RECONFIGURABLE THREE DIMESIONAL LATTICE FOR SUPPORTING LIQUID FILMS

Abstract

A reconfigurable three-dimensional lattice in and on which detergent solutions and other liquid films may be deposited and supported, wherein the lattice may be configured and reconfigured for use, cleaning, and storage.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable three-dimensional lattice system comprising; at least six rods, each rod having an aperture at and in each opposing end; and at least four flexible corner connectors each having three posts, each post having a longitudinal axis and configured to be received into the aperture in and at one end of one of the at least six rods; whereby when the at least six rods and the at least four corner connectors are assembled by a user provide a three-dimensional lattice upon which a liquid film may be deposited and supported.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein an at least four flexible corner connector post longitudinal axis is configured approximately one-hundred-and-twenty degrees from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein an at least four flexible corner connector post longitudinal axis is configured approximately greater than one-hundred-and-twenty degrees from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the corner connectors and cylindrical rods comprise a plastic.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible corner connectors are identical in size and configuration and the cylindrical rods are of equal length.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the corner connectors and rods when assembled provide a four-sided or tetrahedral shaped lattice.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the corner connectors and rods when assembled provide a six-sided or cube shaped lattice.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the corner connectors and rods when assembled provide a lattice of more than six sides.

9. A method of assembling a reconfigurable three-dimensional lattice system comprising the steps of: providing at least six rods, each rod having an aperture at and in each opposing end; and providing at least four flexible corner connectors each having three posts, each post having a longitudinal axis and configured to be received into the aperture in and at one end of one of the at least six rods; wherein the at least six rods and the at least four corner connectors as assembled provide a three-dimensional lattice upon which a liquid film may be deposited and supported.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein an at least four flexible corner connector post longitudinal axis is configured approximately one-hundred-and-twenty degrees from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein an at least four flexible corner connector post longitudinal axis is configured approximately greater than one-hundred-and-twenty degrees from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the corner connectors and cylindrical rods comprise a plastic.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the flexible corner connectors are identical in size and configuration and the cylindrical rods are of equal length.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the corner connectors and rods when assembled provide a four-sided or tetrahedral shaped lattice.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the corner connectors and rods when assembled provide a six-sided or cube shaped lattice.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the corner connectors and rods when assembled provide a lattice of more than six sides.

17. A kit for assembling a reconfigurable three-dimensional lattice upon which a liquid film may be deposited and supported, the kit comprising; at least six rods, each rod having an aperture at and in each opposing end; and at least four flexible corner connectors each having three posts, each post having a longitudinal axis and configured to be received into the aperture in and at one end of one of the at least six rods; wherein the at least six rods and the at least four corner connectors are assembled and provide a three-dimensional lattice upon which a liquid film may be deposited and supported.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein an at least four flexible corner connector post longitudinal axis is configured approximately one-hundred-and-twenty degrees from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post.

19. The kit of claim 17, wherein an at least four flexible corner connector post longitudinal axis is configured approximately greater than one-hundred-and-twenty degrees from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] FIG. 1A depicts an orthogonal schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 1B depicts an orthogonal schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 2A depicts a top view schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of an inventive flexible corner connector.

[0046] FIG. 2B depicts a top view schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of an inventive flexible corner connector.

[0047] FIG. 3 depicts a side and cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an inventive rod or longitudinal connector.

[0048] FIG. 4 depicts a elements of an inventive system, method, and kit.

[0049] FIG. 5A-FIG. 5I depict various configurations of inventive assembled lattice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] In the following description, numerous details are set forth for the purpose of explanation and example. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details.

[0051] As depicted in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B; the inventive system and method (100) may comprise at least four flexible corner connectors (110) and corresponding in fit, at least six rods or rods (120) which when assembled by a user produces a lattice in and on which detergent solutions and other films may be deposited and supported, wherein the lattice may be configured and reconfigured for use, cleaning, and storage after use.

[0052] FIG. 1A Box A and FIG. 1B Box B depict a close-up view of a flexible corner connector (110) and corresponding rods (120) removably affixed thereon.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the rod has at least one channel portion, the at least one channel portion extending longitudinally across the rod. In certain embodiments, the rod has two channel portions, three channel portions, or four channel portions. In certain embodiments, the channel portions extend longitudinally on each side of the rod.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the flexible corner connector has a hollowed out central bore portion and three posts. In certain embodiments, the hollowed out central bore portion includes a circular center that is connected to an outer spline that is flexible. In certain embodiments, the flexible outer spline can flex around the bored circular center thus allowing the corner connector to flex and allowing the corner connector to create carious configurations with the rods, such that various shapes of bubbles are allowed to be created.

[0055] FIG. 2A depicts a top view of an inventive flexible corner connector (110), as if flattened on a surface, each having three posts (130), each post (130) having a longitudinal axis (140) configured approximately one-hundred-and-twenty degrees (150) from the longitudinal axis of an adjacent post (130).

[0056] FIG. 2B depicts a flexible corner connector indicating approximately with dashed lines three axis of flexibility (160); as also depicted by dashed lines (160) in FIG. 1A Box A and FIG. 1B Box B

[0057] FIG. 3 depicts a preferred embodiment of an inventive rod (120); including a cross-section view C depicting an opening or aperture (125) for receiving and removably securing the inventive rod (120) to an inventive flexible corner connector (110).

[0058] FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the inventive system, method, and kit (100) for assembling a reconfigurable lattice in and on which detergent solutions and other films may be deposited and supported.

[0059] It is contemplated in certain embodiments of the instant invention that a plurality of identical configuration corner connectors (110) and a plurality of rods or rods (120) of varying lengths are provided, as depicted in FIG. 4, in order to produce lattice of varying configurations.

[0060] It is contemplated in certain embodiments of the instant invention that a plurality of varying configuration corner connectors (FIG. 5G, 170) and a plurality of rods or rods (120) of varying lengths are provided, as depicted in FIG. 4, in order to produce lattice of varying configurations.

[0061] It is contemplated in certain embodiments of the instant invention that with sufficient numbers of flexible corner connectors (110) and varying length rods (120) an almost inexhaustible number of configurations of lattice may be assembled as depicted by way of example and not limitation in and by FIG. 5A-FIG. 5I.

[0062] It is contemplated that the flexible corner connectors (110, 170) and rods or rods (120) be made of a plastic.

[0063] It is contemplated that the rods or rod (120) be made of a colored plastic wherein the length of the rod (120) is denoted by a different color.

[0064] Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, its advantages and objectives can be easily understood.

[0065] Variations from the description above may and can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0066] Accordingly, this invention is not to be limited by the embodiments as described, which are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.