Composite Structures that Change Shape in Response to Changes in Temperature

Abstract

The present invention is a composite structure that changes shape as temperatures change. The composite structure utilizes a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate is static and does not change shape by itself in response to changes in temperature. A supports structure is affixed to the flexible substrate. The support structure is made from bi-layer films that change shape in response to changes in temperature. The support structures are formed into complex shapes that are smaller than the flexible substrates they support. As a result, when the support structure are affixed to the flexible substrates, the support structures cause the flexible substrates to buckle, bend and twist as the support structures change shape with temperature. The support structures can be designed so as to cause the specific changes in the flexible substrate to as to mimic the natural blooming movements of a flower petal or leaf.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A petal device for use in an artificial flower, comprising:
 a flexible substrate;   a first support structure coupled to selected sections of said flexible substrate, wherein said support structure includes bi-layer material that changes shape in correlation to changes in temperature, therein causing said flexible substrate to change shape with said changes in temperature.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexible substrate is shaped as a petal having a front surface and a rear surface. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said first support structure is coupled to said front surface of said flexible substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3 , further including a second support structure of bi-layer material, wherein said second supports structure is coupled to said rear surface of said flexible substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said support structure has a central vein and branching veins. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein at least some of said branching veins vary in size. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said bi-layer material has at least one low-temperature expansion-coefficient direction, wherein at least some of said branching veins have different low-temperature expansion-coefficient directions. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexible substrate is translucent. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said first support structure and said flexible support have a complementary color scheme that provides said petal device with an appearance of a natural flower petal. 
     
     
         10 . A device that changes shape in correlation to changes in temperature, said device comprising:
 a flexible substrate that does not change shape in correlation to changes in temperature;   a first support structure coupled to only parts of said flexible substrate, wherein said support structure includes bi-layer material that changes shape in correlation to changes in temperature.   
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein said flexible substrate has a front surface and a rear surface. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein said first support structure is coupled only to selected parts of said front surface of said flexible substrate. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12 , further including a second support structure of bi-layer material, wherein said second supports structure is coupled to parts of said rear surface of said flexible substrate. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein said first support structure has a central section and branching sections that extend from said central section. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein at least some of said branching sections vary in size. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein said bi-layer material has at least one low-temperature expansion-coefficient direction, wherein at least some of said branching sections have different low-temperature expansion-coefficient directions. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein said flexible substrate is translucent. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 10 , wherein said first support structure and said flexible support are formed into the shape of a flower petal.