WO1994003664A9 - Article tubulaire pliable, procede de fabrication et systeme de construction - Google Patents

Article tubulaire pliable, procede de fabrication et systeme de construction

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Publication number
WO1994003664A9
WO1994003664A9 PCT/US1993/007322 US9307322W WO9403664A9 WO 1994003664 A9 WO1994003664 A9 WO 1994003664A9 US 9307322 W US9307322 W US 9307322W WO 9403664 A9 WO9403664 A9 WO 9403664A9
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flexible
wire
layer
building
hollow tubing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1993/007322
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1994003664A1 (fr
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed filed Critical
Priority to AU49969/93A priority Critical patent/AU4996993A/en
Publication of WO1994003664A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994003664A1/fr
Publication of WO1994003664A9 publication Critical patent/WO1994003664A9/fr

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Definitions

  • TITLE BENDABLE TUBULAR ITEM, METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND BUILDING SYSTEM
  • the present invention relates to building systems utilizing generally tubular novelty items for entertainment and for educational purposes.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,362,031 issued on December 7, 1982, to H. Obermuller shows a multipartite item of jewelry which is used as a finger ring. This is formed of a plurality of sections which are flexibly connected to each other in order to form a closed series of curves. The sections are constructed as tubular pieces which are connected through an elastic element which extends within the tubular pieces. The elastic connections at the contact points between the sections form a series of curves.
  • a tubular sleeve is placed on the string-like core and extends around and substantially covers the full length of the core.
  • the sleeve is interchangeable with other sleeves which are formed either with different surface textures or colors or cross- sectional shapes.
  • the wearer of the costume jewelry may substitute one sleeve for another, as desired, in order to produce different visual effects due to the varying textures, colors, or shapes of the interchangeable sleeves.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,114,398, issued on September 19, 1978, to 0. Orlandini describes a process of producing articles of jewelry. This process utilizes a plurality of hollow tubular elements, each made of a different color or having a different appearance. The tubular elements are inserted into each other in order to obtain a multi-layer composite tubular element having adjacent layers of different colors. The length of the tubular elements is cut to a desired length and formed for particular wearing purposes.
  • Figs. 4 and 8 disclose an inner, shape-forming core member and an outer sheath with no cavity. It is taught that the sheath material may be molded around the core material. It is taught that the sheath may be colored or have colored particles within the walls. In Fig. 8, the ends of the molded sheath material include a molded cavity with the attachment of desired end caps. There is no disclosure in Hillman of use for a bendable tubular element for building purposes.
  • the present invention comprises various embodiments of a bendable tubular item for use as part of a building system.
  • the building system of this invention includes a system of unique end connectors which are attached to bendable, tubular items such that the bendable, tubular items can be formed in various configurations for amusement and for education.
  • the bendable tubular item of the preferred embodiment comprises an outer flexible section of hollow tubing having first and second ends, a flexible wire positioned within the hollow tubing, a flexible paint layer disposed within the hollow tubing, preferably covering an exterior surface of the flexible wire, and a liquid contained within the hollow tubing.
  • the flexible paint layer may be applied to the interior or exterior surfaces of the hollow tube, or preformed within the tubing material itself.
  • the liquid contained within the hollow tubing may be colored to provide a painted appearance.
  • the hollow tubing is sealed at the first and second ends.
  • the flexible paint layer is preferably made of a non-toxic, water-resistant paint.
  • the paint layer comprises a phosphorescent paint which glows in the dark. This phosphorescent paint receives a "charge" from any light source and then glows in the dark for a period of time.
  • the paint layer comprises a paint which changes color with varying temperatures.
  • Glitter material is preferably applied to the flexible paint layer.
  • the glitter material may include a variety of materials and shapes.
  • One embodiment of the invention includes a mixture of glitter and microglass spheres applied to the paint layer to increase the light reflectivity of the tubular item.
  • the liquid included within the hollow tubing preferably comprises a mineral oil which fills the volume between the flexible wire and the hollow tubing.
  • the mineral oil creates a "magnifying effect" of the painted layer as viewed from the exterior of the hollow tubing.
  • the tubing is sealed with first and second ball members which are affixed in a liquid-tight relationship with the first and second ends of the hollow tubing.
  • An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a flexible wire positioned in a first plastic tube which is itself positioned within a second plastic tube having a larger diameter than the first.
  • a liquid preferably mineral oil, is preferably contained within each of the first and second tubes.
  • the paint layer is preferably applied to the exterior of the first tube.
  • the paint layer is applied to the interior of the first tube, the interior or exterior of the second tube, or in the tubing material comprising the first or second tube.
  • the liquid may be colored to provide a painted appearance.
  • This embodiment may include either of the paint layers discussed above which glow in the dark or change color with temperature. This embodiment also includes any of the various types of glitter discussed above.
  • One preferred method of manufacturing the flexible tubular item of the preferred embodiment comprises the steps of: (1) cutting a hollow tubing to a desired length such that one end of the hollow tubing is open, the other end being sealed; (2) applying a paint layer, preferably to the wire, but optionally to other surfaces of the tubular item, (3) inserting the length of wire into the hollow tubing such that the wire is contained within the hollow tubing; (4) injecting a liquid, preferably mineral oil, into the open end of the hollow tubing so as to generally fill the interior of the hollow tubing; and (5) sealing the open end of the hollow tubing so as to contain the liquid therewithin.
  • the step of painting comprises the specific steps of: (1) dipping the length of flexible wire into a flexible rubberized paint; and (2) drying the flexible rubberized paint onto the flexible wire or the sheathing of the flexible wire.
  • This step of painting also preferably includes the application of glitter along a length of the flexible wire prior to the step of drying.
  • the preferred process is similar except that an unpainted wire is inserted into the first tube, a paint layer is then preferably applied to the exterior surface of the first tube, the first tube is inserted into the second tube, a liquid is injected into the first and second tubes, and the second tube is then sealed.
  • various connectors such as four-way connectors, "T" connectors, and sucker feet, are included, as well as other paraphernalia, to enable a user to build various objects using the tubular items.
  • the tubular items can be used in specific applications such as a belt, a watchband, a teething band, or as macrame. Other specific applications include using the tubular item as an electrical conductor or incorporating lights into the tubular item and using the item as a Christmas light or other novelty light.
  • the four-way connectors are functional to allow the bendable tubular item to be used in a building system, such four-way connectors are limited in the angles and configurations that may be made.
  • end connectors are actually attached to the ends of bendable, tubular items such that the ends may be attached to each other to create an almost infinite variety of configurations for amusement and education.
  • Figure l is a view, in side elevation, of the flexible tubular item in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the internal configuration of the flexible tubular item of the preferred embodiment
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the arrangement of components within the flexible tubular item of the preferred embodiment
  • Figure 4 is a view, in side elevation, of the flexible tubular item in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 4 showing the internal configuration of the flexible tubular item of Figure
  • Figure 6 is an exploded view showing the arrangement of components within the flexible tubular item of Figure 4.
  • Figures 7A-7G disclose various embodiments of the tubular item of either Figures 1 or 4 according to the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic view of the steps of the process of this invention for manufacture of a flexible tubular item which is manufactured by extrusion techniques;
  • Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment for a flexible tubular item produced by the process of Fig. 8;
  • Figure 10 is a side view partly in cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 9 produced by the process illustrated in Fig. 8;
  • Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an extruded flexible tubular item manufactured utilizing all or part of the steps of manufacture illustrated in Fig. 8;
  • Figure 12 is a side view partly in cross-section of the second alternate embodiment of Fig. 11;
  • Figure 13 is a side view in cross-section of a third alternate embodiment utilizing all or part of the process steps of Fig. 8 to manufacture a flexible tubular item;
  • Figure 14 is a side view partly in cross-section of the flexible tubular item of Fig. 13;
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of a building system utilizing one or more of the flexible tubular items of Figs. 1-14 and a special connector;
  • Figure 16 is a side view in section of a flexible, tubular item having glow properties manufactured by extrusion.
  • FIG 17 is a cross-sectional view of the item of Figure 16.
  • Flexible tubular item 10 includes an outer flexible section of hollow tubing 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16.
  • the term "tubular” includes not only cylindrical shapes but also square, flat or other polygonal or curved shapes.
  • a flexible wire 18 having an exterior sheathing 32 is positioned within the hollow tubing 12.
  • a flexible paint layer 20 covers the exterior surface of sheathing 32 covering the flexible wire 18.
  • a liquid 21 is preferably contained within the hollow tubing 12 in the volume between the flexible wire 18 and the hollow tubing 12.
  • the hollow tubing 12 is sealed at ends 14 and 16.
  • the outer flexible section of hollow tubing 12 is a flexible transparent vinyl tube which is cut to a desired length.
  • the ends 14 and 16 of tube 12 are cut so as to be smooth and even. Openings are formed at ends 14 and 16 to the interior of the hollow tube 12. As such, the openings at ends 14 and 16 allow for easy access to the interior of the hollow tube 12.
  • a ball member 36 is inserted into the opening at end 14 so as to seal the end 14 and to contain the liquid 21 within the interior of hollow tubing 12.
  • Ball member 36 is preferably an acrylic sphere which has a diameter slightly greater than the interior diameter of hollow tubing 12.
  • Another acrylic ball 22 ( Figure 3), having a configuration similar to the ball member 36, is inserted into the opening at end 16 (not shown) .
  • the acrylic ball members 22 and 36 are preferably glued into place. It is also noted that other methods for sealing the openings 14 and 16 of the hollow tube 12 may be utilized. One alternative method includes sealing the openings 14 and 16 with connectors to which other tubular items 60 may be connected.
  • the wire 18 is contained within the interior of hollow tube 12.
  • the wire 18 is placed into the interior prior to sealing the ends 14 and 16 of tube 12.
  • the wire 18 is a low carbon steel wire having a length less than the length of the hollow tubing 12.
  • low carbon steel wire is the preferred material for wire 18.
  • Other types of wire such as copper can function properly, but they do not exhibit the same durability and other qualities as does low carbon steel wire 18.
  • a sheathing 32 extends over the exterior surface of the low carbon steel wire
  • Sheathing 32 is preferably a conventional plastic sheathing. It has been found that the sheathing 32 can be incorporated with the preferred embodiment or can be omitted. It is possible to apply paint layer 20 onto wire 18 directly or onto the sheathing 32.
  • the wire 18 is painted by dipping the wire 18 into the paint 20.
  • the paint 20 enhances the appearance of the wire 18 comprised within the interior of tube 12.
  • the combination of the paint 20 with the liquid 21 provides a striking visual appearance to the painted wire 18.
  • the ends of wire 18 are not painted. Alternatively, the ends of wire 18 may also be painted so that the low carbon steel wire is not seen by an observer of the bendable tubular item 10 of the present invention.
  • the wire 18 have a bend resistance which is greater than the bend resistance of the hollow tube 12. This quality insures that the hollow tube 12, when bent, assumes the configuration into which it is bent. If the wire 18 did not have a bend resistance greater than the tube 12, then the tube 12 would have a tendency to return to its original configuration. Thus, wire 18 enhances the formability of the hollow tube 12.
  • a flexible paint 20 is applied to the exterior surface of the wire 18 in the preferred embodiment.
  • the paint 20 used is a brand of paint referred to as Nightlites, which is produced by Tulip Productions.
  • the Nightlites brand of paint includes a feature whereby it receives energy or a charge from a light source which enables it thereafter to glow in the dark for a period of time.
  • a tubular item 10 according to this embodiment which receives a charge for 10 seconds would glow for approximately 6-10 minutes.
  • Tulip Productions may also be reached at 800-458-7010.
  • the paint 20 used is a brand referred to as Color Switch paint, which is produced by Mitsui Corporation of Japan and is marketed in the United States by Tulip Productions, which can be reached at the address and phone number referenced above.
  • the Color Switch brand of paint changes from a darker color to a pastel according to 10 degree variations in temperature.
  • the Color Switch paint is used according to this second embodiment, the most dramatic change in color occurs when the tubular item 10 is subject to temperatures of 92 - 94°F or above.
  • One contemplated application of this embodiment is as a swizzle stick, especially for hot drinks such as coffee or cocoa.
  • a form of writing such as advertising can be incorporated into the paint, either by including a message using only the Color Switch paint or using a different paint for the message which does not change color, so that, when the item 10 is used as a swizzle stick, the temperature change causes the desired message to appear.
  • a glitter material 24 is sprinkled over the paint 20 prior to the drying of the paint so that the glitter material 24 is generally fixedly attached to the paint.
  • the glitter material 24 is light, preferably reflective and multi-colored.
  • the glitter material 24 may include a variety of glitter of different sizes and shapes. It is anticipated that various pieces of the glitter 24 will become dislodged due to the tube 12 being bent and twisted in normal use.
  • the glitter material 24 that becomes dislodged would then reside in the liquid 21 and would be subject to motion as the tube 12 is bent, thus providing an overall more pleasing aesthetic appearance.
  • the glitter material 24 comprises a mixture of glitter with microglass spheres.
  • the microglass spheres are comprised of generally circular pieces of silicon and are preferably the Flex-O-Lite brand produced by Flex- O-Lite.
  • Flex-O-Lite For more information on the type of micro- glass spheres used, please contact Flex-O-Lite, which can be reached at P. 0. Box 4366, St. Louis, Missouri 63123 and at telephone number (314) 351-4450. It is noted that these spheres are also used in Texas Highway Department signs for reflectivity purposes.
  • the mixture used is preferably in a combination of 50% glitter with 50% microglass spheres, although of course other combinations can be used.
  • This combination of glitter and microglass spheres provides a higher light reflectivity than glitter alone.
  • a tubular item 10 according to this embodiment is preferably used in applications where reflectivity is desirable, such as bike reflectors, or worn on the person as a reflective marker.
  • the liquid 21 is contained within the interior of hollow tube 12, preferably in the volume between the flexible wire 18 and the hollow tubing 12, and is sealed therein.
  • the liquid 21 is preferably a light mineral oil or other generally clear solution of nontoxic quality.
  • the mineral oil 21 can be baby oil.
  • the mineral oil 21 provides a number of unexpected qualities to the appearance and function of the bendable tubular item 12 of the present invention.
  • the mineral oil 21 provides a "magnifying effect" to the painted wire 18 contained within the tube 12. The appearance to the observer is that the painted wire 18 completely fills the interior of the tube 12. Without the mineral oil 21, the item 10 would simply appear like a painted wire inside a simple vinyl tube. Thus, the magnifying effect greatly enhances the aesthetic appearance of the present invention.
  • the mineral oil 21 is generally inert and does not dissolve the paint 20 or the glitter 24 contained on the wire 18. As such, the item 10 will not deteriorate over time.
  • the mineral oil 21 also provides a medium for any excess glitter 24 in which to float.
  • the mineral oil 21 appears to enhance the reflectance and dispersion of light from the glitter 24. It is noted that, in alternate embodiments of the invention where the paint layer is applied to other surfaces of the item 10, such as the interior of the hollow tubing 12, or is combined with the material forming the tubing, then the liquid 21 does not serve a magnifying function and may be omitted.
  • the liquid 21 may itself be colored, thus providing a painted appearance and removing the necessity of the paint layer 20.
  • the colored liquid 21 may include glitter material 24 suspended within the liquid 21.
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the bendable tubular item 10 of the present invention.
  • the flexible tube 12 forms the exterior surface 26 of the item 10.
  • the hollow tube 12 also includes an interior surface 28.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the vinyl hollow tube 12 have an outer diameter of five sixteenths of an inch (5/16") and an inner diameter of three sixteenths of an inch (3/16") .
  • 5/16" five sixteenths of an inch
  • 3/16" three sixteenths of an inch
  • liquid 21 fills the volume between the exterior surface 30 of painted wire 18 and the interior surface 28 of tube 12. It can also be seen that the paint 20 extends around the entire exterior surface of sheathing 32 of wire 18. Although the painted wire 18 occupies less than the entire portion of the hollow interior of wire 12, the mineral oil 21 used in the preferred embodiment causes the observer of item 10 to believe that the painted wire 18 fills the entire interior volume of tube 12. This is essentially an optical illusion which is created, in part, by the light diffraction qualities of the mineral oil and by the paint and glitter of the painted wire 18.
  • Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the bendable tubular item 10 according to the preferred embodiment.
  • the acrylic sphere 36 is inserted into end 16 of hollow tube 12. Painted wire 18 is also suitable for insertion into either ends 14 or 16 of tube 12.
  • the mineral oil 21 is injected into end 14 of tube 12. The injection of the mineral oil 21 continues until the volume of the item 10 between the interior surface 28 of tube 12 and the painted wire 18 is filled. After this volume is filled, a second acrylic sphere 22 is inserted into end 14.
  • the acrylic spheres 22 and 36 have a diameter slightly greater than the interior diameter of the tube 12, and thus the spheres 22 and 36 engage the ends 14 and 16, respectively, in a frictional relationship.
  • the mineral oil 21 has a quality whereby it does not expand greatly upon the application of heat to the tube 12. As such, unlike other oils, the mineral oil 21 will not cause the spheres 22 and 36 to pop out of the ends 14 and 16 of tube 12.
  • the spheres 22 and 36 will be in liquid-tight engagement within the tube 12 so that no leakage of mineral oil will occur.
  • the acrylic spheres 22 and 36 are simply one way of sealing the ends 14 and 16 of tube 12.
  • the ends 14 and 16 can be sealed by heat sealing, by metal balls, or by other obstructions.
  • the ends 14 and 16 can simply be squeezed and sealed in a conventional manner.
  • the use of the acrylic spheres 22 and 36 is simply a quick, inexpensive, and attractive method of sealing the tube 12.
  • a method of manufacturing the flexible tubular item 10 employs a first step of cutting the tubing 12 to a desired length so that at least one end, for example, end 14, of the tube 12 is open.
  • paint 20 is then applied to the exterior surface of wire 18.
  • paint 20 is applied by dipping the wire 18 into a flexible rubberized paint. Glitter may the be applied by sprinkling, dipping, or by other ways, to the painted surface 20 of wire 18.
  • the paint 20 is added either to the interior or exterior of the tube 12 or is preformed into the material forming the tube 12 itself.
  • the painted length of wire 18 is then inserted into end 14 of the tube 12 such that the wire 18 is contained within tube 12.
  • a liquid 21, preferably mineral oil, is then injected into end 14 so as to fill the interior of hollow tubing 12.
  • the acrylic sphere 22 may then be inserted into the end 14 so as to contain the mineral oil therewithin.
  • the flexible tubular item 60 includes a first section of flexible hollow tubing 62 having ends 68 and 70.
  • a flexible wire 64 is positioned within the hollow tubing.
  • a flexible paint layer 66 is preferably applied to the exterior of the first section of hollow tubing 62. It is noted that a paint layer is not applied to the flexible wire 64 in this embodiment.
  • the first hollow tubing 62 is preferably sealed at one end 70 using hot glue. Alternatively, an acrylic ball member (not shown) may be used as previously described.
  • the first hollow tubing 62 is comprised within a second hollow tubing 72 having a larger diameter than the first hollow tubing 62.
  • a liquid 74 preferably mineral oil, is preferably contained within the first and second hollow tubings 62 and 72 in the volume between the first hollow tubing 62 and the wire 64 and in the volume between the first hollow tubing 62 and the second hollow tubing 72.
  • the second hollow tubing 72 is sealed at ends 78 and 80 by means of acrylic ball members (not shown) .
  • the flexible sections of hollow tubing 62 and 72 are preferably flexible transparent vinyl tubes cut to desired lengths as previously described.
  • the wire 64 is preferably a steel wire having a length less than the length of the first hollow tubing 62.
  • the wire 64 has a bend resistance which is greater than the bend resistance of each of the hollow tubes 62 and 72 in order to insure that the hollow tubes 62 and 72 assume the configuration into which they are bent.
  • the flexible paint layer 66 is applied to the exterior surface of the first hollow tubing 62, it is noted that other methods may be used.
  • the flexible paint 66 may be applied to the interior surface of the first hollow tubing 62, or to the exterior surface of the wire 64, or to the interior or exterior of the second hollow tubing 72, or the flexible paint 66 may be combined into the material forming either of the hollow tubings 62 or 72.
  • the liquid 74 may be colored, thus providing a painted appearance. When the liquid 74 is colored, the flexible paint layer 66 is unnecessary and may be left out. Also, the colored liquid 74 may include glitter material suspended in the liquid 74.
  • the flexible paint 66 is preferably a water resistant, non-toxic, rubberized paint of a type manufactured by Tulip Productions, although other paints may be used.
  • the paint used is either the Nightlites brand paint or the Color Switch brand paint referenced previously, which are marketed by Tulip Productions. For more information on these brand paints, please contact Tulip Productions at the address and phone number previously given. Also, the various types of glitter material previously described may be applied to the paint layer 66.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the tubular item 60 according to this alternate embodiment.
  • the second hollow tube 72 includes an exterior surface 82 and an interior surface 84.
  • the liquid 74 fills the volume between the interior surface 84 of the second hollow tube 72 and exterior surface 86 of the first hollow tube 62.
  • the paint layer 66 preferably extends around the entire exterior surface 86 of the first hollow tube 62.
  • the first hollow tube 62 also includes an interior surface 88.
  • the wire 64 includes a steel portion 90 and a sheathing 92.
  • the liquid 74 also fills the volume between the exterior surface or sheathing 92 of the wire 64 and the interior surface 88 of the first hollow tubing 62.
  • the liquid 74 preferably mineral oil, causes an observer of the item 60 to believe that the painted first hollow tubing 62 fills the entire interior volume of the second hollow tubing 72. As previously noted, this is essentially an optical illusion created in part by the light diffraction qualities of the mineral oil and by the paint and glitter on the first hollow tubing 62.
  • a method of manufacturing the flexible tubular item 60 includes a first step of cutting the first hollow tubing 62 to a first desired length so that at least one end, for example, end 68, of the first tube 62 is open, and cutting the second hollow tube 72 to a second desired length so that at least one end, for example end 78, is open.
  • the other end 70 of the first hollow tube 62 is preferably closed by means of a glue 94.
  • the other end 80 of the second hollow tube 72 is preferably closed by means of acrylic sphere 100.
  • the wire 64 is inserted into the end 68 of the first hollow tube 62.
  • one end of the wire 64 contacts the glue 94 applied to the end 70 of the first hollow tube 62, thus securing the wire 64 at this end within the hollow tube 62.
  • the end 68 of the first hollow tube 62 is preferably left open.
  • the flexible paint layer 66 is then applied, preferably to the exterior surface 86 of the first hollow tube 62. Glitter is also preferably applied to the paint layer 66.
  • the first hollow tube 62 is then inserted through the open end 78 of the second hollow tube 72.
  • the liquid 74 preferably mineral oil, is then injected into end 78 of the second hollow tube 72 so as to fill the volume of the hollow tube 72 between the wire 64 and the first hollow tube 62 and between the first and second hollow tubes 62 and 72.
  • Acrylic sphere 98 may then be inserted into the end 78 so as to enclose the second hollow tubing 72 and contain the mineral oil therewithin.
  • tubular items 10 and 60 of the present invention have many varied applications.
  • a plurality of the tubular items either items 10 or items 60, or both, are used in conjunction with various connectors such as four-way connectors 110, "T" connectors, sucker feet, and other various paraphernalia to enable a user to create objects using these various components.
  • the tubular items 10 or 60 are used to create a "bug"-like creature using a four-way connector 110, a "T" connector 112, sucker feet 114, and an attachment head 116.
  • various other connectors and paraphernalia can be employed with the tubular items 10 and 60 to build virtually any type of object or creature.
  • the four-way connector 110 includes four separate cylindrical sockets or recesses at right angles to each other to receive up to four ends of flexible, tubular items while the "T" connectors include two sockets at 180° apart and a third socket at 90° to the other two sockets to receive the bendable items.
  • the tubular item 10 or 60 is fashioned into a teething ring or teething band for a small child, as shown in Figure 7B.
  • either of the tubular items 10 or 60 can be fashioned into a watch band (Fig. 7C) or a belt (Fig. 7D) by the addition of a timepiece 120 or a buckle 122 and fastener 124, respectively.
  • a timepiece 120 or a buckle 122 and fastener 124 respectively.
  • hollow tubular members which have shapes other than cylindrical.
  • the watchband of Fig. 7C may use a hollow tubular member which is rectangular in cross-section.
  • the tubular items 10 or 60 can be weaved together to form a macrame for holding a plant 130, or other items, as shown in Fig. 7E.
  • the tubular items 10 and 60 previously described may each be used as an electrical conductor by affixing an electrical plug 130A and 13OB, respectively, and an electrical receiver 132A and 132B, respectively, at opposite ends of items 10 and 60, each connected to the steel wire 18 and 64, respectively, comprised within the tubular items 10 and 60.
  • the tubular items 10 and 60 may include electrical plugs 134A and 134B, respectively, connected to the respective steel or copper wires 18 and 64 and contain lights 140A and 140B, respectively, connected at various points along the steel or copper wire 18 and 64, as is well known in the art. The combination of the lights 140A and 140B with the respective paint layers and glitter provides a pleasing aesthetic appearance.
  • inventions shown in Figure 7G may be used as a Christmas light, or in advertising, or simply as a novelty item. These embodiments also may include electrical receivers 136A and 136B connected to the ends of the tubular items 10 and 60 of this embodiment opposite the ends connected to the plugs 134A and 134B. A plurality of tubular items of this embodiment could then be strung together like Christmas lights.
  • Figs. 1-7 are principally embodiments that are manufactured at least partly by hand-manufacture techniques or by step-by- step manufacturing procedures where each of the elements utilized in the article of manufacture have been previously cut or formed and are combined together as part of the manufacturing process.
  • the alternate embodiments of Figs. 8-14 illustrate the manufacture of the flexible tubular items of this invention utilizing extrusion techniques.
  • extrusion techniques One advantage of extrusion techniques is that an entire coil of the flexible tubular items may be manufactured at one time and thereafter cut into lengths for final manufacture, thus reducing the manufacturing costs substantially.
  • the wire chosen for the extruded versions of the flexible tubular members T-l through T-3 is a low carbon black annealed steel wire of a size of 16 gauge.
  • the utilization of a steel wire rather than a copper wire is provided so that the wire will be stronger, more durable to bends and easier to straighten out during manufacture by extrusion techniques.
  • the wire is schematically illustrated by the number 200 in Fig. 8 as well as in Figs. 9-14.
  • a tying resin or other bonding agent may be applied to the wire to provide a good bond between the wire and the layer of polyvinyl chloride to be described momentarily.
  • a suitable adhesive may be used.
  • the treated/untreated wire 200 enters extrusion head 203 where a coating 210 of polyvinyl chloride is extruded over the wire to the desired thickness.
  • the coating is clear or colored with a suitable pigment.
  • the thickness or outside diameter may be anywhere from one quarter to three-sixteenths of an inch as a preferred range.
  • the inside layer of polyvinyl chloride which is extruded through the extruding head 203 as illustrated in Fig. 8 is annular in configuration. It is understood that typically the term “annular” means a circular cross-section in the shape of a donut or the like. It is within the scope of this invention that the term “annular” may be not only circular but also square, rectangular or other polygonal configuration. While polyvinyl chloride is described in this embodiment, it should be understood that other types of extrudable polymeric material may be used.
  • the wire now having an internal annular layer 210 of polyvinyl chloride is passed through the glitter bath 204 illustrated in Fig. 8.
  • the formed annular layer 210 of polyvinyl chloride passes through a box which contains glitter. Since the polyvinyl chloride is still at least tacky, the glitter will stick to the outer surface of the internal layer 210 to form a glitter layer 211.
  • the glitter utilized may be one of several varieties or a combination.
  • the glitter may be an epoxy-coated glitter wherein the glitter is metallic such as aluminum or the glitter may be an epoxy-coated polyester.
  • Other reflective particulate may also be used.
  • the next step at 205 is optional.
  • the glitter-coated wire passes through a device which applies an adhesive layer.
  • an adhesive material is utilized, that a heat-reactive adhesive will be most desirable.
  • a heat-reactive adhesive is a 1404B manufactured by the BF Goodrich Company. Since the adhesive is heat-reactive, the adhesive becomes soft and tacky under heat.
  • the adhesive- coated wire is passed through a pre-heater wherein solvents in the adhesive will be evaporated or flashed off.
  • the glitter-covered wire then enters a second extrusion head 207 where a clear coat or layer 212 of polyvinyl chloride or other extrudable polymeric material or plastic is applied over the glitter- covered layer in order to give a magnifying and/or slick appearance to the flexible tubular product.
  • the polyvinyl chloride added in this outside annular layer 212 is a "toy" grade, which means that the polyvinyl chloride is non-toxic. As applied, and since it is clear, this external layer of polyvinyl chloride applied as an annular outside layer will magnify the internal glittered surface at 211.
  • the flexible tubular material now containing an external clear layer 212 of polyvinyl chloride is coiled onto spool 208 and may from such spool 208 be cut into desirable lengths.
  • the flexible tubular member T-l of Figs. 9 and 10 is produced using basically the process just described with respect to Fig. 8.
  • the low carbon black annealed steel wire identified at 200 is located in the center of the flexible tubular item, herein designated at T-l.
  • the internal layer of polyvinyl chloride is identified by the number 210 and as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, is substantially thicker in radius and wider in diameter than the thinner outside layer 212 of polyvinyl chloride.
  • the internal annular layer or coating of polyvinyl chloride 210 may be colored.
  • the color of the internal annular layer 210 may be the same color as the glitter being applied in glitter layer 211.
  • the glitter layer 211 is illustrated also in Figs. 9 and 10 and may be formed of one or more varieties of glitter such as described above as an epoxy-coated polyester glitter or an epoxy-coated metallic glitter.
  • the glitter may be all of one color or it may be several colors, depending upon the desired look.
  • the outside annular layer 212 of polyvinyl chloride is, as previously described, of a "toy" grade so that it is clear and serves to somewhat magnify the inside layer formed by the glitter at 212.
  • the flexible tubular item T-l may be cut to any desired length. Thereafter, it is necessary to cap off the ends in some manner.
  • caps may be provided.
  • the caps may be preformed, for example, in a circular configuration (not shown) and may be glued onto the flat end section defined as section 214 in Fig. 10.
  • the caps may also be of other configuration and be glued onto the end face 214. It is contemplated that the caps may also be molded into place utilizing a separate mold which molds end caps onto the faces 214 after the flexible tubular item is cut to length.
  • FIG. 11 and 12 Another embodiment T-2 is illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12.
  • This embodiment for a flexible tubular item T-2 is substantially the same as T-l except for the following.
  • a mixture of aluminum and polyester glitter (or other glitter) is added to the molten polyvinyl chloride applied through extruder head 203 so that in the internal annular layer 210A illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, glitter is actually located throughout the internal annular layer itself.
  • the glitter bath 204 as well as the adhesive application station at 205 and the preheater 206 may be eliminated.
  • the partially manufactured product having the first internal extruded layer 210A applied is passed directly to the extruder head at 207 where an outside layer 215 is applied.
  • the outside annular coating which is applied at extruder head 207 is a "toy" grade and is thus clear to enhance the visual effects of the glitter containing internal annular glitter layer 210.
  • a coloring material may also be mixed into the molten polyvinyl chloride before application by extrusion. Additionally, if it is desirable to make this flexible tubular element of Figs. 11 and 12 glowing, then one of variously known compounds which glow in the dark may be added to the polyvinyl chloride mix also.
  • Figs. 13 and 14 an alternative embodiment T-3 is illustrated. In the alternative embodiment T-3 the wire is once again annealed steel wire 200.
  • the internal annular extruded layer 210B includes one or more glow compounds as well as a coloring agent in order to enhance the visibility of the glowing flexible tubular member under conditions of poor light or at night.
  • a glow compound is a zinc-sulfate with copper traces distributed by Shannon Luminescent of Santa Monica, California or glow compounds manufactured by Preservo Paints Supply House of Houston, Texas.
  • the annealed steel wire 400 has a first annular coating 401 of polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride extruded thereon utilizing an extruder head such as 203 in Fig. 8.
  • the first annular coating 401 is preferably white in color.
  • a second annular coating 402 is extruded over the first annular coating 401.
  • the second annular coating 402 includes a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride combined with a mixture of a glow compound and a coloring agent.
  • the thickness of the second annular compound, in radius may be approximately 0.10 to 0.021 inches in thickness as compared to the diameter of the first polymeric coating 401, which is 0.250 inches in preferred diameter.
  • the flexible tubular item T-4 will have substantial properties for glowing in the dark without the expense of having the glow compound mixed into the entire, thicker layer such as 210B in item T-3 in Fig. 14.
  • annular coating 403 of polyvinyl chloride is added as a final outside layer.
  • This outside coating of polyvinyl chloride may or may not contain additional additives such as Super Sparkle (Mearl Corp. Super Sparkle 9110S) and/or highlight color (Mearl Hi-Lite Color 9420C, 9620C, 9820C, 9520C and/or 9320C) .
  • the thickness of the final outside layer may be 0.010 inches.
  • The, finally extruded glow tubular item T-4 is then spooled in a normal manner for cutting into lengths as desired.
  • a building system generally designated as S for utilizing flexible, tubular items such as T-4 is illustrated in Fig. 15.
  • the building system S is comprised of a plurality of flexible, tubular items such as T-4 having connectors C mounted on each end thereof so that the flexible items T-4 may be joined together in any number of configurations for entertainment and/or educational purposes.
  • Each connector C includes a cylindrical body 10 having an outside cylindrical surface 10a, an internal end face 10b and an external end face 10c.
  • the internal end face 10b of connectors C is glued or otherwise attached to each end of the flexible, tubular item T- 4.
  • the external end or face of each connector C includes a recess 11 and a small tubular protrusion or joining tip 12 which is insertable into a recess 11 on another connector.
  • the cylindrical side surface 10a of the connector C includes a plurality of circular recesses or holes lib which are circumferentially spaced to receive the protrusions 12 from other connectors.
  • the flexible, tubular items may be joined together end to end or at various angles with respect to each other using the protrusion or tip 12 for insertion into any of the recesses 11a or lib.
  • the side 10a may be polyganol such as four or more sided with recesses in one or more of the side faces. Virtually any configuration may be built using the combination with the connector with the flexibility of the tubular item T-4.
  • the building system S may also include sucker feet 114 such as disclosed in Fig. 7A and, if desired, four-way connectors 110 or T-connectors 112 also shown in Fig. 7A may also be utilized in combination with the connectors C.
  • the present invention offers an attractive and useful flexible tubular item.
  • This item can be used as a bracelet, necklace, watchband, belt or as other jewelry items.
  • the present invention can be used as part of a ring-toss game or simply as a tension-relieving device.
  • the ability to bend and reshape the flexible tubular item of the present invention is an enjoyable experience.
  • the configuration of components of the present invention can be assembled quickly and easily and at relatively little expense.
  • the components are also safe and non- toxic.
  • a variety of other uses can also be made of the flexible tubular items of the present invention.

Abstract

Article tubulaire flexible (10) comprenant une section flexible externe composée d'une tubulure creuse (12) pourvue d'une première extrémité (14) et d'une seconde extrémité (16), un fil métallique flexible (18) placé à l'intérieur de la tubulure creuse (12), une couche de peinture flexible (20) recouvrant une surface externe du fil flexible (18), et un liquide visqueux (21) contenu dans la tubulure creuse (12). L'article tubulaire (10) se termine à chaque extrémité par des éléments d'accouplement, ces éléments pouvant être réunis à des éléments d'accouplement d'autres articles flexibles pour former différentes configurations utilisées à des fins éducatives et ludiques. Selon un mode de réalisation, un fil flexible (18) est recouvert d'une couche annulaire d'un revêtement plastique pour former un élément flexible allongé qui se termine par des éléments d'accouplement pouvant être réunis pour former un système de construction.
PCT/US1993/007322 1992-07-31 1993-08-02 Article tubulaire pliable, procede de fabrication et systeme de construction WO1994003664A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU49969/93A AU4996993A (en) 1992-07-31 1993-08-02 Bendable tubular item, method of manufacture and building system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US92337492A 1992-07-31 1992-07-31
US07/923,374 1992-07-31
US92887092A 1992-08-11 1992-08-11
US07/928,870 1992-08-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994003664A1 WO1994003664A1 (fr) 1994-02-17
WO1994003664A9 true WO1994003664A9 (fr) 1994-04-28

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1993/007322 WO1994003664A1 (fr) 1992-07-31 1993-08-02 Article tubulaire pliable, procede de fabrication et systeme de construction

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4996993A (fr)
WO (1) WO1994003664A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU1317997A (en) * 1997-01-29 1998-08-18 Yesh, Marvelous Toys Ltd. An assembly toy and a connector therefor
JP2017526508A (ja) * 2014-09-01 2017-09-14 ファーコ、ジョセフ 形態維持可能な玩具リンク機構
US9345982B2 (en) 2014-09-01 2016-05-24 Joseph Farco Building block universal joint system

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4666417A (en) * 1985-10-21 1987-05-19 Hillman Paul D Flexible tubular toy

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