Abstract: A dispenser for displaying and dispensing items of merchandise such as packages of cigarettes includes a foldable inner molding which, when in the folded position, holds a replaceable display sleeve. The inner molding has a center panel with a center divider for dividing the dispenser into left and right sides, and left and right panels are attached to the center panel along left and right fold lines. Each of the left and right panels has a side divider for dividing the respective side of the dispenser into forward and rearward compartments, each of which holds a column of the cigarette packages. Integral with each of the left and right panels are forward and rearward column supports for holding the forward and rearward columns of packages, respectively. The inner molding may be constructed of a sturdy and washable material such as injection molded plastic.

Abstract: A plurality of flexible strips are included in a changeable character display device. Each strip has a series of display portions that are longitudinally arranged on a strip. A guide panel of the device includes respective pairs of apertures arranged laterally in a row. Each respective pair of apertures is associated with a respective one of the flexible strips. Each flexible strip is arranged to have a viewable display portion situated between the individual ones of the associated pair of apertures whereby the respective displayed portions of the plurality of strips form lateral rows. The non-displayed portions of the respective flexible strips extend rearwardly through the associated pair of apertures. A guide channel member includes a laterally-extending channel that receives the non-displayed portions of the flexible strips and clusters them together in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A display device for creating the illusion of a three dimensional image is disclosed. The device includes a generally planar light transmitting surface having both a background image and an intermediate image formed thereon, the foreground image being in focus, the background scene or image being out of focus. A generally planar mirror has a foreground image located thereon and is maintained at an acute angle with respect to the light transmitting surface such that the light transmitting surface may be viewed by looking at the mirror along an axis which is within the acute angle. A light source is provided for projecting light through the light transmitting surface onto the mirror for reflection thereby.

Abstract: A display having mechanically changeable characters and a support for the display are disclosed. The display comprises an array of mechanical flip-flop elements which can each be rotated between two orientations exposing one of two visually different sides. The flip-flop elements are bars secured resiliently by springs to a frame in such a manner that each flip-flop element can be manually pulled away from the frame, rotated to change its orientation, and released to snap back against the frame. The flip-flop elements are arranged in groups of seven, each group having its seven flip-flop elements arranged into two adjacent quadrilaterals of equal size, one flip-flop element being common to both quadrilaterals. Channels are provided on the rear side of the frame to receive the springs. Various lengths for the flip-flop elements are disclosed. The support maintains the display in an elevated position and draws up the display by means of a retractable cable. A securement device holds the display up.