U.S. patent application number 11/424594 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for illuminated dancing pole and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Cary C. Kessler.
Application Number | 20070293372 11/424594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38862282 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070293372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kessler; Cary C. |
December 20, 2007 |
ILLUMINATED DANCING POLE AND METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
A dancing pole has a center spine unit. At least one fiber-optic
cable is coupled to the center spine unit to illuminate the dancing
pole. An outer sleeve is placed over the center spine unit and the
at least one fiber-optic cable. The outer sleeve is transparent to
allow the light from the at least one fiber-optic cable to
illuminate the dancing pole. Mounting rings are coupled to an upper
and lower section of the center spine unit to provide mounting and
structural support for the dancing pole.
Inventors: |
Kessler; Cary C.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
38862282 |
Appl. No.: |
11/424594 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/51 ;
482/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00047 20130101;
A63B 2244/225 20130101; A63B 2225/74 20200801; A63B 9/00 20130101;
A63B 21/1681 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/51 ;
482/109 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00; A63B 15/00 20060101 A63B015/00 |
Claims
1. A dancing pole comprising: a center spine unit; at least one
fiber-optic cable coupled to the center spine unit to illuminate
the dancing pole; an outer sleeve placed over the center spine unit
and the at least one fiber-optic cable, the outer sleeve being
transparent to allow the light from the at least one fiber-optic
cable to illuminate the dancing pole; and mounting rings coupled to
an upper and lower section of the center spine unit to provide
mounting and structural support for the dancing pole.
2. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a
protective substrate placed over exposed portions of the at least
one fiber-optic cable, the protective substrate positioned between
the outer sleeve and the center spine unit.
3. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective
substrate provides structural support between the outer sleeve and
the center spine unit.
4. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective
substrate protects the at least one fiber-optic cable.
5. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective
substrate is dyed a specific color to meet a desired application
requirement.
6. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective
substrate is one of a cast polyurethane material or epoxy resin
material.
7. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of openings formed in the center spine, wherein each of
the at least one fiber-optic cable is placed in a hollow interior
of the center spine unit and exit through one of the plurality of
openings.
8. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of holding devices to secure the at least one fiber-optic
cable to the exterior surface of the center spine unit.
9. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a
plurality of holding devices wherein one holding device is
positioned around each of the plurality of openings to secure one
end of each of the at least one fiber-optic cable to each
opening.
10. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a
fiber-optic support sleeve coupled to an interior section of the
center spine unit to protect the at least one fiber-optic cable
from damage.
11. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a
covering coupled to the mounting rings and the outer sleeve to
conceal the top and bottom areas of the dancing pole and to hide
mounting plates used to install the dancing pole.
12. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the mounting
rings coupled to an upper and lower section of the center spine
unit are mounting bearing rings that provide mounting and
structural support and allow the dancing pole to spin.
13. A dancing pole comprising: a center spine unit; a plurality of
fiber-optic cables coupled to the center spine unit to illuminate
the dancing pole; an outer sleeve placed over the center spine unit
and the fiber-optic cables, the outer sleeve being transparent to
allow the light from the fiber-optic cables to illuminate the
dancing pole; a protective substrate placed over exposed portions
of the fiber-optic cables, the protective substrate positioned
between the outer sleeve and the center spine unit; a plurality of
holding devices to secure the fiber-optic cables to the exterior
surface of the center spine unit; and mounting rings coupled to an
upper and lower section of the center spine unit to provide
mounting and structural support for the dancing pole.
14. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 wherein the
protective substrate provides structural support between the outer
sleeve and the center spine unit and protects the fiber-optic
cables.
15. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 further comprising a
plurality of openings formed in the center spine, wherein each of
the fiber-optic cables are placed in a hollow interior of the
center spine unit and exit through one of the plurality of
openings.
16. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 15 wherein one holding
device is positioned around each of the plurality of openings to
secure one end of each fiber-optic cable to each opening.
17. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 further comprising a
fiber-optic support sleeve coupled to an interior section of the
center spine unit to protect the fiber-optic cables from
damage.
18. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 further comprising a
covering coupled to the mounting rings and the outer sleeve to
conceal the top and bottom areas of the dancing pole and to hide
mounting plates used to install the dancing pole.
19. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 wherein the mounting
rings coupled to an upper and lower section of the center spine
unit are mounting bearing rings that provide mounting and
structural support and allow the dancing pole to spin.
20. A dancing pole comprising: a center spine unit having a
plurality of openings; at least one fiber-optic cable placed in an
interior section of the center spine unit, the at least one
fiber-optic cable flush mounted to one of the plurality of openings
to illuminate the dancing pole; and mounting rings coupled to an
upper and lower section of the center spine unit to provide
mounting and structural support for the dancing pole.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to dancing accessories, and
more particularly, to an illuminated dancing pole and method
therefore.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Dancing poles are becoming a popular dancing accessory
across the country. Many individuals, gyms and clubs are installing
dancing poles for a variety of different reasons. In general, pole
dancing has become a popular way of spicing up one's romance,
gaining a little self confidence and getting into shape. In fact,
pole dancing or striptease aerobics has become one of the newest
and fastest growing forms of exercise. Pole dancing or striptease
aerobics incorporates sensual dance moves and pole work. The
strength and coordination one gains combined with the added bonus
of eroticism makes for a great workout.
[0005] Dancing poles have not changed much since they first came
into being. In general, most dancing poles are made of metal. The
dancing poles are generally attached to the floor/stage and ceiling
of a room by a friction or bolted mounting unit. While current
dancing poles do work, they have several drawbacks. First, the
dancing poles are made of metal and thus are cold and hard to move
and transport due to the weight of each dancing pole. Furthermore,
in many clubs, the lighting is very dark so it is difficult to see
the dancing pole.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists to provide a device and method to
overcome the above problem. The device and method will provide a
lightweight dancing pole. The device and method will provide a
light weight dancing pole which is illuminated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a dancing pole is disclosed. The dancing pole has a center spine
unit. At least one fiber-optic cable is coupled to the center spine
unit to illuminate the dancing pole. An outer sleeve is placed over
the center spine unit and the at least one fiber-optic cable. The
outer sleeve is transparent to allow the light from the at least
one fiber-optic cable to illuminate the dancing pole. Mounting
rings are coupled to an upper and lower section of the center spine
unit to provide mounting and structural support for the dancing
pole.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a dancing pole is disclosed. The dancing pole has a
center spine unit. A plurality of fiber-optic cables is coupled to
the center spine unit to illuminate the dancing pole. An outer
sleeve is placed over the center spine unit and the fiber-optic
cables. The outer sleeve is transparent to allow the light from the
fiber-optic cables to illuminate the dancing pole. A protective
substrate is placed over exposed portions of the fiber-optic
cables. The protective substrate is positioned between the outer
sleeve and the center spine unit. A plurality of holding devices is
used to secure the fiber-optic cables to the exterior surface of
the center spine unit. Mounting rings are coupled to an upper and
lower section of the center spine unit to provide mounting and
structural support for the dancing pole.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a dancing pole is disclosed. The dancing pole has a
center spine unit having a plurality of openings. At least one
fiber-optic cable is placed in an interior section of the center
spine unit. The at least one fiber-optic cable is flush mounted to
one of the plurality of openings to illuminate the dancing pole.
Mounting rings coupled to an upper and lower section of the center
spine unit to provide mounting and structural support for the
dancing pole.
[0010] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the present inventions or
may be combined in yet other embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the dancing pole
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a magnified front view of the dancing pole
depicted in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the fiber-optic cable used in
the dancing pole of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the dancing
is pole of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a magnified front view of the dancing pole
depicted in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dancing pole 10 of a first
embodiment is shown. The dancing pole 10 is comprised of a center
spine unit 12. The center spine unit 12 is an elongated pole having
a hollow interior. The center spine unit 12 provides the structural
support for the dancing pole 10. The center spine unit 12 is made
of a lightweight but sturdy material. In general, the center spine
unit 12 is comprised of a metal such as aluminum, steel, stainless
steel, brass, or the like. The listing of the above is given as an
example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0018] One or more fiber-optic cables 14 are coupled to the center
spine unit 12. The fiber-optic cables 14 are used to illuminate the
dancing pole 10. As shown in FIG. 3, each fiber-optic cable 14 is
comprised of a tubing 14A. The tubing 14A is generally made out of
glass or Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), which is a clear plastic
used as a shatterproof replacement for glass. One end of the
fiber-optic cable 14 is coupled to a light source 16. The
fiber-optic cable 14 will transmit a light signal from the light
source from one end of the fiber-optic cable 14 to another in order
to illuminate the outer surface of the dancing pole 10. The light
signal travels through the interior core 14B of the fiber-optic
cable 14 by constantly bouncing from cladding 14C lining the
interior of the interior core 14B. Cladding 14C is a reflective
lining which causes the light signal to constantly bounce, a
principle called total internal reflection. Since the cladding 14C
does not absorb any light from the interior core 14B, the light
signal can travel great distances.
[0019] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fiber-optic cables 14
may be mounted to the center spine unit 12 in a number of different
manners. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, the fiber-optic cables 14 are placed in the hollow
interior of the center spine unit 12. A plurality of openings 18 is
formed in the exterior surface of the center spine unit 12. An end
of one of the fiber-optic cables 14 will be placed through each of
the plurality of openings 18. The light signal will travel to each
end of the fiber-optic cables 14 that are exposed through the
openings 18 to illuminate the dancing pole 10. Alternatively, the
fiber-optic cables 14 may be placed around the exterior surface of
the center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic cable 14 will generally
wrap around the center spine unit 12 and along the length of the
center spine unit 12.
[0020] A fiber-optic support sleeve 19 may be coupled to an
interior section of the center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic
support is sleeve 19 is an anti-burr device. The fiber-optic
support sleeve 19 is used to ensure that the fiber-optic cables 14
do not rub against any rough sections of the center spine unit 12
there by preventing damage to the fiber-optic cables 14.
[0021] A plurality of holding devices 20 are used in order to
secure the fiber-optic cables 14 to the exterior surface of the
center spine unit 12. In the above embodiment where each of the
fiber-optic cables 14 are placed in the hollow interior of the
center spine unit 12 and exit through one plurality of openings 18,
the holding device 20 are positioned around each opening 18. The
holding device 20 will secure the end of the fiber-optic cable 14
around the opening 18 so that the fiber-optic cable 14 will
illuminate the dancing pole 10. In this embodiment, the holding
device 20 may be a ring member which will hold the end of each of
the fiber-optic cable 14 through each of the plurality of openings
18. In order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to
the dancing pole 10, the holding devices 20 should be relatively
small and made of a transparent material. In accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, the holding devices 20 may be
a cast polyurethane or epoxy ring. An aluminum foil tape may be
also be used as the holding device 20.
[0022] Where the fiber-optic cable 14 is wrapped around the center
spine unit 12 and along the length of the center spine unit 12, an
adhesive may be used as the holding device 20 to secure the
fiber-optic cable 14 around the center spine unit 12.
Alternatively, hooks or other types of connecters may be used to
secure the fiber-optic cable 14 around the center spine unit 12.
The holding devices 20 may be spaced in any desired pattern. The
spacing of the holding devices 20 will determine the light pattern
for the dancing pole 10.
[0023] An outer sleeve 22 may placed over the center spine unit 12
and fiber-optic cable 14. The outer sleeve 22 is generally
transparent to allow the light from the fiber-optic cable 14 to
illuminate the dancing pole 10. The outer sleeve 22 can be made out
of any opaque/transparent material. In accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, an opaque/transparent tubing
is used. However, other types of opaque/transparent covers may be
used.
[0024] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a protective substrate 24 is placed over the exposed portions of
the fiber-optic cable 14. The protective substrate 24 is positioned
between the outer sleeve 22 and the center spine unit 12. The
protective substrate 24 provides structural support between the
outer sleeve 22 and the center spine unit 12 so that the outer
sleeve 22 snuggly fits around the center spine unit 12. The
protective substrate 24 further protects the fiber-optic cables 14
from damage. The protective substrate 24 is generally a transparent
resin that is placed over the exposed portions of the fiber-optic
cable 14. The transparent resin may be dyed a specific color to
meet specific application requirements. In general, a cast
polyurethane or epoxy resin material is used as the protective
substrate 24. However, the above are given as examples. Other
materials may be used for the protective substrate without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0025] In order to install the dancing pole 10, the dancing pole 10
will have an upper mounting ring 26 and a lower mounting ring 28
coupled to the center spine unit 12. The upper and lower mounting
rings 26 and 28 provide mounting and structural support for the
dancing pole 10. In general, the upper and lower mounting rings 26
and 28 will help to mount the dancing pole 10 in a proper vertical
position in a room, stage, or the like. The upper and lower
mounting rings 26 and 28 are generally made from the same material
as the center spine unit 12. In accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention, the upper and lower mounting rings 26 and 28
are welded to the center spine unit 12.
[0026] A covering 30 may be coupled to the upper mounting ring 26
and the lower mounting ring 28. The covering 30 is a ring member
which is placed around the outer sleeve 22 and coupled to the upper
mounting ring 26 and a lower mounting ring 28. The covering 30 is
used to conceal the top and bottom areas of the dancing pole to
hide the mounting plates used to install the dancing pole 10.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein like numerals and
symbols represent like elements, a second embodiment of the dancing
pole 10' is shown. The dancing pole 10' is similar to the
embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The main difference is that
the dancing pole 10' can rotate.
[0028] The dancing pole 10' is comprised of a center spine unit 12.
The center spine unit 12 is an elongated pole having a hollow
interior. The center spine unit 12 provides the structural support
for the dancing pole 10'. The center spine unit 12 is made of a
lightweight but sturdy material. In general, the center spine unit
12 is comprised of a metal such as aluminum, steel, stainless
steel, brass, or the like. The listing of the above is given as an
example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present
invention.
[0029] One or more fiber-optic cables 14 are coupled to the center
spine unit 12. The fiber-optic cables 14 are used to illuminate the
dancing pole 10'. As shown in FIG. 3, each fiber-optic cable 14 is
comprised of a tubing 14A. The tubing 14A is generally made out of
glass or Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), which is a clear plastic
used as a shatterproof replacement for glass. One end of the
fiber-optic cable 14 is coupled to a light source 16. The
fiber-optic cable 14 will transmit a light signal from the light
source from one end of the fiber-optic cable 14 to another in order
to illuminate the outer surface of the dancing pole 10'. The light
signal travels through the interior core 14B of the fiber-optic
cable 14 by constantly bouncing from cladding 14C lining the
interior of the interior core 14B. Cladding 14C is a reflective
lining which causes the light signal to constantly bounce, a
principle called total internal reflection. Since the cladding 14C
does not absorb any light from the interior core 14B, the light
signal can travel great distances.
[0030] Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, the fiber-optic cables 14
may be mounted to the center spine unit 12 in a number of different
manners. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, the fiber-optic cables 14 are placed in the hollow
interior of the center spine unit 12. A plurality of openings 18 is
formed in the exterior surface of the center spine unit 12. An end
of one of the fiber-optic cables 14 will be placed through each of
the plurality of openings 18. The light signal will travel to each
end of the fiber-optic cables 14 that are exposed through the
openings 18 to illuminate the dancing pole 10'. Alternatively, the
fiber-optic cables 14 may be placed around the exterior surface of
the center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic cable 14 will generally
wrap around the center spine unit 12 and along the length of the
center spine unit 12.
[0031] A fiber-optic support sleeve 19 may be coupled to an
interior section of the center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic
support sleeve 19 is an anti-burr device. The fiber-optic support
sleeve 19 is used to ensure that the fiber-optic cables 14 do not
rub against any rough sections of the center spine unit 12 there by
preventing damage to the fiber-optic cables 14.
[0032] A plurality of holding devices 20 are used in order to
secure the fiber-optic cables 14 to the exterior surface of the
center spine unit 12. In the above embodiment where each of the
fiber-optic cables 14 are placed in the hollow interior of the
center spine unit 12 and exit through one plurality of openings 18,
the holding device 20 are positioned around each opening 18. The
holding device 20 will secure the end of the fiber-optic cable 14
around the opening 18 so that the fiber-optic cable 14 will
illuminate the dancing pole 10'. In this embodiment, the holding
device 20 may be a ring member which will hold the end of each of
the fiber-optic cable 14 through each of the plurality of openings
18. In order to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to
the dancing pole 10', the holding devices 20 should be relatively
small and made of a transparent material. In accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, the holding devices 20 may be
a cast polyurethane or epoxy ring. An aluminum foil tape may be
also be used as the holding device 20.
[0033] Where the fiber-optic cable 14 is wrapped around the center
spine unit 12 and along the length of the center spine unit 12, an
adhesive may be used as the holding device 20 to secure the
fiber-optic cable 14 around the center spine unit 12.
Alternatively, hooks or other types of connecters may be used to
secure the fiber-optic cable 14 around the center spine unit 12.
The holding devices 20 may be spaced in any desired pattern. The
spacing of the holding devices 20 will determine the light pattern
for the dancing pole 10'.
[0034] An outer sleeve 22 is placed over the center spine unit 12
and fiber-optic cable 14. The outer sleeve 22 is generally
transparent to allow the light from the fiber-optic cable 14 to
illuminate the dancing pole 10'. The outer sleeve 22 can be made
out of any opaque/transparent material. In accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, an opaque/transparent tubing
is used. However, other types of opaque/transparent covers may be
used.
[0035] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a protective substrate 24 is placed over the exposed portions of
the fiber-optic cable 14. The protective substrate 24 is positioned
between the outer sleeve 22 and the center spine unit 12. The
protective substrate 24 provides structural support between the
outer sleeve 22 and the center spine unit 12 so that the outer
sleeve 22 snuggly fits around the center spine unit 12. The
protective substrate 24 further protects the fiber-optic cables 14
from damage. The protective substrate 24 is generally a transparent
resin that is placed over the exposed portions of the fiber-optic
cable 14. The transparent resin may be dyed a specific color to
meet specific application requirements. In general, a cast
polyurethane or epoxy resin material is used as the protective
substrate 24. However, the above are given as examples. Other
materials may be used for the protective substrate without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0036] In order to install the dancing pole 10', the dancing pole
10' will have an upper ring bearing 32 and a lower ring bearing 34
coupled to the center spine unit 12. The upper and lower ring
bearings 32 and 34 provide mounting and structural support for the
dancing pole 10'. In general, the upper and lower ring bearings 32
and 34 will help to mount the dancing pole 10' in a proper vertical
position in a room, stage, or the like. The upper and lower ring
bearings 32 and 34 further allow the dancing pole 10' to spin in a
clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. The upper and lower
ring bearings 32 and 34 are design to have minimal friction to
allow the dancing pole 10' to spin freely.
[0037] A covering 30 may be coupled to an upper mounting bearing 32
and a lower mounting bearing 34. The covering 30 is a ring member
which is placed around the outer sleeve 22 and coupled to the upper
mounting bearing 32 and the lower mounting bearing 34. The covering
30 is used to conceal the top and bottom areas of the dancing pole
10' to hide the mounting plates used to install the dancing pole
10'.
[0038] This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the
present invention. The scope of the present invention is not
limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations,
whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by
the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type
of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of
skill in the art in view of this disclosure.
* * * * *