Amusement devices – Illusion or stage device – Illusion caused by mirror
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-30
2004-03-23
Nguyen, Kien T. (Department: 3712)
Amusement devices
Illusion or stage device
Illusion caused by mirror
C040S541000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06709339
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to devices for creating infinity mirror displays, specifically to an infinity mirror display apparatus, and a method for its manufacture, which allows a user to rapidly change out or add to a selection of display objects used with mirrors able to cause an infinity mirror effect. The device comprises a housing having a stationary base member and an easily removable cover which together define an enclosed interior space, at least two mirrors adjacent to the interior space in positions opposed to one another with at least one of the mirrors being partially reflective and providing one source of viewing the infinity display effect, at least one display object being positioned within the interior space between the mirrors, and one or more light sources also positioned within the interior space to provide illumination of the display object or objects. The cover can be partially or totally removed from its closed position against the stationary base member for display object exchange. Also, when additional mirrors are used, pleasing variations in the infinity display effect can be produced and viewed from any direction where the line of sight is directed through one of the partially reflective mirrors. It is also contemplated for the housings in different preferred embodiments to be wall-mounted wherein the infinity mirror effect can be viewed through a hinged or sliding front cover having a single panel and/or the sides of the mounted stationary base member, as well as through a hinged cover having two or more connected panels, or in the alternative for the housing to be table-mounted wherein a full 360° viewing of the infinity mirror effect is possible through a multiple-sided cover. Optionally, a variety of support surfaces and support devices may be employed within the housing for securely positioning a selection of display objects in different locations within the housing. Also, different types of light sources, including multiple light sources, are contemplated for use in illuminating the display objects. Applications may include, but are not limited to, infinity mirror display effect for any collection to which the owner is frequently making additions so that the members of the collection may be easily and readily added thereto, dust-free enhanced display of trophies and awards so that those newly received can be easily placed along side of those earlier received, enhanced display of autographed items such as baseballs so that new acquisitions can be promptly and easily added to those previously secured, and the opportunity for enhanced display of currently favored personal treasures or art objects with the opportunity at any time for their easy and rapid exchange for one or more newly favored treasures or art objects to create a different infinity mirror effect.
2. Description of Prior Art
The infinity mirror effect is a principle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,004 to Hargabus (1988) and various other patents. Through the use of a partially reflective mirror positioned between a viewer and a totally reflective mirror, and when the two mirrors are oriented approximately parallel to one another, illuminated objects placed between the two mirrors and viewed from any direction other than a straight-forward position will be observed to have multiple, spaced-apart reflections extending rearwardly therefrom. Differing effects can be created by placing one of the mirrors at an oblique angle relative to the other, and by adding more partially reflective mirrors. The infinity mirror display effect will be composed of multiple, alternating front and back, spaced-apart reflections extending rearwardly from each display object used with a grouping of mirrors able to create the effect, with each newly repeated image being slightly smaller than one to which it is adjacent. One disadvantage of prior art infinity display devices is that once a three-dimensional display object is placed in its operative position relative to the mirrors, it is not easily exchanged for another. This limits the use of prior art devices for display of collections of favored objects to which new additions are periodically being made. Also limited is the ease in which new visual effects can be created by the exchange of a previous collection of objects for one or more new objects. The present invention provides several alternative embodiments for creating an infinity mirror display apparatus that can be effectively used for the display of multiple three-dimensional objects, and then permit the nearly instantaneous exchange or addition of displayed objects, even those requiring a suspended means of support for best viewing.
The prior art device thought to be the closest in concept to the present invention is the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,056,396 to Gorrie (1934) for an advertising display sign having multiple images. However, there are important differences between the Gorrie invention and the present invention. The Gorrie invention discloses an opaque box lined with reflective material that is closed on all sides but one. A rectangular frame having two mirrors covers the open side of the box. The frame is detachably connected to the box, with the disclosure suggesting the use of four rotatable eyelets for such closure, each eyelet being used to secure a flange on the box to the frame in one of its four corners. Each eyelet is secured from the rear surfaces of the box and the frame, where it is remains hidden from a person viewing the infinity display effect through the mirrors supported by the frame. Further, the infinity display effect in the Gorrie invention is produced by portions of the coating on the non-transparent mirror being removed, such as by an etching process. Also, in one embodiment of the Gorrie invention, the etched mirror is removable from the frame, without opening the frame, so that the advertising message can be altered. To reach the chamber of the Gorrie invention, such as to exchange a failed light source, one would have to remove the Gorrie sign from its mounted position, turn it around to gain access to its back surface, rotate each of the four eyelets until each was released from the box flange and frame, and then either lift the box rearwardly away from the frame, or simultaneously turn the box and frame around so that the person attempting to gain access to the chamber is facing the frame and then pull the frame away from the box. Any loose, free-standing objects located within the Gorrie chamber would need to be secured in their usable position or they would be easily displaced during the steps disclosed for opening the Gorrie chamber, and be at a risk for breakage, and/or breakage of the mirrored surfaces supported by the frame. In contrast, the present invention does not require a chamber lined with reflective material, a frame holding an etched reflecting mirror at a spaced-apart distance behind a surface having translucent material, or a light source positioned within the reflective chamber and behind the rear surface of an etched reflecting mirror. Instead, the present invention comprises a housing having a stationary base member and a readily removable cover together defining an enclosed interior spaced into which three-dimensional display objects can be rapidly and easily inserted and removed, with the cover comprising at least one partially reflective mirror through which the display objects can be viewed; at least one display object; at least one light source positioned within the interior space defined by the combined housing and cover to provide illumination for display objects; electrical connection means between the light source and a power supply; and at least one additional partially reflective or fully reflective mirror positioned behind the display objects remote from a viewer, within or adjacent to the interior space defined by the combined stationary base member and cover, and having its reflective surface facing the interior of the housing. A permanently fixed display support can optionally be plac
Morse Dorothy S.
Nguyen Kien T.
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