Abstract: Drink containers with a variety of shapes are disclosed. Each drink container has a shell and an image-carrying sheet molded into the shell. In some embodiments, the image-carrying sheet is a sheet of lenticular lens material. A method of manufacturing the various illustrative drink containers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes and a lenticular lens having a plurality of spaced apart ridges for stretching light emitted by the plurality of light emitting diodes. The light apparatus may include a controller for activating and deactivating the light emitting diodes in a sequence and the controller may include a user interface for programming the sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying still images to viewers in motion relative to those images, such as passengers on a subway train, includes a plurality of images mounted on a surface, and a slitboard mounted between that surface and the viewer. As the viewers pass by, the slitboard acts like a shutter, creating an animation effect. In addition, there is a stretching or widening effect that enlarges the images, allowing images to be “preshrunk,” thereby allowing a large number of images in a small space, increasing the available frame rate of the animation. The stretching effect depends on the distance between the image surface and the slitboard.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine having a front door with at least one opening. A translucent image carrier bears two or more images cut into information strips and arranged on the image carrier by an intercalation process. The image carrier is mounted behind an array of cylindrical lenses. At least one light source is disposed behind the image carrier. A relative, linearly reciprocating movement is produced between the array of lenses and the image carrier in a direction perpendicular to an axial extent of the lenses. In the course of the relative movement, the array of cylindrical lenses provides, in succession enlarged views of the images borne by the image carrier, thereby producing an animated effect.

Abstract: An article having an lenticular image formed thereon and a sound generating mechanism associated therewith for generating a sound message, the sound message being coordinated with respect to movement of the article. A mechanism for moving the lenticular image along a predetermined path may also be provided and for coordinating the sound message with the movement of the lenticular image. Different sound segments may be activated with respect to the line-of-sight or distance of the observer with respect to the lenticular image.

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.

Abstract: A lenticular device with integral shuttering method for displaying an image, a series of which form an animated display when an observer is moving in parallel relative to the device is presented. The shuttering method includes means of displaying an image whereby this image is only viewable by the observer when the observer is positioned on the vertical plane perpendicular to the center of the device. Once the observer moves off this plane by a small fixed angle, the device image is invisible. This method can be employed for placing many devices on the walls of a subway tunnel which will result in an animated image visible to passengers of a subway car moving through the subway tunnel. These images can be illuminated by light from the windows of the subway car or can have their own illumination. The method can be employed on the walls of pedestrian walkways or sidewalks whereby the walking observer will see an animated image.

Abstract: An indicia carrier film suitable for producing consecutively changing images in harmonious fashion. The indicia carrier includes a display unit housing provided with at least one panel formed from an array of linear lenses, a displaceable indicia carrier film which is disposed within the housing at a distance from the rear face of the lenticular panel equaling the focal length of the lenses, and a drive means for periodically displacing the indicia carrier relative to the lenses. The ratio of film weight to surface area is greater than 1:100 gm/cm2. The total weight of the film is not greater than 10 gm for an indicia carrier of approximate A4 dimensions (17×29.5 cm). The modulus of elasticity is of at least 600 Mpa.

Abstract: A lenticular image product includes an integral bendable lenticular lens sheet formed into a six-sided cube. The lenticular lens sheet has a lenticular lens facing outwardly of the cube, and at least two contiguous sides of the cube have lenticular images viewable through the lenticular lens which display a motion or animation sequence extending from one side to the contiguous side when the cube is rotated about on axis of rotation, the lenticular lens extending parallel to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter that includes a lenticular optical indicia display for displaying two or more images on the outside surface of the cigarette lighter body or portions thereof while including an improved non-slip grip.

Abstract: According to a feature of the present invention, there is provided a lenticular image product comprising: a lenticular lens element having an array of lenticules; and a lenticular image associated with said lenticular lens element said lenticular image including at least first and second adjacent flip images of different content having a transition region between said first and second images to minimize ghosting.

Abstract: A closure and lenticular lens assembly that has a retaining member with a bend and a substantially horizontal, circular rim portion is disclosed. The rim portion extends annularly inward from the bend to secure the lens to a top surface of the closure. A method for forming the closure and lens assembly is also disclosed that includes placing a lenticular lens into the closure top and curling the retaining member radially inward over an edge of the lenticular lens.

Abstract: A two-dimensional display having a three-dimensional visual appearance has printed on a substantially flat or planar surface a predetermined message or information. Superposed over the message is a lenticular lens. Adjacent to the message are a series of spaced apart lines which may either be coplanar or non-coplanar relative to the message. The spaced apart lines are arranged so that they are in a non-registration relationship with the spacing of individual lenticules forming the lenticular lens. The display produces an appearance of having the lines float or move as a viewer's focal angle or perspective of the display changes. A method for making such a display is also provided.

Abstract: A lenticular image product comprising an integral bendable lenticular lens sheet formed into a six-sided cube, said lenticular lens sheet having lenticular lens facing outwardly of said cube, two or more of said sides of said cube having lenticular images viewable through said lenticular lens which display different lenticular effects including two or more of the following; morphing, flip, zooming, motion, animation, depth when said cube is rotated about on axis of rotation, said lenticular lens extending parallel to said axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method of making a lenticular image product comprising: providing a plurality of frames oriented for viewing in a pre-selected direction; rotating each of said frames to a pre-selected angle relative to said pre-selected direction; digitizing each of said frames to create image elements parallel to said pre-selected direction generating a digital lenticular image by multiplexing said image elements of each of said frames; producing a viewable lenticular image from said digital lenticular image by scanning said multiplexed image elements on a recording element; associating said viewable lenticular image or a representation thereof with a lenticular lens element having an array of lenticules with parallel lenticule axis, said image elements being parallel with said lenticular axis; and creating a viewable lenticular image product by rotating said lenticular lens element so that said lenticule axis are at said preselected angle and said lenticular image is oriented in said preselected direction.

Abstract: A lenticular image product comprising: a lenticular material having an array of lenticules with cylindrical lenses; and a lenticular image associated with the lenticular material, the lenticular image having an original image having a wide angle view and at least one final image having a narrow angle view created from the original image, such that tilting of the lenticular image product produces a zoom effect between the original and final images.

Abstract: A device for displaying multiple images in an animation-like manner is provided. The device includes an outer shell having a pair of opposed transparent lenticular surfaces and a pair of opposed side walls extending between opposed outer edges of the lenticular surfaces thereby forming a hollow rectangular cavity. The device also includes a generally rectangular slide insertable through an opening in the first end of the cavity. Interleaved images are positioned on the opposed faces of the slide. The device further includes a part for reciprocating the slide in the cavity thereby altering the appearance of the displayed image. The reciprocating part includes a detent slot formed in an interior region of each of the side walls of the outer shell and a corresponding pair of spring bar mounted detent tabs for engaging the detent slots. A spring bar is positioned generally parallel to the second end of the slide and dihedral spring leaves are positioned in a center of the spring bar.

Abstract: The screen proposed makes it possible, without spectacles, to view thousands of successive still or animated images, in three dimensions, using a screen that has no moving parts, is of simple design, and economic to manufacture. Applications of the present invention relate mainly to fixed displays for viewing by spectators who move relative to the screen, displays on moving surfaces for viewing by stationary spectators, electronic image displays, creating games and toys, etc.

Abstract: A visual display device for providing a continuous, non-reversing animated sequence of displayed images to an observer with a separation member; a plurality of interposed coded images fixed to a first surface of the separation member to form an image member; a plurality of shutter elements fixed to the second surface of the separation member, and a plurality of viewing elements interposed between the plurality of shutter elements to form a shutter member. The coded images, the plurality of shutter elements, and the plurality of viewing elements can share a common orientation and a given pitch. The image member may be transparent except for the plurality of coded images. A strand of flexible material may be provided for suspending the visual display device for continuous rotation.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic vending machine having a front door, including at least one window-like opening in the front door; a panel consisting of an array of cylindrical lenses located and fixedly mounted in the window-like opening; a translucent image carrier bearing a computer-processed image of at least one object to be shown in dynamic display, the image carrier being mounted behind the array of lenses; at least one light source disposed behind the image-carrying panel, and means for producing a relative, linearly reciprocating movement between the array of lenses and the image carrier in a direction perpendicular to the axial extent of the lenses; wherein, in the course of the relative movement, the array of cylindrical lenses provides a succession of compound, virtual, enlarged images, producing an animated effect.

Abstract: A lenticular device comprising: a sheet of lenticular material; and a printing on a viewing surface of the lenticular material with said printing representing a number of consecutive still images and a number of motion images.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit comprising a housing, at least one wall portion of the housing being made of an array of linear lenses having a lenticular front face and a flat rear face; at least one displaceable, light-weight, substantially planar indicia carrier disposed inside the housing at a distance from the rear face at most equalling the focal length of the lenses, and a high efficiency, low energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive means for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the array.

Abstract: A two-dimensional display having a three-dimensional visual appearance has printed on a substantially flat or planar surface a predetermined message or information. Superposed over the message is a lenticular lens. Adjacent to the message are a series of spaced apart lines which may either be coplanar or non-coplanar relative to the message. The spaced apart lines are arranged so that they are in a non-registration relationship with the spacing of individual lenticules forming the lenticular lens. The display produces an appearance of having the lines float or move as a viewer's focal angle or perspective of the display changes. A method for making such a display is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit including a housing having at least one window-like opening; at least one lenticular panel mounted in the housing behind the window-like opening, the lenticular panel having front and rear faces, the focal length of the lenses being substantially equal to their width; at least one displaceable, lightweight, substantially planar indicia carrier in the form of a replaceable film or sheet disposed inside the housing; an edge of the indicia carrier at least indirectly freely abutting against a cam; a high-efficiency, low-energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive including a DC motor coupled to the cam for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the panel, and a guide facilitating smooth reciprocating movement of the indicia carrier in juxtaposition with the rear face of the lenticular panel, w

Abstract: A image display and audio device includes a display image and a sensor coupled to the display image for producing an output signal which varies according to the acceleration or orientation of the display image; and an audio producing structure which responds to the output signal generated by the sensor which corresponds to visual information produced on the display image.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a multi-image lenticular instruction system. The system is incorporated into at least one of the yo-yo's side members via a side cap that is secured to the side member and is readily visible. The instruction system functions by displaying sequential images showing how to perform a predetermined yo-yo trick. A user can manually manipulate the yo-yo to display the images in either a forward or reverse order and at any speed the user desires. By watching the images, the user can easily see how to perform the displayed yo-yo trick.

Abstract: A display and viewing unit, for use with a printed insert card bearing at least one pair of interlaced images and having a reference edge, comprises a base bearing flexible fingers and a cover member having at least one transparent lenticulated section, a seating area for receiving the printed insert card, and an abutment against which the reference edge of the card can be placed. The base and the cover member pivot relative to one another between an open position and a closed position in which the flexible fingers lie adjacent the seating area, and in which the base and the cover member snap fit together to keep them in this closed position. Also, in this closed position, a slot is left between the base and the cover member so that the card can be inserted between them and viewed through the lenticulated section. The display permits cards to be readily inserted and removed.

Abstract: Image display easels are provided with mechanical and optical features that permit them to be used for advertising, marketing, and other such purposes. The easels display multi, 3D, and animated visual effects that can be easily changed as needed by the user while easily achieving the alignment needed for such effects.

Abstract: A dispensing package closure with a lenticular lens insert wherein the closure includes a retaining ring for easy positioning and secure attachment of the lenticular lens to the closure top. The closure with lenticular lens insert provides a selected visual effect whereby the lenticular lens provides the illusion of three dimensional images, moving images, or multiple images when viewed from different angles. The enhanced visual appearance of the closure with lenticular image increases the saleability and marketability of products sold in dispensing packages sealed with the closure with lenticular lens insert.

Abstract: A structure for creating brighter viewing three dimensional images which have a spacer with a rastor pattern having parallel lineations of alternately opaque and optically clear portions on one side of the spacer; an image on the opposite side of the spacer parallel to and spaced apart from the rastor pattern such that when viewed from said rastor side of the spacer, a three dimensional image is seen; and, the rastor pattern, spacer and or the image form a light enhancing structure to increase light impingement through the structure by various means and combinations of structure of the rastor, spacer and/or the image.

Abstract: By employing an award determining prize member incorporating a lens constructed to cooperate with printed indicia which produces a minimum of two separate and distinct visual images, depending upon the angle at which images are viewed, a unique and highly valued prize member is created, as well as prize award members which are incapable of having prize related information observed by the consumer prior to purchasing the item. In the present invention, the visual image representing the prize award information is quickly and easily mounted to the inside surface of a cap and is constructed with at least one image thereof being visible only when viewed at an angle which is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the indicia. In this way, advance determination of winning prize members by consumers prior to opening and removing the cap from the container is eliminated.

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information about the contents of the box when looking at one of its surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Compliant inserts preferably provide the information content of the various views and are adapted for use with industry automated insert machinery while being self aligning with the lenticulated panels.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a lenticular or barrier strip picture with changeable scenes wherein a trimmed lenticular screen or a barrier strip plate is used to view a composite image. On a conventional lenticular picture, the focal plane of the lenticules on the lenticular screen coincides with the backside of the lenticular screen and, therefore, the composite image must be placed in contact with the backside of the lenticular screen. On the lenticular picture according to the present invention, the thickness of the lenticular screen is trimmed such that the focal plane of the lenticules is located further away from the backside of the lenticular screen. In order that a composite image can produce a properly focused composing scene when viewed through the trimmed lenticular screen, it must be positioned on the focal plane of the lenticules away from the backside of the screen, leaving an airgap therebetween. With in such an airgap, a holding plate is disposed to hold down said composite image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing in a single in-line process a printed image suitable for creating an illusion of depth in the perception of a viewer of the image, comprising the steps of:(1) providing an opaque web to an in-line printing process,(2) providing a transparent web to the in-line printing process, the transparent web having a lenticular surface on one side and a flat surface on an opposing side,(3) transporting either the opaque web or the transparent web to a first printer unit of the in-line printing process at a preselected speed and printing a line-formed image on the opaque web or the flat surface of the transparent web, the line-formed image being compatible for viewing when viewed through the lenticular surface of the transparent web, and(4) setting the image on either the opaque web or flat surface of the transparent web in a heat setting unit of the in-line printing process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming a hard copy motion image from a video motion sequence recorded on a video recording device. The video motion sequence is played and an operator selects a series of motion containing views which are stored in memory. An integral image is printed on a printing medium such that the selected motion containing views can be viewed in sequence by altering the angle between a viewer's eyes and a lenticular or barrier screen located on the printing medium.

Abstract: A lenticular device comprising: a sheet of lenticular material; and a printing on a viewing surface of the lenticular material with said printing representing a number of consecutive still images and a number of motion images.

Abstract: A frame that includes a depth image lenticular photograph as the frame surrounding a planar print or object of interest to the viewer. The frame can be a reflection print or a backlit transparency of a real object or a graphical creation.

Abstract: A sign and a method for its manufacture include a lenticular split image which is process printed onto the second surface of a lenticular lens layer. Additionally, selected portions of the image are masked by a lenticular split covering, and a reflective layer is mounted against the lenticular lens layer, with the image and the covering therebetween. This gives a shiny appearance to the unmasked portions of the image and gives a flat appearance to the masked portions of the image. The lenticular split image and the lenticular split covering each respectively include a plurality of separate images and a plurality of separate aspects which include a plurality of strips. In order to obtain a 3-D effect for the sign, the plurality of lenses in the lenticular lens layer are aligned in register with the corresponding juxtaposed strips of both the lenticular split image and the lenticular split covering.

Abstract: Transparent acrylic lens elements can be screwed into drilled holes in the display sheet of an interiorly lighted sign box, to form illuminated messages. Each lens element has an enlarged head, and a cylindrical shank fitting into one of the drilled holes. A helical wall extending around and along the shank, so that the lens element can be rotated for screwing the element into the drilled hole. The helical wall has parallel flat side surfaces adapted to exert frictional grip forces on the associated display sheet, so that the lens element can be inserted partway into the hole to achieve different spacings of the enlarged head relative to the display.

Abstract: A basketball backboard aiming device. The device includes a backboard member for attachment to a standard basketball hoop. The backboard has a front, planar surface. A linear array of indicia are disposed along the backboard, the array including a plurality of individual targets. Each of the targets is selectively viewable by a shooter disposed along a unique axis forming a preselected angle with respect to the plane of the backboard. One side of the angle is defined by a line of sight extending from the shooter to the target and the second side by the plane of the backboard. The selectively viewable target provides an aiming point for a shooter disposed anywhere along the line of sight when said player attempts a bank shot.

Abstract: Image displays are provided with mechanical and optical features that permit them to be easily configured for a variety of different display modes for a variety of aesthetic or commercial environments while having the capability of displaying multiple images in any of the available modes. The inventive displays are an alternative to and improvement over other methods such as standard picture frames (wood, plastic, metal), pins, buttons, badges, or cards (i.e., baseball cards, souvenirs, etc.).

Abstract: Optical arrangements are provided by which observers of flat containers or display boxes, such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes, can be presented with different information about the contents of the box when looking at one of its surfaces from different angular perspectives. Advantageously, parallax effects are compensated where the size of the observable images and the viewing distance create undesirable visual artifacts. Horizontally and vertically oriented lenticulated panels are used in combination with interlaced images to convey the differently coded views without the need for physically manipulating such boxes as in the past to see equivalent information. Compliant inserts preferably provide the information content of the various views and are adapted for use with industry automated insert machinery while being self aligning with the lenticulated panels.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a body with a plurality of defining surfaces. A transparent cabin is mounted on the body and includes a front surface, a rear surface, a left side surface, a right side surface, and a top surface which is secured on an upper section of the vehicle body. An optical sheet is secured to and lines an inner surface of the transparent cabin such that a toy vehicle user is able to easily view images on the optical sheet through an outer surface of the transparent cabin. The optical sheet is constructed such that when a vehicle user views the vehicle from one vantage point, a first image state of the optical sheet appears, and when the user views the vehicle from another vantage point, a second image state of the optical sheet appears thereby creating changing images and an illusion of motion.

Abstract: An illuminated sign consisting of: a message carrying wall having a front display side and a rear side, with the message carrying wall having a portion that is opaque to block light transmission therethrough from a source on the rear side of the message carrying wall and a transparent and/or translucent portion that allows light transmission therethrough from a source at the rear side of the message carrying wall to produce an illuminated message that is visually detectable at the front side of the message carrying wall; and a lenticular structure at the front of the message carrying wall for intercepting light transmitted from a source on the rear side of the message carrying wall through the transparent and/or translucent portion of the message carrying wall to diffuse the light in such a way as to give the appearance of a light source being at the front of the message carrying wall.

Abstract: A sign having an array of elements each comprising a first lens, a second lens and an optical object in registry with the first and second lenses such that the virtual image of the optical object formed in the second lens lies in the focal surface of the first lens. The optical objects are a representation of the information which the sign is to present. The image of the optical objects seen by a viewer moving past the sign appears to be stationary with respect to the viewer.

Abstract: A lenticular or segmented sign for selectively viewing at least two separate images includes an image panel having at least two image fields subdivided into segments grouped in interleaved fields. A lens panel is provided by discrete and relatively movable lens elements carried on a facer panel, the lens elements including two or more lenses and being resiliently fixed to the facer panel at the top, adjacent lens elements being free to move relative to one another along their lengths. The lenses are preferably elongated vertical or horizontal strips attached to a transparent facer panel by hook or spring fasteners which engage in connectors by which adjacent lenses are attached together to form a lens element. The lens elements have spacer posts for positioning the lenses at the correct focal distance from the image strips.

Abstract: Signs comprising an outer layer having indicia thereon and a thermal reservoir behind the outer layer. The thermal reservoir contains at least one phase change material that, during periods of falling ambient temperature, yields a latent heat of transition thereby tending to maintain the temperature of the outer layer above what it would otherwise have been. As a result of such higher temperature, the outer layer of the sign is more resistant to formation of dew or frost thereon and retains a greater degree of legibility.

Abstract: The three-dimensional picture includes a transparent substrate carrying, on a top surface, periodically spaced, non-transparent lines of a predetermined width and carrying, on a bottom surface, an underlying picture formed by a lenticular process. The underlying picture has a plurality of lenticular planes and the non-transaprent lines are positioned substantially parallel to the lenticular planes. The underlying picture could have a multiplicity of vertically spaced, multiple images of an object. If the three dimensional picture is translucent to light, it can be mounted on a light box. When the substrate is flexible, the three dimensional picture can be incorporated into magazines or other promotional materials.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display device in which a plurality of independently controllable and discrete light sources are provided in fixed relation to a lenticular screen. The light sources are adapted and arranged for the display of a pair of interlaced images such that the display device produces a three-dimensional image comprising a pair of spaced-apart images having parallax therebetween. A moving stereoscopic display which can be viewed by the naked eye can thus be achieved.

Abstract: The light incident upon a lenticular parallax panoramagram variable aspect display is imaged upon the object field and then distributed in part across portions of the object field outside the images. Adjustment is made for the rate at which the display changes as a function both of the rate of movement of the viewer past the display, and of the instantaneous absolute angular position of the viewer with respect thereto. Adjustments can also be made for parallax, lens circular aberration at off-center viewing angles, differential thermal expansions within the sign, and display changes due to changes in ambient conditions. Each lens element is preferably provided with its own exclusive object field.