Abstract:
A simulated weapon is disclosed which uses a hologram, an electric lamp and various other optical components to produce holographic images resembling the rays or beams of ray guns or space guns as portrayed in motion pictures, television programs, video games, and comic books in that the rays extend into and occupy space in front of the device itself but are not tangible. Sound effects accompany the projection of holographic images. The device also provides ancillary visual effects prior to the display of holographic images. Sound effects accompany the ancillary visual effects. The toy is intended for floor use and can be mounted on toy tank treads or other conveyance means. The rays are visible to those sitting, kneeling, or standing in front of the device. The preferred embodiment of the device is powered by an electric storage battery.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to simulated weapons. The use of holographic images and accompanying sound effects allows the invention to replicate the overall effects associated with a variety of simulated weapons. The invention is particularly suited for use as a simulated weapon intended to resemble a laser-type gun, ray gun, or space gun weapon such as portrayed in motion pictures, television programs, and video games. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Simulated weapons which employ visual effects, particularly those using vivid lighting, are well known. Devices which replicate conventional firearms have used flashing lights, often in conjunction with other effect to suggest muzzle flashes. Machine gun-type simulated weapons from the 1950s used flashing red lights together with a reciprocating plastic cylinder to imitate muzzle flashes. That visual effect involved both electric lighting and the extension into space of a physical object. Through its very rapid in-and-out motion, the plastic cylinder was intended to lose the appearance of a physical object. 
     Other simulated weapons have sought to rely on lighting effects alone to create the impression of muzzle flashes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,970 to Aiger discloses a toy gun which relies entirely on a red light, which shows intermittently as the invention&#39;s barrel assembly rotates, to provide the impression of muzzle flashes. 
     While the previous examples have been of toys which resembled actual weapons (conventional firearms), space gun or ray gun-type simulated weapons do not, in general, resemble actual weapons. (Real laser beams are invisible under most circumstances, so such laser weapons as might exist are poor models for toys.) Nevertheless, the popular imagination clearly recognizes such weapons, and toy manufacturers have sought to produce simulated weapons which resemble them to supply the market. Early examples featured exotic body design and sometimes the use of electric lamps. Such devices did not, however, attempt to produce either real or imitative visible rays or beams. More recenly, Playmates carried a simulated weapon called Big Flash which does more to suggest the presence of a ray or beam during operation. A portion of the body of the toy consists of a plastic tube, shaped perhaps as a ray gun beam might be, which becomes lighted in conjunction with a sound effect when the device is operated. The effect achieved suggests the presence of a ray or beam extending into three dimensions. However, although the device emits light, the visible “beam” is part of the toy&#39;s body and does not extend beyond that body into space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the invention to provide simulated weapons for the amusement of children which are capable of producing rays or beams which more closely correspond to to those of ray guns or space guns as portrayed in motion pictures, television programs, and video games than has been commercially available heretofore. 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention are that: 
     It produces images which appear to extend into and occupy space in front of the invention itself. 
     The images can be made to appear in a wide variety of forms; images of beams or rays resembling those of ray guns or space guns as protrayed in the popular media are possible. 
     These rays or beams have no physical form and are not part of the invention. No physical object is extended into space during the operation of the invention. 
     Because no mechanical operations are part of the invention&#39;s operating cycle, it has no moving parts to manipulate physical objects. 
     The absence of mechanical parts and the mechanical noises they produce means no interference with the sounds produced by accoustic devices capable of producing exotic sound effects. The illusion that the invention is an exotic weapon is enhanced. Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the drawings and description. 
     The preferred embodiment of the invention is a special effects device intended to function as a simulated weapon. The invention employs an arrangement of optical components for the purpose of producing holographic images and acoustical components to produce sound effects. In addition, the invention has externally mounted electric lamps for producing ancillary visual effects. 
     In operation the invention is activated when a control unit is itself activated and a sequence of electrical circuits are completed such that ancillary visual effects occur in concert with sound effects and such that after the ancillary visual effects have completed their operation the beams or rays produced by a hologram are activated in concert with sound effects. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the invention. The lamp, several acoustic devices, and a portion of the support assembly are shown in side elevation. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the support structure assembly, the power supply unit, and the control unit. A part of the support structure assembly is not shown. 
     FIG. 3 is a partial front elevation of the invention with the color filter removed showing the hologram and the sash which surrounds it. Except for portions of the longitudinal fins the body structure assembly is entirely out of view. 
     FIG. 4 is a partial front elevation of the invention with the color filter, the hologram, and the sash removed. The front of the body structure assembly is shown, as is some of the interior chamber. Portions of the longitudinal fins are shown. The most forward two light baffles can be seen inside the interior chamber, blocking any view further into that chamber. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention. The support structure assembly, power supply unit, and control unit are not shown. The large and small electrified panels are shown perpendicular to the sides of the invention. The drawing is four thirds the scale of FIGS. 1 through 4. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention. The support structure assembly, power supply unit, and control unit are not shown. The large and small electrified panels are shown parallel to the sides of the invention. The drawing is four thirds the scale of FIGS.  1  through  4 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG.  1  and FIG. 2 it can be seen that structurally the invention consists of a body structure assembly  122  and a support structure assembly  138 . Support structure assembly  138  supports body structure assembly  122  and controls the orientation of body structure assembly  122 . Body structure assembly  122  positions most of the functional components of the invention and encloses many of those components. 
     A hologram  22  is held against longitudinal movement by a color filter  24  and the forward edges of body structure assembly  122 . Hologram  22  is secured against transverse movement by a sash  26 . Both color filter  24  and sash  26  are fastened to body structure assembly  122 . 
     Hologram  22  at the margins of a first surface  28  impinges on the forward edges of body structure assembly  122 . The remainder of the first surface  28  is adjacent to an interior chamber  40 . Color filter  24  impinges on the entirety of a second surface  30  of hologram  22 . 
     Interior chamber  40  is defined by a side panel  94  and a side panel  96  (not visible in FIG. 1, but shown on its external side in FIG. 5) and by an upper mirror  42  and by a lower mirror  44  and by a bottom panel  92  and a back panel  120 . 
     Upper mirror  42  is adjacent to and impinges upon an upper cushioning pad  46  and lower mirror  44  is adjacent to and impinges upon a lower cushioning pad  48 . 
     Upper cushioning pad  46  is adjacent to and impinges upon a top panel  90  and lower cushioning pad  48  is adjacent to and impinges upon bottom panel  92 . 
     Upper mirror  42  is held in position by mirror support assemblies  50  and  52 , and partial mirror support assembly  54 . 
     Lower mirror  44  is held in position by mirror support assemblies  56  and  58  and  60 . 
     Mirror support assembly  52  consists of mirror impingment members  62  and  64 , and also central member  66 . Mirror impingement members  62  and  64  are adjacent to and impinge upon mirror  42 . Central member  66  is fastened to mirror impingement members  62  and  64 , and is also fastened to side panels  94  and  96 , thereby holding mirror support assembly  52  in position. 
     Mirror support assemblies  50 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60  are identical in structure to mirror support assembly  52 . 
     Partial mirror support assembly  54  has only one mirror impingement member, but is otherwise identical to mirror support assembly  52 . 
     A lamp L (indicated with a letter L inside a rectangle) is disposed in interior chamber  40 . Lamp L is mounted on mounting panel  68 , which is fastened to side panels  94  and  96 . As shown in FIG. 1 mounting panel  68  is rotated relative to the plane of bottom panel  92  by a predetermined angle. The orientation of lamp L is accordingly determined by the rotation of mounting panel  68 . 
     Light baffles  74 ,  76 ,  78 , and  80  are attached to mirror support assemblies  50 ,  52 ,  56 , and  58  respectively. FIG. 4 shows light baffles  74  and  78  from the front. 
     Top panel  90 , bottom panel  92 , and side panels  94  and  96  are connected to and joined together by four corner members. FIG. 5 provides an external view of this arrangement showing top panel  90  with corner members  108  and  112  fastened to each side, and side panel  96  with corner members  112  and  114  fastened to each side. 
     Four cross members are disposed at each end of the four corner members and are fastened to the corner members. This arrangement can be seen in FIG.  5 : cross member  98  is disposed between corner members  108  and  112 , and cross member  106  is disposed between corner members  112  and  114 . 
     A longitudinal fin  116  is disposed on top panel  90  and is fastened to cross members  98  and  102 . A longitudinal fin  118  (not shown in FIG. 1 but is shown in FIG. 5) is parallel to to longitudinal fin  116  and is also disposed on top panel  90  and is fastened to cross members  98  and  102 . Bottom panel  92 , and side panels  94  and  96  each have a similar pair of longitudinal fins disposed on them. Such longitudinal fins are fastened to the cross members upon which they abut. 
     A back panel  120  is fastened to cross member  102  and the other three aft cross members. 
     The two side panels, the top panel, the bottom panel, the four corner members, the eight cross members, the eight longitudinal fins, and the back panel as assembled compose the body structure assembly of the invention. 
     While the preferred embodiment employs a body structure composed of many individual components, it will be appreciated that many alternative embodiments exist which use the functional equivalent of the body structure assembly of the preferred embodiment. In particular, contemporary toy manufacturing practice would indicate that a molded plastic body structure consisting of two components be employed in place of the arrangement of the preferred embodiment. In addition, while the preferred embodiment employs fasteners to secure various components to the body structure assembly, other means of attachment are also useable and should be considered the functional equivalent of fastener means. Also in addition, it should be noted that alternative impingement schemes may be employed to secure components such as the mirrors, the hologram, the color filter, the lamp, and the light baffles. Such arrangements are facilitated by the use of molded plastic, as fitted grooves or rabbets can be prepared into which the various components can be inserted. With appropriate grooves or rabbets on a second body component, that second body component can be simultaneously fitted on both the partially secured components and the first body component. Such an impingement arrangement should be considered an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     Support structure assembly  138  is fastened to body structure assembly  122  at back panel  120 . 
     Support structure assembly  138  is composed of a rigid beam  130  and a second rigid beam (not shown), folding legs  134 , and a base  136 . Those components are linked by pivot means as shown in FIG.  2 . 
     A power supply unit  140  is mounted on base  136  by attachment means. 
     A control unit  142  is freestanding. 
     Acoustic devices A (indicated with an A inside a rectangle) are disposed about the invention and are attached to it. 
     A large electrified panel  160  positions columns of lamps  162 . There are two such columns on large electrified panel  160 . Each column consists of four individual lamps. Large protective fins  164  are disposed on each side of both columns of lamps. Back fins  172  are disposed on the aft surface of large electrified panel  160 . 
     Large electrified panel  160  is mounted on longitudinal fins  116  and  118  by hinge means. By use of such hinge means large electrified panel  160  can be positioned so that it is perpendicular to top panel  90  or it can be positioned so that it is parallel to top panel  90 . 
     The alternative positions of large electrified panel  160  can be seen in FIG.  5  and FIG.  6 . 
     Three other such large electrified panels are disposed similarly on the other three sides of body structure assembly  122 . 
     A small electrified panel  166  positions two columns of lamps  168 . Each column consists of two individual lamps. Small protective fins  170  are disposed on each side of each column of lamps. 
     Small electrified panel  166  is mounted on longitudinal fins  116  and  118  by hinge means. By use of such hinge means small electrified panel  166  can be positioned so that it is perpendicular to top panel  90  or it can be positioned so that it is parallel to top panel  90 . 
     Three other small electrified panels are disposed similarly on the other three sides of body structure assembly  122 . 
     Theory of the Invention 
     The invention exploits the ability of holograms to project images having three dimensions exhibiting either full, partial, or reversed parallax. In order for images to be projected holograms must be lighted. Depending on the type of hologram employed the method of lighting which produces the best results will vary. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses a transmission hologram to produce visible images; light is directed onto the side of the hologram opposite to the side intended for viewing. Ordinarily, although not always, the light rays directed onto the hologram must be incident upon the hologram at a specific and predetermined angle in order to obtain satisfactory results. In principle, that angle could be ninety degrees, that is, an arrangement where the light rays incident upon the hologram are perpendicular to it. Although a hologram produced so as to have light directed onto it at that angle would produce images, those images would be seen with and be diminished by whatever light source produced the light rays incident upon the hologram. Accordingly, because the light source can be positioned out of view, holograms prepared so that they can be lighted by light rays incident at less than ninety provide better results. A suitably prepared hologram is not enough, however, a lighting system or arrangement must also be provided. Bright, vivid images require that the light source not compete with the images projected by the hologram; the light source must not be visible when viewing the hologram. 
     The lighting system or arrangement, in order to make discernable images possible, must be designed with consideration given not only to the characteristics of the hologram, but also how the hologram will be viewed and how the images produced fit in with the overall purposes of the invention. The invention is a simulated weapon to be used as a toy. Accordingly, the body of the the toy must resemble a weapon or what the popular imagination says a weapon of its type should look like. The images produced, which are to resemble the rays or beams of ray or space guns, must emerge from the front of the invention in a manner consistent with notions about what the operation of such a weapon entails. If the assumption is that the rays or beams are to resemble either actual laser beams or what laser beams are imagined to look like, then either a beam or a pattern of beams must be seen as having emerged from the front of the invention in a direction consistent with a straightline extension of the body of the invention itself. Projected images composed of more exotic configurations are also consistent with the purposes of the invention, but there remains a strong presumption in favor of regular geometric shapes and symmetry; the projected images should center about the axis of the invention. 
     The center of such projected images is seen by looking along a ray perpendiclar to the surface of the hologram and whose origin is at the center of the hologram. The axis of the invention runs parallel to the length of the invention, and more exactly, parallel to both side panels and the top and bottom panels and is equidistant between the side panels and is equidistant between the top and bottom panels. The hologram and the images it projects are positioned correctly when the center-of-image ray is included in the axis of the invention; the body of the invention is perpendicular to the plane of the hologram. The lighting system or arrangement then is largely confined to the space behind the hologram as too much bulk extending beyond that region of space will tend to diminish the weapon-like appearance of the invention. Since direct lighting of the hologram reduces the visibility of the projected images, a means must be found to employ a lamp in the space behind the hologram without having it light the hologram directly. Because direct lighting is precluded an access channel for light rays to reach the surface of the hologram must also be provided. The invention employs an arrangement of light baffles positioned between the lamp and the hologram so no direct access to the hologram by light rays emitted by the lamp is possible. In addition, the light baffles define channels which allow light rays emitted by the lamp to reach the hologram by sequential reflection off the two mirrors. The channel formed by the mirrors and the light baffles not only provides a means of reaching the hologram for light rays emitted by the lamp, but also controls the angle at which the light rays are are incident upon the hologram. That angle must be and is predetermined both for the lighting arrangement and the hologram. The particular angle selected can be the result of many considerations pertaining to both holography and the design of the simulated weapon in other respects. The sharply defined channel formed by the light baffles and mirrors also tends to eliminate stray light rays so that all light rays striking the hologram are substantially parallel. Typically, in order to obtain good holographic images, it is necessary not only to control the angle at which the light rays are incident upon the hologram, but it is necessary also to assure that the incident light rays are substantially parallel. While holograms can be produced which require alternative lighting arrangements, such as a different angle of incidence for every point on the hologram&#39;s surface, in general, to facilitate flexibility in subsequent use holograms are made so that they are properly lighted with substantially parallel light rays. Accordingly, there is an advantage in having sustantially parallel light rays incident upon the hologram. A longer light channel tends to assure that result, particularly if the lamp does not include a parabolic reflector or the beam which emerges from the parabolic reflector is not composed of substantially parallel light rays. The zigzag pattern of the light channel provides a longer run than would a direct line arrangement, and so further improves the quality of the holographic images projected. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention trades the projected-images-in-line-with-the-body-of-the-invention feature for a vastly simpler lighting system or arrangement which does employ direct lighting of the hologram without a loss of image quality. The hologram is rotated with respect to the body of the invention so that the center-of-image ray is not included in the axis of the invention, but instead is at a predetermined angle to it. The hologram and the projected images produced by the hologram can be viewed without seeing anything inside the body of the invention with such an arrangement. The lamp can be positioned inside the body of the invention and have a direct channel to the hologram for lighting purposes; the lamp will not be seen when viewing the hologram along its center-of-image ray. 
     The Color Filter 
     A transmission hologram breaks white light into the colors of the spectrum. When lighted by a source of white light any image recorded in the hologram will appear in multiple versions corresponding to the colors recognized by human vision. (Except when a rainbow type hologram is used and a single image composed of the colors of the spectrum results.) Having multiple images in different colors is not necessarily at odds with the purpose of the invention and an alternative embodiment of the invention makes use of a multiple color, multiple image effect. Nevertheless, a better result is obtained particularly insofar as radial symmetry is desired in the images projected when a single image, however blurred, is projected. To obtain that effect a color filter is employed in the invention to suppress substantially all light rays outside of a narrow bandwidth. That filter can be positioned anywhere in the invention so long as the images projected are substantially monochromatic. The preferred embodiment uses a transparent plastic panel of the appropriate color in front of the hologram as the color filter, but a similar component positioned anywhere across the light channel between the lamp and the hologram would also serve to ensure that the projected images are substantially monochromatic and therefore single images with some blurring instead of multiple images. 
     Description of the Invention - Operation 
     The components disposed in interior chamber  40 : lamp L, upper mirror  42 , lower mirror  44 , and light baffles  74 ,  76 ,  78 , and  80  are arranged so as to direct light rays onto hologram  22  at a predetermined angle. For the purposes of describing and claiming the invention that angle is defined as the reference angle, a term which drives from the procedure typically used to prepare holograms. (Neither holographers nor the literature use this definition of reference angle consistently. Nor is any other term consistently used to denote this angle.) The reference angle is measured from the first surface  28  of hologram  22  in angular distance from the vertical. The orientation of Lamp L can similarly be described in terms of angular distance from the vertical. The orientation or angle from the vertical of Lamp L is set equal to the reference angle of hologram  22 . Light rays emitted by Lamp L strike upper mirror  42  at an angle known as the angle of incidence, measured from the surface of the mirror. By geometric law the angle of incidence equals ninety degrees minus the angle of Lamp L&#39;s orientation. Because the orientation of Lamp L is set equal to the reference angle of hologram  22  it follows that the angle of incidence of light rays striking upper mirror  42  is equal to ninety degrees minus the reference angle of hologram  22 . FIG. 1 shows that by sequential reflection light rays which initially strike upper mirror  42  between partial mirror support assembly  54  and mirror support assembly  52  eventually strike upper mirror  42  between mirror support assembly  50  and the first surface  28  of hologram  22 . They do so at the same angle of incidence: ninety degrees minus the reference angle. By the laws of Optics the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence. Accordingly, the light rays are reflected from upper mirror  42  at an angle of reflection equal to ninety degrees minus the reference angle of hologram  22 . Those light rays are then necessarily incident upon the first surface  28  of hologram  22  at the reference angle of the hologram. 
     Light baffles  76 ,  80 ,  74 , and  78  block stray light rays emitted by lamp L from reaching hologram  22  directly. In addition, those light rays not substantially parallel to the preponderance of light rays emitted by lamp L tend to strike light baffles  76 ,  80 ,  74 , and  78 , or side panels  94  and  96 . As a result those light incident upon the first surface  28  of hologram  22  are substantially parallel. As explained, having substantially parallel light rays incident upon the hologram improves the quality of the holographic images produced. 
     The preferred embodiment of the invention employs a pair of parallel mirrors to direct light rays onto the first surface  28  of hologram  22  at the reference angle. Other configurations of mirrors and light baffles exist which can also correctly direct light rays onto the hologram and should be considered alternative embodiments of the invention. In addition, the reference angle of the invention is itself arbitrary and, constrained only by concerns explained in the theory of the invention section, can be selected so as to accommodate alternative arrangements of mirrors and light baffles. Any simulated weapon which employs a hologram having any reference angle is an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     Hologram  22  is a projection hologram. That name recognizes the high verisimilitude achieved by such holograms in re-creating images of three dimensional objects in the space forward of the holograms themselves. Projection holograms are characterized by producing or projecting real images which exhibit full parallax and also by the particular procedure typically used to make them. The term projects for the purposes of describing and claiming the invention means creating an image which appears to extend into and occupy space in front of the device creating that image. It must be noted that the procedure used to prepare or make such holograms can arbitrarily place the apparent position of projected images with respect to the surface of the hologram itself. That is, the image produced by the completed hologram can appear to be behind the surface of the hologram or it can appear to straddle the hologram, with the image extending into space both fore and aft of the hologram. Because of that possibility or capability the term projects is further defined to mean for the purposes of describing and claiming the invention creating an image which appears to extend into and occupy space both fore and aft of the hologram. Holograms having that capability are defined for the purpose of describing the invention as projection holograms if and only if the image which appears to be in front of the hologram exhibits full parallax. It must be acknowledged that the above expanded definition of projection hologram is not used by all holographers. The term projects, as both narrowly and broadly defined for the purposes of describing and claiming the invention is not restricted to producing images which exhibit full parallax. A holographic image which appears to extend into and occupy space both fore and aft of the hologram but does not exhibit full parallax or appears to extend into and occupy space only in front of the hologram and does not exhibit full parallax is an image which a hologram projects as that term is used here. Hologram  22  is a projection hologram as broadly defined here. 
     Alternative types of holograms can also be employed in the invention. Although holographic images which exhibit full parallax are most effective, full parallax is closely approximated under most circumstances by holograms which project images exhibiting partial parallax (left-to-right but not above-to-below, for example). Holograms which project images exhibiting partial parallax are the functional equivalent of those which project images exhibiting full parallax. A device which uses a hologram which projects images exhibiting partial parallax but which is otherwise identical to the preferred embodiment of the invention is an alternative embodiment of the invention. A device which uses a hologram which projects images exhibiting partial parallax but which is otherwise identical to an alternative embodiment of the invention is itself an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     Holograms which project images exhibiting reversed parallax can be employed in the invention. Devices which use holograms which project images exhibiting reversed parallax but which are otherwise identical to the preferred embodiment of the invention are alternative embodiments of the invention. Devices which use holograms which project images exhibiting reversed parallax but which are otherwise identical to an alternative embodiment of the invention are themselves alternative embodiments of the invention. 
     Holograms which have the characteristic of being able to project images, whether those images exhibit full, partial, or reversed parallax, and which have been made using alternative techniques should be classified on the basis of those external characteristics and not on the basis of how they were made. Accordingly, computer generated holograms which can project images must be regarded as the functional equivalent of those made by conventional means. Devices using such holograms which are otherwise identical to the preferred embodiment of the invention, or to an alternative embodiment of the invention are themselves alternative embodiments of the invention. 
     An original projection hologram appropriately prepared can be mass produced using embossing technology. The embossed holograms which are produced as copies are also projection holograms. 
     Hologram  22  is lighted on the side opposite the side intended for viewing. Because of that charateristic hologram  22  is properly referred to as a transmission hologram. Being a transmission hologram does not contradict hologram  22 &#39;s being a projection hologram. 
     When lighted by substantially parallel light rays of white light incident upon first surface  28  at its reference angle hologram  22  produces multiple images, each a version of the image hologram  22  is intended to project. Each image corresponds to a color recognized by human vision. The spectrum of multiple images is ordered vertically with magenta at one extreme and purple at the other. All such projected images are formed by light rays emitted by second surface  30  of hologram  22 . Color filter  24 , which is adjacent to hologram  22 , suppresses substantially all such light rays outside of a narrow bandwidth corresponding to the color red. Color filter  24 , which consists of transparent red plastic, also acts as a cover plate for the protection of hologram  22 , and as a structural component locking hologram  22  in position. The effect of color filter  24  on the range of images produced by hologram  22  is to render most of them indiscernable; a red image can be seen. 
     Although the color filter used by the prefered embodiment is red, there is no requirement that a red color filter be used. (Certain aspects of making original holograms are facilitated when the color filter to be employed matches the color of the laser light used in making the original hologram.) If a color filter other than red is used in the invention the projected image will not only appear in that diferent color, but also have its position shifted as compared to the red image. Accordingly, if the image produced is to retain the original form. a somewhat different hologram will have to be used. 
     The use of a color filter other than red in a device otherwise identical to the prefered embodiment or an alternative embodiment of the invention except that the hologram has been prepared to compensate for the use of a differently colored color filter is also an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     The use of a color filter other than red in a device otherwise identical to the preferred embodiment of the invention or an alternative embodiment of the invention is also an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     The image projected by hologram  22  and reduced to a single color and form by color filter  24  appears to be four segmented columns arranged in a two-by-two pattern which spread out, away from each other, as their distance from the surface of color filter  24  increases. The columns appear to begin in the interior of the invention and extend forward into space. The individual segments are glowing red, everything else in the image is black. The effect created is as though several pulses of rays or beams from the invention had been fired. This holographic image is described to further disclose how hologram  22  and color filter  24  operate and should not be regarded as limiting the appearance of holographic images projected by the invention. 
     The system for producing holographic images described which includes those components disposed within interior chamber  40 : lamp L, mirror support assemblies  50 ,  52 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60  and partial mirror support assembly  54 , and light baffles  74 ,  76 ,  78 , and  80 ; and also upper mirror  42 , lower mirror mirror  44 , hologram  22 , and color filter  24 ; together with structural components upper cushioning pad  46 , lower cushioning pad  48 , sash  26 , support structure assembly  138 , and body structure assembly  122 , and mounting panel  68 ; and also functional components: accoustic devices A, power supply unit  140 , and control unit  142 , are as assembled an alternative embodiment of the invention. Holographic images can replicate most visual effects associated with simulated weapons of the prior art and the external appearance of the body structure assembly can take many forms corresponding to examples from the prior art. Accordingly, the holographic image projecting ability of this alternative embodiment, along with appropriate accoustic devices permits it to function as a simulated weapon in a wide variety of forms. 
     Large electrified panel  160  and the three identical large electrified panels similarly disposed on the other three sides of body structure assembly  122  and small electrified panel  166  and the three identical small electrified panels similarly disposed on the other three sides of body structure assembly  122  permit the positioning of external lamps. The arrangement of the lamps of the preferred embodiment allows some of the external lamps on the large electrified panels to be seen without interference from the small electrified panels when the invention is viewed from along its longitudinal axis at a distance from the invention expected to be convenient for a user of the invention. The external lamps are lighted in a sequence: the lamps on the large electrified panels are lighted first for a predetermined period of time and then the lamps on the small electrified panels are lighted for a predetermined period of time. The next step in the sequence is the projection of the holographic image, also for a predetermined period of time. The entire cycle is completed in less than ten seconds. Because the positioning of the external lamps is generally concentric about the longitudinal axis of the invention, their lighting sequence is intended to suggest the convergence of energy on color filter  24  immediately prior to the projection of the holographic image. This overall visual effect contributes to the illusion that an exotic weapon is being operated. 
     A device which is otherwise identical to the preferred embodiment or an alternative embodiment of the invention but is characterized by a different operating sequence or by the operating sequence of the preferred embodiment where the duration of the operating cycle is ten or more seconds is also an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
     The preferred embodiment employs direct current electrical components. Wiring is run through prepared channels. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention uses wall current. The power supply system employs a transformer and an AC-to-DC converter or rectifier. 
     The invention is activated when control unit  142  is switched to the on position. That action completes the first of three principal electrical circuits in the invention. The first principal electrical circuit provides electric power to large electrified panel  160  and the other three large electrified panels, it also provides electric power to acoustic devices A. After a predetermined period of time control unit  142  breaks the first principal circuit and completes the second principal electrical circuit. That circuit provides electric power to small electrical panel  166  and the other three small electrified panels, it also provides electric power to acoustic devices A. After a predetermined period of time control unit  142  breaks the second principal circuit and completes the third principal electric circuit. The third principal circuit provides electric power to lamp L, it also provides electric power to acoustic devices A. After a predetermined period of time control unit  142  breaks the third principal circuit and he device becomes inactive. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention links different acoustic devices with each principal circuit. In that way each step in the operational sequence is accompanied by different sound effects. 
     It can be seen that the invention, through the use of holographic images, is able to achieve what no simulated weapon heretofore has been able to: project rays or beams which extend into and occupy space in front of the invention itself. The invention exploits the optical properties of holograms to do this. In projecting a pattern of visible rays or beams, the invention does what no real weapon can do. Real laser beams are invisible unless they pass through smoke or fog. Only in the media do ray guns emit rays emit rays which can be seen. But, due to the impact such portrayals have had on the popular imagination, it is widely assumed that such weapons could exist. Accordingly, there is a market for any toy which appears to project real rays or beams as does the invention. The invention enhances this effect through the impression of converging energy created by the electrified panels operating in sequence. Sound effects unhindered by mechanical noises complete the illusion that an exotic weapon is being operated. 
     While the above description contains many specificities these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiment. Many other variations are possible. An exhaustive listing of alternative embodiments is impossible. It is possible, however, to list the most obvious alternative embodiments. They include: 
     A) versions of the invention which eliminate elements employed in the preferred embodiment or add elements to those employed in the preferred embodiment or both. 
     B) versions of the invention employing elements which are different from those employed in the preferred embodiment but which are the functional equivalent of those elements. 
     C) versions of the invention which are substantially the same as the either the preferred embodiment or one of the alternative embodiments except that they can be described differently by including components having names recognized and established in commerce, but which do not correspond to those names or terms used in the description of the preferred embodiment or the alternative embodiments as described below. 
     D) versions of the invention which are obvious combinations of any of the alternative embodiments in the above catagories or the preferred embodiment itself. 
     Accordingly, the obvious alternative embodiments are the preferred as described with the indicated modification: 
     1.) Eliminate the color filter so that the projected image produced by the hologram is visible in every color of the spectrum. 
     2.) Eliminate the color filter and use a rainbow-type hologram so that the projected image produced by the hologram is single image composed of striations representing every color of the spectrum, but exhibiting only partial parallax. 
     3.) Eliminate the color filter and use what is known commercially as a substantially monochromatic source of light in place of the lamp. Note that such devices are not true monochromatic-in-origin light sources, but include color filtering means. 
     4.) Eliminate the color filter and use a lamp containing a color filter anywhere in its structure. 
     5.) Eliminate the color filter and use light emitting diodes of the appropriate color. Note that light emitting diodes are not true monochromatic-in-origin light sources. 
     6.) Eliminate the color filter and use second surface mirrors composed of appropriately colored material. 
     7.) Eliminate the color filter and use at least one prism to alter the direction of light rays instead of a mirror where that prism is composed of appropriately colored material. 
     8.) Retain the color filter but include any of the other modifications made in alternative embodiments 1 through 7. 
     9.) Add any component functioning as a protective cover across the first surface of hologram where that component is composed of appropriately colored material. 
     10.) Add any component which functions as a color filter anywhere where that component is composed of appropriately colored material. 
     11.) Add a cover plate of substantially clear material (that is, not appropriately colored material) in place of the color filter and add a color filter anywhere including between the cover plate and the second surface of the hologram. 
     12.) Add a cover plate of substantially clear material in place of the color filter and add a color filter anywhere between the lamp and the first surface of the hologram such that light rays emitted by the lamp must pass through that color filter before striking the first surface of the hologram. 
     13.) Add a cover plate of substantially clear material and use a hologram which is itself of appropriately colored such that no other color filtering is required. Note that in this context the hologram may be referred to as a holographic plate or as developed holographic film depending on the technology involved. 
     14.) Eliminate the color filter and do not replace it with a cover plate, but employ a hologram which is embedded in or set in material of sufficient durability such that no cover plate is required and where the hologram itself is of appropriately colored material such that no other color filtering is required. 
     15.) Eliminate the mirrors and eliminate the light baffles and change the rotation of the lamp such that it can light the hologram directly and change the rotation of the hologram such that it is struck by light rays emitted by the lamp at its reference angle. Note that this arrangement assumes the holographic images will be viewed at an angle to the direction of the light rays emitted by the lamp. 
     16.) Eliminate the mirrors and eliminate the light baffles and change the position of the hologram although not its rotation and change the rotation of the lamp such that the hologram is struck by light rays emitted by the lamp at the reference angle of the hologram. 
     17.) Replace the two large mirrors with any number of smaller mirrors disposed in the same two planes as the mirrors they replace such that the light channel is unchanged. 
     18.) Replace the two large mirrors with any number of smaller mirrors and arrange those mirrors so that no two of them are necessarily coplaner and such that light rays emitted by the lamp are incident upon the first surface of the hologram at its reference angle. 
     19.) Replace one of the two large mirrors with two or more smaller mirrors and align those mirrors as in alternative embodiments 17 or 18. 
     20.) Realign the two large mirrors such that they are not substantially parallel. 
     21.) Replace the two large mirrors with any number of smaller mirrors such that no two of them are necessarily parallel. 
     22.) Replace one of the two large mirrors with any number of smaller mirrors such that no smaller mirror is necessarily parallel to the large mirror. 
     23.) Replace the two large mirrors with a single mirror such that light rays incident upon the first surface of the hologram strike that surface at the reference angle of the hologram. 
     24.) Replace the mirrors with reflective surfaces such as polished metal or foil which are the functional equivalent of mirrors. 
     25.) Replace the mirrors with prisms. 
     26.) Replace the mirrors with any optical device which changes the direction of light rays. 
     27.) Replace the lamp with two or more lamps. 
     28.) Replace the lamp with a light emitting diode or a number of light emitting diodes. 
     29.) Replace the lamp with an arrangement of light emitting diodes or miniature lamps in subtantially parallel alignment. 
     30.) Replace the lamp with an arrangement of light emitting diodes or miniature lamps in substantially parallel alignment and include a partitioning structure disposed across the light channel between the light emitting diodes or miniature lamps and the first surface of the hologram such that any light rays emitted by the light emitting diodes or miniature lamps not substantially parallel to the sides of the partitions which make up the partitioning structure strike those same partitions and only those light rays which are substantially parallel to the sides of those partitions strike the first surface of the hologram. 
     31.) Replace the lamp with an arrangement of light emitting diodes or miniature lamps in substantially parallel alignment and include any partitioning structure disposed across the light channel between the light emitting diodes or miniature lamps and the first surface of the hologram such that any light rays passing through that partitioning structure are substantially parallel. 
     32.) Employ the arrangement of light emitting diodes or miniature lamps and the partitioning structure of alternative embodiment number 30 except that the light emitting diodes or miniature lamps are not in substantially parallel alignment. 
     33.) Employ the arrangement of light emiting diodes or miniature lamps and any partitioning structure of alternative embodiment number 31 except that the light emitting diodes or miniature lamps are not in substantially parallel alignment. 
     34.) Replace the lamp with an arrangement of light emitting diodes or miniature lamps which are not in substantially parallel alignment. 
     35.) Use two or more holograms in place of the single hologram. 
     36.) Replace the hologram and use two or more holograms not necessarily coplaner. 
     37.) Replace the hologram and use two or more holograms not necessarily parallel. 
     38.) Use a hologram which does not have a single reference angle. Note that it is possible to produce holograms having several or a continously varying reference angle as the position on the surface of the hologram changes. 
     39.) Replace the hologram with a curved hologram. 
     40.) Use a hologram which is described as not having a reference angle, but an alternative term for the same thing such as lighting angle, illumination angle, or incidence angle. 
     41.) Use a hologram which is called a diffraction grating. 
     42.) Use a hologram which is an embossed surface. 
     43.) Use a hologram which is an embossed surface and is called anything other than a hologram. 
     44.) Use a hologram which is called a transmission hologram. 
     45.) Use a hologram which is called a reflection hologram. 
     46.) Use a reflection hologram and change the lighting arrangement such that the hologram is lighted on its second surface. 
     47.) Use any hologram which is embedded in, mounted in, or enclosed in some other material or structure. 
     48.) Use a hologram which is referred to by the photographic technology used to produce it or the photo chemical process used to produce it or the film stock used to produce it. 
     49.) Use a hologram which is a thermoplastic hologram. 
     50.) Use a hologram which is an embossed hologram. 
     51.) Use a hologram which is a dichromatic gelatin hologram. 
     52.) Combine alternative embodiments 15 or 16 in a circular or any other regular geometric pattern or in any irregular pattern. 
     53.) Combine the preferred embodiment in any regular geometric pattern or in any irregular pattern. 
     54.) Make any changes which can be described as making the indicated changes which characterize two or more of the listed or unlisted alternative embodiments. 
     In addition to the alternative embodiments listed there are others less obvious but which are anticipated by and contained in categories A, B, C, or D above. There are also alternative embodiments which involve exotic configurations of some or all of the elements of the preferred embodiment or the alternative embodiments. Accordingly, the scope and ramifications of the invention should be determined not only by the embodiments described but also by the claims.