US 5,291,577 A · Optic fiber ornament

Abstract

The present invention comprises an illuminated fiber ornament which can be interconnected to like ornaments to form a multitude of shapes. The ornament has stiffened optic fibers which provides rigidity not found in the prior art while retaining flexibility and resilience. The ornament can be made in specific, permanent shapes, such as a child's toy stuffed teddy bear. The ornament can also be provided as modular units which can be assembled and modified to provide personalized designs. The light transmission and light dispersion patterns of the ornament may be varied by the inclusion of light altering material in the ornament and by deforming the ends of the optic fibers. Preferred materials include synthetic polymers for a central solid member, and polystyrene filament for optic fibers. The preferred stiffener for the optic fibers is acrylic coating.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A fiber optic ornament, comprising:

a central body comprising a moldable material;
optic fibers each having proximal and distal ends, rigidity, and light transmissive capability, said optic fiber proximal ends being supported in said central body, said optic fibers being arranged to radiate from said central body, said optic fiber distal ends collectively demarcating an outer boundary of said ornament, thus defining an ornament specific shape, and diffusing light therefrom;
said distal ends of said optic fibers being cuttable;
said distal ends of said optic fibers being deformable by melting and molding;
said distal ends of said optic fibers forming an apparent surface of said fiber optic ornament;
and
said central body has means enabling connection to at least one other central body, whereby
said apparent surface is modified by melting, molding and cutting said distal ends of said optic fibers.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Optic fiber ornament

Life of this patent

Optic fiber ornament

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17