Flexibly assembled three-dimensional dynamic structure

Abstract

A flexibly assembled three-dimensional dynamic structure includes a plurality of rigid elongated elements, a plurality of flexible elongated elements, and at least one coupling device associated with at least two of the plurality of rigid elongated elements. The plurality of flexible elongated elements and the plurality of rigid elongated elements are assembled in an alternating manner. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

1 - 12 . (canceled).  
   
   
       13 . A flexibly assembled three-dimensional dynamic structure comprising: 
 a plurality of rigid elongated elements;    a plurality of flexible elongated elements; and    at least one coupling device associated with at least two of the plurality of rigid elongated elements,    wherein the plurality of the flexible elongated elements and the plurality of rigid elongated elements are assembled in an alternating manner.    
   
   
       14 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements is coupled to two adjacent rigid elongated elements.  
   
   
       15 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the structure is adapted to one of produce a decorative object, produce a functional object, provide a framework for a device, and provide a skeleton for a device.  
   
   
       16 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one coupling device is adapted to control a deformation of the structure.  
   
   
       17 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements comprises a deformable material having a springy effect that tends to impart a rectilinear shape thereon when they are free of any constraint.  
   
   
       18 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements comprises a steel cable.  
   
   
       19 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements comprises a cable.  
   
   
       20 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the rigid elongated elements comprises a tube.  
   
   
       21 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the rigid elongated elements comprises an element having hollow ends.  
   
   
       22 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the rigid elongated elements comprises a tube whose ends receive therein portions of two flexible elongated elements.  
   
   
       23 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the rigid elongated elements comprises an element having hollow ends which receive therein portions of two flexible elongated elements.  
   
   
       24 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the rigid elongated elements is structured and arranged to rotate along a longitudinal axis thereof.  
   
   
       25 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of flexible elongated elements comprise at least one continuous cable, whereby the plurality of rigid elongated elements are arranged on the at least one continuous cable.  
   
   
       26 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of flexible elongated elements comprise at least one continuous cable, whereby the plurality of rigid elongated elements are one of fixed and fitted on the at least one continuous cable.  
   
   
       27 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements comprises one of a tube section and a helical spring.  
   
   
       28 . The structure of  claim 27 , wherein at least one of the rigid elongated elements comprises one of a tubular member and a non-tubular member.  
   
   
       29 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of rigid elongated elements and the plurality of flexible elongated elements comprises a single unitary element formed of the same material, and wherein the single unitary element is treated by at least one of a physical treatment and a chemical treatment whereby alternating zones of the single unitary element have different characteristics, and whereby a deformable zone is adjacent a non-deformable zone.  
   
   
       30 . The structure of  claim 29 , wherein the non-deformable zone comprises a zone that is one of coated with a rigid material and bath-treated in a metallic material.  
   
   
       31 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein each of the flexible elongated elements is arranged to connect two rigid elongated elements.  
   
   
       32 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements is arranged to connect more than two rigid elongated elements.  
   
   
       33 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the flexible elongated elements is coated with one of a transparent sheath and a non-transparent sheath.  
   
   
       34 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one coupling device associated with at least two of the plurality of rigid elongated elements comprises one of a pivot connection, a looping flexible link, a device which is structured and arranged to stabilize the structure having the form of one of a spacer and a link.  
   
   
       35 . A flexible three-dimensional dynamic structure comprising: 
 a plurality of rigid elongated members comprising open ends;    a plurality of flexible elongated members; and    a plurality of coupling devices,    wherein each coupling device connects two rigid elongated members, and    wherein at least one of the flexible elongated members comprises ends which are received in the open ends of two adjacent rigid elongated members.    
   
   
       36 . A flexible three-dimensional dynamic structure comprising: 
 a plurality of rigid elongated tubular members comprising open ends;    a plurality of cable sections; and    a plurality of coupling devices,    wherein each coupling device connects two rigid elongated members, and    wherein each cable section comprises ends which are received in the open ends of two adjacent rigid elongated tubular members.