIG. 2  shows a lattice structure  10  that forms the general shape of a tetrahedron. This embodiment of the lattice structure  10 , as in previously discussed embodiment, will comprise interconnected struts  12  that form tetrahedral shapes within the lattice structure  10 . Additionally, the tetrahedrally-connected struts  12  may interconnect to form any type of shape, including a planar structure (as in  FIG. 1 ), or even a larger lattice that itself forms a tetrahedron, as depicted here in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment of the lattice structure  10 . In this embodiment, tetrahedrally-connected struts  12  are interconnected and formed to create a cylindrical lattice structure  10 . This lattice structure may also comprise a hollow cylinder (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), or it may comprise a generally-solid cylindrical structure. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view that details how the lattice structure  12  may be used as an internal structure to enhance the durability of a solid material. In this embodiment, the lattice structure  10  is positioned within a mold  41 , and material in molten or liquid form is poured into the mold. The material  43  can be any known material, such as fiberglass, polyurethane, plastic, or even concrete. It is found that the lattice structure  12  within any cured material will enhance the durability and make the material more resistant to trauma and wear. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4   a  shows an alternate perspective view of how the lattice structure  12  may be used as an internal structure to enhance the durability of a solid material. In this embodiment, material  43  is inserted into the lattice structure with an inserter  51  that is directed appropriately. Comparatively,  FIG. 4   b  shows another embodiment of how material  43  may be inserted into the structure  12 . In the alternate method depicted in  FIG. 4   b , the inserter  51  comprises numerous hoses or ducts that can penetrate into the lattice structure to better direct and manage insertion and filling of the lattice structure with material  43  in a more uniform manner. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  isolates the strut  12  and provides a side view thereof. The strut  12  extends along a longitudinal axis L to a vertex point  14  at an outermost point of each end of the strut  12 . The first side  26  of the strut  12  is shown to bear a generally planar configuration, but other shapes and configurations are also within the scope of this invention. However, experimentation has shown that planar configurations are preferred for the ease of manufacture. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the start  12  has a pair of opposed ends that are generally equivalent one another. For example, the first end face  16  bears an equivalent shape with the fourth end face  22  on the opposite end of the strut  12 . Likewise, the fourth end face  30  is generally equivalent to the eighth end face  36 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  isolates the end view of the strut so that the configuration of the end faces  16 , 18 , 30 , 32  becomes more clear. The strut  12  bears a generally uniform isosceles triangular shape having a base  24  and legs  26  and  28 . As shown, upper end faces  30  and  32  are adjacent the spine edge  27  that forms vertex of the isosceles triangle. Preferably, the angle at the spine edge is slightly greater than sixty degrees—approximately 70 degrees. The four end feces  16 ,  18 ,  30  and  32  share vertex point  14 . Typically, the vertex point  14  is on a line that forms the altitude of the isosceles triangular cross-section. In that regard, the plane containing the altitude also provides a line of symmetry; note that the upper end faces  30 , 32  are symmetric about the altitude just as lower end faces  16 , 18  are symmetric about the altitude as well. The lower end faces  16 , 18  form right-angle trapezoids sharing a common edge through the altitude of the isosceles triangular cross-section. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  shows an overhead, plan view that isolates the strut  12 . The strut  12  has first side  26  and a second side  28  that meet at spine edge  27 . The spine edge  27  terminates where it adjoins the upper end feces  30 , 32  at one end, and upper faces  34  and  36  at the other. From the view shown in  FIG. 7 , the line defining spine edge  27  provides a line of symmetry for end faces  30  and  32 . This same line through the spine edge  27  also provides a line of symmetry for end faces  34  and  36 . Also, note that opposite upper end faces  32  and  34  are equivalent to one another, as are opposite end faces  30  and  36 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  isolates the bottom view of the strut  12 . The strut  12  has a base  24  that extends in a generally planar fashion along the longitudinal axis L of the strut, and termintes at each end with lower end laces  16 ,  18  at one end, and lower end faces  20 , 22  at the other. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the base forms a hexagonal shape bearing first line of symmetry about a plane through the longitudinal axis L, and a second line of symmetry about a line orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  shows an overhead and plan view of alternate embodiment of the strut  12 . Structurally and spatially, the view of strut  12  of  FIG. 9  is equivalent to the overhead plan view shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, the strut in  FIG. 12  has sides  26  and  28  that meet at spine edge  27 . In that regard, the spine edge  27  terminates with upper end feces  16  and  18  at one end and upper end faces  34  and  36  at the other, just as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . However, a pair of ducts  44 ,  46  pass through the interior of the strut  12 . Specifically, the duct  46  passes from a first upper end face  32  at one end and terminates at the third upper end face  36  on the other. Note that the faces  32 ,  36  that are connected by duct  46  are on opposite sides of the line of symmetry that passes through the spine edge  27 . 
         [0034]    Still referring to  FIG. 9 , a second duct  44  passes from a second upper face  30  at one end of the strut  12  to the fourth upper face  34  at the opposite end of the strut  12 . Analogously, the second upper face  30  and the fourth upper face  34  (which are connected by duct  44 ) are on the opposite sides of the line of symmetry that passes through spine edge  27 . These ducts will criss-cross one another (and may intersect) at an interior point within the strut  12 . These ducts  44 ,  46  will allow the struts  12 , when assembled into a lattice structure (as in  FIGS. 1-4 ) to create a manifold that allows cooling fluid to pass therethrough. Of course, the entire strut itself may be entirely hollow, which could also enable fluid to pass therethrough, even when assembled into a complex lattice structure as previously shown. 
         [0035]      FIG. 10  isolates a bottom view of another embodiment, similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  in that this embodiment bears a pair of criss-crossing internal ducts  48 ,  49 . A first duct  48  extends between a first lower end face  18  on one end of the strut  12  to a third lower end face  22  on the other end. Conversely, there is a second duct  49  that passes from a second lower end face  16  at one end to a fourth lower end face  20  at the other. These ducts  48 , 49  will criss-cross one another (but not necessarily intersect) within an interior of the strut, and will allow the struts  12 , when assembled to create a manifold that allows cooling fluid to pass through a network of struts. 
         [0036]      FIG. 11  represents a plan view of alternate embodiment of the strut  12 . In this embodiment, the interior portion of the strut is hollow; however, the remaining parts of the strut  12  are analogous. For example, the start of  FIG. 11  includes a first side  26  that extends along a longitudinal axis L and terminates in an upper spine edge  27 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 12  shows an end view of a hollow embodiment of the start  12 . In this view, the sides  26 ,  28  and base  24  form a generally triangular configuration that encloses a hollow void V. The hollow configuration of  FIG. 12 , of course, eliminates the end faces that are viewable in  FIG. 6 . Conversely, the embodiment of  FIG. 12  also eliminates the vertex point  14  that is shown in  FIG. 6  as well. 
         [0038]      FIG. 13  shows a bottom view of the hollow embodiment of the strut  12 . As shown the base  24  that forms an elongate hexagon that extends along longitudinal axis L and terminates with a triangular configuration adjacent the opening for void V. The void V allows cooling fluid to pass through the strut; when interconnected into a lattice structure (as in  FIGS. 1-4 ), the void V allows cooling fluid to circulate through the entire lattice structure. Additionally, other devices or items, such as sensors, wiring, pumps, filters, motors, electronic devices, or the like may be positioned within the voids V. These devices may be positioned exterior the struts and within the lattice structure. 
         [0039]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of three struts  12 . As shown, the lower end face  22  of one strut abuts and adjoins a lower end face  22 . These respective lower end faces  16 , 22  are formed so that they are generally identical and fit neatly onto one another. To wit, note that points a, b, and c of lower end face  18  of a first strut will meet and join with points a′, b′ and c′ of lower end face  16  of an adjacent strut. When these faces  16 ,  22  adjoin as shown, an angled configuration formed to receive another strut  12  (not shown) will be formed by faces  18  of one strut and  20  of its adjoining strut (not viewable in  FIG. 14 ; see  FIG. 8 ) The ends of the struts are formed such that the end faces  16 , 18 ,  20 ,  22  will neatly fit into the angled configuration to form a tetrahedral configuration in three dimensions. 
         [0040]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view detailing how three struts  12  will fit together into a generally planar triangular configuration. The triangular configuration comprises three struts  12  adjoined at respective lower faces (see  FIG. 11 ). In this configuration, the upper faces  30 , 32 ,  34 , 36  of each strut are open to adjoin an adjacent triangular configuration so that a lattice structure of interconnected tetrahedrons will be formed (see  FIGS. 1-4 ). 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , when the three struts are assembled in this manner, the upper faces  30 ,  32 , 34 ,and  36  meet so that the vertex point  14  of each strut  12  abuts to form a single vertex. The spine edge  27  of each strut  12  faces outwardly from the triangular configuration, while the base  24  faces toward the interior of the triangular configuration. 
         [0042]    Having described the invention in detail, it is to be understood that this description is for illustrative purposes only. The scope and breadth of the invention shall be limited only by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4