US3766374A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Decorative structure
Assignee: Poly-Optical Products Inc
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Filing: 1972-04-17
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Granted: 1973-10-16
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Expires: 1992-04-17
Abstract
Abstract A decorative structure having a plurality of flexible optical fibers each having a light-receiving end and a light-emitting end. A structural rod which may be flexible or rigid is positioned adjacent a portion of the optical fibers. A wrapping is provided for securing a portion of the optical fibers to the structural rod. The light-receiving ends of the fibers are positioned near the light path of a light source for illumination of the optical fibers. In addition, a plurality of structural rods may be surrounded by the optical fibers adjacent the lightreceiving end of the fibers. A plurality of side branches can be formed from a main branch with each side branch formed of a plurality of optical fibers and one of the rods extending from the main branch of the structure.
Inventors
- 👤 S Fairchild
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:40
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0005; G02B6/0008; F; F21; F21S; F21S6/00; F21S6/002; F21W; F21W2121/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A multi-stemmed decorative structure comprising: a plurality of flexible optical fibers each having a light receiving end and a light emitting end; a plurality of adjustable flexible structural rods positioned adjacent a portion of said optical fibers, said rods being shapable into a first position and reshapable for placement in a second position said rods having sufficient shape retaining pliancy to overcome the natural position memory of said fibers, said rods terminating short of the light emitting end of said fibers; means for securing a portion of said optical fibers to at least one of said structural rods, each of said rods having fibers secured thereto defining a branch of said multi-stemmed structure ; a light source; and means for positioning the light receiving ends of said optical fibers in the light path of said light source for illumination of the optical fibers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A multi-stemmed decorative structure comprising: a plurality of flexible optical fibers each having a light receiving end and a light emitting end; a plurality of adjustable flexible structural rods positioned adjacent a portion of said optical fibers, said rods being shapable into a first position and reshapable for placement in a second position said rods having sufficient shape retaining pliancy to overcome the natural position memory of said fibers, said rods terminating short of the light emitting end of said fibers; means for securing a portion of said optical fibers to at least one of said structural rods, each of said rods having fibers secured thereto defining a branch of said multi-stemmed structure ; a light source; and means for positioning the light receiving ends of said optical fibers in the light path of said light source for illumination of the optical fibers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
A decorative structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of said optical fibers are secured to at least one of said structural rods by means of tape wound around said fibers and said rods for retaining said optical fibers adjacent at the taped portion and wherein said fibers flare away from said rods where said fibers are not taped to said rods.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A decorative structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rod is a solid rod made of copper or aluminum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A decorative structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plurality of structural rods are surrounded by said optical fibers adjacent said light receiving end of said fibers, and tape means are provided for securing said fibers adjacent said rods at said light receiving end to form a main brAnch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
A decorative structure in accordance with claim 4 wherein a plurality of side branches are formed extending from said main branch, each of said side branches comprising at least one of said rods and a plurality of optical fibers adjacent thereto, each of said side branches having a portion of the fibers thereof secured by means of said tape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A decorative structure in accordance with claim 5 wherein said structural rod and said tape are terminated at a point displaced from the opposite ends of said fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
A decorative structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one of said branches defined by a structural rod and fibers extend along an axis in a first predetermined direction said rods being shapable to position said fibers and structural rods along a second axis formed at a discrete angle with respect to said first axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-15 | 1977-04-16 | 1977-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-15 | 1981-04-16 | 1981-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-04-16 | 1985-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |