Mathematical analysis of Holden’s polylinks

Holden described, without mathematical analysis, a kinematical method for constructing from platonic solids polylinks with flat or solid polygonal links. No statement was made about the number of polylinks. Geometric parameters of examples shown were found by trial and error. In the present paper, it is shown that each platonic solid defines a one-parametric manifold of polylinks. The geometry of flat links and of links with circular cross section is expressed in terms of the free parameter. The solution is based on a theorem which generalizes known solutions of special cases.