US3878503A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Decorative structure utilizing optical fibers
Assignee: INTERNATIONAL FIBER OPTICS
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Filing: 1974-01-31
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1994-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A decorative structure includes a plurality of optical fibers which are grouped together at one end which is placed in proximity with a light source so that light is transmitted through the optical fibers. The optical fibers are contained and supported by a bendable wire which is spirally wound around the plurality of optical fibers. To give a multiple-branched appearance, sub-groups of optical fibers branch off from the main group of fibers. These branches are also supported and contained by spirally wrapped bendable wires.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward C Martin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:51
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0005; F; F21; F21W; F21W2121/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A decorative structure comprising: a. a light source; b. a plurality of optical fibers having one end thereof grouped together; c. means for mounting said grouped end of said optical fibers in proximity with said light source whereby light is transmitted into said grouped end and thereafter through said optical fibers; d. means for supporting and confining said plurality of optical fibers comprising a bendable wire spirally wound around said plurality of optical fibers beginning at said grouped end; e. additional means for supporting and confining sub-groups of optical fibers branching off from said plurality of optical fibers, said additional means also comprising bendable wires spirally wound around said sub-groups; and f. wherein said adjacent segments of said spirally wound wire are spaced apart so that sub-groups of optical fibers can extend therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A decorative structure comprising: a. a light source; b. a plurality of optical fibers having one end thereof grouped together; c. means for mounting said grouped end of said optical fibers in proximity with said light source whereby light is transmitted into said grouped end and thereafter through said optical fibers; d. means for supporting and confining said plurality of optical fibers comprising a bendable wire spirally wound around said plurality of optical fibers beginning at said grouped end; e. additional means for supporting and confining sub-groups of optical fibers branching off from said plurality of optical fibers, said additional means also comprising bendable wires spirally wound around said sub-groups; and f. wherein said adjacent segments of said spirally wound wire are spaced apart so that sub-groups of optical fibers can extend therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A decorative structure as in claim 1 wherein said bendable wires comprising said additional supporting and confining means are terminated by substantially linear end segments which are inserted within the plurality of optical fibers for support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A decorative structure as in claim 1 wherein said plurality and sub-groups of optical fibers supported by said spirally wound bendable wires are sheathed in a decorative outer cover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A decorative structure as in claim 3 wherein said outer cover comprises adhesive tape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a decorative structure comprising a plurality of optical fibers arranged in sub-groups to form a plurality of branches and sub-branches, and wherein one end of said plurality of optical fibers is placed within proximity of a light source, an improved method of supporting said optical fiber branches and sub-branches comprising the steps of arranging said optical fibers into branches and sub-branches; spirally winding bendable wire supports around and along said branches and sub-branches to confine and support the same; and wherein said adjacent segments of said spirally wound wire are spaced apart so that sub-branches of optical fibers can extend therebetween.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
102 words
In a decorative structure comprising a plurality of optical fibers arranged in sub-groups to form a plurality of branches and sub-branches, and wherein one end of said plurality of optical fibers is placed within proximity of a light source, an improved method of supporting said optical fiber branches and sub-branches comprising the steps of arranging said optical fibers into branches and sub-branches; spirally winding bendable wire supports around and along said branches and sub-branches to confine and support the same; and wherein said adjacent segments of said spirally wound wire are spaced apart so that sub-branches of optical fibers can extend therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3681592A
Cited
US3766374A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |