COMPONENT BASED SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY FOR FLEXIBLE GEOMETRIC AND NON-GEOMETRIC STRUCTURES

Abstract

An assembly structured to form a customizable structure, having variably configured geometric characteristics, which includes a plurality of hubs each having an interior chamber and a plurality of housings. Each housing includes an open-ended interior channel communicating with the interior chamber of a common hub. Each of a plurality of elastic links is retained within and extend outwardly from a different one of said interior channels. At least one elastic link may be disposed in interconnecting relation between two attached ones of the plurality of hubs and a predetermined number of a plurality of attached hubs may be interconnected to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. A plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable, variably configured structures.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to an assembly structured to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable, variably configured, flexible, geometric or non-geometric structures through the interconnection of a plurality of component hubs to one another into a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. A plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs may be interconnected to define a selected one of the possible plurality of the customizable variably configured structures.

Description of the Related Art

Different fields of art include products, devices, materials, etc. which are intended to be variably structured to form a variety of differently configured and dimensioned objects. Such different fields of art include, but are not limited to, jewelry, sculpture, fashion, industrial design, architecture, structural engineering, nano-engineering, aerospace and the medical field. By way of example only jewelry pieces have a tendency to be rigid and thereby are not well adapted to conform to various body portions of the wearer, wherein such jewelry pieces may include bracelets, necklaces, etc. Such rigidity or lack of adaptability may result in discomfort to the wearer as well as an increase in the possibility of damage to or breakage of the jewelry pieces.

In order to overcome problems and disadvantages of the type set forth above, not only in the jewelry art but in other fields of endeavor as well there is a need for a component-based assembly and/or system for the making of different flexible structures, wherein such preferred and proposed structures may be formed into any one of a possible plurality of customizable, variable configurations. As such, a proposed and preferred assembly and/or system of this type would facilitate the production and/or formation of different products, devices, goods, etc. in different fields of art which could assume a predetermined or preferred configuration while being sufficiently flexible and/or resilient to conform or adapt, in shape, size, or other geometric characteristics to any other object, device, structure, etc., with which it is intended to be used.

Moreover, a preferred and proposed assembly and/or system could incorporate the use of a plurality of hub components each cooperatively structured with the other to be interconnected to one another, individually or in interconnected arrays, by means of elastic flexible links. The use of such interconnecting, elastic and flexible links, in combination with the cooperatively structured plurality of hubs, would significantly enhance versatility of a resulting structure by allowing a variance in the geometric characteristics thereof including, but not limited to, size, shape, curvature, surface configuration, flexibility, elasticity, adaptability, etc., of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an assembly and/or system structured to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable, variably configured structures capable of defining a variety of different objects, devices and/or goods such as, but not limited to, jewelry pieces or other different fields of art. The customizable, variably configured structures comprise a plurality of interconnected hub components cooperatively structured with and interconnected by a plurality of elastic links.

More specifically, in one or more embodiments, at least one but more practically a plurality of the hub components or “hubs” each include an interior chamber and a plurality of housings. The housings may vary in number and extend radially outward from a base or body of a common hub, which may be at least partially defined by interconnected inner ends of associated ones of the plurality of housings. Accordingly, the hubs are at least partially defined by the corresponding plurality of housings each having their inner or proximal ends fixedly connected to one another in adjacent and/or contiguous relation.

Further, each of the housings include an interior channel which includes oppositely disposed open ends. An open inner end of each of the plurality of interior channels of the housings of a common hub are disposed in direct communicating relation with the interior chamber thereof. As described in greater detail hereinafter, a connector structure may be disposed on each of the plurality of hubs, at least partially within the interior chamber.

In addition, a plurality of elastic links are associated with each of the plurality of hubs and for a given hub, are equal in number to the number of housings associated with that hub. Further, each of the plurality of elastic links includes opposite ends and are disposed and retained within a different one of the interior channels of the housings associated with a given hub. Also, each of the elastic links may be dimensioned and configured to have one of the opposite ends disposed at least partially within the interior chamber of an associated hub. As such, each of the elastic links extend along the length of a corresponding interior channel and outwardly from an outer open end thereof. Accordingly, each of the opposite ends of each elastic link may include an attachment member cooperatively dimensioned, configured and structured with the aforementioned connector structure. The correspondingly positioned one of the attachment members is disposed within the interior chamber of the corresponding hub. The cooperative structuring between the attachment members of each of the elastic links and that of the connector structure facilitates a retaining connection of each of the elastic links into respective ones of the interior channels.

Additional structural and operative features of one or more preferred embodiments of the assembly of the present invention may also include a removable disposition of the connector structure within the interior chamber. Therefore, each of the corresponding elastic links connected to the removable connector structure may be defined as being “removably retained” within individual ones of the interior channels. This removable retention further facilitates the structure and cooperative use of the plurality of hubs as well as their interconnection to one another, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter. Also, the provision of attachment members on or integrated with each of the opposite ends of each of the plurality of elastic links allows either end of the elastic links to be disposed in a retained relation within any of the interior channels of any of the plurality of housings of any of the plurality of cooperatively structured hubs.

The plurality of elastic links may be structured in the form of generally elongated elastic members such as, but not limited to, a coil spring or other spring structure, an elastic cord, elastic tendon, etc. Regardless of their specific form, the elastic links are structured to be both elastic and flexible and include an inherent bias. Such inherent bias facilitates the tendency of the elastic link to return from an elastically expanded or flexibly deformed orientation, when force or tension is applied thereto, back into an original or initial orientation, when the applied force or tension is reduced or removed. Such inherent bias will further facilitate an enhanced versatility of the assembly and the adaptability of the resulting or formed structure to conform to different geometric characteristics such as, but not limited to, shapes, sizes, etc. of a device, object, etc. with which the structure is used.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is also directed to an assembly structured to assume a variably configured structure and includes a plurality of hubs each comprising a housing. Similarly, the housings of this additional embodiment include an interior chamber and a plurality of channels formed therein. Each of the channels include an open inner end and an open outer end, wherein the open inner end of each channel is disposed in communicating relation with the interior chamber. In addition, a plurality of elastic links are each disposed in a different one of the plurality of channels. A connector is disposed within the interior chamber in removably locked attachment with each housing. Further the connector is disposed in interconnecting relation with inner ends of the plurality of elastic links of a common one of said housings.

At least one distinguishing feature of this additional preferred embodiment includes each of the plurality of hubs comprising a single housing having a one-piece, integral construction. This of course differs from an initially described embodiment of the present invention, wherein each hub comprises plurality of housings connected to and defining a common hub. Further, the plurality of housings of a common hub extend radially outward from a base or body of the common hub and may vary in number. Also, the plurality of housings associated with a common hub are interconnected at inner or proximal ends to one another in adjacent and/or contiguous relation. Additional distinguishing features include each of the aforementioned plurality of elastic links disposed within different ones of the plurality of housings associated with a common hub. The additional preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the plurality of hubs structured to include different exterior configurations such as, but not limited to a spherical exterior configuration and a multi-sided exterior configuration.

With further regard to the additional embodiment of the present invention, the single housing of each or at least a majority of the plurality of hubs includes a connector passage extending at least partially therethrough in communicating relation with the interior chamber. A connector associated with each of the different single housings is disposed within the connector passage in removably locked attachment with the housing and concurrently in interconnecting relation with each of the plurality of elastic links disposed within the different plurality of channels.

Each of the aforementioned connectors of the additional preferred embodiment is structured to include opposite ends normally configured to restrict passage thereof into and along the length of the connector passage in which they are disposed. More specifically, one of the opposite ends of the connector includes a flexible segment normally biased into the removably locked attachment with the corresponding housing. Moreover, the flexible segment may be selectively disposable, through utilization of a release tool, instrument, etc. into a released orientation. When in the released orientation, the flexible segment assumes a reduced transverse dimension, which is at least minimally smaller than that of the connector passage. As a result, the connector will have a sufficiently transverse dimension to pass through and along the length of the connector passage to facilitate removal thereof and/or out of concurrent interconnecting relation with the innermost ends of the elastic links disposed within the interior chamber of a common housing.

As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, in each of the embodiments of the present invention a predetermined number of the plurality of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs. The size and configuration of each of such array of hubs may vary dependent on the number of hubs being interconnected to form and/or define a given interconnected array of hubs. In addition, a plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable, variably configured structures.

It will be further noted that the versatile structural and operational features of each of the plurality of hubs and each of the plurality of elastic links significantly facilitate the interconnection of the plurality of hubs to one another to form the closed, continuously configured array of hubs. Similarly, the plurality of elastic links are used to define the interconnection of the plurality of hub arrays to one another, to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable, variably configured structures.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective detailed view of one preferred embodiment of a hub component of the assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view in exploded form of the embodiment of the hub component as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of hub components connected to one another to define one or more closed, continuous arrays of hubs.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a flexible, multi-hub component geometric structure comprised of a plurality of closed, continuously configured array of hubs, disposed in interconnected relation to one another.

FIG. 6A is a schematic depiction of a plurality of closed, continuous arrays of hubs disposed in a hexagonal arrangement, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a schematic depiction of a plurality of closed, continuous arrays of hubs disposed in a hexagonal and pentagonal arrangement, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6C is a schematic depiction of a plurality of closed, continuous arrays of hubs disposed in a hexagonal, pentagonal, and heptagonal arrangement, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a section view of a plurality of hub components in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a detailed schematic view of one hub and associated housing of the embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are detail views in schematic form of a connector associated with the hub and housing of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exterior schematic representation of one or more hub arrays utilizing a plurality of hubs similar to but distinguishable from the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an interior schematic representation of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of one of a possible plurality of hub arrays.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of an exterior of yet another embodiment of one of a possible plurality of hub arrays.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

As represented in the accompanying FIGS. 1-7, the present invention is directed to an assembly and/or system structured to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable, variably configured structures 200 capable of defining a variety of different objects, devices, structures and/or goods such as, but not limited to, jewelry pieces, building structures and other different fields of art. The customizable, variably configured structure 200 comprises a plurality of interconnected hub components 10 cooperatively structured with and interconnected by a plurality of elastic links 16.

More specifically, at least one but more practically a plurality or majority of the hub components or “hubs” 10 each include an interior chamber 40 and a plurality of housings 12. The housings 12 may vary in number and extend radially outward from interconnected inner or proximal ends 12, at least partially defining a base or body 11, of a common hub 10 in spaced relation to one another, as clearly represented in at least FIGS. 1 and 3. In addition, the represented hub 10 is at least partially defined by the corresponding plurality of housings 12 each having oppositely disposed open distal and proximal ends 17 and 17′ respectively. As also represented in the accompanying Figures, the open inner or proximal ends 17′ communicate directly with the interior chamber 40, which in turn is at least partially defined by the interconnected inner or proximal ends 12′ of the corresponding plurality of housings 12.

Further, each of the housings 12 include an open interior channel 15 communicating with the oppositely disposed open ends 17 and 17′. As indicated, an open inner end 17′ of each of the plurality of interior channels 15 of the housings 12 of a common hub 10 is disposed in direct communicating relation with the interior chamber 40 thereof. As described in greater detail hereinafter, a connector structure 20 may be disposed on each of the plurality of hubs 10, at least partially within the interior chamber 40. More specifically, the connector structure 20 may be removably inserted into the interior chamber 40 by passing through an access opening or aperture 14.

In addition, a plurality of elastic links 16 are associated with each of the plurality of hubs 10. Further, the plurality of elastic links 16 for a given hub 10 are equal in number to the number of housings 12 and are operatively and at least partially movable within the interior channels 15 of that hub 10. Further, each of the plurality of elastic links 16 includes opposite ends 16′, as represented in at least FIGS. 3 and 7. As set forth herein, each elastic link 16 is disposed and retained within a different one of the interior channels 15 of the housings 12, wherein one opposite end 16′ is at least partially disposed within and/or communicates with the interior chamber 40 of an associated hub 10 via the open end 17′ of the corresponding housing 12. In addition, each of the opposite ends 16′ of each elastic link 16 may include an attachment member 18 cooperatively dimensioned, configured and structured with the aforementioned connector structure 20 to facilitate connection therebetween. Moreover, each of the attachment members 18 are preferably integrated in and thereby at least partially define a corresponding end 16′ of the respective elastic links 16. As such, correspondingly positioned inner ones of the attachment members 18 are also disposed within the interior chamber 40 of the corresponding hub 10, so as to facilitate attachment to the connector structure 20. The cooperative structuring between the attachment members 18 of each elastic links 16 and that of the connector structure 20 facilitates a retaining connection of each elastic links 16 into associated ones of the interior chambers 40. Further, to facilitate interconnection of the attachment members 18 with the connector structure 20, the attachment members 18 may be structured to include or at least partially define a hook or loop-like configuration. Such hook or loop-like configuration is cooperatively dimensioned and configured with the connector structure 20 so as to at least partially surround the connector structure 20 as represented throughout the Figures. Such a configuration is depicted throughout the Figures, and specifically in FIG. 7, showing a section view of two hubs 10 adjoined with a common elastic link 16″, via connector structures 20, each disposed through attachment members 18 disposed on opposite ends of the common elastic link 16″.

Additional structural and operative features of one or more preferred embodiments of the assembly of the present invention may also include a removable disposition of the connector structure 20 within the interior chamber 40, such as by being removably disposed within the access opening or aperture 14. Therefore, each of the corresponding elastic links 16 connected to the removable connector structure 20 may be “removably retained” within individual ones of the interior channels 15. This removable retention further facilitates the structure and cooperative use of the plurality of hubs 10 as well as their interconnection to one another, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter. Also, the provision of attachment members 18 on or integrated with each of the opposite ends 16′ of each of the plurality of elastic links 16 allows either end 16′ and corresponding ones of the attachment members 18 of the elastic links 16 to be disposed in a retained relation within any of the interior channels 15 of any of the plurality of housings 12 of any of the plurality of cooperatively structured hubs 10.

The plurality of elastic links 16 may be utilized in the form of generally elongated elastic members or structures such as, but not limited to, coil springs or other spring structures, elastic cords, elastic tendons, etc. Regardless of their specific form, the elastic links 16 are structured to be both elastic and flexible and include an inherent bias. Such inherent bias facilitates the tendency of the elastic link 16 to return from an elastically expanded or flexibly deformed orientation, when force or tension is applied thereto, back into an original or initial orientation, when the applied force or tension is reduced or removed. Such an original or initial orientation is represented in at least FIGS. 1 and 2. Further, the inherent bias of the elastic links 16 will facilitate an enhanced versatility of the assembly and the adaptability of the resulting or formed structure 200 to conform to different shapes, sizes, etc. of a device, object, etc. with which the structure 200 is used.

As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, a predetermined number of the plurality of hubs 10 may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array 100 of hubs 10 as clearly represented in FIG. 4. The size and configuration of each array 100 of hubs 10 may vary dependent on the number of hubs 10 being interconnected to form and/or define a given interconnected array 100. More specifically, each of the hub arrays 100 represented in FIG. 4 include six interconnected hubs 10, thereby defining a hub array 100 having six sides. However, other closed continuous arrays of hubs 100 may include a different, predetermined number of hubs 10 being interconnected to one another in a closed, continuously configured array 100. By way of example only, if four hubs 10 were interconnected to one another in a closed, continuously configured array, the number of sides of such an array would be four in number. Similarly, and further by way of example, if three of the hubs 10 were interconnected to one another in a closed, continuously configured array, the number of sides of the closed, continuously configured array would be three in number. Accordingly, the predetermined number of hubs 10 in each of the closed, continuously configured arrays 100 is determinative of a possible plurality of different configurations of said closed, continuously configured array 100, as also explained hereinafter in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C.

By way of further example and as represented in FIG. 5, a plurality of the closed, continuously configured arrays 100 of hubs 10 may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable, variably configured structures 200. As represented, the structure 200 includes an overall annular, circular, torus, toroidal, etc. configuration made up of the plurality of interconnected arrays 100 of hubs 10. Moreover, in the forming the represented configuration of the structure 200, at least some of the plurality of interconnected arrays 100 have a different number of hubs 10. As such, ten of the arrays 100 include a heptagonal configuration and another ten arrays 100 include a pentagonal configuration, in order to produce the correct surface curvature of the structure 200. However, it is emphasized that the substantially annular configuration of the structure 200 of FIG. 5 is representative only of a larger number of possible configurations of the structure 200 which may or may not be “continuous” or “closed”. Further by way of example, the structure 200 of FIG. 5 may be representative of a piece of jewelry such as a bracelet, necklace, etc. It is again emphasized that the assembly of the present invention may be used to form customizable, variably configured structures 200 having various geometric characteristics such as, but not limited to, shapes, sizes, volume etc. It will be further noted that the versatile structural and operational features of each of the plurality of hubs 10 and each of the plurality of elastic links 16 significantly facilitate the interconnection of the plurality of hubs 10 to one another to form the closed, continuously configured array 100 of hubs 10. Similarly, the plurality of elastic links 16 are used to define the interconnection of the plurality of hubs 10 of each hub array 100. Further, one or more of the elastic links, as at 16″ in FIGS. 4 and 7 are used to interconnect different ones of the hub arrays 100 to one another, to form any one of a possible plurality of customizable, variably configured structures 200.

Therefore, and as represented throughout the Figures, at least one of the elastic links, as at 16′, connected to one of the hubs 10 of a given hub array 100 may also be connected to one other of the plurality of hubs 10 which may be independent of but more practically associated with a different one of the hub arrays 100. Also, the configuration of each of the hub arrays 100 may be the same or may differ from one another in the formation of the customizable, variably configured structure 200.

Now turning to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, schematic depictions of collective hub arrays 100′, 100″ and 100′″ are representative of different embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6A depicts an embodiment wherein the collective hub array 100′ includes at least two individual hexagonal arrays 1000; FIG. 6B depicts an embodiment wherein the collective hub array 100″ includes at least one individual hexagonal array 1000 and at least one individual pentagonal array 2000; FIG. 6C depicts an embodiment wherein the collective hub array 100′″ includes at least one individual hexagonal array 1000, one individual pentagonal array 2000, and one individual heptagonal array 3000. Further variations and combinations may be achieved, as desired, due to the flexibility of the elastic links 16 which are capable of accommodating a wide variety of internal and external connection angles, regardless of the precise shape or configuration of the hub 10. In this regard, the elastic links 16 are adaptable to a user's desire or necessity and provides for the assembly of structures having complex geometric characteristics, such as a buckminsterfullerene, which requires individual hexagon arrays 1000 and individual pentagons arrays 2000 that may be interconnected. With regard to the depicted embodiments throughout the Figures, the hubs 10 include a connection angle of 120 degrees, though virtually any angle may be utilized, but if a different connection angle is desired, such as 108 degrees, used in forming a pentagon, the elastic links 16 accommodate such an angle.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is represented in FIGS. 8-14 and is directed to a system and assembly 300, structured to assume a variably configured structure such as, but not limited to, structure 500 in FIG. 14. The assembly 300 includes a plurality of hubs 110 each comprising a housing 112. Similarly, the housings 112 of this additional embodiment include an interior chamber 140 and a plurality of channels 115 formed therein. Each of the channels 115 includes an open outer end 117 and an open inner end 117′, wherein the open inner end 117′ of each channel 115 is disposed in communicating relation with the interior chamber 140. In addition, a plurality of elastic links 116 are each disposed in a different one of the plurality of channels 115. A connector 120 is disposed within the interior chamber 140 in removably locked attachment with each housing 112. Further the connector 120 is disposed in interconnecting relation with inner ends 118 of the plurality of elastic links 116 of a common one of said housings 112. Accordingly, when the connector 120 is disposed through and within a connector passage 122 of a given housing 112, it is disposed in interconnecting relation to the inner ends 118 of the plurality of elastic links 116 thereby maintaining elastic links 116 within the interior of the respective passages 115 of a common one of the housings 112. As discussed in greater detail hereinafter, cooperative structural and operative features of the connector 120, housing 112 and connector passage 122 facilitates a removable locking engagement of the connector 120 with a corresponding one of the housings 112, so as to further assure the elastic links 116 being maintained within the passages 115 of a common one of the plurality of housings 112.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 8-14 have structural and operational similarities which facilitate the assembly 300 assuming structures 200 and 500 having variably configured geometric characteristics, at least one distinguishing feature therebetween is the structural differences of the hubs 10 and the hubs 110. More specifically, each of the plurality of hubs 110 comprise a single housing 112 having a substantially one-piece, integral construction. This of course differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, wherein each hub 10 comprises plurality of housings 12 connected to and defining a common hub. Further, the plurality of housings 12 of a common hub 10 extend radially outward from a base or body 11 of the common hub 10 and may vary in number. Also, the plurality of housings 12 associated with a common hub 10 are interconnected at inner or proximal ends 12′ to one another in adjacent and/or contiguous relation. Additional distinguishing features include each of the plurality of elastic links 16 disposed within different ones of the plurality of housings 12 associated with a common hub 10. Again, in contrast each of the plurality of channels 115 are formed to extend through a common one of the single housings 112.

With further regard to the additional embodiment as represented in FIGS. 8-14, and as clearly represented in at least FIG. 9, the single housing 112 of each or at least a majority of the plurality of hubs 110 includes the aforementioned connector passage 122 extending therethrough in communicating relation with the interior chamber 140. Further, the connector 120 associated with each of the different single housings 112 is disposed within the connector passage 122 in removably locked attachment with the corresponding housing 112 and concurrently in interconnecting relation with each of the plurality elastic links 116, as at 118, disposed within the different plurality of channels 115. Further, as represented in FIGS. 8, 9 and 14, the plurality of hubs 110 may be structured to include a single housing 112 having a substantially spherical exterior configuration. However, as represented in FIGS. 11-13, the exterior configuration of the body 112 of each of the plurality of hubs 110 may have a multi-sided configuration. It is of further note that the exterior configurations of each of the housings 112 of each of the hubs 110 may be other than the represented spherical or multi-sided configuration.

With further regard to the connector 120 being cooperatively structured with each of the single housings 112 and corresponding ones of the connector passages 122, to accomplish the removable, locking attachment of the connector 120 with the corresponding housing 112, reference is made to FIGS. 9, 10A and 10B. More specifically, each of the connectors 120 is structured to include opposite ends 123 and 124 each being normally configured to restrict passage thereof into and along the length of the connector passage 120. One of the opposite ends of the connector 120 includes or is at least partially defined by a flexible segment 123. The flexible segment 123 is normally biased into an expanded orientation and into the removably locked attachment with the corresponding housing 112, as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10A. As such, the flexible segment 123 may include a bifurcated construction including flexible members 123′ being separated by a space 125 extending therebetween and along the length of the flexible members 123′.

Therefore, the flexible members 123′ may be selectively positioned, through utilization of a release tool, instrument, etc. 127, from the expanded orientation as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10A, into a released orientation, as represented in FIG. 10B. When in the released orientation of FIG. 10B, the flexible segment 123, specifically including the extremities 123″ thereof, assumes a reduced transverse dimension, which is at least minimally smaller and or substantially equal to that of the connector passage 120. As a result, the flexible segment 123 and a majority of the length of the connector 120 will have a sufficiently reduced transverse dimension to allow the flexible segment 123 to pass into, through and along the length of the connector passage 120, as represented by directional arrows in FIG. 10B, to facilitate removal thereof out of the connector passage 120 and/or out of concurrent interconnecting relation with the innermost ends 118 of the elastic links 116 disposed within the interior chamber 140 of a common housing 112. As clearly indicated, the opposite end 124 of the connector 120 also has an enlarged transverse dimension which is greater than the transverse dimension of the connector passage 122. Therefore, when the flexible segment 123 is in its expanded orientation as represented in FIGS. 9 and 10A, the connector 120 will be in the aforementioned removably locked attachment with the corresponding housing 112, due to the fact that neither end 123 and/or 124, due to their enlarged transverse dimension, can pass into and through the connector passage 122.

The utilization of a release tool 127 is facilitated by the outer extremity 123″ of each of the flexible members 123′ being slanted, angled, chamfered or otherwise configured to be gripped or at least partially enclosed by the release tool 127. As represented in FIG. 10B the release tool 127 is concurrently disposed on and substantially encloses the extremities 123″, thereby forcing the flexible segment 123 into the released orientation, having the aforementioned reduced transverse dimension. Once so disposed, the entirety of the flexible segment 123 along with a remainder of the connector 120 can be forced into and along the length of the connector passage 122 and thereby be removed from the connector passage 122 and/or its interconnecting relation with the ends 118 of the elastic links 116. Further, the end of the connector passage 122 in alignment with the extremities or ends 123″ of the flexible segment 123 also has an outwardly flared configuration or other appropriate configuration which facilitates the release tool 127 having access to the extremities 123″.

As will also be explained in greater detail hereinafter, in each of the embodiments of the present invention a predetermined number of the plurality of hubs 110 may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define a closed, continuously configured array of hubs 400, as represented in FIGS. 8 and 11-13. The size and configuration of each of such array of hubs may vary dependent on the number of hubs 110 being interconnected to form and/or define a given interconnected array of hubs 400. In addition, a plurality of the closed, continuously configured array of hubs 400 may be disposed in interconnected relation to one another to define one of a possible plurality of the customizable structures 500 having variable geometric characteristics, as represented in FIG. 14. As also represented, the plurality of hubs 110 and corresponding housings 112 of a given array 400 may include a spherical exterior configuration as represented in FIGS. 8 and 14 or a multi-sided configuration as represented in FIGS. 11-13, or other appropriate configuration dependent on the practical application of the assembly 300.

It will be further noted that the versatile structural and operational features of each of the plurality of hubs 110 and each of the plurality of elastic links 116 significantly facilitate the interconnection of the plurality of hubs 110 to one another to form the closed, continuously configured arrays 400. Similarly, the plurality of elastic links 116 are used to define the interconnection of the plurality of hubs 110 of each hub array 400. Further, one or more of the elastic links, as at 116′ represented in FIGS. 8, 12 and 13, are used to interconnect different ones of the hubs 110 and/or hub arrays 400 to one another, to form any one of a possible plurality of structures 500 having customizable, variably configured geometric characteristics.

Therefore, and as represented throughout the FIGS. 8-13, at least one of the elastic links, as at 116′, connected to one of the hubs 110 of a given hub array 400 may also be connected to one other of the plurality of hubs 110 which may be independent of or associated with a different one of the hub arrays 400. Also, the configuration of each of the hub arrays 400 may be the same or may differ from one another in the formation of the customizable, variably configured structure 500.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An assembly structured to assume a variably configured structure, said assembly comprising: a plurality of hubs each comprising a housing, said housing including an interior chamber and a plurality of channels formed therein,each of said channels including an open inner end and an open outer end,said open inner end of each of said plurality of channels disposed in communicating relation with said interior chamber,a plurality of elastic links each disposed in a different one of said plurality of channels,a connector disposed within said interior chamber in removably locked attachment with said housing, andsaid connector further disposed in interconnecting relation with inner ends of said plurality of elastic links of a common one of said housings.

2. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of hubs comprises a single housing having a one-piece, integral construction.

3. The assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said single housing comprises a substantially spherical exterior configuration.

4. The assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said single housing comprises a multi-sided exterior surface configuration.

5. The assembly is recited in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a connector passage extending at least partially therethrough in communicating relation with said interior chamber; said connector disposed within said connector passage, in said removably locked attachment with said housing.

6. The assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said connector includes opposite ends each normally configured to restrict passage thereof into and along a length of said connector passage.

7. The assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein one of said opposite ends includes a flexible segment normally biased into said removably locked attachment with said housing.

8. The assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said flexible segment is selectively disposable in a released orientation; said released orientation comprising a reduced transverse dimension of said one opposite end sufficient to pass within and along a length of said connector passage.

9. The assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said flexible segment is at least partially disposed within said connector passage, in an accessible relation to a correspondingly disposed open end of said connector passage.

10. The assembly as recited in claim 9 further comprising a release tool dimensioned and configured to engage and dispose said flexible segment into said release orientation.

11. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at least some of said elastic links comprises a flexible, elastic member.

12. An assembly structured to assume a variably configured structure, said assembly comprising: a plurality of hub arrays having a closed, continuous configuration,at least a majority of said plurality of hub arrays comprising a plurality of hubs interconnected to one another in said closed, continuous configuration by a plurality of elastic links,at least a majority of said plurality of hubs comprising a single housing having a one-piece, integral construction,each of said single housings including an interior chamber and a plurality of channels formed therein, said plurality of channels of a common one of said single housings including an inner open end disposed in communicating relation with said interior chamber,said plurality of elastic links disposed within different ones of said plurality of channels and including one end of each of said elastic links of a common one of said single housings disposed within said interior chamber of said common one of said single housings,a connector passage formed within said each of said single housings and a connector concurrently disposed within said connector passage and said interior chamber in removably locked attachment with said single housing and in interconnecting relation with said elastic links disposed within a common one of said single housings, andadjacently disposed hubs of a common one of said plurality of hub arrays interconnected by one of said plurality of elastic links common to said adjacently disposed hubs.

13. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said connector includes a flexible segment formed on one end thereof, said the flexible segment normally biased into said removably locked attachment with said housing.

14. The assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said flexible segment is selectively disposable in a released orientation; said released orientation comprising a reduced transverse dimension of said flexible segment, sufficient to pass within and along a length of said connector passage.

15. The assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said flexible segment is at least partially disposed within said connector passage, in an accessible relation to a correspondingly disposed open end of said connector passage.

16. The assembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising a release tool dimensioned and configured to engage and dispose said flexible segment into said released orientation.

17. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein at least some of said elastic links comprises a flexible, elastic tendon.

18. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said plurality of hubs defining a common one of said plurality of hub arrays vary in number.

19. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said single housing comprises a substantially spherical exterior configuration.

20. The assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said single housing comprises a multi-sided exterior surface configuration.