Patent · US Expired

Vertical three-dimensional image screen

US4654989A · kind A · utility

34Cited by
5References
8Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateAug 16, 1985
Grant dateApr 7, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 16, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB44F7/00
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A pin screen has at least one and preferably two vertically aligned spaced plates having a plurality of closely spaced, small apertures each of which is adapted to receive a pin held in selected positions by frictional engagement in a horizontal pin orientation. A transparent sheet of material is vertically spaced a predetermined distance in front of said vertical plate or plates. The pins are longer than the separation between the plate or plates and the transparent sheet. The size of the pin head prevents the pins from passing through the apertured plates and the transparent cover prevents them from falling out of the apertures. A contoured three-dimensional image is created by the selective horizontal displacement of pins relative to the vertical apertured plate, and the displaced pins remain in their three-dimensional, image-creating position held there by friction until intentionally displaced to a different position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.