Illumination – With showcase or show window
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-08
2001-02-20
Husar, Stephen (Department: 2875)
Illumination
With showcase or show window
C362S101000, C362S154000, C119S258000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190019
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to display devices and more particularly, to an apparatus for creating an illusory visual effect such as increased depth in such devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Animals, such as pets and zoo specimens, have long been maintained and displayed in containers such as aquariums and terrariums, comprising at least one transparent panel which permits viewing of the animals inside by persons outside of the container. Similarly, inanimate objects, such as store merchandise, museum artifacts and the hands of a clock have been displayed in cases having one or more transparent panels to permit viewing and to protect the objects.
Economy of space often requires that containers such as these be quite limited in size. The small size often results in the objects displayed in the container appearing somewhat crowded together. Furthermore, any environmental or ornamental additions made to the container, to increase the attractiveness of the display or otherwise, only serves to further crowd the objects being displayed. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus for conveying an impression of increased size or depth of the container without modification to the actual dimensions of the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for creating an illusion of increased depth in articles having a visual display aspect thereto.
In one aspect, the invention provides a container for displaying a specimen comprising a substantially transparent panel having a first surface and a second surface; a substantially reflective surface opposing and spaced apart from said first surface of said panel; a pattern applied to said panel whereby said pattern is substantially invisible through said second surface but visible as a reflection in said reflective surface.
In a second aspect, the invention provides a container for displaying merchandise comprising a substantially transparent panel having a first surface and a second surface; a substantially reflective surface opposing and spaced apart from said first surface of said panel; a pattern applied to said panel whereby said pattern is substantially invisible through said second surface but visible as a reflection in said reflective surface.
In a third aspect, the invention provides a time piece comprising a substantially transparent panel having first and second surfaces, a substantially reflective surface opposing and spaced apart from said first surface of said panel time keeping means disposed in said time piece for keeping time, time display means connected to said time keeping means for displaying said time, said time display means interposed between said panel and said reflective surface; and a pattern applied to said panel whereby said pattern is substantially invisible through said second surface but visible as a reflection in said reflective surface.
In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a display device for displaying a graphic comprising a substantially transparent panel having a first surface and a second surface, a substantially reflective surface opposing and spaced apart from said first surface of said panel; a pattern applied to said panel whereby said pattern is substantially invisible through said second surface but visible as a reflection in said reflective surface.
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Dimplex North America Limited
Husar Stephen
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