Helioart, a variable shape toy

Abstract

HelioArt, a variable shape toy, is a device which allows segments of material to be combined about a positional axis, and those segments can be manipulated to various positions to form a helix or any other pattern or shape. This produces a visually pleasing effect. This device allows the user to rotate segments around an axis, as well as order the segments along the axis according to length of segment in a random or sequential manner. In addition, the device can be internally or externally illuminated to further enhance the visually pleasing effect.

1 . A variable shape toy device for combining layers of material about a positioning axis that form a pattern, consisting essentially of:
 (a) a positional axis;   (b) may include one or more segments with a central void for the axis; and   (c) a tensioning device on either end of the axis;   wherein:   (1) the segments may be arrayed together in face-to-face abutting relationship to form a stacked array of segments wherein abutting segments have their voids coaxially aligned along the axis.   
   
   
       2 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  which is comprised of a linear or angular positioning axis. 
   
   
       3 . A variable shape toy device which is comprised of a plurality of layers to generate a visual effect. 
   
   
       4 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 2  comprising of a positioning axis which may include:
 (a) rigid, or semi-rigid material;   (b) translucent or pigmented material;   (c) a combination of flexible lighted material;   (d) fiber optic material.   
   
   
       5 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting of segments of the same or varying length. 
   
   
       6 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting of segments of the same or varying thickness. 
   
   
       7 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting of segments of any shape:
 (a) length is longer than width.   
   
   
       8 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting of segments which may include within that segment:
 (a) one or more voids for a positioning axis along any point of segment;   (b) voids in any shape to accommodate energized power conduit along any point of segment;   (c) voids in any shape to accommodate energized or non-energized lighting conduit along any part of segment.   
   
   
       9 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting of segments which may be comprised of:
 (a) translucent material;   (b) pigmented material.   
   
   
       10 . A A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting of tensioning devices on either end of the axis which allow user to tighten or loosen segments along axis. 
   
   
       11 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  consisting essentially of layers about a positional axis from which users may:
 (a) stack randomly or sequentially according to segment size;   (b) rotate about the axis in a random or sequential manner;   (c) offset each layer around the axis to form a helix.   
   
   
       12 . A variable shape toy device of  claim 1  which consists of a positional axis that may be attached to one or more axis for modular assembly.