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USOO7938646B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7.938,646 B2 Aldersley (45) Date of Patent: May 10, 2011

(54) THREE-DIMENSIONAL (56) References Cited (76) Inventor: Michael F. Aldersley, Kingston, NY U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (US) 3,581409 A * 6/1971 Alexander ...... 434.282 6,581,822 B1* 6/2003 Garran ...... 229, 116.4 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this * cited b patent is extended or adjusted under 35 c1ted by examiner U.S.C. 154(b) by 112 days. Primary Examiner — Xuan M Thai Assistant Examiner — Evan R Page (21)21) Appl. NoNo.: 12/272,2129 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Hiscock & Barclay, LLP (22)22) FileFiled: Nov.OW. 17,If, 2008 (57) ABSTRACT (65) Prior Publication Data The invention includes a three dimensional periodic table of US 2009/O181351A1 Jul. 16, 2009 the chemical elements and a method of learning about the periodic of the elements. Included are several card Related U.S. Application Data board or paper sheets, each having a plurality of blocks that display information about particular elements. The blocks are (63) Continuation of application No. 11/199,031, filed on arranged in groupings of elements with similar properties, Aug. 8, 2005, now abandoned. such as the transition Earth . Students follow a set of instructions provided with the sheets to cut out the groups, (51) Int. Cl. fold along particular lines, and affix tabs together to assemble G09B 23/24 (2006.01) several three dimensional forms. The students then place the B65D 85/67 (2006.01) forms on a planar map that indicates where to place each form (52) U.S. Cl...... 434/282; 206/579 and indicates how to follow the periods of elements between (58) Field of Classification Search ...... 434/282: the forms. 40/118: 206/579 See application file for complete search history. 12 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets

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U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 2 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

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226 226 223 223 223 226 U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 3 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

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U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 6 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

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Th|Pa 9091 91 141 5859 Pr|Nd 231238 144 5960 |ProtactiniumUranium|NeptuñiumPlutonium|AmericiumCuriumU||Np|Pu U||Np|Pu „E?|E.9? Pm||Sm 929394 |Neptuñium|PlutoniumAmericiumCurium 929394 6162 ium[|||SamariumEuropiumGadolinium Samarium|×GadoliniumCeriumCerium[Praseodymium|Neodymium|Promethium|GadoliniumTerbium Pm|SmEuGd Am|Cm 9596 6364 237242243247 Am||Cm|Bk 147150152157 Eu||Gd|Tb 247 157 140††144150|-152157 CuriumiBerkelium 249 95969697 159 63646465 U.S. Patent US 7.938,646 B2

N U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 11 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 12 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

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Cs 12 Caesium 133 87 Fr Francium 223 - U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 14 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

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116 Uuh Ununhexium U.S. Patent May 10, 2011 Sheet 16 of 16 US 7.938,646 B2

US 7,938,646 B2 1. 2 THREE-DIMIENSIONAL PERIODCTABLE The surface of each of the spheres is divided into an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere. The hemispheres are CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED preferably detachably mounted. The outer surface of each of APPLICATIONS the hemispheres is marked with discrete sectors containing indicia that denote the chemical elements. The tables taught This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. by Katz do not readily depict the natural groupings of the 11/199,031 filed Aug. 8, 2005. elements, such as the transition metals and alkaline groups. Further, since the spheres taught by Katz are concentrically FIELD OF THE INVENTION mounted, the inner spheres are at least partially concealed by 10 the outer spheres. Therefore an improved three dimensional This invention relates to a periodic table of the chemical periodic table that readily displays the natural groupings of elements as a tool for learning about the elements. the elements and which does not conceal information about any of the elements is needed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is generally accepted in physics and that the universe is made up of a number of stable and less stable The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a three elements ranging in progressive units of atomic masses. The dimensional periodic table of the chemical elements and a periodic law states that the properties of the chemical ele method of learning about the periodic nature of the elements. ments and their compounds are a periodic function of their The invention comprises several cardboard or paper sheets, . The periodic table is a table of the elements each having a plurality of blocks that display information written in sequence in the order of atomic number and about particular elements. The blocks are arranged in arranged in horizontal rows (periods) and vertical columns ings of elements with similar properties, such as the transition (groups) to illustrate the occurrence of similarities in the Earth metals. Students follow a set of instructions provided properties of the elements as a periodic function of the 25 with the sheets to cut out the groups, fold along particular sequence. Present versions of the table used in texts have lines, and affix tabs together to assemble several three dimen remained essentially unchanged for the past fifty years, sional forms. The students then place the forms on a planar except for the addition of new elements. map that indicates where to place each form and indicates Every chemistry laboratory and classroom has a periodic how to follow the periods of elements between the forms. table displayed. It can be difficult, however, to engage stu 30 More particularly, the invention includes a periodic repre dents to learn about the elements with a conventional periodic sentation of the elements, which comprises a plurality of table. Also, the significance of the natural grouping of ele three-dimensional forms, and a plurality of element represen ments shown by the periodic table may be lost on many tations displayed on each of the forms. Each of the element students, and some heavier elements might be completely representations displays information about a particular ele ignored. Therefore a periodic table of the elements and a 35 ment and the three dimensional forms are displayed in proX method of learning about the elements that engage students to imity to each other on a planar map Such that all of the forms learn about the elements, including the most unusual of them, may be viewed together. and that helps students see the groupings of the elements In another form, the invention includes a periodic repre within the table are needed. sentation of the elements, which comprises a plurality of U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,409, by Roy H. Alexander teaches a 40 planar sheets, a plurality of element representations printed three dimensional symbolic representation of the elements on each of the sheets in one or more groupings, and a plurality with fully grouped families including the Rare Earth series is of tabs in communication with each of the groupings. presented in which the symbolic representations of the ele In a further form, the invention includes a kit for assem ments are arranged contiguously and continuously according bling a three-dimensional periodic representation of the ele to the atomic number. Alexander teaches an arrangement of 45 ments, which comprises a plurality of planar sheets, a plural the elements that includes a single three dimensional form ity of element representations printed on each of the sheets in with the elements arranged according to atomic number and one or more groupings, a plurality of tabs in communication without interruption of the atomic number. Therefore a three with each of the groupings, and a set of instructions for dimensional representation of the elements with multiple cutting out the groupings from the sheets and assembling the three dimensional forms to be assembled and which chal 50 groupings into a plurality of three-dimensional forms. lenges a student to thereby encourage learning about the In an even furtherform, the invention includes a method of elements is needed. teaching a student about the elements. The method comprises U.S. Pat. No. 4,199.876, by Gerson Katz teaches a device the steps of obtaining a plurality of planar sheets, each of for displaying a periodic table of the chemical elements. which include a plurality of element representations printed Katz’s table includes four detachable, coaxially mounted cyl 55 thereon in one or more groupings and a plurality of tabs in inders. Each cylinder is divided into an upper cylindrical communication with each of the groupings. A set of instruc section and a lower cylindrical section. The sections are also tions is followed for creating a plurality of three-dimensional detachably mounted. The upper surfaces of each of the cylin forms from the sheets. The groupings are cut out from the drical sections are marked with discrete sectors containing sheets according to the instructions and assembled into the indicia that denote the chemical elements. The device can also 60 three-dimensional forms. The student then observes the ele be used to determinen and 1 numbers of quantum theory for ment representations of common and uncommon elements as selected elements. An aid that has a transverse surface marked well as the groupings of element representations, which dis to correspond to the discrete sectors on the upper Surfaces of play information about elements having similar properties. the cylindrical sections is used to determine m, and my num An advantage of the present invention is that the three bers of quantum theory for selected elements. A 65 dimensional periodic table and method of learning about the device for displaying the periodic table of the elements is in elements engage students to learn about the elements, includ the form of four detachable, concentrically mounted spheres. ing the most unusual of them, and helps students see the US 7,938,646 B2 3 4 groupings of the elements within the table. The instant peri tabs 18 for assembly of the three dimensional forms. The odic table also displays information about the elements on groupings 14 may include blank portions to fill in the three several three dimensional forms without concealing any of dimensional forms. Additional element representations 12 the information. In addition to learning about chemistry, stu corresponding to newly discovered elements may be added to dents learn about working in groups and other important life 5 the blank portions at a later date. The layout of the element skills. representations 12 and tabs 18 in the nets shown in the figures are by way of example and myriad alternative layouts may be BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS imagined. Also, element names and positions may need to be changed in the future according to changes in standards. Such The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of 10 as those set by the International Union of Pure and Applied this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become Chemistry (TUPAC). apparent and be better understood by reference to the follow ing description of one embodiment of the invention in con The grouping 114 in FIG. 2 includes the element represen junction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: tations 12 for and the elements in groups 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the three dimensional peri 15 respectfully known as the Alkali metals and the Alkaline earth odic table of the chemical elements of the present invention; metals. The grouping 214 in FIG. 3 includes the element FIGS. 2-5 are plan views of several planar sheet of the representations 12 for the transition metals. The grouping 314 present invention; in FIG. 4 includes the element representations 12 for groups FIG. 6 is a plan view of a planar map of FIG. 1; 3-8, wherein groups 7 and 8 are also known as the FIGS. 7-16 are isometric views of the groupings of element and Noble gases, respectively. Groups 3-6 include Some non representations in various stages of assembly. metals, the , and Some metals. The grouping 414 in Corresponding reference characters indicate correspond FIG. 5 includes the element representations 12 for the transi ing parts throughout the several views. The example set out tion elements known as the and the or herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention but should the Rare Earth/ Groups. not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any 25 The substantially planar map 16, shown in FIG. 6, includes a. a plurality of grids 20, each of which are in the shape of the footprint of one of the groupings 114, 214, 314, or 414 to DETAILED DESCRIPTION indicate the placement of the groupings 14 when in the three dimensional form. Several pathways 22 between each of the Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the three dimensional 30 grids 20 indicate that the periods are viewed by following the periodic table of the chemical elements of the present inven horizontal rows between the groupings 14. For example, tion. The three dimensional periodic table 10 includes a plu 2 starts with (Li) and beryllium (Be) in group rality of element representations 12, arranged in a plurality of ing 114 and continues to the grouping 314 with (B), groupings 14, which are shown in assembled three dimen (C), etc. The viewer knows to skip the grouping 214 sional forms in FIG. 1, and a substantially planar map 16. 35 because there are no element representations 12 that extend The element representations 12 are Substantially rectangu Vertically off the planar map 16 to period 2 in the grouping lar in shape and include information about the element. Such 214. in another example, period 6 starts with cesium (Cs) and as the atomic number, the , the , barium (Ba) in grouping 114, continues to (La) in the element name, the natural state of the element at room grouping 214, then to (Ce) through (Lu) in temperature and atmospheric pressure, and the number of 40 grouping 414, continues back to grouping 214 with . The element representations 12 may also (Hf) through (Hg), and ends with thallium (Tl) be color-coded to indicate properties of the element. For through (Rn) in grouping 314. The atomic number example, the element representations 12 may be colored included with the element representations aids the viewer in according to whether they are metals, metalloids, or non following the periods as well. metals. Alternatively, the element representations 12 may be 45 In use, a kit containing sheets of the groupings 14 in Sub colored according to the state of matter of the element for a stantially planarform, the map 16, and a set of instructions are particular temperature and pressure. In a further alternative, Supplied to a student or a group of students. The instructions the element representations 12 are colored according to the guide the student through the assembly of the three dimen color of the element, the compound, or the flame colors. Even sional periodic table 10. The instructions also include several further, the element representations 12 may be colored 50 diagrams, illustrated in FIGS. 7-16, to aid in the assembly. A according to a particular design that is pleasing to the eye or particular example of such instructions is as follows. It should attention grabbing. Certain element representations 12 on the be noted, however, that the set of instructions included in the edges of the three dimensional groupings 14. Such as those for kit may vary in detail from the following example. Carbon (C)and (N), have multiple faces that are angled at about 90° from each other in order to promote the 55 EXAMPLE 1. idea that the element representations 12 are three dimensional blocks. Identify each of the blocks of elements from the four The groupings 14 are shown in Substantially two dimen printed. sional nets in FIGS. 2-5. The planar nets are printed on sheets The two nets which comprise: of paper with one or more groupings 14 on each sheet. In the 60 a) The Transition Metals (grouping 214) (FIGS. 7 and 8) present embodiment, the paper is a card-type paper of a b) The Rare Earth/Actinide Groups (grouping 414) (FIGS. weight that may be cut with Scissors yet requires score lines 9, 10 and 11) will form rectangular blocks when for folding. Alternatively, paper having more or less flexibil assembled so begin with these two. ity may be used. Further, alternative materials such as certain Alter carefully cutting out the net for the Transition Metals plastics may be used in place of paper. Each of the groupings 65 (grouping 214), score all the fold lines on the back of the 14 includes a plurality of tabs 18 that may be glued to the card and then generate sharp folds along each score line, underside of certain element representations 12 or to other especially adjacent to the tabs 18, as shown in FIG. 7. US 7,938,646 B2 5 6 Practice the assembly into a rectangular before plac 6. List and then find the elements that are present in ing any glue on any of the tabs 18, as shown in FIG. 8. a. an electric cable When sure of the final outcome, add a small amount of b. a Teflon coated frying pan quick drying glue to each tab 18 and assemble the rect c. a nuclear fuel rod angular block, as shown in FIG.8. 7. Why aluminum and sulphur rather than aluminum and Next, carefully cut out the net for the elements in the Rare ? Earth/Actinide Groups (grouping 414) shown in FIG.9. While the invention has been described with reference to Score all the fold lines on the back of the card and then particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled generate sharp folds along each score line, especially in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents adjacent to the tabs 18, as shown in FIG. 10. 10 may be substituted for elements thereof without departing When sure of the final outcome, add a small amount of from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifica quick drying glue to each tab 18 and assemble the rect tions may be made to adapt a particular situation or material angular block, as shown in FIG. 11. to the teachings of the invention without departing from the Next, carefully cut out the net for the elements in Groups 1 Scope of the invention. and 2, together with hydrogen (grouping 114), as shown 15 Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to in FIG. 12. At this stage, do not cut off any tabs 18 in the the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode con vicinity of hydrogen. templated for carrying out this invention, but that the inven Score all the fold lines on the back of the card and then tion will include all embodiments falling within the scope and generate sharp folds along each score line, especially spirit of the appended claims. adjacent to the tabs 18, as shown in FIG. 12. The invention claimed is: Practice the assembly into a rectangular block with hydro 1. A periodic representation of the chemical elements for gen perched on top of lithium. Check where each tab 18 teaching chemistry structures and principles, comprising four will be glued and positioned and then remove any Super three-dimensional forms including: fluous tabs 18; double check before cutting. a first block-shaped three-dimensional form that includes When sure of the final outcome, add a small amount of 25 elemental representations that correspond to the alkali quick drying glue to each tab 18 and assemble the block metals and alkaline earth metals; for Groups 1 and 2 (grouping 214), as shown in FIG. 13. a second block-shaped three-dimensional form that Next, carefully cut out the net for the elements in Groups 3 includes elemental representations that correspond to to 8 (grouping 314) as shown in FIG. 14. At this stage, do the transition metals; not cut off any tabs 18 in the vicinity of . 30 a third block-shaped three-dimensional form that includes Score all the fold lines on the back of the card and then elemental representations that correspond to the generate sharp folds along each score line, especially loids, halogens and noble gases; adjacent to the tabs 18, as shown in FIG. 14. a fourth block-shaped three-dimensional form that Practice the assembly of the block with the Noble Gases, includes elemental representations that correspond to e.g. helium, slanting downwards to the next Period as 35 the lanthanides and actinides; shown in FIG. 15. Check where eachtab 18will be glued a Substantially planar map configured to be situated and positioned and then remove any Superfluous tabs 18; beneath the four three-dimensional forms, the map double check before cutting. including four grids configured to receive each of the When sure of the final outcome, add a small amount of fourthree-dimensional forms and thereby indicate a par quick drying glue to each tab 18 and assemble the block 40 ticular placement of the four forms to produce periods as shown in FIG. 15. when the three-dimensional forms are viewed together; Now that all four blocks of elements have been con wherein each of the elemental representations includes structed, position them on the map 16 so that their rela information about a particular element selected from the tive position follows an increasing of atomic number as group consisting of atomic symbol, atomic number, shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 1. 45 atomic mass, the name of the element, the natural state of The set of instructions may also include several questions the element at room temperature and atmospheric pres to encourage a student to think about the periodic table and Sure and number of Valence electrons. the chemical elements. Such questions may include those in 2. A kit for assembling a three-dimensional periodic rep the following example. Hints and answers to the questions resentation of the chemical elements for teaching chemistry may also be provided to aid the students. 50 structures and principles, comprising: a plurality of substantially planar sheets wherein each of EXAMPLE 2 said sheets includes at least one grouping wherein each of said groupings includes a plurality of element repre Questions: (A few Suggestions) (Various Grades, no particu sentations including information about a particular ele lar order) 55 ment, said information being selected from the group 1. Name all the elements in each of Groups 1 to 4. consisting of atomic symbol, atomic number, atomic 2. Why do the blocks contain the number of elements per mass, the name of the element, the natural state of the period that they do? (Hint: consider the number of elec element at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, trons ins, p, d, f-energy levels) and the number of valence electrons; 3. Why do the blocks “double back” on themselves? (Hint: 60 means for assembling said groupings into four block Hundt’s Rule) shaped three-dimensional forms each of which includes 4. Look carefully at Some of the coloring of the elements and a differently shaped footprint that is two element repre comment on the colors you find. sentations thick, each of said three-dimensional forms 5. Look carefully for elements that are found in the representing at least one of said groupings, said group of life (fats, proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, RNA, etc) and 65 ings being selected from the group consisting of (1) comment on their relative position considering the large Alkali metals and Alkaline earth metals (2) transition number of elements that exist. metals (3) metalloids, halogens, and Noble gases and (4) US 7,938,646 B2 7 8 Lanthanides and Actinides, thereby producing an Alkali Lanthanides and Actinides form, wherein each form metals and Alkaline earth metals form with a two-ele includes a footprint that is two elemental representations ment by one-element footprint, a form thick, the footprint of each form being different from the with a five-element by two-element footprint, a metal footprints of the other forms: loid, and Nobel gases form with a three-element cutting out the groupings from said sheets according to said by two-element footprint and a and Actinide instructions; form with a seven-element by two-element footprint: assembling the groupings into the four three-dimensional wherein said element representations are configured to block-shaped forms according to said instructions; form a plurality of periodic rows when said three-dimen providing a Substantially planar map configured to be situ sional forms are viewed together in a particular order; 10 ated beneath said three-dimensional forms wherein said a Substantially planar map wherein said map includes four map includes four grids, each of which has a different grids, each of which has a dimension selected to corre dimension that corresponds to the footprint of one of the spond to the footprint of one of the corresponding three corresponding four three-dimensional forms, the four dimensional forms configured to indicate a particular grids being configured to indicate a particular arrange arrangement of three-dimensional forms; and 15 ment of said three-dimensional forms; a set of instructions for assembling the groupings into a placing each of the four three-dimensional forms in its plurality of three-dimensional forms. corresponding grid and observing the elemental repre 3. The kit of claim 2, wherein each of said groupings is sentations in the same and different groupings as well as operable to be cut out of said sheets along an outer boundary. periods formed by said three-dimensional forms when 4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the means for assembling said three-dimensional forms are placedon said Substan said three-dimensional forms includes tially planar map and viewed together in the particular each of said groupings being operable to be folded into a arrangement. three-dimensional form by folding between certain ele 8. The periodic representation of the chemical elements of ment representations; and claim 1, wherein said map includes pathways between the at least one tab attached to at least one of said element 25 grids that aide in the viewing of the periods formed by the representations wherein said tab is configured to affix at arrangement of said element representations. least one of said element representations to at least one 9. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the Alkali different element representation. metals and Alkaline earth metals form footprint is two ele 5. The kit of claim 2, wherein said map includes pathways ment representations thick and one elemental representation between the grids that aide in the viewing of the periods 30 long and the planar map has a corresponding first grid whose formed by the arrangement of said element representations. dimensions match the Alkali metals and Alkaline earth metals 6. The kit of claim 2, wherein said set of instructions form footprint. comprises a plurality of questions about the elements. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the transition 7. A method of teaching a student about the chemical metals form includes a region that is two element represen elements, comprising the steps of: 35 tations thick and five elemental representations long and the obtaining a plurality of sheets, each of said sheets having a planar map has a corresponding second grid whose dimen plurality of elemental representations printed thereon in sions match the transition metals form footprint. one or more groupings comprising information about a 11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the metal particular element, said information being selected from loids, halogens, and Noble gases form footprint is two ele the group consisting of atomic symbol, atomic number, 40 ment representations thick and three elemental representa atomic mass, the name of the element, the natural state of tions long and the planar map has a corresponding third grid the element at room temperature and atmospheric pres whose dimensions match the metalloids, halogens, and Nobel Sure, and the number of valence electrons the sheets gases form footprint. having a plurality of tabs in communication with each of 12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein the Lan the groupings; 45 thanides and Actinides form footprint is two element repre providing a set of instructions for creating four three-di sentations thick and seven elemental representations long and mensional block-shaped forms from said sheets, the the planar map has a corresponding fourth grid whose dimen forms consisting of (1) an Alkali metals and Alkaline sions match the Lanthanides and Actinides form footprint. earth metals form (2) a transition metals form (3) a metalloids, halogens, and Noble gases form and (4) a k k k k k