Abstract:
A shadow display device including at least two semi-transparent panels having images thereon which are positioned in front of or behind a light source casting images onto one or more of the panels. An embodiment of the device also includes a panel having an image which casts a shadow behind the light source which is enlarged on a wall or panel behind the device. The device may also include a switch to turn the light source on and off at the user&#39;s discretion.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to shadow display devices and more particularly to a shadow display device which is aesthetically pleasing and projects images producing an overall visual appeal. 
     Devices previously available include various lamp designs and various shadow projecting devices for displaying images and text. U.S. Pat. No. 1,972,123 to Zimmerman discloses a shadow projector having a point source of light constructed without reflectors, condensers or lenses which is operative to project shadows of desired vertical and horizontal size. U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,861 to Mayer, et al. discloses a self-contained projector and a screen unit which can be actuated by a child to show a film strip in a sequential presentation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,083 to Lemons, et al. discloses a sky projector for projecting images on clouds or other atmospheric particles to create light, shadow and color effects. 
     The projection devices discussed above are relatively complex, costly and difficult to efficiently manufacture. Such devices are not aesthetically pleasing and do not produce images which complete scenes, ideas and similar thought transference. Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide a shadow display device which is simple in construction yet aesthetically appealing. In addition, it is an object of the present shadow display device to provide both a source of light and a decorative thought-provoking amenity to display in one&#39;s home, office or other suitable public location. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a shadow display device which includes multiple images which tell a story or complete a visual scene when viewed simultaneously providing entertaining thought transference. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the shadow display device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the base of the invention showing the light source and mounting apertures; and 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of each of the image panels showing the various images which when combined complete a thought, scene and/or theme. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The shadow display device of the present invention includes a base  1  having an engraveable description plate  2  and apertures  3 ,  4  and  5  as illustrated in FIG. 1. A first semi-transparent panel  16  having a first image  22  thereon is mounted in front of light source  9 . A second semi-transparent panel  17  is positioned behind panel  16  and includes a second image  23  thereon. Panel  17  is positioned behind panel  16  but also in front of light source  9 . When light source  9  is illuminated, a shadow of image  23  on panel  17  is cast onto panel  16  such that the shadow of image  23  from panel  17  combines with the image  22  on panel  16  to form a complete image when viewed from the front of panel  16 . 
     A third panel  18  having a third image  24  thereon is positioned behind light source  9 . When light source  9  is illuminated, image  24  projects a shadow  25  onto the wall or other surface there behind. This third image,  24  when combined with images  22  and  23 , further enhances the visual imagery produced by the device adding to the story and visual portrait to be conveyed to the viewer. 
     As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, base  1  includes apertures  3 ,  4  and  5  into which panels  16 ,  17  and  18  are mounted. Panels  16 ,  17  and  18  include legs  19 ,  20  and  21  which are positioned into apertures  3 ,  4  and  5  for mounting onto base  1 . It may be appreciated that several sets of apertures may be included on base  1  to provide relative adjustment of panels  16 ,  17  and  18  with respect to one another and light source  9 . In addition, light source  9 , which includes a base  10  and receptacle  14 , is positioned within aperture  12  on base  1 . A mounting plate  13  is included on base  1  which accepts fasteners  11  which are positioned through base  10  to secure the light source  9  to base  1 . In addition, aperture  15  is provided through which electrical cord  6  is positioned to supply electrical current to light source  9  when plug  8  is connected to an appropriate electrical source. In addition, switch  7  is included to provide actuation of light source  9 . It may be appreciated that light source  9  may be any light source which provides sufficient light to cast the required shadows. Such light sources may include natural light or artificial light and include, but are not limited to, sunlight, ambient room light, battery operated light devices, electrically operated light devices and all such similar sources of light. 
     As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, panels  17  and  18  are constructed of a clear film material  17 A,  18 A, typically plastic film, onto which images, such as images  23  and  24 , may be drawn, stenciled, adhered or otherwise placed thereon. Panel  16  includes a semi-transparent, opaque material  16 A onto which an image such as image  22  may be drawn, stenciled, adhered, mounted or otherwise placed. Since panel  16  is the visual focus of the shadow display device, it may include other artistic enhancements, such as color, texture or the like. In addition, further aesthetics may include stitching the material of panel  16  to a frame as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. Other alternatives may include sonic or heat welding, glue or other known methods to affix such plastic, fiberglass or other types of materials to a frame which may be constructed of wire, fiberglass, metal, plastic or the like. 
     In use, the shadow display device utilizes light from light source  9  which passes through panel  17  thereby casting a shadow of image  17  onto and in combination with the image  22  on panel  16 . Furthermore, light from light source  9  simultaneously passes through panel  18  projecting a shadow  25  of image  24  onto a surface behind the device to complete a visual image. Such a complete image provides thought transference to the viewer which may be aesthetically pleasing, comical, informative or otherwise interesting. The device also functions as a source of light to illuminate a room while providing aesthetic and artistic appeal to the user. It is preferable that the material of panels  16 ,  17  and  18  be made of translucent material so that light rays will pass through the panels to cast shadows of the images thereon. Of course, various types of material may be used to create other aesthetic appeal to the device, including, but not limited to, the use of opaque, fiberglass, mylar, cloth or other semi-transparent, translucent or otherwise light diffusing material to create various moods, images or effects. 
     It may also be desirable to adjust the relative position of light source  9  with respect to panels  16 ,  17  and  18 . It is also contemplated that the use of a suitable rheostat or dimming device may be employed for varying the intensity of light source  9 . 
     The assembly of the present invention lends itself to multiple uses such as that of an entertainment device, advertising device, ornamental device and functional light source. In these capacities, the device may be modified for use as an ornament, conversational display, night light, table lamp, floor lamp, hanging lamp or other projection device in which a light source is used to display a shadow from an image, object, pattern or other model. 
     While there has been herein shown and described the presently preferring forms of the invention, it is to be understood that such has been done for purposes of illustration. It is contemplated that various modifications, changes and the like may be made to the present invention within the scope of the appended claims.