Patent Application
20240276923
Throughout history, seasonal decorations, including but not limited to wreaths and welcome signs, have held a certain role as essential elements in home décor. These decorative items serve as expressive mediums, enabling individuals to convey a sense of festivity and partake in the celebration of diverse occasions. Specifically, these decorations play an important role in reflecting tradition and cultural practices associated with changing seasons, significant holidays, and cultural celebrations. By hanging or otherwise using them as décor in residential spaces or workplaces, individuals can not only infuse their homes or workplaces with a certain ambiance but also actively participate in the cultural and seasonal narratives that they subscribe to.
The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of decorative display apparatuses. The description is not meant to limit the decorative display apparatus to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of decorative display apparatuses. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGS.
A decorative display apparatus as disclosed herein will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of decorative display apparatuses. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the examples described herein.
A conventional door-mounted seasonal decoration, such as a wreath or welcome sign, typically comes with a fixed design catering to a specific holiday or season. These traditional decorations offer limited versatility as they cannot be easily modified or personalized. Homeowners often find themselves needing to purchase multiple signs to accommodate different occasions throughout the year. Furthermore, the lack of diversity in available designs means that seasonal décor does not effectively cater to a broad range of holidays and cultural celebrations. The fixed nature of these conventional decorations restricts personal expression, with little room for customization or personalization, such as adding a family name or specific welcoming message.
The current state of door-mounted seasonal decorations presents several challenges and missed opportunities. Consumers face increased costs associated with purchasing multiple decorations, and storage becomes a practical concern due to the need to accommodate various signs for different occasions. Additionally, the limited design options fail to represent the full spectrum of holidays and cultural celebrations, creating a gap in the market. The inability to personalize these decorations further diminishes their appeal, contributing to a lack of uniqueness and individual expression in home décor. Additionally, the current state of door-mounted seasonal decorations exacerbate these challenges as they do not securely hold the decorations, causing them to fall or break, especially in outdoor environments with strong winds.
Implementations of magnetic interchangeable door signs aim to improve this landscape by introducing a three-part system consisting of a metal base, magnetic interchangeable inserts, and hanging mechanisms. This approach allows users to customize their decorations easily, adapting to various holidays, seasons, and personal preferences. The metal base serves as a one-time investment, while the magnetic inserts can be effortlessly swapped, reducing costs and addressing storage challenges. Furthermore, the introduction of third-party vendors for personalized magnetic inserts opens up new avenues for individual expression, enabling users to tailor their decorations to specific events or include personal messages.
The disclosed embodiments of magnetic interchangeable door signs offer a comprehensive solution to the problems associated with conventional decorations. By providing a versatile and customizable system, users can now achieve a broader range of designs without the need for multiple purchases. The magnetic inserts enhance user experience, promoting diversity and personalization in seasonal home décor. Overall, the disclosed embodiments represent a significant advancement in the field, catering to consumer needs for cost-effective, space-efficient, and uniquely personalized door-mounted decorations.
The interchangeable component 120 may be configured for being replaced by coupling and removing the interchangeable component 120 from the base 110 and substituting it with another component. The interchangeable component 120 may include a first side 122 including the decorative element 130 coupled thereto and a second side opposite the first side 122. The decorative element 130 may include painted artwork, engraved patterns, printed designs, or textured surfaces on the interchangeable magnetic component 120. The decorative element 130 may also include motifs, holographic images, or sculpted relief. For example, in the embodiment shown in
In an embodiment, the interchangeable component 120 may include a light-emitting element on the first side 122, and the base 110 may further include electrical contacts to provide power to the light-emitting element for illuminating the decorative element 130. Additionally, the decorative display apparatus 100 may further include a remote-control device configured to wirelessly control the decorative element 130 on the interchangeable component 120.
The cutout or etching 216 may include non-magnetic materials such as plastic, ceramic, or non-ferrous metals to prevent interference with the magnetic field, ensuring optimal performance. The design of the cutout or etching 216 may include patterns that align with the natural flow of magnetic field lines produced by the magnetic surface 212. In an embodiment, non-magnetic spacers may be introduced within the cutout to allow unobstructed magnetic field lines. By introducing these non-magnetic spacers, potential interruptions or disturbances in the magnetic field caused by the material of the cutout itself are minimized. This careful arrangement ensures that the magnetic forces generated by the magnetic surface 212 or central magnet can propagate freely and efficiently through the surrounding space, allowing the apparatus to maintain its intended magnetic strength.
Insulating materials, coatings, or specific cutout designs may be utilized to minimize the induction of eddy currents, thereby reducing unwanted magnetic influences. The geometry of the cutout or etching 216 may be configured to maintain an alignment for the desired magnetic field strength and configuration. For instance, a suitable distance between the cutout or etching and the central magnet may be made during manufacturing. This distance may be determined based on considerations of magnetic strength weight of the interchangeable component, and the like. For example, in an embodiment, a distance of 3 millimeters or more between the cutout edges and the central magnet may provide a strong magnetic hold for securely attaching the interchangeable component while maintaining. The distance may be adjusted during the manufacturing process to achieve optimal magnetic field strength and configuration for the intended application.
The magnetic surface 212 may be positioned at a center of the base 210. The base 210 may further include a wooden fitting 218 coupled to a peripheral annular edge of the base 210. The wooden fitting 218 may circumscribe the peripheral annular edge of the base 210. In an embodiment, the wooden fitting 218 may snugly or tightly circumscribe the peripheral annular edge of the base 210. In this context, “snugly” or “tightly” refers to the manner in which the wooden fitting 218 fits around the peripheral annular edge of the base 210. It indicates a close and secure fit, with minimal or no play or looseness, ensuring a precise and firm encirclement of the base's outer edge by the wooden fitting. In another embodiment, instead of wood, the fitting may include another suitable material, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, or composite materials.
The coupling component is configured to adapt and accommodate different types of supporting surfaces, such as glass, wood, carpeting, tile, concrete, asphalt, drywall, metal, and the like. This modular and interchangeable configuration allows easy modification based on the specific characteristics of the supporting surface. The coupling component may include adjustable connectors, varying attachment mechanisms, and customizable configurations to cater to diverse needs. For example, if the supporting surface is magnetic, the coupling component might include magnetic connectors. Conversely, if the surface relies on a different attachment method, the coupling component may comprise various suitable connectors such as suction cups, hooks, or adhesive elements. Furthermore, the coupling component may be constructed from flexible materials, such as gel or the like. The coupling component may be configured to mold to curved countertops or uneven ground.
The interchangeable mounting component may be affixed to the surface of the base positioned proximal to a supporting surface of a structure, designed to securely mount the apparatus to a supporting surface. The interchangeable mounting component may be altered, adjusted, or changed based on the characteristics of the supporting surface to which the apparatus is mounted. For instance, if the supporting surface has an incline, the mounting component may comprise a hanger. On the other hand, if the supporting surface is horizontally oriented, the mounting component may consist of an adhering element. Examples of suitable hangers may include hooks, loops, or clips that can securely attach to a supporting surface when it is vertically oriented. Likewise, examples of suitable adhering elements may include suction cups or adhesive pads, which are effective for adherence to a supporting surface when it is horizontally oriented.
In another embodiment, rather than utilizing the coupling component, a support structure can be coupled to the base 410. This support structure, which may include a kickstand, foldable frame, or detachable bracket, is specifically configured to facilitate the secure standing of the base on a surface. This embodiment may stabilize the decorative display apparatus 400 and provide users with options for securely placing the apparatus 400 on various surfaces.
The interchangeable component 520 may include a grasping component adjacent the magnet to facilitate the disengagement of the interchangeable magnetic component 520 from the base. Examples of suitable grasping components include handles, knobs, levers, or other structures designed to be easily gripped or manipulated by a user. These components may extend downwards enough for a user to easily locate them by feeling with their hand but not so long as to touch or engage with the base, such that the grasping feature does not inadvertently disrupt or disengage the magnetic connection between the interchangeable component 520 and the base.
The type of magnet chosen for the apparatus may be tailored to the specific application. For instance, if the supporting surface has an incline, the magnet selected may involve higher magnetic strength, such as a neodymium magnet. Conversely, if the supporting surface is horizontally oriented, the magnet chosen may feature lower magnetic strength, such as a ferrite magnet.
In an embodiment, the magnet may be a Strontium ferrite magnet, a neodymium magnet, or another type of magnet, ensuring that the magnetic force between the base of the decorative display apparatus 500 and the interchangeable component 520 is strong enough to withstand various disturbances, particularly wind-induced perturbations. This prevents the interchangeable component 520 from dislodging from the base, making it particularly advantageous for outdoor applications like garden displays and various domestic settings, including tables, shelves, or countertops. The apparatus' ability to endure such perturbations enhances its stability and reliability in adverse weather conditions. The apparatus' versatility may extend to placement options, allowing secure positioning on surfaces or convenient hanging on walls using a coupling component attached to the base.
A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure.
Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein.
The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations.
Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.
As used herein “same” means sharing all features and “similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and/or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference.
As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and/or” forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or D is an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, B and C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and/or” list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list.
Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples.
The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/485,575 entitled “Magnetic Interchangeable Door Signs”, filed on Feb. 17, 2023. The entire contents of the above-listed application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63485575 | Feb 2023 | US |
