A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support
and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight
ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and
use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical
and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support
network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at
least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled
relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting
element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the
bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple
parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready
repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.