Cube-sherman snake

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: a plurality of sub-units; and one or more connecting members for connecting the plurality of sub-units together in a chain, wherein the plurality of sub-units is held together in the chain by the one or more connecting members disposed between the sub-units, wherein each sub-unit comprises at least one groove through which the connecting member, or one of the connecting members, is movable to allow adjacent sub-units to be rotated around at least one rotational axis relative to each other by a user, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism to lock adjacent sub-units together resisting rotation and resisting disengagement.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus which can be manipulated into different configurations. The apparatus comprises a plurality of sub-units connected and held together by one or more connecting members. The sub-units may be rotated so as to be in different relative orientations while remaining in the same physical locations. Furthermore, the sub-units may be pulled apart and moved so as to be in different physical locations relative to each other.[0002]The present inventor has realized that it would be desirable to create a medium for constructing spatial constructions, sculptural assemblages which can combine aesthetic appeal and fun. The present inventor has also realized that such a combination of aesthetics and play will have a particular appeal to children, encouraging them to experiment with sculpture and architectonics to increase visual and spatial awareness, manual dexterity, and logical and creative thinking.[0003]Certain embodiments of t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention allows for the arrangement of sub-units to form various three-dimensional shapes. However, the current arrangement has a drawback in that the sub-units are not locked in their desired shape, and may become dispersed or lose their sequence. The invention also provides a solution to this problem by using a flexible elongate biasing member that connects the sub-units together and holds them under compression, allowing for easy re-rearrangement and locked shape formation. The flexible elastic member may be a simple piece of elastic, or any kind of string-like or wire-like material.

Problems solved by technology

However, the arrangement has a drawback that when a desired shape is formed by manipulation and re-arrangement of the sub-units, the sub-units are not locked in this shape.

A further problem with the prior art arrangements is that as a user tries to manipulate the sub-units in order to achieve a desired shape, movement of one sub-unit can cause movement of other sub-units in the arrangement, which is frustrating and can lead to difficulties in achieving the desired shape.

As such, there is always an unsatisfactory compromise between providing a sufficiently high tension in the elastic biasing member to hold the sub-units together in a desired configuration, while also providing a sufficiently low tension in the elastic biasing member to allow manipulation of the sub-units into a desired shape in the first place.

In such structures, disengagement of adjacent subunits can lead to collapse of the structure even where rotation is prevented.

In light of the above problems, it is evident that the prior art arrangements are not ideally suited for forming semi-permanent structures which can be at least temporarily fixed / locked in a desired configuration.

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