US3864024A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical display device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-03-26
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A selectively changeable composite optical display having a transparent solid layer, a flexible layer spaced therefrom having a given color or white or black, and an opaque quasi-liquid layer interposed and contained between the layers. The opaque layer has a contrasting color to that of the flexible layer or black or white. At least one rigid element having the shape of a desired alpha-numeric or other representation is impressed upon the flexible layer until that layer contacts the solid transparent layer according to the desired representation. This forces away the opaque quasi-liquid in the impressed areas and exhibits the representation for viewing through the transparent solid layer. In the un-actuated state the opaque quasi-liquid is a continuous volume that blocks the elastic layer from view.
Inventors
- 👤 Gust A Olson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 01:46
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A selectively changeable optical display, comprising; a. a transparent solid layer (1), b. a coextensive flexible layer (2) spaced from said solid layer, said flexible layer having a given reflectance property, c. an opaque quasi-liquid layer (3) interposed exclusively between said solid layer and said flexible layer, said opaque layer having a reflectance property optically contrasting to said given reflectance property, and d. selectable external means to bear (4) upon selected portions of said flexible layer to correspondingly displace said opaque layer, whereby the contrasting reflectance property of said flexible layer is selectively displayed for viewing through said solid layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
A selectively changeable optical display, comprising; a. a transparent solid layer (1), b. a coextensive flexible layer (2) spaced from said solid layer, said flexible layer having a given reflectance property, c. an opaque quasi-liquid layer (3) interposed exclusively between said solid layer and said flexible layer, said opaque layer having a reflectance property optically contrasting to said given reflectance property, and d. selectable external means to bear (4) upon selected portions of said flexible layer to correspondingly displace said opaque layer, whereby the contrasting reflectance property of said flexible layer is selectively displayed for viewing through said solid layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said given reflectance property is white, and b. said contrasting reflectance property is black.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said given reflectance property is black, and b. said contrasting reflectance property is white.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said given reflectance property is a color, and b. said contrasting reflectance propertY is substantially a complementary color to said color.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said flexible layer is peripherally sealed to said solid layer to contain said opaque layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The display of claim 1 which additionally includes; a. electrical means (5) to actuate said means to selectively bear (4) upon said flexible layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The display of claim 1 in which said means to selectively bear (4) is comprised of; a. a rigid member having appreciable length parallel to said flexible layer, and b. electromagnet drive means attached to said rigid member on the side thereof away from said flexible layer to invariably move said rigid member toward said flexible layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said means to selectively bear (4) is stationary, and b. the layered structure (1,2,3) is movable.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said flexible layer is an elastomer of the group consisting of neoprene, polyurethane and silicon rubber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. said transparent solid layer (1) is a glass-like plastic in the group consisting of methyl methacrylate and polystyrene.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. the opaque layer (3) is formed of a silicone fluid, and b. a pigment having the characteristics of zinc oxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The display of claim 1 which additionally includes; a. a rigid backing plate (7) disposed adjacent to said flexible layer (2) on the side away from said quasi-liquid layer (3) to generally support said flexible layer (2).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The display of claim 1 in which; a. the transparent solid layer (1'') has a cylindrical shape, and b. said flexible layer (2'') surrounds said solid layer, over said quasi-liquid layer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |