Lenticular Lens Patents (Class 40/454)
  • Patent number: 11915617
    Abstract: This display medium is formed of a sheet member that transmits light, is provided with a point group formed of one or more points, and includes a plurality of layers which at least partially overlap. The display medium displays a plurality of contents respectively corresponding to a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, on the basis of respective parts where each of light emitted in the first direction D1 and light emitted in the second direction D2 passes through each of the plurality of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: DWANGO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaisei Sakurai
  • Patent number: 11888289
    Abstract: One embodiment may provide a light source module including: a light source part including at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser, which is configured to transfer light through N (N being a natural number equal to or greater than 1) apertures; at least one collimator lens through which light emitted from the light source part passes; and a driving device configured to make the collimator lens move, wherein the at least one vertical cavity surface-emitting laser comprises divided regions, and an intensity of a beam is controlled according to a predetermined far-distance mode or near-distance mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Namuga, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Youb Lee, Young Gyu Kang, Jeong Hwa Seo
  • Patent number: 10977965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an advertising system and method of using the same. The advertising system includes a light source which may be activated by near field communication devices in order to extract information from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, LLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Forster, David Welch, Haochuan Wang, Sriram Venkatasanthanam, Steven R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10651879
    Abstract: A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains a conductive housing and other conductive elements. Transceiver circuitry, such as radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry configured to transmit and receive RF signals, may be connected to the resonating elements by transmission lines such as coaxial cables. The electronic device may have an integrated touch screen display in which a user can control the device by interacting directly with the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Michael Hobson, Erik L. Wang, Kenneth A. Jenks, Robert J. Hill, Robert W. Schlub, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Tang Yew Tan, Adam D. Mittleman, Bartley K. Andre, Daniel J. Coster, Daniele de Iuliis, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Steven P. Jobs, Duncan Robert Kerr, Shin Nishibori, Matthew Dean Rohrbach, Douglas B. Satzger, Calvin Q. Seid, Christopher J. Stringer, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico L. Zörkendörfer
  • Patent number: 9607510
    Abstract: A sign (100) displays moving, still, or blank images (130). In one aspect the sign is mounted over a roadways for viewing by occupants of vehicular traffic (105) and pedestrians. In another aspect the sign is mounted on a vehicle. An associated sensor (125, 220, 221, 222) senses the motion of traffic in the vicinity of the sign. When traffic moves at less than a predetermined speed, the sign displays moving or changing information. At greater speeds the display on the sign is either still or blank, so as to avoid distracting nearby drivers. An electronic system (135) provides various aspects that augment sign operation such as GPS, reception of signage information for use in particular locations, advertiser billing information based on sign usage, and collection and reporting of demographics that aid advertisers in maximizing their impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DeLorean, LLC
    Inventor: Jack Z. DeLorean
  • Patent number: 9510515
    Abstract: The invention provides improved compositions and methods for growing and cultivating plants, wherein the compositions and methods comprise placing phase change materials (PCMs) close to, in contact with, or substantially in contact with, a plant root system, a plant pot or a plant soil (containing plant roots) to absorb the heat from the day and release it at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EntropySolutions LLC
    Inventor: William Rusty Sutterlin
  • Patent number: 8659831
    Abstract: An optical system comprising a circular image strip comprising an inner image strip, an outer image strip, and an effective zone, and a circular lenticule configured to direct light reflected from the inner image strip to a first eye of a viewer and to direct light reflected from the outer image strip to a second eye of a viewer when the viewer views an effective zone of the circular image strip is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Youngshik Yoon
  • Patent number: 8605359
    Abstract: A multi-ply mount (frame member) for displaying an image in a lenticular environment includes a lenticular sheet having lenticules. The lenticular sheet has a clear coating deposited on a portion of the front surface thereof. The clear coating at least substantially fills the valleys of the lenticules within the portion to form a filled region that defines a windowed region. A reverse-mounted image, such as a photograph, is disposed along and faces the back surface and is in registration with the windowed region resulting in the reverse-mounted image being viewable through the clear coating without lenticular distortion. A multi-layer backing structure seals the reverse-mounted image within the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventor: Steven Spiro
  • Patent number: 8474164
    Abstract: A checkout divider having an optically variable effect. The divider includes a sleeve including optically variable material that is disposed upon a face of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed to take on a three-dimensional structure. The divider includes a pair of end caps that are configured to fixedly receive each end of the sleeve. The divider also includes a curved bearing surface associated with the end caps. The curved bearing surface is disposable such that upon disturbance of an equilibrium of the checkout divider, the optically variable material exhibits a change in aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Spiro
  • Patent number: 8439402
    Abstract: An optical structure comprising first and second opposite outside faces, at least a first interface comprising a first screen of microreliefs and arranged in such a manner that travel through the first interface from the first outside face towards the second outside face, passes from a first medium having a first refractive index to a second medium having a second refractive index that is greater than the first, and at least one second interface comprising a second screen of microreliefs and arranged in such a manner that travel through the second interface from the first outside face towards the second outside face, passes from a third medium having a third refractive index to a fourth medium having a fourth refractive index less than the third.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignees: Arjowiggins, Arjowiggins Security
    Inventors: Michel Camus, Henri Rosset
  • Publication number: 20120291321
    Abstract: A checkout divider having an optically variable effect. The divider includes a sleeve including optically variable material that is disposed upon a face of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed to take on a three-dimensional structure. The divider includes a pair of end caps that are configured to fixedly receive each end of the sleeve. The divider also includes a curved bearing surface associated with the end caps. The curved bearing surface is disposable such that upon disturbance of an equilibrium of the checkout divider, the optically variable material exhibits a change in aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventor: Steven M. Spiro
  • Patent number: 8284491
    Abstract: A multi-ply mount (frame member) for displaying an image in a lenticular environment includes a lenticular sheet having lenticules. The lenticular sheet has a clear coating deposited on a portion of the front surface thereof. The clear coating at least substantially fills the valleys of the lenticules within the portion to form a filled region that defines a windowed region. A reverse-mounted image, such as a photograph, is disposed along and faces the back surface and is in registration with the windowed region resulting in the reverse-mounted image being viewable through the clear coating without lenticular distortion. A multi-layer backing structure seals the reverse-mounted image within the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tracer Imaging LLC
    Inventor: Steven Spiro
  • Patent number: 8205367
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of mounting devices for audio and visual components, and more specifically to an apparatus for displaying associative images and maximizing their cognitive effect on a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Nancy Markos
  • Publication number: 20120023791
    Abstract: A bed 20 has an indicator 80 associated therewith. The indicator has a first visually perceivable state and a second visually perceivable state differing from the first state in response to a change in a direction a of observation. Collectively, the states inform an observer of a feature or capability of the bed. The indicator may be in W the form of a label 82 associable with the bed and having the first and second visually perceivable states for collectively indicating the capability or feature of the bed. In general, the indicator is associated with an article to convey information about the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20120018390
    Abstract: A lenticular tag display system and a lenticular tag are provided. The tag display system includes a display structure having an axis of rotation and a set of the lenticular tags, removably connected to the display structure. Each tag in the set of lenticular tags has a first lenticular image selected by a name program and a second lenticular image that is a souvenir image. Each tag is oriented relative to the display structure such that an axis of lenticulation of the lenticular tag is parallel to the axis of rotation of the display structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: HEARTWOOD CREATION INC.
    Inventors: Paul McKee, Warren Slabaugh
  • Patent number: 7971377
    Abstract: A lenticular image display is provided for showing two or more changing images and/or three-dimensional (3D) motion effects, including a lenticular panel having an array of linear lenses, at least one image carrier bearing interlaced images disposed behind the lenticular panel in close contact with it, means for angularly aligning the lenses of the lenticular panel and the interlaced images of the image carrier, drive means for producing movement of the image carrier relative to the lenticular panel, a support disposed behind the image carrier, and partially compressed rings or other arcuate elastic elements disposed between the image carrier and the support, urging the image carrier in close contact with the lenticular panel, the arcuate elastic elements also being able to roll against the image carrier so as to facilitate the movement of the image carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Qun Zheng
  • Patent number: 7950805
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying images to viewers in motion are provided. According to some embodiments, an image display system generally comprises an image source and a lensboard. The image source can be configured to present one or more images outwardly from the image source. The lensboard can comprise at least one curved lens. The curved lens can have a generally curved cross section and a focal distance. The curved lens may also be a cylinder. The lensboard can be spaced apart from the image source at a distance less than the focal distance. A method to display images that appear animated to a viewer in motion relative to the can generally comprise providing an image source configured to direct one or more images outwardly from said image source, and providing a lensboard having a focal distance spaced apart from the image source at a distance less than the focal distance. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Submedia LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Spodek, John Butziger
  • Patent number: 7895780
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a substrate, a striped pattern and a lenticular sheet. The substrate has a flat surface to which the striped pattern is applied. The lenticular sheet is arranged to be parallelly movable with respect to the striped pattern which is on the flat surface of the substrate. The lenticular sheet has a front surface including a plurality of lenticules oriented along an axial direction and a back surface facing and spaced apart from the striped pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Carson Kar-Sein Lee
  • Patent number: 7866073
    Abstract: A plastic container with the sidewall thereof including a label panel and a label adhered to the label panel. The label includes micro-optics as at least part of the label to create an image of depth in the micro-optic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Dunlap, William A. Slat
  • Patent number: 7794108
    Abstract: A billboard (10) includes a substrate (11), a lens array (12) and at least one light source (13). A plurality of pattern units are provided at a first side of the substrate. Each of the pattern units includes a plurality of pattern cells for being selectively combined to form at least one independent image. The lens array corresponding to the pattern units is arranged on one surface of the substrate at the first side thereof. The lens array includes a plurality of lenses arranged in rows and columns. The lens array is configured for displaying the at least one independent image. At least one light source is disposed facing to the other surface of the substrate configured for emitting light rays towards the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 7788834
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wearable article such as clothing, backpacks, hats, and the like that include a backlit lenticular lens display that emits light to allow animation and special effects. The array of interlaced images can be printed directly onto the electroluminescent panel, onto a removable support sheet, or onto the back surface of the lenticular. The electroluminescent panel is laminated to form a flange portion that is radio frequency welded to bond the lenticular display device to an article that is impregnated with a bonding material. A backing material having a fabric layer and a water impenetrable layer can be affixed to the assembly such that the fabric layer contacts the skin. Alternatively, the article may have a surface a display compartment or envelope with a transparent outer surface for enclosing the electroluminescent layer, a removable image sheet, and a lenticular lens layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen R. Welch
  • Publication number: 20100079871
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to reflective surfaces. In one embodiment, a reflective surface comprises a substrate and multiple light-reflecting features disposed on the substrate. One or more images reflected from the multiple features can be produced by selectively covering at least portions of select features with a light absorbing material. Each image can be separately viewed by varying an observer's point of observation or each image can be viewed from a fixed observation point by varying the direction incident light impinges the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas G. Malzbender
  • Patent number: 7578083
    Abstract: Apparatus for visualizing images, comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a window of transparent material with multiple lens effect arranged in a wall of the housing for making visible an image to be placed there behind; (c) moving means arranged in the housing for moving reciprocally a holder arranged behind the lenses of the window for holding a card-like medium with two or more images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Tele Merchandising International B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Willem Johannes Luinstra
  • Publication number: 20090193698
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a double sided frameless dynamic lenticular display is created by joining two spaced out lenticular panels; an indicia carrier, printed on both sides, installed in between them, while spacing means for maintaining the indicia carrier and the lenticular panels in juxtaposed position are spread over the area of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, one of said lenticular panels is replaced by a simple panel and the indicia carrier is printed on the front side only so as to create a one sided display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Itzhak Bar Yona
  • Publication number: 20090151737
    Abstract: A focus card evokes a neurological response in a user to dampen the user's response to a negative stimulus. A focus card has a first face comprising visual graphics such as lenticular graphics, and a second face comprising indicia pertaining to the visual graphics. Indicia are configured for a target population, and can include novel questions, tasks or directions. A parent or other untrained individual can direct a patient as indicated by the indicia. A single focus card can have indicia for several target populations. A focus card can be used in combination with an analgesia means to further reduce a patient's pain response. By focusing the patient's attention with a focus card, behavior of the patient's anterior cingulate gyrus can be modified to reduce the patient's response to a pain-causing stimulus. It can also be used to reduce agitation, anxiety or distress outside of a medical environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Amy Lynn BAXTER
  • Publication number: 20090056182
    Abstract: An billboard (10) includes a substrate (11), a lens array (12) and at least one light source (13). The substrate has two opposite surfaces. A plurality of pattern units formed on one surface of the substrate or formed in the substrate. Each pattern unit includes a plurality of pattern cells for being selectively combined to form at least one independent image. The lens array corresponding to the pattern units is arranged on one surface of the substrate. The lens array is configured for displaying the at least one independent image. The lens array includes a plurality of cylindrical stripe-like lenses. The cylindrical stripe-like lenses substantially extend parallel to each other. At least one light source disposed facing to the other surface of the substrate configured for emitting light rays towards the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: CHAO-YU HUNG, CHIH-MING LAI
  • Publication number: 20090056181
    Abstract: A lenticular image display device [10] for displaying a sequence of lenticular images comprises a receiver [20] for holding a lenticular picture [60] securely. The lenticular picture [60] has a series of images [55, 65, 75] designed to be viewed from various viewing angles over an optimum tilt arc ‘a’ and at an optimum rocking frequency ‘f’ which substantially matches the optimum tilt arc and viewing frequency of the lenticular image. The display [10] is designed to rock about a single axis of rotation. A weighting system [90] has an adjustable weight [91] positioned to allow rocking of the display device [10] at the optimum rocking frequency ‘f’, to allow the lenticular images [55, 65, 75] to be viewed clearly without blurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: David Meyer, Michael Waskovich
  • Patent number: 7480100
    Abstract: A lenticular device for displaying interlaced images. The device includes an interlaced image and a lens array. The lens sets each have two or more adjacent lenticules and are paired mapped to sets of the image elements such that two or more lenses are used to visually display a set of image elements rather than a single lenticule. The number of lenses is a non-integral multiple of the number of image elements in the image set such that the rays exiting from the lens sets are at unique viewing angles associated with each of the image elements. The image sets include interlaces from sequential images, and the interlaces are provided in the interlaced image so as to have an order that differs from the sequential ordering of the images to provide a sequential output of the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Genie Lens Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange
  • Publication number: 20080271351
    Abstract: A lenticular license plate including a lenticular lens that has a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of lenses affixed to the first surface of the lenticular lens, a lenticular image printed on a film, and the film is affixed to the second surface of the lenticular lens. The lenticular image may include at least two interlaced images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jay Crawford
  • Patent number: 7414790
    Abstract: An assembly for displaying an interlaced image. The assembly includes an interlaced image, which may be digitally or web printed for example, with sets of elongate image elements or slices. A lens arrays is provided with a first side proximate the interlaced image such as a planar surface and a second side distal the image with numerous lens sets. Each of the lens sets is paired with one of the sets of the image elements and includes a number of linear or elongate lenses that are each mapped to one to three image elements. The lenses are each configured to focus light from the subset of image elements to a viewer along a focus direction or line. The lenses are configured to provide a lens-specific viewing angle with a focus line, and the focus line to the paired image element subset differs from other lenses or is unique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Genie Lens Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange
  • Patent number: 7383651
    Abstract: A motion displaying photo frame includes a frame with a rear plate, an insertion groove, a lenticluar raster, a photo paper and a driving unit having an eccentric wheel. An opening or notch is provided on the lower portion of the raster. The raster can be mounted in the frame through the insertion grooves and can be moved up and downward or left and rightward. The photo paper can be inserted into the frame through inserting grooves and located between the raster and the rear plate. The eccentric wheel can be inserted into the opening or notch of the raster which can be moved up and downward or left and rightward through the actuation of the driving unit. The fine details of each of two or more constituent images can be viewed with clarity as compared with a conventional photo paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Lightbox Effects Limited
    Inventor: Tommy Wai Ming Chan
  • Patent number: 7359120
    Abstract: An assembly for fabricating a device for displaying an interlaced image. The method includes providing a film of transparent material and creating a lens array in the film by forming parallel lens sets on a first side of the film, and then bonding an interlaced image including sets of elongate image elements to a second side of the film. Each of the lens sets is configured with lenses for focusing light from one of the image elements in a particular paired set of image elements rather than all the elements as with lenticular material. The bonding of the interlaced image to the film may include printing the interlaced image directly onto the second side with the printing facilitated by the small lens array thickness. Lens array creating includes embossing the lens sets into the film with a flat die or cylinder/roller engraved with a reverse image of the lens array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Genie Lens Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange
  • Patent number: 7350942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display apparatus, particularly to structure of LED display modules. The invention could be implemented through a LED matrix display module with high luminance area ratio comprising an injection molding unit and a printing board fitted therewith, wherein, LEDs are regularly arranged in a matrix on said printing board, and each pixel dot is correspondingly provided with a reflecting cavity on said molding unit, with the reflecting cavity expanding gradually from the inside section (close to the display surface). The circumference of the inside section of the reflecting cavity forms a closed and smooth circular curve. The invention is characterized in that, the circumference of the outside section of the reflecting cavity forms a closed and smooth curve which is a square with round corners, and the side face of the reflecting cavity is a smooth and cured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Shanghai Sansi Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bishou Chen, Yinghua Wang, Peng Wang, Xiaoliang He
  • Patent number: 7316085
    Abstract: A self-standing display device for providing a viewer with a printed image which can be easily removed from any print medium such as a magazine or book, simply folded and placed on self-standing long term display. The self-standing display may have support panels with a straight or flat base in which case it forms a stationery display or it may have side support panels with a curved bottom edge in which case it forms a display which can be rocked back and forth to enhance the display of animated or other specialized images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Stewart Freeman
  • Patent number: 7312926
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a lenticular image comprising a lenticular image sheet and a lenticular lens sheet. The apparatus comprising a housing adapted to receive the lenticular image sheet and lenticular lens sheet so as to allow relative sliding movement between the two in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of lenses on the lens sheet. The housing includes means for retaining the lenticular image sheet in a fixed position relative to the housing, and means for actuating the lenticular lens sheet in said direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Marketing Works International Limited
    Inventor: Robert J Hunt
  • Patent number: 7308768
    Abstract: An exhibit including a non-planar outer piece formed from a plurality of substantially flat lenticular panels. The outer piece defines an interior and is configured to display an external view of the interior through the plurality of substantially flat lenticular panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike L. Rice, April E. Jackson, James J. Marson
  • Patent number: 7307790
    Abstract: An assembly for displaying an interlaced image. The assembly includes an interlaced image, which may be digitally or web printed for example, with sets of elongate image elements or slices A lens arrays is provided with a first side proximate the interlaced image such as a planar surface and a second side distal the image with numerous lens sets. Each of the lens sets is paired with one of the sets of the image elements and includes a number of linear or elongate lenses that are each mapped to one to three image elements. The lenses are each configured to focus light from the subset of image elements to a viewer along a focus direction or line. The lenses are configured to provide a lens-specific viewing angle with a focus line, and the focus line to the paired image element subset differs from other lenses or is unique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Genie Lens Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Raymond, Howard G. Lange
  • Patent number: 7302767
    Abstract: A water flow simulation system for audio and visual illusion has an inner conduit and an outer conduit spaced apart to define a flow channel therebetween. A blower directs a flow of air through the inner conduit from one end to an opposite end where at least some of the air exits and is redirected through the flow channel and back to the blower. The conduits are formed of clear plastic and a light source is positioned to light up a plurality of objects floating in the airflow to produce a visual effect of moving water. A sound source operates concurrently with the blower to produce a sound reminiscent of rippling water. The light source can change colors and strobe to enhance the visible image. A lenticular lens on an inner surface of the outer conduit also enhances the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: David C. McKnight
  • Patent number: 7263791
    Abstract: A multi-image display device. Some embodiments include an alignment mechanism for correcting misalignments of an indicia, an image selector and a motion train, which form parts of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: R.E.D. Revital Entrepreneurship & Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Yossi Shimon Dana, Avner Madar
  • Patent number: 7234257
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lenticular display unit for advertising, information, or decoration. The unit comprises means for maintaining the required spatial relationship between the indicia carrier, on which the information to be displayed is contained, and the lenticular panel containing the lenses used to display the information. In some embodiments, the unit employs spring means for maintaining the required spatial relationship, which is maintaining the required distance between the indicia carrier on which the information to be displayed is contained, and the lenticular panel containing the lenses used to display the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Nutshell Ltd.
    Inventor: Itzchak Bar-Yona
  • Patent number: 7210257
    Abstract: The claimed invention provides a self-actuating lenticular display assembly that places the lenticular image in intimate contact with the lenticular lens while maintaining the lenticular image separate from the lenticular lens to form the lenticular display. The lenticular display assembly further comprises a rigid back plate placed behind the lenticular display so that the lenticular image moves in a parallel plane between the lenticular lens and the rigid back plate, a motor that accomplishes movement of the lenticular image in relation to the lenticular lens, alignment mechanisms that allow the lenticular image to be incrementally adjusted in relation to the lenticular lens, and different means for maintaining intimacy between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens, thus eliminating undesirable “soft spots” that may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: William R. McKinley
  • Patent number: 7080473
    Abstract: A method for creating realistic synchronization of a sound sample including speech to the motion of a lenticular image is disclosed, together with a device for achieving such synchronization. The device includes a lenticular image consisting of a number of different individual images spliced together and printed on a substrate which can be moved relative to a lenticular screen to give the appearance of animation that the lenticular image. The sound sample is ideally stored in the memory of a sound chip and the synchronization is achieved using a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Virtual Video UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Kay
  • Patent number: 7058581
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a product distribution and return system which includes a return mailer dispensed with a product from a vending machine. The product is returnable in the return mailer to a return center in another location. In another embodiment, a method of doing business is provided. In another embodiment, a method of renting products is disclosed. The method comprises consumer activity, wherein the consumer activity includes a vending machine transaction and a product return step. The method further comprises provider activity, wherein the provider activity includes return center activity and service agent activity. In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing products is disclosed comprising means for selecting a particular product, means for depositing the particular product together with a return mailer to a customer, and means for identifying the particular product and a rental date in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ward Kraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Young
  • Patent number: 7001654
    Abstract: A continuous lenticular label construction including a lenticular assemblies joined with a continuous web so that the lenticules of the assemblies are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the web. A method of manufacture includes: advancing a continuous web of label stock and securing the lenticular assemblies to the continuous web with that lenticules of the lenticular assemblies oriented perpendicular to the length of the continuous web. Optionally, the continuous web defines or includes a window through which the lenticular assemblies are viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: CCL Label, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy S. Kiraly, Donald P. Klein, Brian J. Baumgart
  • Patent number: 6865834
    Abstract: A display apparatus has a lens sheet with a plurality of unit columnar lenses arranged so as to be parallel to one another, and is disposed on the observation side of a display panel, spaced therefrom by a layer of air. The direction of the ridge lines of the unit columnar lenses of the lens sheet, seen from the observation side, are non-parallel to the direction of an edge of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kumpei Oda, Humihiro Arakawa, Keiji Kashima
  • Patent number: 6843009
    Abstract: A picture book, folding card, or card-case, and modifications for larger displays, all of which show film-like animation, as well as other types of lenticular images, and all of which include embodiments allowing interchangeable images, as well as accommodating standard computer-printer print-outs, which have been made with accompanying software. In each case, a mechanical advantage is provided to effect relative motion between image and overlaying lenticular screen. The images can also be three-dimensional, or any one of many other, well-known lenticular image-types. Various methods of achieving mechanical advantage, and translation of motion-direction and type are shown, as well as different materials, and manufacturing techniques. Such a family of devices can be used as greeting, or novelty cards, educational or informational books, advertising premiums and displays, and can be wall mounted and/or motor-driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel B. Kainen
  • Publication number: 20040165217
    Abstract: A method for generating printed images of a graphic pattern of a movie picture to be displayed for moving observers using a long display panel composed of the graphic pattern and a plate made up of a plurality of cylinder converging lenses arranged parallel to each other with a common focal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Enrique Vial, Miguel Lagos
  • Publication number: 20040139635
    Abstract: The claimed invention provides a self-actuating lenticular display assembly that places the lenticular image in intimate contact with the lenticular lens while maintaining the lenticular image separate from the lenticular lens to form the lenticular display. The lenticular display assembly further comprises a rigid back plate placed behind the lenticular display so that the lenticular image moves in a parallel plane between the lenticular lens and the rigid back plate, a motor that accomplishes movement of the lenticular image in relation to the lenticular lens, alignment mechanisms that allow the lenticular image to be incrementally adjusted in relation to the lenticular lens, and different means for maintaining intimacy between the lenticular image and the lenticular lens, thus eliminating undesirable “soft spots” that may occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: William R. McKinley
  • Patent number: 6748684
    Abstract: The invention provides a display unit for displaying two or more consecutively changing images, the unit including a curved lenticular panel having front and rear faces; a displaceable, lightweight, image-carrying film spread out along the rear face; an electric drive coupled to the film for periodically displacing the film across the lenses of the panel, and guide means facilitating the smooth reciprocating movement of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: M. V. T. Multi Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Itzchak Bar-Yona
  • Publication number: 20040074121
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lenticular display unit for advertising, information, or decoration. The unit comprises means for maintaining the required spatial relationship between the indicia carrier, on which the information to be displayed is contained, and the lenticular panel containing the lenses used to display the information. In some embodiments, the unit employs spring means for maintaining the required spatial relationship, which is maintaining the required distance between the indicia carrier on which the information to be displayed is contained, and the lenticular panel containing the lenses used to display the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Itzchak Bar-Yona