THE FOLDING STAR.
The design is a background, to be used in connection with any line of goods. When the star is closed all that fronts the spectator is a mass of white puffing. It slowly opens and reveals a recess in which is a display of goods strongly lighted by hidden incandescents. The effect is beautiful and is sure to attract attention. The back of the points, which form the star when it is opened, are puffed in yellow or some other color harmonizing with your display. Upon each point, the framework of which is shown here, is fastened a spring hinge, such as is used on screen doors. These hinges operate to close the points. Strong picture wire is used to draw back the points, and this must be fastened as near the hinges as possible in order that it may be concealed by the puffing, as it is on the face of the display, pulling the points out. By covering the hinges and wire with stiff paper, and puffing over that, a space will be left for the wire to run in and render it invisible. The pulleys at the three corners of the framework, as shown in the drawing, should be double, the wires running over them being spliced a few inches beyond the pulleys. The large drive wheel shown in the basement should be set up with one standard to allow the wires to make a complete revolution.
If you have mirrors, and can set them on each side of the star at an angle of about 45 degrees, they will by reflection give your display the effect of three stars.
Where this idea is used for a millinery window the face of the display could be covered by white flowers instead of puffing, and the points of the stars with bunches of violets.