DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Exterior surfaces of products have long been decorated with patterns. Exterior ornamentation is applied to the hard surface of many products such as furniture, floors, counter tops, handbags, luggage, shower doors, etc.

These patterns are most often applied onto the exterior surface by painting, drawing, stamping, heat transfer or adhesive. Occasionally, it has been attempted for these patterns to have a 3D appearance created by raising the pattern above the surface or by recessing into the surface, as by embossing or engraving. Exterior surface ornamentation is often damaged or entirely lost over time. Paint and ink will scratch, wash off or unpeel. Adhesive will dissolve. All of these exterior applications are subjected to destructive chemicals and abrasions. In addition, frequently the application of ornamentation to an exterior surface renders the exterior surface uneven which might be undesirable in certain applications. Patterns (ornamentation) have also been embedded or otherwise placed within transparent materials, as by molding in which decorative elements are added while materials are in a liquid state before cooling and solidifying or by adding decorative elements between several layers of transparent materials that are then glued or otherwise secured together.

The following patents are representative of prior art patents: U. S.

Patent No. 6,213, 616 shows designs and messages of electroluminescent elements applied on or within the walls of containers. The effects of passing light through various types of materials and then reflecting or distributing it has

been the subject of much prior art. U. S. Patents 5,175, 947; 4,706, 649 and 3,246, 564 teach devices that distribute natural light from the exterior into the interior of a dwelling. U. S. Patent 4,791, 533 shows a device that uses a rotating mirror to reflect natural light as it moves relative to a device. U. S.

Patent 5,668, 913 is for a light system that converts a light beam generated from a point-like source into a collimated linear or planar light beam. U. S. Patents 5,668, 913 and 6,262, 842 teach lighting systems for liquid crystal displays using reflective devices. All of the above patents are not capable of producing a readily apparent 3D image which is capable of being produced by the subject invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The basic embodiment of the present invention utilizes an opaque plate and a transparent plate with the transparent plate located parallel to the opaque plate forming a joint therebetween. A pattern is located at this joint.

The pattern produces a three dimensional effect when observed exteriorly of the structure due to the production of shadows on the opaque plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by both the transparent plate and the opaque plate being flat.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by the joint being defined as a space.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous basic embodiment is modified by the joint being defined by the opaque plate being located in abutting position with the transparent plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by there being included a cover covering the transparent plate with this cover being spaced from the transparent plate with the transparent plate being located between the opaque plate and the cover.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous embodiment is modified by the cover being of an arcuate shape being variably spaced from the transparent plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by the pattern being formed, in part, within the opaque plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by the pattern being formed, in part, in the transparent plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by the including of a pattern plate located between the opaque plate and the transparent plate, the pattern plate is defined as being transparent with this pattern plate including a pattern with there being no pattern formed in the opaque plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous embodiment is modified by the pattern plate abutting against both the opaque plate and the transparent plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by the pattern being formed within the transparent plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous basic embodiment is modified by the pattern also being formed within the opaque plate.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the basic embodiment is modified by the transparent plate having a first joining surface located at the joint with the pattern comprising a raised image on the first joining surface.

A further embodiment of the present invention is where the just previous embodiment is modified by the opaque plate having a second joining surface located at the joint with a portion of the pattern comprising raised elements located on the second joining surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the

drawings.

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view through a first embodiment of three dimensional image structure of the present invention where the pattern is formed as raised elements on the outer surface of a transparent plate forming the image; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but where the pattern is formed as recessed image elements formed within the transparent plate ; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 1 but where the raised image elements are located on an inner surface of the transparent plate ; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 1 but where the image is produced by raised elements formed on the opaque plate ; Figure 5a is a view of a first shape of image taken along cut line 5a of Figure 1; Figure 5b is a representation of a second type of image again taken along cut line 5b of Figure 1; Figure 6a is a representation of the same type of image of Figure 5a but taken along cut line 6a of Figure 2; Figure 6b is a representation of the same type of image of Figure 5b but taken along cut line 6b of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5a; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6a; Figure 9a is a representation of the three dimensional image structure of the present invention which utilizes a pattern plate located between and abutting against both the transparent plate and an opaque plate with the pattern being formed within the inside surface of the pattern plate and also within an inside surface of the transparent plate ; Figure 9b is a view similar to Figure 9a with the pattern being formed in the transparent plate, the pattern plate and the opaque plate with no portion of these patterns being aligned; Figure 9c is a cross-sectional view where there is utilized only a transparent plate and an opaque plate with the patterns being formed in both of these plates and with the patterns between the two plates being aligned; Figure 9d is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 9c but where the pattern elements are not aligned;

Figure 9e is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 9b but where some portions of the pattern are aligned and other portions are not aligned; Figure 9f is a cross-sectional view where the pattern formed between the transparent plate and the opaque plate is produced as by molding with the molding comprising recesses formed in the opaque plate and raised members formed on the transparent plate ; Figure 9g is a view similar to Figure 9f but where the recesses are in the transparent plate and the raised members of the pattern are formed in the opaque plate ; and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional image through a three dimensional structure which utilizes two transparent plates and an arcuately shaped cover with the pattern being formed as raised elements on the outer surface of the inner transparent plate and also is included a light source to the rear of the inner transparent plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In relation to the present invention, there will be discussed an opaque plate with generally this opaque plate being flat and thin. However, the opaque plate need not be thin and also need not be flat but could actually be curved. Any desirable material of construction could be utilized with it being important that light does not pass through the opaque plate.

There will also be discussed, in conjunction with this invention, a transparent plate and a pattern plate, which is also transparent. Generally, the transparent plate and the pattern plate will also be constructed to be flat and will also be thin. Typical thickness will generally be no more than a quarter of an inch for both the pattern plate and the transparent plate although each plate could be any thickness. Also, the pattern plate and transparent plate, though shown flat, may be curved. The pattern plate and the transparent plate will always be arranged to be parallel to the opaque plate. The material of construction for the transparent plate and the pattern plate has to be of a transparent or translucent material with general glass or a plastic being preferred.

There may be used multiple pattern plates and transparent plates. Basic general

frontal shape of the three dimensional image structure 20 of this invnetion is commonly square or rectangular, but any shape could be used.

There is also included within this invention a cover plate with the cover plate enclosing the transparent plate and the pattern plate, if it is included, with this cover plate being mounted to the peripheral edge of the opaque plate.

This cover plate will also be formed of a transparent or translucent material. It will be common for the cover plate to not be flat but will assume some type of arcuate configuration. Typical material of construction for the cover plate will again be a glass or plastic.

Referring particularly to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment 20 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. This first embodiment 20 includes an opaque plate 22. Mounted to the peripheral edge 24 of the opaque plate 22 is a cover plate 26. It is to be kept in mind that typically the first embodiment 20 will generally be between three and twelve inches wide and three to twelve inches high. However, any size could be utilized. The cover plate 26 has upstanding sidewalls 28 that extend from the peripheral edge 24. Interconnecting the sidewalls 28 is a front surface 30. This front surface 30 is arcuate forming a bulbous configuration, as shown in Figure 1.

Fixedly mounted to the cover 26 and located between the front surface 30 and the opaque plate 22 is a transparent plate 32. The transparent plate 32 is spaced from the opaque plate 22 forming a joint 34. The joint 34 actually comprises a space or gap area. On the outer surface, which is the surface closest to the front 30 of the transparent plate 32, there is formed a pattern in the form of a series of raised pattern elements 36. These pattern elements 36 can be formed by paint or structural members that are adhesive secured to the transparent plate 32 or by any other manner which creates a raised pattern on the transparent plate 32. The light that is conducted in the direction of arrow 38, once passing through the front surface 30, will be dispersed at various angles within the interior chamber 40 which is formed between the front surface 30 and the transparent plate 32. This light will mostly be conducted through the transparent plate 32 with the pattern caused by the pattern elements 36 producing a series of shadows on the opaque plate 22. This production of the shadows produces a striking three dimensional effect and gives

the appearance that, although the entire first embodiment 20 may be no more than one-half inch to one inch thick, that it is several inches thick.

Referring particularly to Figure 2, there is a second embodiment 42 with like numbers being utilized to refer to like parts. The main difference between the first embodiment 20 and the second embodiment 42 is that in the second embodiment 42 the joint 34 is of a greater height of space than in the first embodiment 20. Another distinction within the second embodiment 42 is that the pattern is formed by elements 44 that are recessed within the transparent plate 32. This recessing of the elements 42 is located in both the inner surface 46 and the outer surface 48 of the transparent plate 32. Where within the first embodiment 20, the elements 36 are located only on the outer surface 50 of the transparent plate 32 of Figure 1.

Referring particularly to Figure 3, there is shown a third embodiment 52 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. Again, like numerals have been utilized to refer to like parts. The only distinctions in comparing Figure 3 to Figure 2 is that the joint 34 forms a still greater height of space. The greater the height of the space 34 the more pronounced the shadows that are produced on the opaque plate 22. The only other distinctions within the third embodiment 52 is that the pattern elements 54 are all raised and are located only on the inner surface 46 where in Figure 1 they were located on the outer surface 50 of the transparent plate 32.

Referring particularly to Figure 4, there is shown a fourth embodiment 56 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. Again, like numerals have been utilized to refer to like parts. In the fourth embodiment 56, the transparent plate 32 has no image elements at all with the image elements 60 being only located on the inner surface 58 of the opaque plate 22.

Within Figure 5a, the image elements 36 are all shown to comprise a mass of diamond shapes all of the same size. In Figure 5b, the image elements are shown to be a series of Maltese crosses with each Maltese cross shape having an adjacent series of small holes or bumps 62. In Figure 6a, the shape shown in Figure 5a is the same except it is on the inner surface 46 rather than on the outer surface 50. Figure 6b shows the same Maltese cross configuration of Figure 5b with the Maltese cross configuration being shown for the image elements 44 being located on the inner surface 46 rather than on the outer

surface 48 or 50. It is to be understood that there are literally thousands of different patterns for the elements 44 that could be utilized.

Figure 7 clearly shows the raised pattern elements 36 formed within the transparent plate 32. Figure 8 clearly shows the recessed pattern elements 44 formed within the transparent plate 32.

Figure 9a shows a fifth embodiment 64 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. The fifth embodiment 64 includes an opaque plate 66 which abuts against a pattern plate 68. The outer surface of the pattern plate 68 abuts against the inner surface of a transparent plate 70. There are pattern image elements 72 formed within the inner surface 74 of the pattern plate 68. There are also pattern image elements 76 located on the inner surface of the transparent plate 70. The pattern image elements 72 are not aligned with the pattern image elements 76. It is to be understood that there would normally be included a cover plate 26, which is not shown.

Referring particularly to Figure 9b, there is shown a sixth embodiment 78 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. There is also used in the sixth embodiment 78 the opaque plate 66, the pattern plate 68 and a transparent plate 70 as was used in Figure 9a. There is also used at the same locations pattern image elements 72 and 76. However, there is further included pattern image elements 80 incorporated within the inner surface 82 of the opaque plate 66.

Referring particularly to Figure 9c, there is shown a seventh embodiment 84 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. The seventh embodiment 84 is formed only of an opaque plate 86 and a transparent plate 88 which are located in abutting arrangement relative to each other.

Formed within both of the surfaces that are joined together between the plates 86 and 88 there are aligned pattern image elements 90.

Referring particularly to Figure 9d, there is shown an eighth embodiment 92 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. As in Figure 9c, there is utilized an opaque plate 86 and a transparent plate 88.

However, instead of having aligned pattern image elements, there are misaligned pattern image elements formed as recesses 94 within the inner surface of the opaque plate 86 and as recesses 96 formed within the inner surface of transparent plate 88.

Referring particularly to Figure 9e, there is shown a ninth embodiment 98 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. The structure of Figure 9e is similar in construction to Figure 9a with, again, like numerals being used to refer to like parts. The only difference between Figures 9a and 9e is that the image pattern elements 72 are aligned with image pattern elements 100 formed within the inner surface 102 of the opaque plate 66.

Referring particularly to Figure 9f, there is shown a tenth embodiment 104 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. The tenth embodiment 104 is intended to comprise a single molded unitary piece comprised of an opaque plate 106 and a transparent plate 108. The pattern image elements take the form of recesses 110 formed within the inner surface 112 of the opaque plate 106 and also the form of raised elements or protuberances 114 formed within the inner surface 116 of the transparent plate 108.

Referring particularly to Figure 9g, there is shown an eleventh embodiment 118 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. The structure of the eleventh embodiment 118 is basically similar to the tenth embodiment 104 with, again, like numerals being utilized to refer to like parts.

The only distinction of the eleventh embodiment 118 versus the tenth embodiment 104 is that the protuberances 120 that are formed on the opaque plate 106 and the recesses 122 are formed within the inner surface 116 of the transparent plate 108. The protuberances 120 are formed on the inner surface 112 of the opaque plate 106.

Referring particularly to Figure 10, there is shown a twelfth embodiment 124 of three dimensional image structure of this invention. Again, in relation to Figure 1, like numerals have been used to refer to like parts. The twelfth embodiment 124 differs from the first embodiment 20 in that there is included a further transparent plate 126 which is located between the outer surface 50 of the transparent plate 32 and the front surface 30 of the cover plate 26. There is also mounted within the joint 34 on the opaque plate 22 a light source 128. Generally, the light source 128 will be centrally mounted on the opaque plate 22. The light source 128 can take any conventional form, such as an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb. Light source 128 is to be powered by a battery assembly 130 which is shown mounted within the interior of the

opaque plate 22. The light rays emitted from the light source 128 is represented by arrow 132. It can thus be seen that the light source 128 causes reflection at all different angles which will enhance the 3D effect by the creating of the shadows at various locations due to the appearance of the pattern elements 36 on the opaque plate 22. The light source 128 could comprise a series of light bulbs spaced apart.

It is to be understood that the 3D images that are created by passing light through the cover 30 onto the transparent plates 32. Referring particularly to Figure 1, it can be seen that a shadow 35 is represented as being projected onto the opaque plate 22. In Figure 2, the shadow 45 is larger because the distance that the transparent plate 32 is from the opaque plate 22 is greater. Still further, in Figure 3 the shadow is larger again because the distance between the transparent plate 32 and the opaque plate 22 is greater.

In Figure 4, there is only a very small shadow 65 created. The reason for this is the fact that the image elements 60 are mounted directly onto the opaque plate 22. It is to be understood that the transparent plates 32 need not be necessarily totally transparent, but could be translucent. The same is true for the transparent plate 126 in Figure 10.

It is to be understood that the pattern can be formed by raised elements, recessed elements or a combination of raised and recessed elements within each embodiment of three dimensional image structure of this invention.

Typically, the plates 22,32 and 126 are permanently affixed in location by any conventional means, such as interlocking with the cover plate 126, as shown in the drawings, or can be accomplished by means of adhesive or welding.

Although the structure of this invention is discussed in relation to an opaque plate 22, it is to be understood that the opaque plate 22 could actually be exterior of the structure and could serve as a backdrop, such as a wall, a curtain, or the like.

The forming of the pattern can be accomplished by any of numerous methods. Sandblasting is a common method. Other methods, such as printing, etching, forging, molding, stamping, blowing, embossing, engraving and the like could also be used. Besides the pattern elements being recessed or raised, they could also be substantially level with the surface on which it is applied. However, raised or recessed patterns are preferred as they create a more substantial visual effect.