Abstract: An ornament of the present invention includes a display that is hidden behind a panel. An ornament body includes at least one panel which includes a two-way mirror and a display in the interior of the body. The ornament includes a light disposed in the ornament body which, when active, reveals the display which is otherwise hidden behind the two-way mirror. The light may be activated by a sensor that recognizes physical motion, and may also include a speaker to play music and a moving display element driven by a motor.

Abstract: A wall panel has a glass outer face which in turn is provided with a decorative design, for example by painting, mirroring, partial mirroring, coating, printing or else placing an inlay or the like behind it. In addition, this wall panel is designed to cooperate with a flat screen in such a way that the decorative design forms a cut-out adapted to the flat screen, through which cut-out the image display can then be viewed on the user side.

Abstract: In a mirror with a non-reflective portion provided within its reflective mirror surface as an information provider the portion is transparent and is backed by a display. The display has a moving image or has a colored image representation. Preferably at least one loudspeaker is connected to the display behind the mirror surface. That loudspeaker can also be connected to an input device.

Abstract: An amusement device has an image carrying substrate with a corrugated surface with a transverse mirror at a rear end and is marked with first and second sets of strip-like image fragments forming, respectively, first and second composite image components. Image fragments of the second set are both differently shaped, laterally inverted and arranged alternately along the image surface relative to image fragments of the first set so that the corrugations selectively expose image fragments of the first and second sets to the front, away from the reflecting surface, and to the rear, for reflection in the reflecting surface, so that the image fragments of first and second sets combine to form first and second image components, respectively, seen by viewing, simultaneously, directly from the front and by reflection so that first and second image components combine to provide a continuous composite image not readily predicted by a casual spectator.

Abstract: A “magic mirror” wand toy has a body having a mirror element that is partially transparent. An image illuminating apparatus is mounted rearward of the mirror element. An image transport apparatus has a plurality of images that can be positioned selectively and alternately in front of the illuminating apparatus. When an image is stationary, it is lit up and an audible message associated with the image may be played. The wand can be operated in sampling mode, in which each of the set of images is displayed in sequence, and in an individual selection mode.

Abstract: First and second half or associated objects, in respective different sequential positions are aligned behind respective adjacent, first and second, inclined faces of an optical prism so that, when viewed at different angles alternately through a front face of the prism, images of the first and second half objects are seen alternately by transmission and total internal reflection at alternate faces, combining to form completed whole images of first and second objects alternatively, thereby providing an impression of animation by object movement. The half objects can be pictures of half of a same or similar face or person having respective different expressions producing a changing expression or hands producing a clapping effect. Written message portions associated with half objects can form a complete message/slogan when viewed at alternate angles. The optical prism can be solid or liquid filled and embodied in picture frames, domestic utensils or personal accessories/apparel.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole simulator system for visually simulating an ice fishing experience based about an ice fishing hole. The ice fishing hole simulator system includes a housing having an upper opening, an upper mirror positioned about the upper opening, a tube extending downwardly from the upper mirror, a lower mirror positioned within the bottom portion of the housing opposite of the upper mirror, and a plurality of lights surrounding the tube. The tube is comprised of a translucent material such as plastic or glass. The tube preferably includes a length of clear portion and a length of opaque portion encompassing the tube in a spiraling manner thereby recreating the inner surface appearance of an ice hole created by an ice auger. The upper mirror is comprised of a two-way mirror structure with the reflective surface facing the lower mirror and the viewing surface facing upwardly to allow an individual to look into the simulated ice hole.

Abstract: An illuminating display is provided a reflective panel having a graphical image formed therein. A laser is used to precisely etch the graphics pattern in an optically active surface, such as a mirrored surface. The graphical image is then reproduced on a paper carrier, and then brought into precise registration behind the laser-etched image. Upon backlighting, such as in a light box, the graphical image projects from the surrounding mirrored (reflecting) surface.

Abstract: A device for displaying a character having a virtual image wherein the display device includes an outer housing and an optical assembly. In one embodiment, the outer housing provides a surface for depicting a character. The optical assembly includes a first concave mirror and a second concave mirror facing the first concave mirror with one of the mirrors being provided with an aperture aligned with a hole in the outer housing and the other mirror supporting an object related to the character. With this construction, an image projected from the object will appear to float above the character in an attractive fashion. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer housing takes the form of a doll. In yet other embodiments, the outer housing is in the form of a box used for shipping or a box used to hold jewelry, candy, or memorabilia, etc.

Abstract: A visual puzzle toy, for example, a coloring book 14 is provided with a substantially planar surface having a morphologically distorted representation 10 of an image printed thereon. The image 10 is distorted by circular transformation and must be viewed in a reflective surface provided on the outer circumference of a substantially cylindrical object in order to clearly distinguish the original image. The reflective surface may be provided on a cylindrical tumbler 22 for holding pencils, pens and paintbrushes for coloring in the morphologically distorted representation 10. The morphological distortion of the image introduces an element of mystery and intrigue which enhances the play value of the coloring book. The morphologically distorted representation can also be printed on a placemat or a jigsaw puzzle.

Abstract: The present invention is a low cost, easy to operate, and ever handy device of blocking views of accidents, stalled cars or other incidents. This is accomplished by an accident shield device unit installed in the trunk of official vehicles which can be assembled by a single person in a few minutes. The unit consists of a screen which is large enough to prevent most passersby (motorists or pedestrians) from viewing the scene. As a result, this device aids in maintaining traffic flow and safety by preserving the natural momentum of traffic and keeping other drivers focused on traffic conditions, rather than the accident scene or stalled vehicle.

Abstract: Toy or novelty including a first polarizer and a second polarizer movable relative to the first polarizer. In a first mode, the first and second polarizers interact to be reflective, and in a second mode, the first and second polarizers is transmissive. The toy may further include an object or image located adjacent the second polarizer, wherein the object or image is viewable through the first and second polarizers in the second mode.

Abstract: A decorative wall display assembly comprises a frame (14) that has the appearance of a conventional window frame, in combination with a glazing sheet (16), and a conventional mirror (18) mounted toward the rear of the frame, and a space (19) between the glazing sheet (16) and the mirror (18). The overall effect is that the assembly gives the illusory appearance of being a window, and accordingly gives the room in which it is used the appearance of being larger than it actually is, while being flush mounted on the wall as would be a picture or other conventional decorative display assembly.

Abstract: A phantom color light mirror including a mirror, a plurality of colored light sources, and a central control device. The mirror is composed of a transparent sheet having a reflective layer affixed to a rear surface thereof. A plurality of lines of a sufficient width are used to engrave the reflective layer with a graphic design visible from the front side of the transparent sheet. The operation of the colored light sources are controlled by the central control device. The mirror, the light sources and the central control device may be accommodated in a cabinet. A refracting device may further be disposed behind the mirror to provide enhanced visual effects.

Abstract: A device for decoding distorted images from a sheet which includes a reflecting geometric figure to be placed on the sheet and can include portions of the decoded image being permanently applied to the reflecting surface for combination with decoded distortion images from the sheet to form a complete image. A reflecting surface can be applied onto a beverage can to decode an anamorphic image applied onto a separate sheet. A reflecting canister can be used to decode distorted images and include a removable top to hold images therein and a light source to illuminate distorted images for reflection. A game is described which uses geometric reflecting pieces to decode commands of the game. A teaching game described having a question sheet with a distorted image representing the answer to the question which can be decoded by use of a geometric reflecting device.

Abstract: The present invention is a viewing assembly that can selectively create optical compound corrections in the images reflected from the viewing assembly. The viewing assembly includes a reflective surface coupled to a supporting body in such a manner that the reflective surface conforms to the contour of the supporting body. The contour of the supporting body can then be selectively altered by the viewer of the viewing assembly, thereby changing the shape of the reflective surface and creating desired optical corrections in the viewed reflected images.

Abstract: A coin concealment and back screen are disposed upright on a coin-receiving case. Two mirrors are provided on the coin concealment, and camouflaging members and an oscillating coin chute are provided on the coin concealment. Since the mirrors reflect the surface of the back screen, so an illusion that the coin concealment done exist and only the camouflaging members and the back screen stand there. As a result, when a coin is put in to the coin concealment via the coin chute, the coin is hidden behind the coin concealment, so an illusion that the coin is missing will be given. Also, as the coin moves, the coin chute oscillates reciprocally. Namely, the motion of the coin chute adds to the illusion of coin missing to enhance the fun to see.

Abstract: A combination table top lamp, with a base comprised of a material that appears opaque until the inside of the base is illuminated, at which time the base appears transparent to reveal a display item in the base. A scrim can be incorporated into the surface of the base such that the scrim becomes part of the display when the material used for the base is transformed.

Abstract: An electronic display device includes a housing having a sliding slot, an electronic display board received inside the housing and moved to extend out of the housing through the sliding slot, the electronic display board having a digital display screen on a front side thereof for display a telephone number or the like and a keyboard on a back side thereof for inputting the telephone number or the like to be displayed, and a motor-driven transmission mechanism controlled to move the electronic display board in or out of the housing.

Abstract: The invention is a convex mirror for surveillance purposes, in combination with an advertising message, and the method of fabricating same. A removable mask is attached to the interior of the surface to be mirrored, and a non-reactive removable liquid mask is applied to the openings in the removable mask. The removable mask is removed, and a mirror material is applied to the surface. The liquid mask is allowed to solidify, then removed, leaving one or more transparent areas in the surface of the mirror.

Abstract: By a new configuration which more efficiently controls illumination, it is possible to make a mirror dissolve illusion which uses less power than those previously known in the art. A reflector and lamp assembly is provided in front of a partially reflective and partially transparent (one-way) mirror to direct light to a viewer via the one-way mirror. The technique includes use of a backlit wall pattern and a reflective floor surface along with a mirror of reduced density.

Abstract: A hand held two-way mirror assembly 10 having one or more hidden images 26 mounted behind the back surface of a two-way mirror 20, one of which images can be seen when a light 36 behind the image is lit. The mirror assembly includes a frame 12, 14, 16, there being a cavity 30 behind the mirror 20, which cavity receives the lights 36 and a circuit board 48. A speaker 50 is mounted on the board. One or more digitized voices is stored in a memory chip 54 mounted on the board. Electronic switches 52 and 56 select a lamp 36 to be lit when a manually engageable switch is operated, and also cause one of the digitized voice tracks to be broadcast through the speaker, the particular voice track being associated with the illuminated image, the lights and voices preferably being selected in a predetermined manner to follow a script.

Abstract: The invention is a reflective sign of polymeric material. The base of the sign consists of a spherical mirror. The cover for the sign consists of a transparent spherical section suitable for mating to the spherical mirror. A first opaque visible emblem is applied to the convex side of the cover, and a second emblem is applied to the concave side of the cover, directly behind the first emblem. The second emblem is printed in reverse, so that when it is reflected by the spherical mirror, it appears to the observer in proper orientation. The combined first emblem and second emblem are, therefore, visible to an observer of the device.

Abstract: A device which may be transformed from an ordinary mirror to a light emitting graphic display. The front wall is composed of a transparent layer affixed to a reflecting layer. The reflecting layer has a series of narrow grooves passing through describing a graphic image. Since the grooves are thin, most of the reflecting surface remains intact and can perform as a mirror. But upon illuminating the rear surface of the front wall, light emanates from the grooves displaying the graphic design. The light source may be integral to the device or a natural light source may be used. The grooves may be coated with a non-opaque colored stain, or non-opaque sheets of colored material may be affixed to the back surface of the front wall, so that the displayed design will be colored.

Abstract: A light box having a pair of mirrors, the outer or front mirror being transparent and the other mirror being opaque and provided with design formed on the reflecting layer of the opaque mirror. The side margins of the opaque mirror are removably received in grooves carried by holders on the inner side surfaces of the light box. The opaque mirror can be placed either parallel to the transparent mirror or can be placed at an acute angle with respect to the transparent mirror. The light box can have a single side provided with mirrors for looking at multiple images of designs by viewing through an opening at the one side of the light box. In another embodiment, the light box can have a plurality of sides with each side having a set of transparent and opaque mirrors so that, regardless of which side is observed by the viewer, a specific design can be observed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interior rearvision mirror which is provided with a supporting rod (15) secured to an inner roof of a passanger car and a frame (11) movably supported by a front end portion of the supporting rod (15) and wherein a mirror (12) is arranged on the front side of the frame (11) and a display means (13, 20, 31, 41, 50) is arranged on the rear side thereof. According to the location of the display means, necessary display by means of letters or the like can be done for persons positioned external to the passanger car.

Abstract: A display assembly 10 for mounting in a fruit machine comprises an open topped housing 14. A pair of two-way mirrors 20a, 20b are joined at right angles to one another with their mirrored sides defining the included angle and facing towards the housing's opening. A visual representation 21a, 21b is printed on the reverse side of each mirror and is visible through the respective mirror when lamps 22 therebehind are lit, with a mirror image of the representation visible reflected from the other mirror.

Abstract: An optical toy image generator of the present invention comprises a parabolic reflector having a central opening for movable receipt of an image bearing shaft. The image bearing shaft contains a distorted representation which will appear on the shiny mirrored surface of the reflector as a dynamic changing proper image to the viewer who is facing the reflector's parabolic surface.

Abstract: An amusement device having a plurality of mirror blocks of the same size and configuration, each of the blocks having a mirror face adapted to face upwardly when the blocks are supported on a flat horizontal supporting surface, and a plurality of pattern-bearing elements each bearing a partial section of an overall pattern and selectively positionable with respect to the mirror faces of the blocks to reconstruct the overall pattern by reflections from the mirror faces of the mirror blocks.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus for a telephone includes a box provided with an advertising plate disposed in the front thereof and illuminating lamp disposed inside thereof, a power source for the illuminating lamp, detection means for detecting used and unused conditions of the telephone and a control for controlling an on and off condition of the illuminating lamp in response to an output of a detection device. An information display apparatus includes a light source, a light transmitting plate for transmitting light incident from the light source, a light scattering transmissive plate for irregularly reflecting light produced from one side surface of the light transmitting plate, an information display film disposed at the front of the light scattering plate and on which information is displayed, a light transmissive front plate disposed in the front of the information display film, a frame for supporting the preceding members and a control unit for controlling an on and off condition of the light source.

Abstract: A partially transparent mirrored screen extends continuously over a preselected area and contains a distribution of reflective material which varies in optical density to define regions of differing optical transmittance to light. A plurality of regions are selectively backlighted to reveal two-dimensional or three-dimensional images embodied within media behind the screen. The densities of the regions are chosen so that the images are displayed clearly when the regions are backlighted and disappear in the absence of backlighting, leaving the screen uniformly reflective of environmental light in an "off" condition. In a preferred embodiment, the reflective material includes a front layer of uniform optical density over the preselected area and a rear layer of nonuniform optical density. The front layer corresponds to the density required for a first object or image-bearing sheet located behind one region of the mirror and the rear layer provides a different density for a sheet located behind another region.

Abstract: An internally-illuminated medical data card in a credit card format containing a summary of the medical history of the bearer germane to his existing medical condition. The card, which is of laminated construction, includes a plastic core panel having light-transmitting properties, one face of the panel having formed thereon a metallized layer functioning as a double-faced mirror. Mounted on the layer and on the other face of the panel, respectively, are front and rear film transparencies containing medical data in a directly legible scale, the combined data affording the required summary. The long edges and one end of the panel are in a concave formation to define reflective convex terminations whereby light entering the remaining flat end is transmitted through the panel and is reflected by the convex terminations and by the inner face of the mirror to provide multiple internal reflection, causing the light to illuminate the front transparency to enhance its readability.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas discharge point of purchase display device. This device utilizes two flat vitreous glass plates, one of which contains a continuous channel of any desired shape, and together which form an ionization chamber. These vitreous plates are transparent; however provision is made for the incorporation of an opaque cover layer that conforms to the desired final illuminated geometry and which thus serves to obscure specified channel regions. The simple design of this sign makes possible the construction of these devices in quantity and at a relatively low cost by mass production methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for allowing purchasers of framed photographs, paintings, or the like to observe how the framed photograph or painting will appear in its ultimate environment by providing a table surface for the item to sit on, the table surface having interchangeable colors or patterns, and a reflective or mirrored surface to make the reflective surface appear to be a vertical plane.

Abstract: A pinball machine controlled by a micro computer including a micro processing unit. A display in the pinball machine comprises an infinity box including a one-way mirror, a two-way mirror disposed in spaced, parallel relation to the one-way mirror, and a plurality of lamps disposed in the space between the two mirrors. A plurality of switches are provided for energizing respective lamps, the micro processing unit being connected to the plurality of switches so as to actuate the plurality of switches in a predetermined sequence whereby the lamps are energized in the predetermined sequence.