US20130142967A1

US20130142967A1 - Star Structure

Info

Publication number: US20130142967A1
Application number: US13/689,290
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis Eugene Okon; Jeffrey Charles Brooks
Original assignee: LOUIS OKON AND MELANIE OKON
Current assignee: LOUIS OKON AND MELANIE OKON; OKRON LOUIS EUGENE
Priority date: 2011-12-01
Filing date: 2012-11-29
Publication date: 2013-06-06

Abstract

A structure having a first triangular structure comprising a first triangular geometry and a second triangular structure comprising a second triangular geometry, wherein the first triangular geometry and the second triangular geometry spatially intersect each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/565,805, filed on Dec. 1, 2011 by Louis Eugene Okon, et al., entitled “Star Structure” which is incorporated by reference herein as if reproduced in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Star-shaped symbols are sometimes used as decoration and/or in religious context, however, many embodiments of star-shaped symbols are substantially flat.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a structure is provided that comprises a first triangular structure comprising a first triangular geometry and a second triangular structure comprising a second triangular geometry, wherein the first triangular geometry and the second triangular geometry spatially intersect each other.
In other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of displaying a hexagram is provided that comprises providing a first triangle structure comprising a first triangular geometry, providing a second triangle structure comprising a second triangular geometry, and spatially intersecting the first triangular geometry with the second triangular geometry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a star structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an orthogonal top view of the star structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal left view of the star structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an orthogonal right view of the star structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of a star structure according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective left view of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective right view of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an oblique view of a leg segment of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of a vertex coupling of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a menorah segment of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is an oblique view of a cross coupling or so-called “Brook's Cross Coupling” of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is an oblique view of an extension coupling of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 is an oblique view of a menorah coupling of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 15 is an oblique view of a menorah vertex of the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 16 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing a step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 17 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing another step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 18 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing another step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 19 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing another step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 20 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing another step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 21 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing another step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 22 is a perspective partial exploded view of the star structure of FIG. 5 showing another step of assembling the star structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 23 is a perspective front view of a star structure according to another embodiment of the disclosure comprising multiple menorah segments;

FIG. 24 is an orthogonal schematic front view of a collapsible star structure in a fully assembled state according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 25 is an orthogonal schematic front view of the collapsible star structure of FIG. 24 in a partially assembled state;

FIG. 26 is an orthogonal schematic front view of the collapsible star structure of FIG. 24 in a partially assembled and partially collapsed state;

FIG. 27 is an oblique view of an inflatable star structure according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 28 is an orthogonal side view of another cross coupling or so-called “Brook's Cross Coupling” according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 29 is an oblique view of another cross coupling or so-called “Brook's Cross Coupling” according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a side view of a light insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a perspective front view of a star structure comprising a support brace according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 32 is a perspective front view of a triangle structure of an alternative embodiment of a star structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a star structure 100 (also referred to as star 100) is shown. FIGS. 1-4 provide perspective front, orthogonal top, orthogonal left, and orthogonal right views of star 100, respectively. The star 100 comprises a first triangle 102 and a second triangle 104. The first triangle 102 comprises a first leg 106, a second leg 108, and a third leg 110. The second triangle 104 comprises a first leg 112, a second leg 114, and a third leg 116. The second leg 108 and the third leg 110 of the first triangle 102 are joined at first vertex 118. The third leg 110 and the first leg 106 of the first triangle 102 are joined at second vertex 120. The first leg 106 and the second leg 108 of the first triangle 102 are joined at third vertex 122. The second leg 114 and the third leg 116 of the second triangle 104 are joined at first vertex 124. The third leg 116 and the first leg 112 of the second triangle 104 are joined at second vertex 126. The first leg 112 and the second leg 114 of the second triangle 104 are joined at third vertex 128.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 are positioned relative to each other such that, in some cases, the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 visually intersect each other when the star 100 is viewed from the front. In some embodiments, the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 may be equally sized equilateral triangles that, as viewed from a vantage point 156, may visually appear to have coincident centroids 155. With coincident centroids 155 and the above-described similarities between the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104, as viewed from the vantage point 156, the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 may appear to form first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth triangular areas 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, respectively, extending from a shared central hexagonal area 154. The hexagonal area 154 may be partially visually delimited by first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth visual intersections 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, respectively, at which the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 at least appear to intersect each other. In some cases and from some generally frontal vantage points, the star 100 may be visually perceived as a hexagram and/or so-called “Star of David.”
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 2-4, it is clear that the star 100 is not simply two triangular structures substantially laid upon each other, but rather, star 100 comprises substantial front-back depth relative to a base height of either of the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104. In some embodiments, the star 100 may be constructed so that not only do the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 visually appear to intersect, but the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 are constructed so that their geometries spatially intersect. Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the second visual intersection 144 and the fifth visual intersection 150 are associated with spatial intersections of the geometries of the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104. Such spatial intersection of the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104 may be physically realized through any number of physical means at each spatial intersection of the geometries. In some embodiments, a leg of the first triangle 102 and a leg of the second triangle 104 may each be divided into two segments and all four of those leg segments may be joined to an intermediate structural member. Such joinder may provide a visual perception that the legs intersect each other without substantial visual evidence of the intermediate structural member extending outward into space that is not visually expected to be occupied by the intersecting legs.
While an embodiment of FIGS. 5-8 discloses in such an intermediate structural member, for purposes of discussion of FIGS. 1-4, no matter the means selected to physically join the above-described intersecting legs, such means, in some embodiments, does not substantially detract from the appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that each of the intersecting legs extends through the other in a substantially uninterrupted manner. Such appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion may be contrasted against the visual perception presented by merely simply securing the outer surfaces of one triangle substantially in abutment with the inner surfaces of another triangle. Such abutment precludes the above-described appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that each of a pair of intersecting legs extends through the other in a substantially uninterrupted manner.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an orthogonal top view of the star 100 is shown. As viewed orthogonally from above, the star 100 exhibits a substantially triangular visual footprint. In this embodiment, however, the substantially triangular visual footprint does not comprise only three legs of a single triangle, but rather, multiple leg segments of both the first triangle 102 and the second triangle 104. More specifically, a rear side of the substantially triangular visual footprint comprises the first leg 106 of the first triangle 102 and extends from the second vertex 120 of the first triangle 102 to the third vertex 122 of the first triangle 102. Further, a front-right side of the substantially triangular visual footprint comprises (1) a segment of the second leg 108 of the first triangle 102 that extends from the third vertex 122 of the first triangle 102 to the second visual intersection 144 and (2) a segment of the third leg 116 of the second triangle 104 that extends from the second visual intersection 144 to the first vertex 124 of the second triangle 104. Similarly, a front-left side of the substantially triangular visual footprint comprises (1) a segment of the third leg 110 of the first triangle 102 that extends from the second vertex 120 of the first triangle 102 to the fifth visual intersection 150 and (2) a segment of the second leg 114 of the second triangle 104 that extends from the fifth visual intersection 150 to the first vertex 124 of the second triangle 104.
Referring now to FIG. 3 an orthogonal left view of the star 100 is shown. As viewed orthogonally from the left, the star 100 exhibits a substantially cross or X-shaped pattern. In this embodiment, the X-shaped pattern as viewed from the left comprises the third leg 110 of the first triangle 102 and the second leg 114 of the second triangle 104. The third leg 110 of the first triangle 102 and the second leg 114 of the second triangle 104 may be described as intersecting each other in accordance with a lower intersection angle 168 and an upper intersection angle 170. In some embodiments, the lower intersection angle 168 and the upper intersection angle 170 may be substantially equal to each other.
Referring now to FIG. 4 an orthogonal right view of the star 100 is shown. As viewed orthogonally from the right, the star 100 exhibits a substantially cross or X-shaped pattern. In this embodiment, the X-shaped pattern as viewed from the right comprises the second leg 108 of the first triangle 102 and the third leg 116 of the second triangle 104. The second leg 108 of the first triangle 102 and the third leg 116 of the second triangle 104 may be described as intersecting each other in accordance with a lower intersection angle 168 and an upper intersection angle 170. In some embodiments, the lower intersection angle 168 and the upper intersection angle 170 may be substantially equal to each other.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, some embodiments of the star 100 may be constructed to stand freely on a ground surface 172. In some embodiments, the star 100 may stand using the support of (1) the first vertex 124 of the second triangle 104 and (2) at least a portion of the first leg 112 of the second triangle 104. In some embodiments, with the star 100 standing freely, an observer located substantially at vantage point 156 may view the star 100 and recognize the star 100 as exhibiting a hexagram or “Star of David.” In some embodiments, the vantage point 156 may be located substantially centrally in a left-right direction so that a left offset distance 160 between the vantage point 156 and the second vertex 120 of the first triangle 102 substantially equals a right offset distance 162 between the vantage point 156 and the third vertex 122 of the first triangle 102. In some embodiments, the vantage point 156 may be located substantially vertically centered so that a lower offset distance 164 between the vantage point 156 and the first vertex 118 of the first triangle 102 substantially equals an upper offset distance 166 between the vantage point 156 and the first vertex 124 of the second triangle 104.
Considering that the star 100 comprises a physical structure having a depth relative to a frontal observer, the above-described visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David and the degree to which the visual perception of the hexagram or Star of David conforms closely to a mathematical definition of a hexagram may depend on both the position of the vantage point 156 relative to the star 100 and the sizes and/or arrangements of the individual components of the star 100. Accordingly, a star 100 may more reliably provide a visual perception of the hexagram or Star of David if an observer knows or otherwise has cause to become located at the vantage point 156. For example, if a star 100 were located in a yard of a residential home that is adjacent a sidewalk or road, the star 100 may be sized and/or angles 168, 178 may be altered and/or tuned to an anticipated viewing distance or front offset distance 158 (such as the distance between the star 100 and the sidewalk/road) to provide an optimum and/or more closely conforming hexagram or Star of David visual perception to the observer. In some embodiments, the star 100 may be considered to present a hexagram or Star of David even if the triangular areas 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 are not all substantially the same size as perceived by an observer. In some embodiments, a star 100 may be provided in which it is understood that a hexagram or Star of David may be viewed in varying levels of mathematical accuracy by locating the vantage point 156 at various locations within a viewing cone that expands outward from the star 100. In other words, in some embodiments may comprise an optimal location for a vantage point 156 that provides a best visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David while, within limits, left-right and/or vertical offsetting of the vantage point 156 from the optimal location may still provide a visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David, albeit less mathematically accurate. In some embodiments, the lengths of the legs and the angles at which first and second triangles 102, 104 intersect may be altered and/or tuned to optimize the visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David from a chosen frontal vantage point that is not substantially centered in at least one of a left-right and vertical direction. For example, in some embodiments, triangles 102, 104 may not be equilateral triangles, may not be equally sized, and lower and upper angles 168, 170 may not be substantially equal. Even with the above-described variations, in some embodiments, the spatial geometry of triangles 102, 104 may nonetheless intersect and the appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that the triangles intersect each other may be maintained.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, perspective front, rear, left, and right views of an alternative embodiment of a star structure or star 200 are shown. The geometry of star 200 is substantially similar to the geometry of star 100. The star 200 comprises a first triangle 202 and a second triangle 204. The first triangle 202 comprises a first leg 206, a second leg 208, and a third leg 210. The second triangle 204 comprises a first leg 212, a second leg 214, and a third leg 216. The second leg 208 and the third leg 210 of the first triangle 202 are joined at first vertex 218. The third leg 210 and the first leg 206 of the first triangle 202 are joined at second vertex 220. The first leg 206 and the second leg 208 of the first triangle 202 are joined at third vertex 222. The second leg 214 and the third leg 216 of the second triangle 204 are joined at first vertex 224. The third leg 216 and the first leg 212 of the second triangle 204 are joined at second vertex 226. The first leg 212 and the second leg 214 of the second triangle 204 are joined at third vertex 228.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 are positioned relative to each other such that, in some cases, the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 visually intersect each other when the star 200 is viewed from the front. In some embodiments, the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 may be equally sized equilateral triangles that may visually appear to have coincident centroids. With coincident centroids and the above-described similarities between the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204, the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 may appear to form first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth triangular areas 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, respectively, extending from a shared central hexagonal area 254. The hexagonal area 254 may be partially visually delimited by first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth visual intersections 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, respectively, at which the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 at least appear to intersect each other. In some cases and from some generally frontal vantage points, the star 200 may be visually perceived as a hexagram and/or so-called “Star of David.”
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 6-8, it is clear that the star 200 is not simply two triangular structures substantially laid upon each other, but rather, star 200 comprises substantial front-back depth relative to a height of either of the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204. In some embodiments, the star 200 may be constructed so that not only do the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 visually appear to intersect, but the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 are constructed so that their geometries spatially intersect. Referring back to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the second visual intersection 244 and the fifth visual intersection 250 are associated with spatial intersections of the geometries of the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204. Such spatial intersection of the first triangle 202 and the second triangle 204 may be physically realized through any number of physical means at each spatial intersection of the geometries, with a particular embodiment being described further below. In some embodiments, the selected physical means of achieving the spatial intersections does not substantially detract from the appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that each of the intersecting legs extends through the other in a substantially uninterrupted manner. Such appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion may be contrasted against the visual perception presented by merely simply securing the outer surfaces of one triangle substantially in abutment with the inner surfaces of another triangle. Such abutment precludes the above-described appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that each of a pair of intersecting legs extends through the other in a substantially uninterrupted manner.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective rear view of the star 200 is shown. In some embodiments, when the star 200 is viewed from the rear, the star 200 may not be visually perceived as a hexagram or Star of David.
Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective left view of the star 200 is shown. As viewed orthogonally from the left, the star 200 exhibits a substantially cross or X-shaped pattern. In this embodiment, the X-shaped pattern as viewed from the left comprises the third leg 210 of the first triangle 202 and the second leg 214 of the second triangle 204. The third leg 210 of the first triangle 202 and the second leg 214 of the second triangle 204 may be described as intersecting each other in accordance with a lower intersection angle 268 and an upper intersection angle 270. In some embodiments, the lower intersection angle 268 and the upper intersection angle 270 may be substantially equal to each other.
Referring now to FIG. 8 a perspective right view of the star 200 is shown. As viewed orthogonally from the right, the star 200 exhibits a substantially cross or X-shaped pattern. In this embodiment, the X-shaped pattern as viewed from the right comprises the second leg 208 of the first triangle 202 and the third leg 216 of the second triangle 204. The second leg 208 of the first triangle 202 and the third leg 216 of the second triangle 204 may be described as intersecting each other in accordance with a lower intersection angle 268 and an upper intersection angle 270. In some embodiments, the lower intersection angle 268 and the upper intersection angle 270 may be substantially equal to each other.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, some embodiments of the star 200 may be constructed to stand freely on a ground surface 272. In some embodiments, the star 200 may stand using the support of (1) the first vertex 224 of the second triangle 204 and (2) at least a portion of the first leg 212 of the second triangle 204. Considering that the star 200 comprises a physical structure having a depth relative to a frontal observer, the above-described visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David and the degree to which the visual perception of the hexagram or Star of David conforms closely to a mathematical definition of a hexagram may depend on both the position of an observer's vantage point relative to the star 200 and the sizes and/or arrangements of the individual components of the star 200. Accordingly, a star 200 may more reliably provide a visual perception of the hexagram or Star of David if an observer knows to or otherwise has cause to become located at a vantage point for which the star 200 is optimized. For example, if a star 200 were located in a yard of a residential home that is adjacent a sidewalk or road, the star 200 may be sized and/or angles 268, 278 may be altered and/or tuned to an anticipated viewing distance (such as the distance between the star 200 and the sidewalk/road) to provide an optimum and/or more closely conforming hexagram or Star of David visual perception to the observer. In some embodiments, the star 200 may be considered to present a hexagram or Star of David even if the triangular areas 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240 are not all substantially the same size as perceived by an observer. In some embodiments, a star 200 may be provided in which it is understood that a hexagram or Star of David may be viewed in varying levels of mathematical accuracy by viewing the star from various locations within a viewing cone that expands outward from the star 200.
In other words, in embodiments may comprise an optimal location for a vantage point that provides a best visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David while, within limits, left-right and/or vertical offsetting of the vantage point from the optimal location may still provide a visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David, albeit less mathematically accurate. In some embodiments, the lengths of the legs and the angles at which first and second triangles 202, 204 intersect may be altered and/or tuned to optimize the visual perception of a hexagram or Star of David from a chosen frontal vantage point that is not substantially centered in at least one of a left-right and vertical direction. For example, in some embodiments, triangles 202, 204 may not be equilateral triangles, may not be equally sized, and lower and upper angles 268, 270 may not be substantially equal. Even with the above-described variations, in some embodiments, the spatial geometry of triangles 202, 204 may nonetheless intersect and the appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that the triangles intersect each other may be maintained.
Still referring to FIGS. 5-8, the physical elements and/or components of the star 200 as configured for use as a menorah will now be explained. For purposes of this disclosure, for a structure to be suitable for use as a menorah, the structure must accommodate eight candles in a straight line and the candles should be level or on an even slant. In some embodiments, a menorah may have a maximum height of approximately 37 feet. A menorah may accommodate a ninth candle, a Shamash or attendant candle, located higher or lower than the other eight candles. The physical composition of each of the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 will be discussed separately and with additional reference to FIGS. 9-15.
Regarding the first leg 206 of the first triangle 202, FIG. 5 best shows that the first leg 206 comprises five components, namely, two menorah segments 272, two vertex couplings 274, and an extension coupling 276.
Regarding the second leg 208 of the first triangle 202, FIG. 5 best shows that the second leg 208 comprises five components, namely, two leg segments 278, two vertex couplings 274, and a cross coupling 280.
Regarding the third leg 210 of the first triangle 202, FIG. 5 best shows that the third leg 210 comprises five components, namely, two leg segments 278, two vertex couplings 274, and one cross coupling 280.
Regarding the first leg 212 of the second triangle 204, FIG. 5 best shows that the first leg 212 comprises five components, namely, two leg segments 278, two vertex couplings 274, and one cross coupling 280.
Regarding the second leg 214 of the second triangle 204, FIG. 5 best shows that the second leg 214 comprises five components, namely, two leg segments 278, one vertex coupling 274, one cross coupling 280, and a menorah vertex 282.
Regarding the third leg 216 of the second triangle 204, FIG. 5 best shows that the third leg 216 comprises five components, namely, two leg segments 278, one vertex coupling 274, one cross coupling 280, and one menorah vertex 282.
Each of vertex couplings 274 and the menorah vertex 282 are shared by two associated legs. Similarly, each cross coupling 280 is shared by two legs.
Referring now to FIG. 9, an oblique view of a leg segment 278 is shown. Leg segment 278 generally comprises a tube comprising a substantially constant inner diameter and a substantially constant outer diameter. Leg segment 278 may also comprise an assembly axis 284.
Referring now to FIG. 10, an oblique view of a vertex coupling 274 is shown. Vertex coupling 274 generally comprises a V-shaped tube. In some embodiments, the legs of the V-shaped tubes are present the appearance of a mitered joint. Additionally, the vertex coupling 274 may comprise male extensions 286 extending from the V-shaped tube. The vertex coupling may further comprise two assembly axes 284.
Referring now to FIG. 11, an oblique view of a menorah segment 272 is shown. Menorah segment 272 is substantially similar to leg segment 278 and generally comprises a tube comprising a substantially constant inner diameter and a substantially constant outer diameter. However, menorah segment 272 additionally comprises light holders 288 configured to accommodate and/or receive candles, light bulbs, and/or any other light source or material to be lighted suitable for use on a menorah. In some embodiments, the light holders 288 may comprise tubular material comprising circular segment transverse cuts configured to allow the light holders 288 to mate with the curved exterior of the main tube of the menorah segment 272. In some embodiments, a drain hole may be provided through a wall of the light holder 288 to discourage fluid buildup between the interior of the light holder 288 and the main tube. Menorah segment 272 may also comprise an assembly axis 284.
Referring now to FIG. 12, an oblique view of a cross coupling 276 or so-called “Brook's Cross Coupling” is shown. Cross coupling 276 may comprise a central tube 290 comprising a substantially constant inner diameter, a substantially constant outer diameter, two male extensions 286, and an assembly axis 284. In some embodiments, two cross tubes 292 may be attached to the central tube 290. Each cross tube may comprise circular segment cuts configured to allow the cross tubes 292 to mate with the curved exterior of the central tube 290. Each of the cross tubes 292 may comprise an assembly axis 284. In some embodiments, the assembly axes 284 of the cross tubes 292 may be substantially coaxial and may further be configured to intersect the assembly axis 284 of the central tube. In some embodiments, the intersection of one or both of the assembly axes 284 of the cross tubes 292 with the central tube 290 may provide for the appearance, visual perception, and/or illusion that the legs associated with the cross coupling 276 physically intersect each other. Each of the cross tubes 292 may further comprise male extensions 284.
Referring now to FIG. 13, an oblique view of an extension coupling 276 is shown. Extension coupling 276 is substantially similar to leg segment 278. However, extension coupling 276 is longitudinally shorter than leg segment 278 and further comprises male extensions 286.
Referring now to FIG. 14, an oblique view of a menorah coupling 294 is shown. Menorah coupling 294 is substantially similar to menorah segment 272. However, menorah coupling 294 is longitudinally shorter than menorah segment 272 and further comprises male extensions 286. Menorah coupling 294, while not used in star 200, may be used in alternative embodiments of a star structure. In alternative embodiments, the menorah coupling 294 may comprise any other suitable length and may alternatively comprise any other suitable number of light holders 280. In some cases, the menorah coupling 294 and alternative embodiments of it may be used as a weekly candelabra and may comprise other than eight light holders.
Referring now to FIG. 15, an oblique view of a menorah vertex 282 is shown. Menorah vertex 282 is substantially similar to vertex coupling 274. However, menorah vertex 282 further comprises a light holder 288. The light holder 288 of the menorah vertex 282 is substantially similar to the menorah vertex 282 of the menorah segment 272. However, the light holder 288 of the menorah vertex 282 comprises a cut complementary to upward facing surfaces of the V-shaped tube. Accordingly, the light holder 288 may be securely mated to the V-shaped tube.
Referring now to FIGS. 16-22, the star 200 is shown in various stages of assembly according to a method 300 of assembling the star 200.
Referring now to FIG. 16, two vertex couplings 274 may each be joined to two leg segments 278 by receiving the male extensions 286 of the vertex couplings 274 into the complementary interior of the leg segments 278. Next, an extension coupling 276 may be used to join leg segments 278 of opposing vertex couplings 274. The components may be oriented so that the opposing vertex couplings 274 substantially mirror each about the extension coupling 276.
Referring now to FIG. 17, cross couplings 280 may be attached to the free ends of the leg segments 278 remaining from the assembly steps associated with FIG. 16. In some embodiments, the male extensions 286 associated with the central tubes 290 of the cross couplings 280 may be received into the interior of the leg segments 278. In some embodiments, notches and keys may be provided on the mating components at predetermined locations to ensure a proper orientation of the cross couplings 280 relative to the leg segments 278.
Referring now to FIG. 18, leg segments 278 may be attached to another vertex coupling 274 and to the menorah vertex 282. The menorah vertex 282 and the connected leg segments 278 may be referred to as a Shamash assembly 298.
Referring now to FIG. 19, a base assembly 296 may be constructed by attaching the free ends of leg segments 278 that were attached to the vertex coupling 274 in FIG. 18 to the male extensions 286 of cross tubes 292 of cross couplings 280. The base assembly 296 may be configured to stand freely.
Referring now to FIG. 20, the shamash assembly 298 may be attached to the base assembly 296 by receiving the free male extensions 286 of the central tubes 290 of the cross couplings 280 into the interior of the free ends of the leg segments 278 of the shamash assembly 298.
Referring now to FIG. 21, a menorah assembly 299 may be constructed. Construction of the menorah assembly 299 is substantially similar to the construction described above with regard to FIG. 16. However, in constructing the menorah assembly 299, menorah segments 272 are substituted for leg segments 278.
Referring now to FIG. 22, assembly of the star 200 according to the method 300 may be completed by attaching the menorah assembly 299 to the base assembly 296 by receiving the free male extensions 286 of the cross tubes 290 of the cross couplings 280 into the free ends of the leg segments 278 of the menorah assembly 299.
In some embodiments, the components of the star 200 may be primarily constructed of PVC. However, in alternative embodiments, metal, wood, or any other suitable material may be utilized. Further, while the methods of attaching adjacent components was described above as partially receiving adjacent components into one another, in alternative embodiments, adjacent components may simply be abutted and otherwise restrained relative to each other. Still further, one or more of the above described components may be formed in more or fewer pieces and/or may be assembled in a non-removable manner. In some embodiments, some components may be movably attached to each other in a manner that allows assembly of a star structure but not in a manner that allows full disassembly of the movably attached components. In embodiments where components are constructed of PVC or other heat reactive material, one or more components described above may be formed from a unitary component that is bent, molded, pressed, or otherwise managed to conform to a desired shape. For example, a vertex coupling 274 and associated leg segments 278 may be replaced by a single tube of PVC that is heated with hot water and thereafter bent into a desired shape. In some embodiments, devices such as screws, pins, biased integral pins and related receptacles, nuts and associated threads (e.g., exterior threaded leg segments 278), adhesives, tapes, wedges, and/or any other suitable devices may be utilized to permanently or temporarily join components of the star structures 100, 200.
Still further, while star structures 100, 200 were described above as comprising a leg and a vertex that may contact the ground to provide a free standing structure, in alternative embodiments, the orientation of the stars 100, 200 may additionally be varied relative to the ground by rotating the stars 100, 200, for example, about the center of one or more of the triangle centers. In such embodiments, such rotation may result in a change of location of an optimal vantage point location. Further, in some embodiments, the stars 100, 200 may be supported by additional structural elements that do not contribute to forming the star shape and/or the stars 100, 200 may be suspended.
Referring now to FIG. 23, an alternative embodiment of a star 400 is shown. Star 400 is substantially similar to stars 100, 200 but further comprises a control system 402, an air pump 404, and a remote controller 406. Star 400 is further shown with light holders along each of the triangle legs to demonstrate that in embodiments where stars 100, 200, 400 may serve as menorahs, the lights and/or candles may be distributed in straight lines along any one of the legs. In some embodiments, the control system 402 and the remote controller 406 may be used to control the air pump 404 and/or any electronic lighting. In some embodiments, the stars 100, 200, 400 may comprise translucent components and air may be circulated through the components so that glitter and/or other particulate matter may be circulated within the components. In some embodiments, manual and/or automated air valves may be associated with one or more of the light holders and/or lights. In such embodiments, a flexible material may selectively be illuminated by a light and blown by an airstream to generate a visual effect such as a burning flame. In some embodiments, the flexible material may comprise silk and the silk may comprise red, yellow, and/or blue colors that emulate the colors of an open flame. In some embodiments, the remote controller 406 and the control system 402 may comprise instructions and/or algorithms that promote a traditional order of providing illumination along the length of a triangle leg. In some embodiments, the above-described illumination and/or airstreams may be automated according to a calendar and/or clock so that traditional timing of illumination occurs with or without the presence of an operator. In some embodiments, the control system 402 may be associated with a light sensor to determine when ambient light conditions justify providing illumination. In some embodiments, one or more of the sources of illumination may comprise a candle, a fluid fuel burning device, a light bulb, fiber optics elements, an LED light, a limited life chemical reaction based light, and/or any other suitable light source.
Referring now to FIGS. 24-26, a collapsible star 500 is shown fully assembled, partially disassembled, and collapsed states. Star 500 is shown in FIG. 24 in a fully assembled state in which the structure of the star 500 is substantially similar to the structure of stars 100, 300. However, the star 500 differs at least from star 300 insofar as the star 500 requires only two connections be made to fully assemble the star 500. In some embodiments, all physical attachments between legs except for two attachments are sufficiently flexible to allow the star to be collapsed substantially into a bundle of substantially adjacent and nearly parallel legs by only disconnecting two connections. The star 500 comprises flexible attachments 502 schematically represented by circles and disconnect attachments 504 schematically represented by rectangles. To collapse the star 500, the disconnect attachments 504 may be utilized to free the associated leg ends from each other, allowing those freed legs to move relative to their remaining flexible attachments 502. After such disconnection, the entire star 500 may be compressed inwardly in the front-back and left-right directions to bring the legs into nearly parallel alignment with each other. The entirety of the star 500 may then easily be stored away in a storage space only a small fraction of the space required to store the fully assembled star 500. The flexible attachments 502 may comprise molded flexible plastic structures, hinges, and/or any other suitable device. The disconnect attachments 504 may comprise clips, removable flexible plastic structures, and/or any other suitable device.
Referring now to FIG. 27, a schematic view of an inflatable star 600 according to another embodiment is shown. The star 600 may comprise a weighted base 602 comprising a control system 604 and an air pump 606. The inflatable star 600 may further comprise a remote controller 608 and a star-shaped air bladder 610. In some embodiments, the air bladder 610 may support multiple sources of illumination 612 for using the inflatable star 600 as a menorah. In some embodiments, the remote controller 608 and the control system 604 may be used together to (1) selectively supply air from the air pump 608 to the air bladder 610, thereby inflating and raising the air bladder 610 upright, and (2) selectively control the multiple sources of illumination 612 in a substantially similar manner described above with regard to the control system of star 400. In some embodiments, control wiring may be fed to the sources of illumination 612 through the interior of the air bladder 610 to prevent visibility and/or access to the control wiring. In some embodiments, the general shape and/or structure of the air bladder 610 may be substantially similar to the structure of stars 100, 300. However, in alternative embodiments, the air bladder 610 may comprise a substantially flat structure with its front-back thickness being primarily attributable to a thickness of the legs of the triangles.
Referring now to FIG. 28, a side view of a cross coupling 700 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The cross coupling 700, or so-called “Brook's Cross Coupling,” generally comprises a first cross coupling member 702 and a second cross coupling member 704. The cross coupling members 702, 704 may be fastened together using a bolt 706. In some embodiments, the bolt 706 and/or any other suitable fastening device may selectively be operated to selectively retain the cross coupling members 702, 704 in a selected orientation relative to each other. In some embodiments, the bolt 706 may be loosened to adjust a perceived angle 708 formed between the coupling members 702, 704 and thereafter tightened to maintain a selected value for the perceived angle 708.
Referring now to FIG. 29, a side view of a cross coupling 800 according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The cross coupling 800, or so-called “Brook's Cross Coupling,” generally comprises a first cross coupling member 802 and a second cross coupling member 804. In some embodiments, the first cross coupling member 802 may comprise a cutout 806 comprising an overall shape that conforms to an exterior of the second cross coupling member 804. However, unlike some other embodiments, the cutout 806 may be formed in a side of the first cross coupling member 802 rather than primarily in an end of the first cross coupling member 802. As such, an exterior wall of the second cross coupling member 804 may be received within and/or abutted with the cutout 806 of the first cross coupling member 802. In some embodiments, the first cross coupling member 802 may be secured to the second cross coupling member 804 via PVC welding in cases where the cross coupling 800 comprises PVC. However, in alternative embodiments, the first cross coupling member 802 and the second cross coupling member 804 may be secured relative to each other using any other suitable means of fastening, adhering, and/or integrally forming the components of the cross coupling 800.
Referring now to FIG. 30, an orthogonal side view of a light insert 900 is shown. Light insert 900 comprises a body 902 that may carry an illumination source 904 and a remotely controllable control system 906. The light insert 900 may comprise a male extension 908 complementarily sized and/or shaped to be received by a light holder of a start structure, such as, but not limited to, light holders 288 of star 200.
Referring now to FIG. 31, an alternative embodiment of a star 1000 is shown. Star 1000 is substantially similar to star 100, 200, but may further comprise a brace 1002. In some embodiments, the brace 1002 may comprise a bar or rod attached to each of a first triangle structure 1004 and a second triangle structure 1006. In some embodiments, the brace 1002 may be attached between (1) a ground support vertex 1008 of the first triangle that contacts a ground surface when the star 1000 is standing and (2) a ground leg 1010 of the second triangle structure 1006 that contacts the ground surface with the star 1000 is standing. In alternative embodiments, the brace 1002 may be connected between the triangle structures 1004, 1006 in any other suitable manner to add structural stability to the star 1000.
Referring now to FIG. 32, an alternative embodiment of a triangle structure 1100 is shown. The triangle structure 1100 generally comprises three legs 1102 that each comprise a longitudinal component 1104 and a vertex component 1106.
In some embodiments, one or more of the above-described connections between star structure elements that utilize substantially internal connections between adjacent elements, such as, but not limited to, the use of male extensions 286 to be received within tubes in a visually imperceptible manner may be replaced in alternative embodiments by using external and/or externally visible components to accomplish the connections. In some embodiments, external couplings, joints, and/or attachment systems may be used instead of and/or in addition to the male extensions 286. Further, any of the above-disclosed tubular components need not comprise substantially circular cross-sections, but rather, any of the tubes may, in alternative embodiments, be replaced by solid members and/or by members comprising different cross-sectional shapes, for example, but not limited to, the shapes of square tubing. Still further, in some embodiments comprising tubular or at least partially hollow components, electrical wiring and or structural cords may be routed through the hollow components. In some embodiments, structural cords may be routed through adjacent components much the same manner elastics strings are commonly threaded through adjacent pole segments in modern tent poles. In other embodiments, one or more of the longitudinal components of a star structure may comprise a longitudinally collapsible extension, for example, but not limited to an extension portion selectively longitudinally nested within a tube. In any of the above-described embodiments, a variety of retention mechanisms may be used and/or built into adjacent components to secure adjacent components relative to each other. In some embodiments, such a retention mechanism may comprise a push-button mechanism that comprises a biased passion button carried by a first component that must be depressed prior to achieving a desired relative orientation of the first component with a second component. In some embodiments, after achieving the desired relative orientation, the biased button may extend through an aperture in the second component, thereby securing the first component relative to the second component.
Still further, any of the above components, where suitable, may be injection molded, welded, glued, and/or otherwise formed to accomplish a desired form and/or functionality. In some embodiments, the star structures may be referred to as being modular systems that may be disassembled and packaged for shipping via business and/or residential couriers. In some embodiments, the components of a star structure may be restricted to have lengths equal to or less than a maximum dimension and/or weights equal to or less than a maximum weight associated with a courier's price and/or delivery capability restrictions.
At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, RI, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=RI+k*(Ru−RI), wherein k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, . . . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent. Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention. Further, while the claims herein are provided as comprising specific dependencies, it is contemplated that any claims may depend from any other claims and that to the extent that any alternative embodiments may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the various claims and/or changing dependencies of claims, any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A structure, comprising:

a first triangular structure comprising a first triangular geometry; and

a second triangular structure comprising a second triangular geometry;

wherein the first triangular geometry and the second triangular geometry spatially intersect each other.

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first triangular geometry and the second triangular geometry comprise an equilateral triangle.

3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the first triangular geometry and the second triangular geometry spatially intersect each other at two points.

4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure is configured to stand freely.

5. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure is configured to be perceived substantially as a hexagram from at least one frontal vantage point.

6. The structure according to claim 5, wherein the structure comprises a substantially triangular appearance as viewed substantially orthogonally from above the structure.

7. The structure according to claim 5, wherein the structure comprises a substantially X-shaped appearance as viewed substantially orthogonally from at least one of a left side and a right side.

8. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure is configured to be perceived substantially as a Star of David from at least one frontal vantage point.

9. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a cross coupling configured to physically enable the spatial intersection.

10. The structure according to claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of light holders configured to promote use of the structure as a menorah.

11. A method of displaying a hexagram, comprising:

providing a first triangle structure comprising a first triangular geometry;

providing a second triangle structure comprising a second triangular geometry; and

spatially intersecting the first triangular geometry with the second triangular geometry.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

viewing the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure from a frontal vantage point.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the spatially intersecting the first triangular geometry with the second triangular geometry provides a substantially triangular appearance of the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure when they are viewed orthogonally from above.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the spatially intersecting the first triangular geometry with the second triangular geometry provides a substantially X-shaped appearance of the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure when they are viewed orthogonally from the left.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the spatially intersecting the first triangular geometry with the second triangular geometry provides a substantially X-shaped appearance of the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure when they are viewed orthogonally from the right.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the spatially intersecting the first triangular geometry with the second triangular geometry comprises connecting the first triangular structure to the second triangular structure via at least one cross coupling.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the hexagram substantially comprises a Star of David.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

disposing a plurality of light holders along a leg of at least one of the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

disposing a plurality of illumination sources along a leg of at least one of the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

disposing a shamash on at least one of the first triangle structure and the second triangle structure at a location vertically higher than a group of eight other illumination sources or light holders.