Apparatus for displaying a transparency

Abstract

An apparatus for displaying a transparency includes a Fresnel lens panel and a support structure. The support structure supports the transparency on a horizontal surface in an upright viewing position, and supports the Fresnel lens panel in a position behind the transparency. In this configuration, light passing through the Fresnel lens panel from the rear of the Fresnel lens panel is directed through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.

1 . An apparatus for displaying a transparency, said apparatus comprising: 
 a Fresnel lens panel; and    a support structure configured to support the transparency on a horizontal surface in an upright viewing position, said support structure being further configured to support said Fresnel lens panel in a position behind the transparency, such that light passing through said Fresnel lens panel from the rear of said Fresnel lens panel is directed through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a translucent diffuser panel, said support structure being further configured to support said diffuser panel in a position behind the transparency, and to support said Fresnel lens panel in a position behind said diffuser panel, such that light passing through said Fresnel lens panel from the rear of said Fresnel lens panel is directed first through said diffuser panel and subsequently through the transparency for viewing of the transparency.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said diffuser panel and the transparency are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending within said viewable area, and said diffuser panel and said Fresnel lens panel are adjoining in overlying surface contact fully throughout areas extending within said viewable area.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said support structure surrounds and defines the periphery of a viewable area of said transparency, and said Fresnel lens panel extends throughout said viewable area to direct light through said transparency uniformly throughout said viewable area.  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a reflective cushion panel configured to direct light upward toward the back of said Fresnel lens panel.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 5  wherein said reflective cushion panel is a panel configured to overlay the horizontal surface, and has reflective opposite side surfaces.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 6  wherein said reflective cushion panel has a compressible layer between said reflective opposite side surfaces.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said support structure comprises a frame extending around the periphery of the viewable area.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as defined in  claim 1  wherein said Fresnel lens panel is a separate structure supported by said support structure.