Jointed support system and method of constructing same
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A support system comprising:
- (a) a plurality of rods, each rod having a first substantially spherical end and a second substantially spherical end;
(b) a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having a central bore and first and second ends and including first and second undercuts adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, said undercuts configured to movably receive and retain one of a first or second end of one of said rods;
(c) said sleeves and rods forming a linkage of alternating sleeves and rods wherein a first undercut of a first sleeve movably retains the first end of a first rod, and the second undercut of a second sleeve movably retains the second end of said first rod;
(d) a cover substantially surrounding said support system; and
(e) at least one coupler for securing the cover to said support system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A support system is made up of a plurality of alternating rods and sleeves. Each sleeve forms a pair of sockets configured to movably receive and retain one of the first or second ends of adjacent rods, forming a bendable linkage. A cover is provided to surround the linkage, and a coupler is provided to cover the linkage. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.
121 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A support system comprising:
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(a) a plurality of rods, each rod having a first substantially spherical end and a second substantially spherical end;
(b) a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having a central bore and first and second ends and including first and second undercuts adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, said undercuts configured to movably receive and retain one of a first or second end of one of said rods;
(c) said sleeves and rods forming a linkage of alternating sleeves and rods wherein a first undercut of a first sleeve movably retains the first end of a first rod, and the second undercut of a second sleeve movably retains the second end of said first rod;
(d) a cover substantially surrounding said support system; and
(e) at least one coupler for securing the cover to said support system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A ball and socket joint having an electrical switch actuated by relative movement across the joint, said joint comprising
(a) a sleeve having a first undercut region forming a socket; -
(b) a rod having a first end forming a ball adapted to be received in said socket;
(c) a first contact element associated with the sleeve, and a second contact element associated with the rod;
(d) said first and second contact elements being positioned such that angular motion of said rod relative to said sleeve greater than an actuation angle causes said second contact element to physically engage said first contact element thereby closing the switch. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A support system comprising:
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(a) a plurality of rods, each rod having a first end and a second end;
(b) a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve including first and second sockets, said sockets configured to movably receive and retain one of a first or second end of one of said rods;
(c) said sleeves and rods forming a linkage of alternating sleeves and rods wherein the first socket of a first sleeve movably retains the first end of a first rod, and the second socket of a second sleeve movably retains the second end of said first rod and wherein said linkage forms a jointed skeleton of posable figure having arms, legs and a body;
(d) a cover substantially surrounding said support system;
(e) at least one coupler for securing the cover to said support system; and
(f) a battery, an optical fiber on an exterior part of said body and a lamp connected to said battery via a magnetic switch, said lamp being positioned near said optical fiber to light said fiber. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A support system comprising:
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(a) a plurality of rods, each rod having a first end and a second end;
(b) a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve including first and second sockets, said sockets configured to movably receive and retain one of a first or second end of one of said rods;
(c) said sleeves and rods forming a linkage of alternating sleeves and rods wherein the first socket of a first sleeve movably retains the first end of a first rod, and the second socket of a second sleeve movably retains the second end of said first rod;
(d) a cover substantially surrounding said support system;
(e) at least one coupler for securing the cover to said support system;
(f) an electrical switch actuated by movement of said first rod relative to said first sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A support system comprising:
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(a) a plurality of rods, each rod having a first and a second end;
(b) a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having two ends and a central bore terminating at each of the ends in a socket adapted to capture and retain one of a first or second end of said rods;
(c) said sleeves and rods forming a linkage of alternating sleeves and rods wherein the first socket of a first sleeve movably retains the first end of a first rod, and the second socket of a second sleeve movably retains the second end of said first rod and wherein said linkage forms a jointed skeleton of a posable figure having arms, legs and a body;
(d) a cover substantially surrounding said support system; and
(e) at least one coupler for securing the cover to said support system.
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27. A support system comprising:
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(a) a plurality of rods, each rod having a first end and a second end;
(b) a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having two ends, each of the ends terminating in a socket adapted to capture and retain one of the first or the second ends, and an outside surface between the ends which is essentially free of undercuts or protrusions;
(c) said sleeves and rods forming a linkage of alternating sleeves and rods wherein the first socket of a first sleeve movably retains the first end of a first rod, and the second socket of a second sleeve movably retains the second end of said first rod and wherein said linkage forms a jointed skeleton of posable figure having arms, legs and a body;
(d) a cover substantially surrounding said support system; and
(e) at least one coupler for securing the cover to said support system. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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Specification