Patent ID: 6860784
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: G09B

Abstract:
1. An image retainer comprising: a support having a multiplicity of apertures arranged in parallel rows; a plurality of pins displaceable through the apertures in response to applying a load, which has a contour, to one end of the pins so that the pins move toward an impressed position, in which opposite ends of selectively impressed pins recreate the contour corresponding to an image of the object; and a mat having opposite sides, one of the opposite sides being fixed to the support, the mat being made of stretcable material and provided with an inner part having a plurality of elongaged grooves, each groove being defined between a pair of longitudinal flanks and traversed by a respective row of the plurality of pins; and a bracket attached to an opposite side of the mat and displaceable therewith relative to the support in response to applying an external force so that when no external force is applied in the impressed position, the pairs of longitudinal flanks engage pins therebetween so as to prevent displacemet of the pins regardless of orientation of the support, and when the external force is applied, the pair of longitudinal flanks disengage the pins.