HUBS AND RECONFIGURABLE FRAMES

Abstract

Hub structures inter-connectable with and/or connected to elongated frame members (e.g., rod-type members) to form frames. In certain non-limiting, example, embodiments, hubs which have simple configurations and/or which are connectable to elongated frame members (e.g., rod-type members) employing small numbers of connectors (e.g., one screw-type connector per frame member/hub connection) and/or which are more easily assembled/disassembled to frame members for constructing and/or deconstructing frame structures.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hubs alone or combined with elongated frame members which are interconnectable to other hubs and/or to the elongated frame members to form frames configurable for a multitude of uses including (but not limited to) for combination with display panels for use as marketing, informational, event, and/or educational displays. In some non-limiting, example, embodiments, this invention relates to unique hub structures configurable with elongated frame members (e.g., rod-type members) to form frames, which are of simplified, easier to assemble configurations and/or which enable the frames to be stacked and/or connected in a variety of structural forms and/or which allow display panels to be connected to the frames employing an assortment of preferably exchangeable and/or location tailorable panel connector types.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Visual display devices, such as trade show displays, have been known and utilized for a multitude of applications for many years. Such visual display devices can be constructed in a variety of manners with one known and relatively popular configuration being constructed from hub and rod based frame structures which include or carry graphical signs or panels.

Although known display devices and/or frame types successfully serve various uses in a number of commercial applications, certain improvements in frame components (e.g., hubs), frames and/or display devices are desired. By way of non-limiting example, it would be desirable to have frame components, such as hubs, which are of less complex configuration than prior art hubs and/or which are easier to assemble/disassemble to frame rods and/or which provide increased frame stability and/or strength and/or which provide increased and/or improved tailorability in frame configuration. In certain non-limiting embodiments, it would be desirable to have a frame structure or frame components which are configurable and/or re-configurable into numerous two and/or three-dimensional configurations. Such varieties of configurations could serve numerous uses including such as for allowing the creation of advertising and/or informative display structures.

An additional desirable (but optional) characteristic would be if hubs, frames and/or display structures were so configured such that when assembled as frames or display structures, they are sufficiently strong or stable such that such frames or display structures could be used as weight bearing structures (such as furniture or architectural structures) e.g., while still, in some embodiments, accomplishing other improvements described herein. In this regard, it would be additionally desirable to have frames assembled or constructed of components having particular configurations such that such components allow such frames to be easily assembled and/or, disassembled as well as, or, alternatively, permit independently assembled frame structures to be securely and stably connected to one another.

Still furthermore, it would be desirable to have frame structures having re-locatable and/or reconfigurable connector mechanisms (e.g., of varying types) for permitting the connection of one or a variety of graphical display panel types (e.g., rigid panels, stretch fabric panels) as well as for permitting such graphical display panels to be connected to the hubs and/or frames in a variety of locations and/or angular or spatial orientations.

In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need in the art for hubs and/or frames and/or hub-frame member combinations which address, overcome, mitigate, or solve one or more of the above problems and/or drawbacks and/or inefficiencies in the art. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this and/or other needs in the art which will become more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, this invention addresses the above-described needs in the art by providing, in one aspect of the invention, unique hub configurations. In another aspect of the invention, unique frames, employing hub structures as described herein, are provided.

In certain example (non-limiting) embodiments, therein is provided a hub which is so configured such that only a single mechanical member (e.g., a screw) is needed to connect each elongated frame member (e.g., a rod-type member) to the hub. In other example embodiments, a hub structural design is provided which is so configured such that when it is employed (e.g., in plurality) in a frame (e.g., in combination with a plurality of elongated frame members), the resulting frame exhibits improved stability and/or strength and/or weight bearing capabilities. In still other example embodiments, a hub configuration is provided which permits a plurality of connector types to be user assembled/disassembled to the hub for, for example, attaching display panels (e.g., of either a fabric or hard panel type) to the hub.

By way of additional, non-limiting example, a hub is provided comprising: a generally hexahedral body formed as a combination of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth polygonal portions; the first polygonal portion comprising a first surface area surrounding and contiguous with a generally central aperture; the first surface area connecting to and contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the sixth polygonal portion being located generally opposite the first polygonal portion and connected to and contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the second polygonal portion being located generally opposite the fourth polygonal portion; the third polygonal portion being located generally opposite the fifth polygonal portion; the generally hexahedral body further including a first recess cutout formed and extending between the second and the sixth polygonal portions; a second recess cutout formed and extending between the third and the sixth polygonal portions; a third recess cutout formed and extending between the fourth and the sixth polygonal portions; a fourth recess cutout formed and extending between the fifth and the sixth polygonal portions; first, second, third, and fourth pivot connecting structures located in the first, second, third, and fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each pivot connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod therein; the generally central aperture comprising a first connecting structure capable of retaining a connector device. In certain embodiments, at least one frame rod is pivotally interconnected to the hub at one of the first, second, third, or fourth pivot connecting structures. In other embodiments, additional frame rods are interconnected at one or more (or all) of the other pivot connecting structures.

The terms “polygon” or “polygonal” in this embodiment, and as otherwise used in describing other embodiments, and as used throughout the specification and claims, should not be construed narrowly but instead refer generally to a side or portion of a figure or body regardless of whether such side lies in a plane, has straight or curved boundaries, or otherwise entirely “encloses” an area.

In another non-limiting, example embodiment, a hub is provided comprising:

a substantially unibody, multisided figure comprising: a top side comprising a first surface area surrounding and contiguous with a first generally central aperture; a bottom side located generally opposite the top side; at least a first, second, and third recess cutout, each recess cutout formed in at least a first, second, and third side of the multisided figure, respectively; and at least a first, second, and third pivot connecting structure each located in said first, second, and third recess cutout, respectively;

each said pivot connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod to the hub employing a single mechanical fastener for each frame rod-hub connection.

In alternative embodiments, hubs have more or less than four recess cutouts (e.g., preferably with corresponding numbers of pivot connecting structures). As non-limiting examples, triangularly or pentagonally shaped hubs with preferably equally spaced recess cutouts and pivot connecting structures are contemplated among such embodiments.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, at least one convex or spherical-type surface is employed in the hub(s). For example, in one example (non-limiting) embodiment in which the hubs are assembled in a frame, a structure is provided comprising a plurality of hubs, each hub of the plurality of hubs comprising: a generally hexahedral body formed as a combination of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth polygonal portions; the first polygonal portion comprising a convexly rounded major surface surrounding and contiguous with a generally centered, planar minor surface; the convexly rounded major surface connecting to and contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the sixth polygonal portion being located generally opposite the first polygonal portion and connected to and contiguous with the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; the second polygonal portion being located generally opposite the fourth polygonal portion; the third polygonal portion being located generally opposite the fifth polygonal portion; the generally hexahedral body further including a first recess cutout formed and extending between the second and the sixth polygonal portions; a second recess cutout formed and extending between the third and the sixth polygonal portions; a third recess cutout formed and extending between the fourth and the sixth polygonal portions; a fourth recess cutout formed and extending between the fifth and the sixth polygonal portions; first, second, third, and fourth pivot connecting structures located in the first, second, third, and fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each pivot connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a rod therein; a first connecting structure located in the first polygonal portion capable of retaining a connector device; and a second connecting structure located in the sixth polygonal portion (e.g., capable of retaining a rod therein); and

a plurality of rods interconnected to the plurality of hubs thereby forming a frame which is configurable into a variety of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional configurations.

In certain additional example embodiments, there is provided a frame, such as described above, which further includes a plurality of display panel connector devices connected to the first connecting structures located in the first polygonal portions of the plurality of hubs. In certain non-limiting variations of such embodiments, one or more display panels are combined with such frames, such display panel(s) comprising, at least in part, a layer of stretch fabric. In other embodiments, the display panel(s) include(s) a plurality of apertures for connecting to the plurality of display panel connector devices, the plurality of apertures being located spaced apart from one another proximal a perimeter of the display panel. In other embodiments, the display panel(s) is/are connected to the frame via connections of the plurality of apertures to the plurality of display panel connector devices thereby to form a visual display device.

In still further example (i.e., non-limiting) embodiments, there is provided a frame or visual display device according to any one of the foregoing descriptions of frames or visual displays, in the alternative or in combination, wherein the connector devices are selected from the group consisting of: hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, and rivets.

In yet further preferred but still non-limiting embodiments, hub structures are provided which can pivotally attach to a frame rod structure using a single screw or similar (or other single) mechanical fastener. In certain other or related example embodiments, the hub structures include one or more threaded apertures for pivotally and/or threadably connecting to rod-type members for forming a frame structure. In certain additional example embodiments, the hub structures include one or more apertures for threadably (or otherwise such as by press fit) connecting or retaining connector devices such as hooks, rivets, buttons, etc. useful for connecting display panels (e.g., hard panels or stretchable fabric display panels) to the hub structures. In certain preferred, example embodiments, the hub structures include at least one generally planar surface which is useful so that the hub structure can be stacked on other hub structures in stable fashion or may be used in conjunction with its other functions as a foot or leg for resting on a floor or table type surface.

It certain frame embodiments, it is a non-limiting object of the invention to provide a reconfigurable frame structure comprised of a combination of unique hub structures interconnected to a plurality of rod structures. In certain such example embodiments, the frame can be configured into two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional configurations. In further example embodiments, such frames can be stacked upon one another and/or connected to one another either vertically or horizontally (or both) thereby to form complex combination frame configurations (e.g., with or without display panels connected thereto).

The herein described hubs and frames are useful, for example, as, or in combination with, visual displays including sales, marketing, informational, event, and/or educational displays (e.g., trade show displays). Moreover, the hubs and/or frames can be used to create, or as part of, structures (e.g., visual displays) which are sufficiently strong and/or stable in their construction to act as tables or other furniture or other weight supporting structures. Additional, alternative, uses for such hubs and/or frames are, for example, components of tents or decontamination structures and/or architectural type structures. Notwithstanding the specific examples set forth herein, further uses, not listed herein, are, of course, contemplated.

Certain examples of the invention are now below described with respect to certain non-limiting embodiments thereof as illustrated in the following drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of one example embodiment of a hub according to the subject invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of the embodiment of the hub depicted in FIG. 1A shown with a magnet press-fit in a central aperture of the hub.

FIG. 2A illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of one example embodiment of a unique hub according to the subject invention (shown connected to a frame rod via a conventional fully threaded screw).

FIG. 2B illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a second example embodiment of a unique hub according to the subject invention (shown connected to a frame rod via a unique, partially threaded screw including a non-threaded shoulder for increasing stability of the rod/hub connection).

FIG. 2C illustrates a two-dimensional, partial x-ray view of the hub depicted in FIG. 2B (shown with the frame rod disconnected from the hub and the partially threaded screw having a non-threaded shoulder portion).

FIG. 3 illustrates a two-dimensional, partial x-ray view of an embodiment of a hub according to the invention shown with a planar headed (“button-like”) bolt-type structure having a threaded male portion for attaching to a female threaded portion of the generally central portion of the hub.

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another to form exemplary frame configurations shown employed as portions of trade show displays (e.g., combined with stretch fabric display panels as well as rigid/hard surface display panels) and employed as forming a portion of a portable podium type structure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another to form a portable computer work station.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative, three-dimensional, perspective view of the embodiment of the portable computer work station depicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another to form a frame structure having vertical and horizontal panels (of either a hard/rigid material or stretch fabric type) connected thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates a three-dimensional, perspective view of a plurality of hubs and rod members interconnected to one another to form two separate but connected frame structures assembled to each other as a unitary structure having a plurality of vertical and horizontal panels (of either a hard/rigid material or stretch fabric type) connected thereto.

FIG. 8 illustrates a two-dimensional, plan view of a triangularly shaped hub connected to three rod members as an example of an alternative embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a two-dimensional, plan view of a pentagonally shaped hub connected to five rod members as an example of an alternative embodiment of the subject invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description of various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3 therein is illustrated a non-limiting, exemplar embodiment of a hub contemplated as within the scope of the subject invention. Although hub 1, as illustrated, contains certain specific features as part of its configuration, such features should not, without more, be considered as limiting when determining the scope of the patent property right. Instead, the scope of such property right should be determined by the claims which follow this section of the specification.

Focusing still then on the above referenced figures, hub 1, as can be seen, generally comprises a hub body (preferably, but not necessarily, of unibody-type construction) generally having six sides (i.e., thus being generally referred to as a hexahedral body) including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth polygonal portions or sides referred to by part numbers 5, 7, 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d respectively. The “top” of the hub or first side 5, in this regard, is a generally convex surface or face 5b which contiguously joins the second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions or sides 9a-9d. Side 5 further includes a flattened or planar central portion or surface 5a (see FIG. 3) which surrounds an aperture 23 for use, for example, as a connector retaining device such as described in more detail below. Located generally opposite side 5 (on the “bottom” of the hub) is a flattened or planar surface or side 7 which is similarly contiguous with each of sides 9a-9d.

Although hub 1 is generally illustrated as having a convex or spherical type major surface, such configuration is employed, in part, to facilitate efficient manufacturing methods of the hub such as by molding when the hub is constructed from plastic(s) or similar type materials (e.g., so that the hub more easily releases from the mold). Regardless the convex-type configuration which is illustrated is not necessary to achieve the various functional objects of the invention described herein, and thus, certainly, other configurations may be employed.

Permitting the attachment of frame members to hub 1, the hub includes a plurality of cutouts (or recess cutouts) 11a-d, each cutout structure including a respective pivot connecting structure. Each pivot connecting structure, in turn, generally includes an outer aperture—for example, aperture 13a (located on the outer surface of the hub, on side 9b)—and an associated inner aperture—for example, aperture 15a (located on the inner surface of the recess or cutout 11a). As non-limiting examples of a pivot connecting structure, apertures 13a and 15a are generally aligned with one another and one or both will typically include a threaded portion for mating with a complementarily threaded mechanical fastener e.g. such as a screw (although non-threaded attachment mechanisms or methods are, of course contemplated). For example, and referencing now FIG. 2A, a fully threaded screw, such as screw 17, can be employed to secure an elongated frame member e.g., frame rod 31 to hub 1. Alternatively, in preferred (but still example) embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a partially threaded screw with an unthreaded shoulder portion, e.g., screw 19 can be utilized. In certain embodiments, when using a screw with such a non-threaded shoulder such as illustrated, preferably the shoulder has an outer diameter which approximates, as near as possible, the inner diameter of outer aperture 13a (see FIG. 2C, e.g., so that transverse or side-to-side type movement of the screw within the aperture is minimized).

Importantly, it should be noted that unlike with prior art hubs, the herein described example pivot connecting structure permits frame members or rods to be (preferably pivotally) connected to the hub with a single fastener (e.g., screws as described). Nevertheless, this feature is optional and should not be imposed on the claim scope unless such a feature is otherwise claimed. It is further noted that although the structure of cutout 11a, and its associated pivot connecting structure located in side 9a, is repeated in each of polygonal portions or sides 9b, 9c, and 9d, such identically disclosed structures need not be employed to practice the invention (nor is their equal spacing required). Moreover, more than one structure type may be employed in a given hub for connecting an associated frame member (e.g., rod 31). Still furthermore, although each figure, thus far described, illustrates four recess cutouts and associated pivot connecting structures, cutouts of fewer or greater numbers may be employed (such as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). Similarly, the overall configuration of huh 1 may be modified accordingly e.g., the inventive hubs need not be hexahedral (i.e., six-sided).

Turning now to FIGS. 8 and 9, examples of alternative embodiments of hubs according to the invention are therein illustrated (shown with associated, but non-attached, frame rods 31). FIG. 8, in this regard, illustrates a triangularly configured hub 201 which contains only three cutouts and associated pivot connecting structures i.e., part numbers 211a-c, 213a-c, and 215a-c, respectively (no mechanical fasteners such as screws being illustrated in the drawing). FIG. 9, in turn, illustrates a hub 301 having a pentagon-shaped (five-sided) lower profile which employs five cutouts and associated pivot connecting structures i.e., part numbers 311a-e, 313a-e, and 315a-e, respectively (again, no mechanical fasteners being illustrated in the drawing). Certainly, alternative configurations employing as few as two cutouts or as many as six or more cutouts (including associated pivot connecting structures) are contemplated as well.

Turning now specifically to FIG. 1B, it may be seen that in certain non-limiting embodiments, a magnet 27 may be employed affixed or connected to central aperture 25 (shown in FIG. 1A without a magnet therein). In particular, in the embodiments which employ optional magnet 27, the use of the magnet imparts additional functionality to hub 1. As a non-limiting example, in frame embodiments having frame members (e.g., frame rods 31) with their own magnet(s) (e.g., at a frame rod end or ends), or simply ferrous ends or tips, a magnetic connection can be made between the magnet containing hub or hubs and frame members or rods connected (e.g., magnetically or pivotally screw connected) to adjacent hubs. In this manner, frame members or rods can be quickly connected or added to the structure of a frame thereby imparting, for example, additional strength or stability to the frame without requiring the more time intensive step of securing the frame member (e.g., frame rod) by screw or other mechanical means. Alternatively, or in combination with the stability providing techniques described above, magnetic connections can be employed simply to facilitate quick and/or easy erection of frames at a display site, for example. By way of non-limiting example, magnet 27 may be conventionally press-fit or screw fit to aperture 25 (although threads are not illustrated in aperture 25 in FIG. 1B, threads T are depicted in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 2A) or otherwise attached or connected to the aperture by other means (the specific attachment or connecting means not being necessarily limiting to the invention).

Referring now to FIG. 3, a profile view of a hub 1 is depicted therein showing one type of the many connector types which can be removably attached to the central aperture 23 of the hub (or, effectively permanently, such as by press fitting, for example). More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a threadable connector 301 having a button-type head (or rivet type head) to which display panels can be connected. In an embodiment where a stretch fabric-type display panel is employed, for example, the connector 301 can be inserted through an aperture of the stretch fabric panel thereby securely, albeit non-permanently, connecting it. Notwithstanding these disclosed examples, virtually any connector type can be employed with or connected to hub 1 (e.g., hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, rivets, etc.), and, moreover, such connectors can be employed to connect panels which are other than stretch fabric (e.g., hard panels), or may be used to connect anything at all (e.g., they can be used to connect to other hubs via a frame rod via threads or a magnetic connection or via connector “pins” threaded at each end).

Referencing now FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 6, and 7, a variety of structural configurations which can be obtained employing hubs as described herein (or variations thereof), in combination with frame members (e.g., frame rods 31) to form frames, are illustrated. Generally speaking, each of these figures illustrates a non-limiting frame configuration formed from a combination of a plurality of hubs 1 interconnected to a plurality of frame rods 31. Moreover, each of the illustrated frame configurations is foldable (due to the pivotable interconnection of the plurality of hubs to the frame rods) and, therefore, is capable of being stored in a compact configuration for transport. Some of the figures, in this regard, illustrate exemplar display apparatus, such as trade show-type displays (employing stretch fabric type display panels), while others illustrate portable computer workstation type structures. Still other of the figures illustrate generic, three-dimensional structures which can be achieved by connecting rigid-type panels to unfolded i.e., erected frames. FIG. 7, in this regard, illustrates two unfolded or erected frame structures assembled together to achieve a larger structural configuration (e.g., with larger panels therefore attached thereto). Many other (e.g., more complex) structural configurations are certainly obtainable (e.g., such as architectural-type configurations) and additional uses for frames formed from combinations of hubs 1 and rods 31 are, of course, contemplated.

Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications, and improvements are therefore considered to be part of this invention, without limitation imposed by the example embodiments described herein. Moreover, any word, term, phrase, feature, example, embodiment, or part or combination thereof, as used to describe or exemplify embodiments herein, unless unequivocally set forth as expressly uniquely defined or otherwise unequivocally set forth as limiting, is not intended to impart a narrowing scope to the invention in contravention of the ordinary meaning of the claim terms by which the scope of the patent property rights shall otherwise be determined:

Claims

1. A hub comprising: a generally hexahedral body formed as a combination of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth polygonal portions; said first polygonal portion comprising a first surface area surrounding and contiguous with a generally central aperture; said first surface area connecting to and contiguous with said second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; said sixth polygonal portion being located generally opposite said first polygonal portion and connected to and contiguous with said second, third, fourth, and fifth polygonal portions; said second polygonal portion being located generally opposite said fourth polygonal portion; said third polygonal portion being located generally opposite said fifth polygonal portion; said generally hexahedral body further including a first recess cutout formed and extending between said second and said sixth polygonal portions; a second recess cutout formed and extending between said third and said sixth polygonal portions; a third recess cutout formed and extending between said fourth and said sixth polygonal portions; a fourth recess cutout formed and extending between said fifth and said sixth polygonal portions; first, second, third, and fourth pivot connecting structures located in said first, second, third, and fourth recess cutouts, respectively, each said pivot connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod therein;said generally central aperture comprising a first connecting structure capable of retaining a connector device; andat least one frame rod pivotally interconnected to said hub at one of said first, second, third, or fourth pivot connecting structures.

2. A hub according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said pivot connecting structures is comprised of a mechanical fastener mechanically communicating with at least one hub aperture disposed in one of said recess cutouts and a rod aperture in said frame rod.

3. A hub according to claim 2 wherein said at least one frame rod is selectively pivotable in angular position and selectively fixable in angular position at its connection to said hub.

4. A hub according to claim 3 wherein said mechanical fastener is a threaded screw member.

5. A hub according to claim 4 which is so configured such that only a single threaded screw member is necessary to functionally, pivotally connect a frame rod to said hub.

6. A plurality of hubs according to claim 5 interconnected to one another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional frame configurations.

7. A frame according to claim 6 further including a plurality of display panel connector devices connected to said first connecting structures of said first polygonal portions of a plurality of said plurality of hubs; and said frame combined with at least one display panel connected to said frame via one or more of said display panel connector devices.

8. The frame according to claim 7 wherein said display panel connector devices are selected from the group consisting of: bolts, hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, and rivets.

9. A hub according to claim 4 wherein said hub is a substantially unibody construction.

10. A hub according to claim 1 wherein said first, second, third, and fourth pivot connecting structures each comprise means for pivotally attaching a frame rod employing only a single screw per pivotally attached frame rod.

11. A hub according to claim 10 wherein said sixth polygonal portion includes a second connecting structure comprising an aperture capable of connecting to a structure selected from the group comprising: a frame rod and a magnet.

12. A hub according to claim 10 further including a magnet located on said sixth polygonal portion and in a generally coaxial relationship with said first connecting structure.

13. A plurality of hubs according to claim 11 interconnected to one another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional frame configurations wherein at least one frame rod is attached to a hub via magnetic connection between said at least one frame rod and a magnet connected to an aperture of said hub.

14. A plurality of hubs according to claim 11 interconnected to one another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional frame configurations wherein at least one frame rod is attached to a hub via a threaded connection between said at least one frame rod and said second connecting structure.

15. A hub according to claim 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 wherein said first surface area comprises a convexly rounded major surface and said generally central aperture is surrounded by a generally centered, generally planar minor surface surrounded by and contiguous with said convexly rounded major surface.

16. A frame claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein said first surface area of said plurality of hubs comprises a convexly rounded major surface and said generally central aperture of said plurality of hubs is surrounded by a generally centered, generally planar minor surface surrounded by and contiguous with said convexly rounded major surface.

17. A hub comprising: a substantially unibody, multisided figure comprising: a top side comprising a first surface area surrounding and contiguous with a first generally central aperture; a bottom side located generally opposite said top side; at least a first, second, and third recess cutout, each recess cutout formed in at least a first, second, and third side of said multisided figure, respectively; and at least a first, second, and third pivot connecting structure each located in said first, second, and third recess cutout, respectively;each said pivot connecting structure being capable of pivotally connecting a frame rod to said hub employing a single mechanical fastener for each frame rod-hub connection.

18. A hub according to claim 17 wherein each said at least first, second, and third pivot connecting structures comprises a pair of generally aligned apertures, at least one aperture of said pair of apertures including a structural portion for cooperating with and retaining at least a portion of a mechanical fastener.

19. A hub according to claim 18 wherein said first generally central aperture is capable of selectively retaining user removable connector devices selected from the group consisting of: bolts, hooks, buttons, knobs, screws, protrusions, and rivets.

20. A hub according to claim 19 further including a second generally central aperture located disposed in said bottom side generally coaxially aligned with said first generally central aperture, said second generally central aperture being capable of connecting to a structure selected from the group comprising: a frame rod and a magnet.

21. A plurality of hubs according to claim 21 interconnected to one another employing a plurality of frame rods thereby to form a frame which is configurable into a variety of two or three-dimensional frame configurations.