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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to dancing accessories, and more particularly, to an illuminated dancing pole and method therefore.

2. Background Information

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the dancing pole of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a magnified front view of the dancing pole depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the fiber-optic cable used in the dancing pole of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the dancing is pole of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a magnified front view of the dancing pole depicted in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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′.

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.

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.

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.

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′.

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.

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.