Product display unit

Abstract

A product display unit is provided wherein a half model of an object appears as the complete object rotating freely in space. The product display unit includes an external box with a reflective surface mounted therein at a 45° angle relative to the bottom surface of the external box. A rotation mechanism is positioned adjacent the back side of the reflective surface and has at least one magnet thereon. The half model of the object has at least one magnet on the back side thereof, and is positioned on the front side of the reflective surface. The magnets attract each other so as to hold the half model against the reflective surface, while the rotation of the rotation mechanism causes the half model to rotate as well. The reflection of the half model in the reflective surface, together with the actual half model, create the perception of the full object.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A product display unit comprising:
 an external box;   a reflective surface mounted in said external box, said reflective surface being at a 45° angle relative to a bottom surface of said external box;   a rotation mechanism positioned adjacent a back side of said reflective surface, said rotation mechanism having at least one magnet thereon; and   a half model having at least one magnet on a back side thereof, a reflection of said half model being visible in said reflective surface, said half model and said reflection of said half model forming an image of a full object, said half model being movably positioned against a front side of said reflective surface, said at least one magnet of said half model being attracted to said at least one magnet of said rotation mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The product display unit of  claim 1 , said half model having a soft and thin fabric on said back side thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The product display unit of  claim 1 , said rotation mechanism comprising:
 a band affixed to said back side of said reflective surface;   a rotating disk positioned between said band and said reflective surface, said rotating disk having at least one magnet thereon on a side of said rotating disk facing said reflective surface; and   a motor drivingly connected to said rotating disk.   
     
     
         4 . The product display unit of  claim 3 , said motor being positioned on a side of said band opposite said rotating disk. 
     
     
         5 . The product display unit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a monitor installed on said bottom surface of said external box facing said reflective surface, said monitor having an image thereon, said image being reflected in said reflective surface.   
     
     
         6 . The product display unit of  claim 1 , said reflective surface comprising a mirror. 
     
     
         7 . The product display unit of  claim 1 , said external box having side panels, each of said side panels having a pattern thereon. 
     
     
         8 . The product display unit of  claim 1 , where said external box has an open or transparent front side.