Relative Newton numbers (Q1207661)

We describe a method for estimating the number of congruent copies of a convex body \(C\) in the plane that can touch another given body \(K\) without having interior points in common. This applies also to the case \(K=C\) thus giving bounds for the usual Newton number \(N(K)\) of \(K\). Especially we get \(N(T)=21\) for the isosceles triangle having base angles of \(30^ \circ\).