Patent Grant
9113731
The present disclosure relates generally to a device and a system for storing and displaying photographs and memorabilia. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device, a system and a kit for storing and displaying a plurality of objects, photographs, documents and electronic media that relate to a common event, activity or time period.
People have a natural tendency to memorialize and preserve special events or time periods in their lives so that in later years, the joy of those times can be refreshed and re-enjoyed. Parents want to chronicle their children's births and early years. Boy and Girl Scouts want to preserve their time in scouting. People wish to commemorate important events such as weddings, christenings, confirmations and other life cycle events. Grandparents want to organize precious photos and keepsakes to pass to the next generations. When a loved one dies, mourners wish to preserve something of the deceased.
Life has many chapters along a person's timeline, such as childhood, religious school, high school, college, military duty, careers which also include special events such as vacations, proms, graduation, summer camp, field trips, professional recognition, special celebrations and milestone birthdays. Some people collect memorabilia for special sporting events such as the Olympics or the Super Bowl or centered on a theme.
Life has many relationships and people treasure mementos from their pets, from an old flame or from close friends. Life has many associations such as a sorority, a fraternity, a band, clubs, sport leagues, volunteer work and professional associations as well as hobbies that are enjoyed alone and with others.
A person accumulates many memorabilia objects over the years from some, if not, all of these events, chapters, relationships and themes. The photo album has long been a preferred device for storing and displaying photographs, documents and other flat objects related to a particular event or memory. Photo albums suffer from the shortcoming that related noteworthy memorabilia objects cannot easily be stored together with the photo album. Memorabilia ends up in a box or boxes somewhere, stored off in closets, basements or attics. The objects are often not organized or identified. Some have addressed this issue in part with the memorabilia box, which generally provides a plurality of storage containers for themed memorabilia objects but do not provide substantial photograph or document storage and are generally not sufficiently durable for general use.
While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present disclosure as disclosed hereafter.
In the present disclosure, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which the present disclosure is concerned.
While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate the present disclosure, no technical aspects are disclaimed and it is contemplated that the claims may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein.
An aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is to provide storage for memorabilia of varying shapes and sizes. Accordingly, an example embodiment in the present disclosure provides a device having a plurality of memorabilia object compartments for storing a plurality of memorabilia objects in varying shapes and sizes.
Another aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is to provide a device operative for displaying a plurality of memorabilia objects. Accordingly, an example embodiment in the present disclosure provides a device having a plurality of memorabilia object compartments having transparent covers for displaying the memorabilia objects.
A further aspect of an example embodiment in the present disclosure is to provide a device for storing and displaying a plurality of photographs, documents and memorabilia objects associated with an event, a time period or a relationship. Accordingly, an example embodiment in the present disclosure provides a device for storing and displaying documents, photographs, and memorabilia objects together with a plurality of covers, the device have bound archival pages for storing and displaying photographs, compartments for storing and displaying memorabilia objects and pockets for storing documents.
The present disclosure describes a device for storing and displaying documents, photographs, and memorabilia objects together. Covers are each rotatably connected to a spine and feature sides that rest upon or engage with each other to close. The device has a plurality of document pockets and a plurality of bound archival sheets. Within the device is a plurality of object compartments, each compartment having a transparent cover that selectively opens for placing and removing objects and selectively closes for safely displaying the objects. The device is included in a kit that further comprises at least one complementary storage box. The device is included in a system that further comprises an electronic catalogue for the photographs and objects stored therein.
The present disclosure addresses at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. However, it is contemplated that the present disclosure may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claims should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed hereinabove. To the accomplishment of the above, this disclosure may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the disclosure.
In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.
The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various example embodiments. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough, complete and fully conveys the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.
In this disclosure, the term memorabilia objects is meant to be interrupted broadly and can include such objects as mementos, souvenirs, collectibles and project supplies as non-limiting examples.
Any durable and substantially rigid or resilient material can be used to form the basic components of the device, however materials connoting fineness and importance, such as finished wood, leather, or leather-upholstered wood, or paperboard are preferred for display example embodiments. For more security-oriented storage example embodiments, highly durable materials that are fireproof, waterproof and weatherproof including materials appropriate for underground storage such as plastic, steel or aluminum are preferred. In general, a wide variety of plastics, metals, and other materials are also contemplated, and the materials of formation should not be construed as a limitation.
Generally, the disclosure is directed to a plurality of covers rotatably connecting by at least one spine, the spine disposed between two the covers, each of the covers having an inside and an outside; the covers selectively rotating into a closed position operative for storing a plurality of photographs and a plurality of memorabilia objects, the covers selectively rotating into an open position operative for displaying the photographs and the memorabilia objects.
Referring still to the example embodiment of
The ring binder mechanism 17 is located near the connecting edge of the first cover 10 in a location that will allow the device to close without the ring binder mechanism 17 interfering with the second edge 16. It is understood by those of ordinary skill that a ring binder is one example embodiment of a binding mechanism and is not a limitation and other mechanisms of binding are possible within the disclosed concept.
Removably attached around the rings of the ring binder mechanism 17 is a plurality of ring-bound pages 18, principally bound archival sheets. Archival sheets preferably are transparent pocket photo sheets having at least one pocket as well as a mounting page, but also can be any other type of sheet, such as for example, but not limited to, paper sheets, sheets having a transparent outer layer and a mounting inner layer, or any other type of sheets that can be bound, the sheets operative for storing and displaying photographs or recording and storing notes and remarks.
The term photographs is to be interpreted broadly as representative of a class of flat, thin sheets that can contain text as well as photos, pictures and drawings, such as, scrapbook pages, journal pages and notebook pages as non-limiting examples.
Referring still to the example embodiment described hereinabove,
Referring still to the first example embodiment, within the second side 16 are a plurality of walls of similar height, construction, and attachment to the second cover 12 as the side 16, which act to divide the space into a plurality of object storage compartments 19. Each compartment has a closed back, the back attaching to the inside of the second cover 12. Each compartment has four closed sides, the back and the closed sides defining an interior space, the interior space operative for storing a plurality of memorabilia objects. Each compartment has an open side, the open side operative for displaying the memorabilia objects.
Each compartment 19 is constructed so that the side 16 is reduced in height along one edge to allow for insertion of a guard cover 30 over the open side. Each two sides of each compartment 19 adjacent to the opening side have a raised edge 40, and cut into each raised edge 40 is a groove 41. Referring to
In another example embodiment illustrated in
The side walls of the compartments can be made from a variety of material such as, for example, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, leather, nylon or combination of two or more materials.
Referring to
The first cover 12 has a cavity 24 operative for accommodating the bound archival sheets. In one example embodiment, the archival sheets are separately bound in an album 44 with a cover 42 that stores in the cavity 24. As shown in
As illustrated in
Referring now to the external appearance of the device, the device can be decorated or themed with the decorative motif in a variety of ways. For example, a generally ornate or fine-looking design or carving can make the device generally pleasing, while a more colorful or printed external appearance can make the device more appealing for specific purposes or for specific people. For example, the application of themed indicia, such as images of an academic cap and tassel or gown or diploma printed on the exterior would theme a particular embodiment for a graduation. The decorative motif can incorporate ownership information or a logo associated with an owner. Similarly the application of a licensed image of a popular animated character would make the device of greater appeal to children. The motif is completely customizable and can include a photograph or artwork chosen by a user. Further variations include the attachment of a transparent pocket to cover any or all the first cover 10, spine 11, or second cover 12 into which the user can insert his or her own decorated or printed pages or photographs. The theme or decorative motif on the exterior is limitless in variation and is not a limitation of the presently disclosed embodiments. In a further embodiment, at least one of the covers retracts for further storage underneath.
The foregoing example embodiments discuss a device having a rectangular footprint, however alternative shapes, such as a circular, elliptical, or polygonal footprints are contemplated and can easily be adapted for in the shapes of the covers and sides. The overall shape further can be themed, for example to resemble an academic cap, wedding cake, or other indicia of a special occasion. Additional physical features and accessories can be installed or provided. For example, a light element, preferably a low-power, high-luminosity light element such as an LED, and an associated replaceable or rechargeable power source and switching mechanism can be installed to provide display light to any part of the device on user demand (manual switch) or whenever the device is open (switch installed to activate in the absence of closing pressure). For another example, the device can feature an external latch to provide closure, which can include a key or combination mechanical lock or an electronic lock. Relatedly, the device sides 15 and 16 and spine 11 can be fitted with sealing gaskets; this is in combination with generally weatherproof construction material can make the entire device watertight and airtight, and therefore suitable for extended storage in outdoor conditions or in-ground burial.
The device can be produced and sold as part of a kit or system. The kit can include inserts or album pages that the user can customize. Covers, storage bags, attachments or inserts can be provided. Each manufactured example embodiment of the device can be given a unique identifier, for which the user can track multiple owned embodiments in a provided log book or track and share a register with a provided online data service. With or without a unique identifier, a certificate document can be provided or custom-printed prior to sale wherein the particular embodiment is stated to be associated with the user and a particular event, time period, relationship or theme.
In a further example embodiment, a kit comprises the device for storing and displaying a plurality of photographs, a plurality of documents and a plurality of memorabilia objects and at least one complementary accessory storage box 110, shown in
The kit further comprises a sleeve 50, as shown in
The kit, as shown in
The kit can further optionally include a carrying handle, a locking mechanism, a fastening mechanism, a wall hanging apparatus, and a shadow box facade. In yet a further example embodiment, a pair of devices is coupled at the spines in a back-to-back configuration.
In another example embodiment as shown in
The system further comprises a plurality of the devices and the database application stores a catalogue of devices and memorabilia objects, documents and photographs stored therein each device. The system further comprises at least one complementary accessory storage box operative for storing memorabilia objects associated with one device and the database application stores a catalog of the memorabilia objects stored within the at least one complementary accessory storage box, associating the catalog with the one device.
A method of manufacturing the device comprises coupling a plurality of covers with at least one spine therebetween and coupling a plurality of compartments, to a second cover, said compartments having an open front. Transparent covers are selectively coupled to the compartments, covering the open front of the compartments. The method further comprises bounding a plurality of archival sheets and coupling to first cover and coupling a document pocket to the first cover. In another example embodiment, the document pocket is coupled to a third cover.
It is understood that when an element is referred hereinabove as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.
Moreover, any components or materials can be formed from a same, structurally continuous piece or separately fabricated and connected.
It is further understood that, although ordinal terms, such as, “first,” “second,” “third,” are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, “a first element,” “component,” “region,” “layer” or “section” discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings herein.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, are used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.
While the foregoing written description of example embodiments enable one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The present disclosure should, therefore, not be limited by the above described example embodiments, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.
In conclusion, herein is presented a device, a system and a kit for storing and displaying a plurality of objects, photographs, documents and electronic media that relate to a common event, activity or time period. The disclosure is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present disclosure.
This application is a divisional utility application of the nonprovisional patent utility application Ser. No. 14,014,545, filed in the United States Patent Office on Aug. 30, 2013, and claims the priority thereof and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Application Ser. No. 14,014,545 is a nonprovisional utility application of the provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/696,390, filed in the United States Patent Office on Sep. 4, 2012, and claims the priority thereof and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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