U.S. patent application number 09/990963 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-22 for decorative apparatus for displaying items.
Invention is credited to Greiner, Lori.
Application Number | 20030094457 09/990963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25536697 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030094457 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greiner, Lori |
May 22, 2003 |
Decorative apparatus for displaying items
Abstract
A decorative apparatus for displaying items in internal cavities
includes a housing that is at least partially transparent with
opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members defining a
hollow region therebetween. The decorative apparatus also includes
a plurality of dividers within the hollow region separating the
region into a plurality of internal cavities. The housing further
includes a removable member, configured to provide access to each
of the internal cavities, so that decorative objects within the
internal cavities can be easily changed or rearranged. A method for
decorating an apparatus includes placing objects within the hollow
region through a housing access provided by removing a removable
housing member and replacing the removable housing member.
Inventors: |
Greiner, Lori; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
25536697 |
Appl. No.: |
09/990963 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/523 ;
220/549 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 36/34 20130101;
B65D 43/12 20130101; B65D 25/04 20130101; B65D 1/36 20130101; A47G
23/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/523 ;
220/549 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/24; B65D
001/36; B65D 025/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A decorative apparatus for displaying items, the apparatus
comprising: a housing defining a hollow region, the housing
including: opposing top and bottom members; and sidewalls
perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces; a removable member
allowing access to the hollow region; a plurality of dividers
extending within the hollow region defining a plurality of hollow
cavities within the hollow region; and wherein the housing is at
least partially transparent.
2. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handle
extending outwardly from the housing.
3. The decorative apparatus of claim 2 wherein the handle is
integrally formed into the housing.
4. The decorative apparatus of claim 3 wherein the handle is
integrally formed into the housing sidewall members.
5. The decorative apparatus of claim 2 wherein the housing has an
outer periphery and the handle extends continuously around the
housing outer periphery.
6. The decorative apparatus of claim 5 wherein the outer periphery
is defined by a periphery of the top member and wherein the top
member is recessed with respect to the handle.
7. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing top and
bottom members are substantially planar.
8. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing sidewall
members are integrally formed into the housing top member.
9. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is
rectangular shaped.
10. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is
circular shaped.
11. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hollow region
has a thickness of at least about one-half inch.
12. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of
dividers are removable.
13. The decorative apparatus of claim 12 wherein the housing
further comprises grooves for receiving the removable dividers.
14. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dividers are
integrally formed into the housing top member.
15. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dividers are
equally spaced throughout the hollow region.
16. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dividers are
arranged parallel to each other.
17. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable
member allows simultaneous access to all hollow cavities within the
hollow region.
18. The decorative apparatus of claim 17 wherein the removable
member is the housing bottom member.
19. The decorative apparatus of claim 17 wherein the removable
member is a housing sidewall member, wherein the plurality of
hollow cavities are accessible when the housing sidewall member is
removed.
20. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable
member is removable without special tools.
21. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable
member has locking protrusions that engage the housing and wherein
the protrusions assist in attaching the removable member to the
housing.
22. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable
member has gripping protrusions wherein the gripping protrusions
assist in removing the removable member from the housing.
23. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable
member is releasably secured to the housing with fasteners.
24. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is made
of a material having a high heat resistance.
25. A system for decorating an apparatus for displaying items in
internal cavities, the system comprising: a decorative apparatus
comprising a housing having opposing top and bottom members and
perpendicular sidewall members defining a hollow region
therebetween, wherein the housing is at least partially
transparent; dividers located within the hollow region to divide
the hollow region into a plurality of internal cavities; and a
removable housing member configured to provide access to the
internal cavities.
26. The system of claim 25 wherein the removable housing member is
the housing bottom member.
27. The system of claim 25 wherein the dividers are removable.
28. The system of claim 25 wherein the apparatus includes a handle
extending from the housing.
29. The system of claim 25 wherein at least the housing top member
is made of a heat resistant material.
30. A method for decorating an apparatus, the apparatus comprising
a housing with opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members
coupling the top and bottom members, the housing defining a hollow
region and having access to the hollow region through a removable
housing member, the method comprising the steps of: removing the
removable housing member to gain access to the hollow region;
placing objects within the hollow region; and replacing the
removable housing member.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the step of placing objects
within the hollow region comprises placing objects in a plurality
of internal cavities within the hollow region.
32. The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of allowing
objects within the hollow region to fall out of the housing after
removing the removable member and before the step of placing
objects within the hollow region.
33. The method of claim 30 wherein the step of removing the
removable housing member comprises removing the housing bottom
member and the step of replacing the removable housing member
comprises replacing the housing bottom member.
34. A decorative apparatus for displaying items, the apparatus
comprising: a housing having a hollow region, wherein the hollow
region is defined by opposing top and bottom members and sidewall
members coupling the top and bottom members; at least one divider
located within the hollow region to divide the hollow region into a
plurality of internal cavities; and means for providing access to
each of the plurality of internal cavities.
35. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the means for
providing access comprises a removable housing member.
36. The decorative apparatus of claim 35 wherein the removable
housing member is either the bottom member or a sidewall
member.
37. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the apparatus is
made from a heat resistant material.
38. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein a handle extends
outwardly from the housing.
39. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the apparatus is a
tray.
40. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the apparatus is a
trivet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to fillable apparatus,
more particularly a decorative apparatus including a hollow region
where objects can be displayed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Decorative apparatus are known in the prior art that allow
sheets of material or objects to be stored within the walls of the
apparatus. For example, some beverage mugs provide space for a
sheet of material, such as a photo, in the wall of the mug. Some of
these decorative mugs may allow for insertion of liquid or fine
particles within the space provided for decoration.
[0003] A transparent bowl is known that provides a hollow region
between an inner and outer bowl that is purchased with decorative
objects already present in the hollow region. However, it is not
possible for the purchaser of this bowl to access the hollow region
to change the decorative objects.
[0004] Transparent storage systems for items such as fishing lures
are also known, such as the compartmentalized container of U.S.
Pat. No. 3,378,134. The compartments can be rotated to bring them
in line with access openings on the outer container wall. The
access openings may be covered by a hinged access door that is
readily visible on the container wall. The access door provides
access to only one compartment at a time.
[0005] A decorative container providing a hollow region for
displaying three-dimensional decorative objects is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,918, dated Jul. 3, 2001, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/824,937, filed Apr. 3, 2001, both of which
are hereby incorporated by reference. These containers provide
dividers within the hollow region for separating the decorative
objects in a number of internal cavities and a removable access
opening for accessing the hollow region.
[0006] There is a need for additional arrangements for holding
three-dimensional decorative objects in a decorative apparatus or
decorative apparatus system. Apparatuses with different
configurations are needed where decorative objects in a hollow
region of the apparatus can be changed by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a decorative
apparatus for displaying items includes a housing that is at least
partially transparent with opposing top and bottom members and
sidewall members defining a hollow region therebetween. The housing
further includes a removable member, configured to provide access
to each of the internal cavities, so that decorative objects within
the internal cavities can be easily changed or rearranged. The
decorative apparatus also includes a plurality of dividers within
the hollow region separating the region into a plurality of
internal cavities.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a decorative
apparatus displaying system for displaying items includes a housing
with opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members defining
a hollow region therebetween. The housing is at least partially
transparent. The decorative apparatus displaying system further
includes a removable housing member allowing access to the hollow
region. The decorative apparatus displaying system also includes
dividers located within the hollow region to divide the hollow
region into a plurality of internal cavities for displaying
items.
[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention is a method for
filling a decorative apparatus with items for display. The
decorative apparatus for displaying items is at least partially
transparent and includes opposing top and bottom members and
sidewall members that define a hollow region therebetween. The
decorative apparatus also includes access into the hollow region
through a removable housing member. The method for filling the
decorative apparatus with items may include the steps of removing
the removable housing member to gain access to the hollow region,
placing objects in the hollow region, and then replacing the
removable housing member in the apparatus housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention may be more completely understood by
considering the detailed description of various embodiments of the
invention, which follows in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative apparatus
having a housing and a removable housing lid, where the apparatus
is configured as a tray.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the decorative apparatus housing of
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the decorative apparatus
housing of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an end view of the decorative apparatus housing of
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the removable housing lid of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an end view of the removable housing lid of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the removable housing
lid illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial view of an end of the removable housing
lid illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a decorative apparatus
having a housing and a removable housing lid, where the apparatus
is configured as a trivet.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of the decorative apparatus housing of
FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the decorative apparatus
housing of FIG. 9.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative
apparatus housing of FIG. 9.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the removable housing lid of FIG.
9.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an end view of the removable housing lid of FIG.
9.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the removable housing
lid of FIG. 13.
[0026] FIG. 16 is partial view of an end of the removable housing
lid illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0027] FIG. 17 is cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment
of a decorative apparatus housing where the housing has removable
dividers.
[0028] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood however that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The present invention is believed to be applicable to a
variety of systems and arrangements for a decorative apparatus that
displays items. The apparatus is intended to both display items
within its hollow housing and serve a functional purpose, such as a
tray or trivet. The invention has been found to be particularly
advantageous where it is desired to display different types of
three-dimensional objects in a format such that the arrangement of
the decorative objects and the content of the decoration can be
easily changed to suit different circumstances. The invention is
also especially useful where it is desirable to display several
different types of decorative objects in separate internal cavities
of a decorative apparatus. While the present invention is not so
limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention is
best gained through a discussion of an example operating in such an
environment.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the decorative apparatus for
displaying items is designed and configured as a tray. The
apparatus may have a variety of shapes and sizes and other features
conforming to the limitations of the invention. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view illustrating one particular embodiment of a
decorative apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention where the decorative apparatus is a tray having a
rectangular shape with a bottom member 104 partially slid out of
the apparatus. The tray, in a preferred embodiment, is made of
transparent material and FIGS. 1-8 reflect an apparatus being
constructed of such transparent material. The decorative apparatus
100 includes a housing 102 and a removable housing member 104 (also
referred to as removable housing lid, removable lid, housing lid,
and housing bottom member) removably secured to housing 102. The
combined housing 102 and removable lid 104 create a hollow region
106 therebetween. Decorative items can be removably stored and
displayed within hollow region 106.
[0031] Now referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the apparatus housing
of the present invention is illustrated. In this preferred
embodiment, tray-housing 102 is rectangular shaped having a first
end wall 108 and an opposing second end wall 110 and opposing
sidewalls 112. End walls 108, 110 and sidewalls 112 create a
housing periphery 123 to which a handle 114 is attached. The tray
housing also includes a top member 120 having an upper surface 121
(see FIG. 3). The top member 120 (best seen in FIG. 3) also has a
top member periphery that can create a common connecting surface
between end walls 108, 110 and sidewall 112. Handle 114 may be
attached to the top member periphery or to the housing periphery.
Top member 120 and removable housing member 104 may be considered
opposing top and bottom housing members. Hollow region 106 is
defined within the bounds of end walls 108, 110 sidewalls 112, top
member 120 and removable lid 104. Dividers 116 are spaced
throughout hollow region 106 creating a plurality of hollow
cavities 115 (see FIG. 3). The internal cavities may store
different types of decorative items, providing an appealing visual
display by permitting a separation of the different types of
decorative items.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a right-side view of tray housing 102 according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view of tray
housing 102 illustrates handle 114, hollow cavities 115, end walls
108 and 110, a sidewall 112, dividers 116, sidewall protrusions
118, housing top member 120, and upper surface 121. FIG. 4 is an
end view of tray housing 102, viewed from second end wall 110. FIG.
4 illustrates tray housing 102 having a housing end wall 110,
sidewalls 112, handle 114, sidewall protrusions 118, top member
120, upper surface 121 and a housing thickness 125. As illustrated
in FIGS. 3 and 4, upper surface 121, in a preferred tray
embodiment, is recessed relative to handle 114, creating a tray
surface bounded by handle 114. Furthermore, in a preferred
embodiment, top member 120 is substantially flat or planar such
that apparatus housing 102 alone or in combination with removable
lid 104 and handle 114 may be used as a tray. Housing thickness 125
is defined by a height of second end wall 110.
[0033] FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrate end wall end 111, notched area
113, divider ends 117, sidewall tabs 118 positioned on sidewalls
112, and housing gap 119. Sidewall tabs 118 (also illustrated in
FIG. 2) are positioned relative to dividers 116 such that removable
lid 104 will be captured therebetween. FIGS. 3 and 4 further
illustrate first end wall 108 extending in a vertical direction
further from top member 120 then does second end wall 110. Second
end wall 110 is configured to provide a housing gap 119 formed
between end 111 of end wall 110, end 117 of dividers 116, and
sidewall protrusions 118. Sidewalls 112 also include a recessed
area or notch near end wall 110 that forms notched area 113 for
receiving a portion of removable member 104. First end wall 108 is
configured to assist in stopping removable lid 104 from extending
all the way through housing 102 so that removable lid 104 is
captured within tray housing 102. Second end wall 110 is further
configured to provide-a locking or interference surface to assist
in holding removable lid 104 in place within housing 102.
[0034] A cross-sectional view of tray housing 102 would be similar
to the cross-sectional view of the apparatus housing shown and
described hereinafter as FIG. 12. Differences between a
cross-sectional view of tray housing 102 and the cross-section view
of FIG. 12 would include such features as the number of dividers
116 and the position of handle 114 on housing 102.
[0035] Now referring to FIG. 5, a top view is shown of removable
lid 104. Removable lid 104 has a first end 150, a second end 152
and sidewalls 154. In a preferred embodiment, removable lid 104 is
substantially flat and configured to be slidably inserted into tray
housing 102 by inserting first end 150 into housing gap 119 (see
FIGS. 3 and 4). Removable lid 104 further includes a top lid
surface 156 (see FIG. 6), a bottom lid surface (see FIG. 6), grip
members 158 formed on the top lid surface 156, pull-tab 160
attached at the lid second end 152, and recesses 162 formed in the
lid sidewalls 154. Also illustrated in FIG. 5 are interference
dimples 164 and stop protrusions 166 extending outwardly from
sidewalls 154 at or near lid second end 154. Grip members 158 and
tab 160 assist in inserting and removing lid 104 from tray housing
102. Stop protrusions 166 and dimples 164 function to lock and hold
removable lid 104 within housing 102.
[0036] FIG. 6 is an end view of removable lid 104 viewed from lid
second end 152. FIG. 6 illustrates top lid surface 156 and a bottom
lid surface 157 of the removable lid. Dimples 164 are formed into
and extend from bottom lid surface 157 and grip members 158 are
formed into and extend from upper lid surface 156. When removable
lid 104 is inserted into housing 102, the lid is inserted with the
top surface 156 facing in a direction away from top member 120.
When inserted in this manner, dimples 164 contact end wall member
110 and stop protrusions 166 contact sidewalls 112 at notched area
113. In this assembled configuration, grip members 158 are
accessible for assisting in removing removable lid 104 from housing
102.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the removable lid 104
illustrated in FIG. 5 taken along line 7-7. The cross-sectional
view of FIG. 7 illustrates removable lid 104 having a first end
150, a second end 152, a top surface 156, a bottom surface 157, and
an end region 170 that includes gripping members 158 and dimples
164. End region 170 is shown in greater detail in the partial view
of FIG. 8.
[0038] The partial view of FIG. 8 includes second end 152, gripping
members 158, dimple 164 and pull-tab 160. In a preferred
embodiment, there are three gripping members 158 positioned
adjacent each to one another on upper lid surface 156 (see FIG. 5)
and three dimples 164 equally spaced apart between sidewalls 154 of
removable lid 104 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The number of gripping
members 158 and dimples 164 may vary depending upon a particular
tray design. Dimples 164 may vary in size and shape but are
required to interfere with second end wall member 110 of housing
102 in order to hold the removable lid 104 in place within housing
102. Alternative locking features or techniques may be used in
place of dimples such as, for example, fasteners, snap-fits,
latches, hinges or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the
removable lid 104 is removable from housing 102 by hand without the
use of special tools.
[0039] In a second preferred embodiment, the decorative apparatus
for displaying items is designed and configured as a trivet or a
"hot plate." The trivet may have a variety of shapes and sizes and
other features conforming to the limitations of the embodiment as
follows and illustrated in FIGS. 9-16.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the features of
the present invention where the decorative apparatus is a trivet
having a square shape with a bottom member partially slid out of
the apparatus. The trivet, in a preferred embodiment, is made of
transparent, heat-resistant material and FIGS. 9-17 reflect an
apparatus being constructed of such transparent material. An
apparatus 200 includes an apparatus (or trivet) housing 202 and a
removable housing member 204 (also referred to herein as removable
housing lid, removable lid, housing lid, and housing bottom member)
removably secured to trivet housing 202. A hollow region 206 is
defined by the combination of housing 202 and removable lid
204.
[0041] Decorative items can then be stored and displayed within
hollow region 206. FIG. 10 is a top view of trivet housing 202 as
shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 illustrates components of housing 202
which are further illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, including housing
first end wall 208, housing second end wall 210 and opposing
sidewalls 212 creating a periphery of the housing, a handle 214,
hollow cavities 215, dividers 216, sidewall protrusions 218, and a
top housing member 220 having an upper surface 221 (see FIGS. 11
and 12). Handle 214 extends around the housing periphery and is
attached to sidewalls 212 and first and second end walls 208, 210.
Sidewall protrusions 218 are formed in sidewalls 212 and assist in
capturing removable lid 204 within housing 202. Dividers 216 extend
into hollow region 206 of the housing creating a plurality of
hollow cavities 215 within hollow region 206 for storing different
types of decorative items and providing an appealing visual display
by permitting separation of different types of decorative items
within the housing. In addition, top housing member 220 has a
periphery 223. Preferably, sidewalls 212 and end walls 208, 210 are
formed into top housing member 220 around periphery 223.
[0042] FIG. 11 is an end view of housing 202 as viewed from second
end wall 210. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the trivet
housing 202 illustrated in FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12. FIGS. 11
and 12 illustrate housing 202 having a handle 214, a first end wall
208, a second end wall 210, opposing sidewalls 212, sidewall
protrusions 218, a top housing member 220 having an upper surface
221 and a housing thickness 225. Housing 202 also includes end wall
end 211, notched area 213, divider end 217 and gap 119. Housing
thickness 225 is defined by a height of second end wall 210. End
wall end 111 represents an end of second end wall 210 opposite top
housing member 220. Removing a portion of sidewalls 212 near second
end 210 creates notched area 213. Divider end 217 represents an end
of dividers 216 opposite top member 220. FIGS. 11 and 12 also
illustrate a spatial relationship between sidewall protrusions 218
and second end wall 210 of the housing. The vertical space between
end wall 210 and protrusions 218 creates a gap 219 and is
sufficient for removable lid 204, illustrated in FIG. 9, to be
inserted into trivet housing 202.
[0043] Top housing member 220 and removable housing member 204 may
be considered opposing top and bottom housing members,
respectively. As opposed to the configuration of a tray as
described in the first preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-8), top
housing member 220 and upper surface 221 are not vertically
recessed relative to handle 214. Preferable, upper surface 221 is
at the same or a greater vertical height as handle 214.
[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 further illustrate handle 214 as a curved
handle extending outwardly from sidewalls 212. Handle 214 as well
as handle 114 may, in other embodiments, be configured in a variety
of shapes and sizes and is not restricted to a configuration that
is curved or semi circular in shape or that extends around the
entire housing periphery as defined by the housing sidewalls 212,
112 and first and second end walls 208, 210 and 108, 110. Handle
114, 214 may be a single handle or a plurality of separate handles
extending from a housing side or end wall or the housing top
member. Handles 114, 214 may also extend upwardly or downwardly as
well as perpendicularly from a housing side or end wall or the
housing top member so long as the handle is accessible for the
purposes of aesthetics or functionally handling the apparatus. In
addition, the handles may be removable. The handles may also have a
hollow cavity which may be filled by a user with decorative
items.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a top view of removable lid 204 shown in FIG. 9.
Removable lid 204 includes a first end 250, a second end 252 and
opposing sides 254. Removable lid 204 also includes a top surface
256 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) and recesses 262 formed into sidewalls
254. At or near end 252 of the lid are located dimples 264, stop
protrusions 266, grip members 268 and pull-tab 260. These four
features assist in locking removable lid 204 in place within trivet
housing 202 and removing removable lid 204 from trivet housing
202.
[0046] FIG. 14 is an end view of trivet removable lid 204 as viewed
from second end 252. FIG. 14 illustrates removable lid 204 having
sidewalls 254, second end 252, upper trivet surface 256, and a
lower trivet surface 257. Dimples 264 are formed into lower trivet
surface 257 and grip members 258 are formed into upper surface 256.
Pull-tab 260 extends outwardly from end 252 in a linear direction.
Pull-tab 260, as with pull-tab 160, may be configured in a variety
of ways having a variety of shapes, sizes and places of attachment
on removable lid 204 for the purpose of handling and maneuvering
removable lid 204. When lid 204 is inserted into housing 202, the
lid is positioned such that dimples 256 face towards top housing
member 220 and grip members 258 face outwardly away from top
housing member 220. Dimples 264, when lid 204 is completely
inserted within housing 202, create an interference fit with second
end wall 210 of trivet housing 202 to lock removable lid within
housing 202.
[0047] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the removable lid 204
illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates upper surface 256,
lower surface 257, first end 250, second end 252, and an end region
270. End region 270 is shown in greater detail in the partial view
of end 270 illustrated in FIG. 16.
[0048] The partial view of FIG. 16 includes second end 252,
gripping members 258, dimples 264 and pull-tab 260. In a preferred
embodiment, there are three gripping members 258 positioned
adjacent each to one another on upper lid surface 256 (see FIG. 13)
and three dimples 264 equally spaced apart between sidewalls 254 of
removable lid 204 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The number of gripping
members 258 and dimples 264 may vary depending upon a particular
trivet design. Dimples 264 may vary in size and shape but are
required to interfere with second end wall member 210 of trivet
housing 202 in order to hold the removable lid 204 in place within
housing 202. Alternative locking features or techniques may be used
in place of dimples such as, for example, fasteners, snap-fits,
latches, hinges or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the
removable lid 204 is removable from housing 202 by hand without the
use of special tools.
[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the dividers are
removable from the apparatus housing. FIG. 17 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of a decorative apparatus housing 302 similar
to trivet housing 202 illustrated in FIG. 2. Housing 302 is
illustrated in FIG. 17 as having an outer surface 320, sidewalls
312, first end wall 308, second end wall 310, dividers 316,
sidewall protrusions 318 and divider recesses 380 formed within
outer member 320. In this exemplary drawing, dividers 316 are
removable from housing 302 and are positioned within housing 302
with the aid of divider recesses 380. It is envisioned that
dividers 316 might have a variety of shapes or configurations such
that they might be removably attached to or inserted into recesses
380 of housing 302.
[0050] The decorative apparatus may be provided in many different
sizes depending on the types of decorative items to be displayed
within the apparatus and alternative intended uses for the
apparatus. For example, in another preferred embodiment, the
apparatus is circular-shaped and the apparatus handle extends
around only a portion of the decorative apparatus periphery. The
height of the housing sidewall and end wall members provides this
spacing. The decorative apparatus could also have a rectangular,
triangular, hexagonal or a variety of other shapes. In addition,
many different placements and configurations of the access opening
are also possible. It is anticipated that access to the apparatus
hollow region could be through either the removable lid or bottom
housing member or one of the housing sidewall or end wall members
that provide access to all of the hollow cavities. It is further
anticipated that the removable member could provide access to all
hollow cavities simultaneously
[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the hollow region within
apparatus housing has a thickness of about 0.2 inch to 2 inches, or
about 0.5 to 5 centimeters, preferably about 0.5 inch or about 1.25
centimeters.
[0052] The decorative apparatus may be constructed of many
different materials that have adequate rigidity for holding items
on the top housing member and for storing decorative objects within
the internal hollow cavities. Other desirable characteristics for
the material of the decorative apparatus are transparency, ease of
manufacture, low cost, durability, washability, and visual
attractiveness. Preferably, the components of the decorative
apparatus are made of the same material and are molded using
well-known techniques. Preferred materials for the decorative
apparatus include polystyrene and other plastic materials.
Preferably, the apparatus housing, including side and end wall,
handle, dividers and removable member are formed of the same
material. In a another embodiment, the components of the decorative
apparatus are all made of polystyrene except for the removable
member which is made of polypropylene.
[0053] Many different construction techniques may be used to
produce the decorative apparatus of the claimed invention.
Preferably, injection molding is used to produce the components of
the decorative apparatus. The injection molding process may result
in small lines on the surface of the components called "witness
lines" where two mold pieces meet or where there is a change in the
radius of curvature of a surface. The witness lines will be nearly
invisible when the proper molding techniques, known in the art, are
employed. In one embodiment using injection molding techniques,
each of the components are produced as separate pieces. The
components may then be secured together using adhesives, ultrasonic
welding, interference or snap-fits, fasteners or other like
techniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the housing
components including the top member, side and end walls, and
dividers are integrally formed as one piece and the removable
member is formed separately. In another embodiment, the housing top
member together with the side and end walls are formed in one piece
and the dividers and removable member are formed as separate
pieces.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the decorative apparatus, all
components are made of a transparent material to allow viewing of
the decorative objects from all angles. However, it is also
possible and may be desirable to construct the decorative apparatus
with only some portions transparent, such as only the housing top
member or only the housing sidewall and end wall members or
portions thereof. By transparent, it is meant that objects behind
the material are at least somewhat visible to a viewer.
[0055] In addition, many different numbers and configurations of
internal dividers are contemplated by the present invention. In a
preferred embodiment of the decorative tray apparatus, twelve
dividers are equally spaced within the housing hollow region. In a
preferred embodiment of the decorative trivet apparatus, four
dividers are equally spaced between the housing and removable lid.
It should be understood that many different quantities and special
arrangements of the dividers and internal cavities may be desirable
and are encompassed by the present invention. It may also be
desirable to have the dividers spaced parallel to each other as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 or spaced at different angles to each other.
It is also possible that the dividers may be differently configured
than those shown. For example, the dividers in the Figures are
linear, but the dividers could also be, for example, non-linear,
such as having a curved shape such as an s-shape or
circular-shape.
[0056] The decorative apparatus of the present invention allows for
custom design of a decorative apparatus, so that the decorations
may be suited for a personal gift or to a certain room's decor.
According to a method of decorating the decorative apparatus, the
removable housing member is removed from the housing, objects are
placed within the housing hollow region, and the removable housing
member is replaced into the housing. The method may further include
removing objects from the apparatus housing after removing the
removable member and before placing new objects within the housing
hollow region. The present invention may also be useful for
displaying seasonally oriented decorations because the removable
member allows for ease in changing the decorative objects. The
decorative apparatus of the present invention may be used to store
items such as flour, cookies, or cooking ingredients, among other
household items, in the housing hollow region. The hollow region
may also serve a decorative function by providing a location to
display decorative items such as dried pasta, colorful candies,
beads, or photos, for example.
[0057] It may be desirable to provide for an airtight or
semi-airtight seal between an apparatus housing and a removable
lid. Such a seal may be advantageous when storing items within the
apparatus that are desired to maintain fresh or moist. It may also
be desirable to provide for ventilation within the apparatus
housing. Such ventilation may be accomplished within the apparatus
housing by providing ventilation slot or holes in the apparatus
removable member or apparatus housing side or end walls.
[0058] It may be desirable to combine two and three-dimensional
objects when filling the hollow region of the decorative apparatus.
For example, where some of the dividers in the preferred embodiment
are removed, a photograph could be placed within a wider hollow
cavity. Decorative objects that compliment the photo could be
placed in the other hollow cavities. It may be desirable to insert
tissue paper or other filler material between the back of the
photograph and the removable lid, so that the photograph is pressed
against the housing top member. Many different arrangements of
decorative objects may be accomplished because of the flexibility
provided by the removable dividers in one embodiment of the
invention.
[0059] In order to decorate the decorative apparatus of the present
invention, the apparatus is placed with the apparatus housing and
housing upper surface facing down with the housing hollow cavities
exposed, or otherwise situated so that the removable housing lid is
facing upward. The removable lid is then removed from the apparatus
housing, providing access to each of the internal hollow cavities.
Decorative objects are then placed in the various internal
cavities. When the decorative objects have been arranged as
desired, the removable lid is fitted back into place within the
apparatus housing.
[0060] The removable lid may be installed within or secured to the
apparatus housing in many different ways in alternative
configurations, such as screwed or fastened into place, snapped
into place, hinged and latched into place, or locked into place
with interference fit dimples as described in relation to FIGS.
1-16. The removable lid may also be secured to exterior surfaces of
the apparatus housing rather than sliding into the housing top
member. In a preferred embodiment, the removable lid is removable
by hand without the use of special tools or other mechanical
devices.
[0061] According to FIGS. 5 and 13, the present invention also
allows for a quick attachment and removal of removable lids 104,
204 when utilizing recesses 162, 262. Recesses 162, 262 are
configured to interface with sidewall protrusions 118, 218
respectively. The sidewall protrusions 118, 218 fit into recesses
162, 262 respectively and the removable lid 104, 204 is then slid
within housing 102, 202 to lock the removable member in place
within the housing. Recesses 162, 262 allow removable lids 104, 204
to be locked into place with apparatus housing 102, 202 without
having to slide the removable lid into the housing through gap 119,
219.
[0062] Once the removable lid is closed, the decorative objects are
securely contained within the hollow region. In a preferred
embodiment, the hollow region is not open to the outside
environment, thereby preventing unwanted items from entering the
internal cavities. The decorative apparatus may then be turned over
so that the housing upper surface is facing upward and the upper
surface of the decorative apparatus may then be utilized.
[0063] When a change of the decorative items within the internal
cavities is desired, the removable member or lid is removed and the
three-dimensional objects are emptied from the internal cavities.
Now the decorative apparatus is available for filling with
different decorative objects.
[0064] The housing top member may be also be configured in a
variety of ways having a variety of different shapes. For example,
the housing top member may be substantially flat or planar and
parallel to the removable lid as illustrated in FIGS. 1-17. In the
alternative, the housing top member may be concave or convex
shaped, include ridges, dividers, or other typical tray features.
Furthermore, in the case of a trivet, the top housing member may be
configured to conform to the bottom surface shape of a bowl, pan,
sheet, dish or other container.
[0065] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various
modifications and changes which may be made to the present
invention without strictly following the preferred embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention
which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *