Hoberman sphere

A Hoberman Sphere at the National Museum of American History
Second largest Hoberman sphere in the world, undergoing maintenance at Liberty Science Center

A Hoberman sphere is a kinetic structure patented by Chuck Hoberman that resembles a geodesic dome, but is capable of folding down to a fraction of its normal size by the scissor-like action of its joints. Colorful plastic versions have become popular as children's toys: several toy sizes exist, with the original design capable of expanding from 5.9 inches (15 cm) in diameter to 30 inches (76 cm).[citation needed]