U.S. patent application number 12/505365 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for memorabilia display system.
Invention is credited to Eric J. Kramer.
Application Number | 20100011644 12/505365 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41529006 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100011644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kramer; Eric J. |
January 21, 2010 |
MEMORABILIA DISPLAY SYSTEM
Abstract
A system for displaying memorabilia includes a display platform,
at least one sheet of mounting material, and a cover. The mounting
material is arranged and configured to be assembled into a first
display piece, wherein when the first display piece is assembled,
the first display piece includes at least two facing layers of
mounting material fastened together and at least a first magnet
fastened to one of the at least two facing layers of mounting
material. The first magnet is arranged and configured to secure the
display piece to the display platform. A first combined thickness
of the at least two facing layers of mounting material and the
first magnet define a first height. The cover encloses the display
platform and has a transparent surface that permits viewing the at
least one display piece when the cover is closed and when the
display piece is secured to the display platform.
Inventors: |
Kramer; Eric J.; (Shoreview,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
41529006 |
Appl. No.: |
12/505365 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61081455 |
Jul 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/711 ;
312/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 1/0616 20130101;
A47G 2001/0694 20130101; A47G 2001/0672 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
40/711 ;
312/114 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/06 20060101
A47G001/06; A47F 3/00 20060101 A47F003/00 |
Claims
1. A system for displaying memorabilia, the system comprising: a
display platform; at least one sheet of mounting material, the
mounting material being arranged and configured to be assembled
into a first display piece, wherein when the first display piece is
assembled the first display piece includes at least two facing
layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a first
magnet fastened to one of the at least two facing layers of
mounting material, wherein the first magnet is arranged and
configured to secure the display piece to the display platform,
wherein a first combined thickness of the at least two facing
layers of mounting material and the first magnet define a first
height; and a cover that encloses the display platform, the cover
having a transparent surface that permits viewing the at least one
display piece when the cover is closed and when the display piece
is secured to the display platform.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sheet of
mounting material is further arranged and configured to form a
second display piece, wherein when the second display piece is
assembled the second display piece includes at least three facing
layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a second
magnet fastened to one of the at least three facing layers of
mounting material, wherein the second magnet is arranged and
configured to secure the display piece to the display platform,
wherein a second combined thickness of the at least three facing
layers of mounting material and the second magnet define a second
height.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second height is greater than
the first height.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting material includes an
adhesive layer.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the adhesive layer of the
mounting material is covered by a removable sheet.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein a metal insert is magnetically
attached to the display platform, the metal insert substantially
covering a surface of the display platform.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein a paper insert is fastened to a
surface of the metal insert, the paper insert substantially
covering the surface of the metal insert.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pre-cut
border mats.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more display
signs, each display sign being arranged and configured for
insertion into slots in the display platform external to the cover
when the cover is in a closed position enclosing a portion of the
display platform.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting material is foam
board, a fiber board, a cardboard, a paper sheet, or a combination
thereof.
11. A kit for displaying memorabilia in a display case, the kit
comprising: one or more sheets of mounting material, each sheet of
mounting material being separable into two or more sections, the
two or more sections being defined by a template indicated on the
mounting material; and one or more pieces of magnetic material,
wherein the plurality of sections are arranged and configured to be
assembled into two or more display pieces of varying height,
wherein when the display pieces are assembled, each of the display
pieces include at least two stacked sections of the mounting
material and at least one of the one or more pieces of magnetic
material.
12. The kit of claim 11, wherein at least one of the patterns is
the size of standard size photograph.
13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the one or more pieces of magnetic
material include at least one strip of magnetic material and at
least one magnetic disk.
14. The kit of claim 11, wherein a surface of the one or more
sheets of mounting material includes an adhesive layer.
15. The kit of claim 11, further comprising four or more pre-cut
border mats, each one or the four or more pre-cut border mats sized
to fit about a perimeter of the display case.
16. The kit of claim 11, wherein the mounting material is foam
board.
17. The kit of claim 11, wherein the mounting material is fiber
board.
18. A display case for displaying memorabilia, the display case
comprising: a display platform including a front surface, rear
surface, a top, and a bottom, the display platform including at
least one slot; a metal insert secured to the front surface of the
display platform, the metal insert substantially covering the front
surface of the platform; a transparent cover hingedly connected to
the display platform; and a display sign insert arranged and
configured to be supported by the display platform at the at least
one slot, wherein when the display sign insert is supported by the
display platform and when the transparent cover is in a closed
position, the display sign insert is external to an interior space
between the transparent cover and the display platform.
19. The display case of claim 18, wherein the transparent cover has
a shape selected from the group comprising a domed shape, a square
shape, and a rectangular shape.
20. The display case of claim 18, wherein the display platform
further comprises a second slot arranged about the bottom of the
display platform, the second slot being arranged and configured to
receive a support bracket of a stand.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/081,455, filed on Jul. 17, 2008, titled "Modular
Magnetic Display Kit", which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Family photos, artwork and other memorabilia provide
recollections of past memories and experiences and provide a sense
of comfort and security to people. One popular method of storing
and displaying photographs and other memorabilia is by creating a
scrapbook. Scrapbooks are often multi-page booklets that contain
photographs and text the show various events or relate to
particular memories. Once a scrapbook page is completed, the page
is not easily changed. Further, scrapbooks are not typically
designed for display, but rather include a cover that conceals the
contents until it is opened for viewing.
SUMMARY
[0003] In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a
memorabilia display system.
[0004] One aspect is a system for displaying memorabilia includes a
display platform, at least one sheet of mounting material, and a
cover. The mounting material is arranged and configured to be
assembled into a first display piece, wherein when the first
display piece is assembled, the first display piece includes at
least two facing layers of mounting material fastened together and
at least a first magnet fastened to one of the at least two facing
layers of mounting material. The first magnet is arranged and
configured to secure the display piece to the display platform. A
first combined thickness of the at least two facing layers of
mounting material and the first magnet define a first height. The
cover encloses the display platform and has a transparent surface
that permits viewing the at least one display piece when the cover
is closed and when the display piece is secured to the display
platform.
[0005] Another aspect is a kit for displaying memorabilia in a
display case, the kit including one or more sheets of mounting
material, each sheet of mounting material being separable into two
or more sections, the two or more sections being defined by a
template indicated on the mounting material; and one or more pieces
of magnetic material, wherein the plurality of sections are
arranged and configured to be assembled into two or more display
pieces of varying height, wherein when the display pieces are
assembled, each of the display pieces include at least two stacked
sections of the mounting material and at least one of the one or
more pieces of magnetic material.
[0006] Yet another aspect is a display case for displaying
memorabilia, the display case includes a display platform including
a front surface, rear surface, a top, and a bottom, the display
platform including at least one slot; a metal insert secured to the
front surface of the display platform, the metal insert
substantially covering the front surface of the platform; a
transparent cover hingedly connected to the display platform; and a
display sign insert arranged and configured to be supported by the
display platform at the at least one slot, wherein when the display
sign insert is supported by the display platform and when the
transparent cover is in a closed position, the display sign insert
is external to an interior space between the transparent cover and
the display platform.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example memorabilia
display case according to the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the
memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of an example back plate of the
memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an example metal insert used
in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of an example paper insert used
in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an example lens cover having
a domed shape and used in the memorabilia display case shown in
FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of another example lens cover
having a rectangular shape and used in another example memorabilia
display case.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a frame used in the
memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a view of two display signs used in the
memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a rear plan view of a back plate of the
memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a front plan view of an example memorabilia
display piece used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a side view of the memorabilia display piece
shown in FIG. 11.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a front plan view of another example memorabilia
display piece used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG.
1.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a side view of the memorabilia display piece
shown in FIG. 13.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a front plan view of an example sheet of mounting
material that has template patterns imprinted on it.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front plan view of example border mats used in
the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a front plan view of an example arrangement of
border mats and memorabilia display pieces for the memorabilia
display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a front plan view of another example arrangement
as displayed by the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a front plan view of another example arrangement
as displayed by the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Various embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.
Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the
claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in
this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set
forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended
claims.
[0027] The present disclosure is directed to a display case system
that provides a multidimensional display of memorabilia. The
memorabilia is mounted on mounting material and attached to a back
frame of the display case. The mounting material can be cut to size
and multiple layers of mounting material can be combined to provide
multidimensional layers.
[0028] Memorabilia include, but are not limited to, artwork,
artifacts, photographs, and copies of photographs that can be
mounted on a mounting material and displayed within the confines of
a display case.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an example display case 100 that supports a
multidimensional display of memorabilia. The example display case
100 includes a display case having a lens cover 102, a back plate
104, a face frame 106, display signs 108, 110 and fasteners 112,
114 and 116.
[0030] The lens cover 102 provides a transparent cover for the
display case, protecting the contents within the display case and
permitting individuals to view the contents. The example lens cover
102 has a curved or domed shape. Other example lens covers may have
other shapes, for example a square or rectangular shape.
[0031] The example back plate 104 provides a platform for the
display case. The example lens cover 102 is hingedly connected to
the back plate 104 and secured to back plate 104 using a fastening
device. In one example, the lens cover 102 is secured to the face
frame 106 using fasteners 112, 114, 116 that are inserted into the
face frame 106 via holes on the lens cover 102. In another example,
latches on the lens cover 102 are secured into corresponding slots
on the back plate 104. Other fastening devices are used in other
examples.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the example display case 100 also
includes example display signs 108 and 1 10. The example display
signs 108, 110 can be inserted into slots on the display case and
removed without opening the display case. Display signs can be used
to provide messages to viewers of the example display case 100. For
example, a birthday greeting can be imprinted on display signs 108,
110 to provide a "Happy Birthday" message to an individual. As
another example, reminder messages can be imprinted on example
display signs 108, 110, for example to remind individuals of a
specific event. Other examples of display signs 108, 110 are
possible. Because the display case can be wall mounted so that the
example lens cover 102 can be opened from the left or the right,
slots are provided on the top and bottom of back plate 104 for the
display signs 108, 1 10. If desired, only one of display signs 108,
110 can be used. In another example, display signs can be inserted
into slots on either side of the display case 100. Some examples do
not include display signs 108, 110.
[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded view 200 that shows how assemblies of
the example display case 100 are organized. FIG. 2 shows an example
metal insert 202 that is magnetically attached to back plate 104. A
paper insert 204 is adhesively attached to metal insert 202. The
example paper insert 204 is typically preprinted with an art design
for decorative purposes. Memorabilia display pieces (not shown in
FIG. 2) are magnetically attached to metal insert 202. The example
lens cover 102 is attached to back plate 104, typically via a hinge
system, and typically secured to face frame 106 via latches or
fasteners. A face frame 106 is inserted over the example lens cover
102 for decorative effect. The frame is typically constructed of
wood, but may also be constructed from other materials, including
metal and injection molded plastic. Although the example display
case is described as including specific types of fasteners, such as
magnets, hinges, and adhesive, other examples include other
fasteners. Examples of fasteners include, but are not limited to,
tape (either single-sided or double sided), adhesive, nails,
screws, bolts, rivets, magnets, buckles, clamps, pegs, pins,
elastic bands, hook and loop fasteners, staples, tacks, zippers, or
combinations of these or other fasteners or materials.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a more detailed front plan view of the example
back plate 104. As shown in FIG. 3, the back plate 104 includes
hinges 302, 304 which attach the example lens cover 102 to back
plate 104. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, back plate 104 includes
magnets 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 that are used to magnetically
secure metal insert 202 to back plate 104. Alternatively, magnetic
strips (not shown) are adhesively attached across the top of back
plate 104 to secure metal insert 202 to back plate 304. The example
back plate 304 also includes example slots 316, 318, 320 and 322
that are used to secure display signs 108 and 110 to back plate
304. For example display sign 108 is inserted into slots 316 and
318 and display sign 110 is inserted into slots 320 and 322.
Typically, display sign 108 and slots 316 and 318 are used if back
plate 104 is wall mounted such that hinges 302 and 304 are on the
left. Typically, display sign 110 is inserted into slots 320 and
322 if back plate 104 is wall mounted such that hinges 302 and 304
are on the right. Other examples include other arrangements. Also
shown in FIG. 3 are slots 324 and 326 that illustrate example
devices for securing example lens cover 102 to back plate 104. The
devices include latches on the inside of example lens cover 102
(not shown), that snap into example slots 324 and 326 to secure
lens cover 102 to back plate 104.
[0035] In some examples, back plate 104 is formed of a plastic
material. Other possible examples of materials include wood, metal,
pressboard, or other suitable materials or combinations of
materials.
[0036] Back plate 104 further includes additional features in some
examples. For example, a wire feed hole 332 is provided in back
plate 104 to allow a wire to extend from a battery pack behind back
plate 104 through back plate 104 and to a light source or other
device. A recess 334 is provided in some examples. Recess 334 makes
it easier to remove a metal insert 202 from back plate 104. For
example, a screwdriver or finger can be inserted into recess 334 to
permit the user to pry the metal insert 202 away from back plate
104. Further, an additional suction cup is provided in some
examples. The suction cup can be fastened to the outer surface of
the metal insert and used to pull the metal insert away from the
back plate 104.
[0037] A security port 330 is further provided in some examples.
The security port is, for example, a hole that extends into back
plate 104. The hole matches with the location of a corresponding
tab or latch that extends from the lens cover. When the lens cover
is closed, a screw, fastener, or a lock (such as a small padlock)
can be inserted into security port 330 to securely hold the lens
cover in the closed position. In some examples a screw is used
having a non-standard head that requires a specialized tool in
order to remove the screw. This makes it more difficult for someone
to take objects from within the display case, without having the
specialized tool. In examples that include a padlock, the lock can
require a key or combination be used in order to remove the
lock.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows example metal insert 202. An example of metal
insert 202 is a ferromagnetic material. As discussed, example metal
insert 202 is magnetically secured to the top of back plate 304,
for example by magnets 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314 or by magnetic
strips on the top of back plate 304. Other possible examples
include other materials, such as a ferromagnetic material. Metal
insert 202 is removable in some examples.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows an example paper insert 204. Paper insert 204
is typically the same size as metal insert 202. Typically, one side
of paper insert 204 contains an adhesive layer. Some examples
further include a protective sheet that can be peeled off of the
adhesive to expose a surface of the adhesive. The adhesive material
secures paper insert 204 to metal insert 202. Other fasteners are
used in other examples, such as tape or other fasteners described
herein. Typically, the second side of paper insert 204 is imprinted
with a graphic design. A variety of paper inserts may be provided
with the example display case 100 to permit a user to select an
appropriate graphic design. Alternatively users may create their
own graphic designs or download graphic designs from the Internet,
and print the graphic designs on paper insert 204.
[0040] One example of paper insert 204 is a scrapbook-type page.
The scrapbook page is secured to metal insert 202 with one or more
pieces of metal, magnets, or any of a variety of other possible
fasteners. In one example, corner fasteners are used to secure
corners of paper insert 204 to metal insert 202. Some other
examples of insert 204 are made of paper, wood, cardboard, plastic,
or other suitable materials. Insert 204 is removable in some
examples, such as to replace insert 204 with another insert
204.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows the example lens cover 102 in more detail. The
example lens cover 102 is domed shaped to provide a decorative
effect. The example lens cover 102 includes hinges 604 and 606
which are used to attach lens cover 102 to example back plate 304.
Using hinges 604 and 606, lens cover 102 can easily opened and
closes while still being secured to and supported by back plate
304. This allows the display case to be easily opened, for example,
to rearrange or replace display items contained therein.
[0042] Various examples include various possible devices for
securing lens cover 102 to back plate 304. In one example, latches
610 and 612 snap into example slots 324 and 326 on back plate 304.
Tab 608 is used as a handle to open lens cover 102 and unsnap
latches 610, 612. Tab 608 is useful in reducing the stress on the
connection between the face frame 106 and the lens cover 102. For
example, without tab 608, a user would apply an opening force to
face frame 106 to open the display case, which would also cause a
force to be applied to the connection between the face frame 106
and the lens cover 102. Instead, tab 608 allows a user to apply the
opening force directly to the lens cover, which is arranged behind
face frame 106. In this way, little or no force is applied to the
face frame 106 connection with lens cover 102.
[0043] Face frame 106 is fastened to lens cover 102. In one
example, the face frame 106 is adhered with an adhesive to a flange
extending about an outer perimeter of lens cover 102. A plurality
of fasteners are also used in some examples to further strengthen
the joint. For example, the plurality of fasteners are inserted
into example holes 614, 616 and 618 to secure lens cover 102 to
face frame 106. Other fasteners are used to connect face frame 106
with lens cover 102 in other examples.
[0044] Lens cover 102 can be formed of a variety of materials, such
as glass or plastic. In one example the lens cover 102 is formed by
blow molding. In this example, the material is heated and
pressurized air is introduced to cause the material to expand. A
sensor, such as a laser, is used to detect when the material has
reached the desired height. The material is then allowed to cool
and settle into the desired shape. Another example is made by
injection molding. In this example a mold defines a negative of the
desired shape. The material is injected into the mold and allowed
to cool and harden. Other possible manufacturing processes include
thermoforming or vacuum forming.
[0045] In some embodiments, lens cover 102 includes one or more
decorative display elements attached thereto. For example, in some
embodiments a decorative display element is etched, molded,
painted, or adhered into or onto the lens cover 102. An example of
a decorative display element is a shape, logo, graphical image,
graphical design, etc. One example is a flower or vine border.
Another example is a star-shaped (or other shaped) decorative
display element. This provides a further dimensional effect by
providing such decorative display elements in front of others
contained within the display case. In some embodiments the
decorative display elements have a frosted appearance (e.g.,
semi-transparent or translucent). In other example, the decorative
display elements are painted (with a brush or spray painted) onto
the interior or exterior surface of lens cover 102 with a color.
Another possible example includes a sticker or decal that is
applied to the interior or exterior surface of lens cover 102.
Another example includes decorative display elements cut or
otherwise formed from other materials, such as a decorative
linen.
[0046] Interior lighting is provided in some embodiments to further
accentuate the decorative display. For this purpose, some examples
of lens cover 102 include light support tabs 620 that extend into a
light storage region 622. The light storage region 622 extends
generally about the periphery of the lens cover 102 for storing one
or more lights, or light wires, therein. Examples of lights include
light emitting diodes, bulbs, or light wires. An example of a light
wire is the LIVEWIRE.RTM. flexible light bulb, distributed by Live
Wire Enterprises. The lights are supported in light storage region
622 by support tabs 620, such as by arranging lights or wires in a
zigzag configuration between tabs 620. In one example the light
storage region 622 is in a range from about 0.2 inches to about 0.5
inches deep. Other examples include other dimensions.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows an alternate style lens cover 702. The example
lens cover 702 has many of the same features as lens cover 102, for
example the lens cover 702 is transparent. However, in this
example, lens cover 702 is square in shape. Other lens cover
configurations are possible.
[0048] As an additional feature, a lighting cord can be wrapped
around the inside of lens covers 102 and 702 to provide a
decorative lighting effect. A battery pack can be attached to one
end of the lighting cord to provide a power source for the lighting
cord. Alternatively, another power source is used. For example, a
power cord is provided in some embodiments to plug into a wall
outlet to receive power from the wall outlet.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows an example face frame 106. The example face
frame 106 is typically placed over a lens cover and provides a
decorative framework for the display system. A frame is typically
constructed from wood, but can also be constructed from metal or
from an injected molded plastic material. In another possible
example, the face frame 106 is constructed from high density
fiberboard, such as medium density overlay (MDO). For example,
strips of fiberboard are cut out using a computer numerical
controlled router (CNC) to have angled corners. The corners are
then arranged as desired and fastened together, such as with
staples or other fasteners. If desired, the fiberboard is finished,
such as with a paint, stain, or laminate. In some embodiments, a
plurality of face frames 106 are interchangeable with each other.
For example, a plurality of face frames are available in a variety
of colors or finishes. A user can select one frame from the
plurality of frames for attachment to the lens cover of the display
case. Later, if desired, the user can replace the selected frame
with a different frame. In addition to having different colored
frames, the plurality of frames can also include different sizes,
shapes, configurations, patterns, textures, or styles.
[0050] FIG. 9 shows example display signs 108 and 110. The display
signs are typically used as banners that display a message to a
viewer of the display case. For example, when a display case is
used in a nursing home, the display sign could provide a birthday
greeting to a resident of the nursing home. Display signs can be
made of a variety of possible materials, such as metal, wood,
plastic, composite materials, or other materials. In some examples,
a message or graphic is printed, painted, or printed onto a
separate material and then fastened to the display sign, such as by
adhering the printed material to a surface of the display sign. The
example display signs 108, 110 include tabs 902, 904, 906 and 908
that are used to secure the display signs 108, 110 to example back
plate 304. For example, tabs 902, 904 are inserted into slots 316,
320 and tabs 906, 908 are inserted into slots 320, 322.
[0051] FIG. 10 shows a rear plan view of example back plate 304.
The bottom side of example back plate 304 provides example mounting
holes 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010 and 1012 that are used to secure
the example display case 100 to a wall. Additionally, rubber pad
stand-offs are provided in some examples to protect the wall
surface. Some examples include additional features. For example,
one possible feature is a battery pack support 1020. A battery pack
is arranged in the battery pack support 1020 in some examples to
store batteries. A wire from the battery pack is then threaded
through wire feed hole 332, such as to provide power to a light
source.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows a front plan view of an example display piece
1102 of display case 100. The example display piece 1102 is
constructed from a mounting material, typically a foam board. Other
mounting materials can also be used, for example fiber board or PVC
sheets. The mounting material can be cut to a size and shape
desirable by a user. The face of the mounting material typically
contains a peelable adhesive. When the adhesive is peeled away, a
copy of a photo, a graphic design or other artwork can be adhered
to the mounting material. In another example, the graphic design is
pre-printed onto the face.
[0053] When preparing copies of photos or art for mounting,
computer templates may be used. For example a customer could use a
computer template to edit a digital photograph to a specific size,
for example 4''.times.6''. The photograph can then be printed onto
to a blank label cut to the same size, for example 4''.times.6''.
For example, in some embodiments a graphic or photograph is printed
with a printer onto a peelable label sheet, such as an AVERY.RTM.
type of label sheet. Alternatively, other paper is used and the
paper is then fastened to the mounting material, such as using tape
or adhesive, or another fastener as described herein.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows the side view of example display piece 1102.
The side view shows how the display piece 1102 is constructed from
multiple sections and layers of mounting material 1206, 1208 and
1210 in one example. Typically the mounting material, for example
foam board, is supplied to a customer as flat sheets in a kit. The
customer can then cut the mounting material to the desired size and
add layers for mounting. Multiple layers can be combined to form
display pieces of various heights.
[0055] FIG. 12 shows that the example display piece 1102 includes
three layers of the same mounting material. The three sections and
layers of mounting material 1206, 1208, 1210 are adhesively
secured, typically using a hot glue gun. Magnets are then glued to
the bottom side of the bottom layer of mounting material. The
example display piece 1102 includes magnets 1212, 1214 and 1216. An
example of a suitable magnet is a rare-earth ceramic magnets, such
as the type that are extruded into long tubes and then cut into
small disc shapes. Other magnets are used in other examples. In one
example the mounting material is packaged with one or more magnets
and sold as a kit for assembly into one or more display pieces,
such as display piece 1102. The number of magnets used is dependent
on the size and weight of the display piece 1102 and the size and
strength of the magnet, more magnets being needed to support larger
or heavier display pieces. When the magnets 1212, 1214 and 1216 are
glued to the display piece 1102, the display piece 1102 can be
located and secured to example metal insert 202. Some example
display pieces have more or less than three layers. In this
example, the mounting material has a material thickness L1. The
overall height of display piece 1102 is height H1, which in this
example includes multiple layers of mounting material and a
thickness of at least one magnet.
[0056] FIG. 13 shows the top view of example display piece 1302.
Example display piece 1302 is similar to example display piece
1102, but it is a different size. In addition, the example display
piece 1302 has a different height than display piece 1102. FIG. 14
shows that the example display piece 1302 includes two layers of
mounting material, layers 1402 and 1404. Therefore, example display
piece 1302 has an overall thickness H2 including two layers of
mounting material and the thickness of at least one magnet 1406,
1408, whereas example display piece 1102 has a thickness H1 (shown
in FIG. 11) of three layers of mounting material and at least one
magnet. In addition, since example display piece 1302 is smaller
than example display piece 1102, example display piece 1302 is
secured by two magnets, 1406, 1408, rather than three magnets for
example display piece 1102. Additional display pieces can be
created of varying sizes and thicknesses to accommodate the need
and creativity of a user. Further, other examples include mounting
materials having different thicknesses, such that one display piece
made of, for example, two layers of a thicker mounting material has
a greater height than another display piece made of two layers of a
thinner mounting material.
[0057] Display pieces 1102 and 1302 are illustrated as having a
generally rectangular shape. Other examples include other possible
shapes. Examples of possible shapes include a square, circle,
triangle, or more decorative shapes (e.g., fruit-shaped,
animal-shaped, or shaped like another object). Further, display
pieces 1302 are not limited to shapes having planar faces.
[0058] FIG. 15 shows an example sheet of mounting material 1500
that has template patterns imprinted on it. In this example, sheet
1500 includes template patterns for display pieces 1102 and 1302.
In addition, template patterns are included for sections of
mounting material used to provide height to the display pieces 1102
and 1302. In this example, mounting sheet 1500 includes patterns
for sections 1206, 1208 and 1210 used to provide three mounting
layers of height to display piece 1102. The example mounting sheet
1500 also includes patterns for sections 1402 and 1404 used to
provide two layers of height to display piece 1302. Other template
patterns on mounting sheets are possible. For example, a sheet of
mounting material can include template patterns for standard photo
sizes, such as 3.5''.times.5'', 4''.times.6'', 5''.times.7'',
8''.times.10'', 12''.times.12'', etc. Other examples include other
sizes. In some examples the template is printed on the mounting
material, in another example the template is cut into the mounting
material, in another example the template is impressed into the
mounting material. In another possible example the template is
printed on a separate sheet that is configured to be placed onto
the mounting material and then used to cut out the mounting
material. In another example, the template is described in a
printed or electronic instruction booklet.
[0059] Examples of mounting material include dimensional foam
board, such as GATORBOARD.RTM. composite material, and polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) sheet material. Other mounting materials are used in
other embodiments, such as foam, Styrofoam, wood, plastic, cloth,
or a variety of other possible materials. In one example, mounting
material has a thickness L1 (as shown in FIG. 12) in a range from
about 0.05 inches to about 3 inches. In another example, mounting
material has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 inches to about
0.5 inches. In another example, mounting material has a thickness
of about 0.375 inches. Multiple layers of mounting material are
stacked together, as discussed herein, to form thicknesses that are
multiples of a single thickness of mounting material.
[0060] FIG. 16 shows examples 1600 of border mats that can be used
in the display case. A typical display case provides a
12''.times.12'' area that can be used to mount display pieces. Some
individuals may find a 12''.times.12'' area to large too fill up
with display pieces. As a creative alternative, border mats are
provided to reduce the size of the display area and to provide an
additional decorative effect. FIG. 16 shows example border mats
1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 that can be positioned at the top, left,
right, and bottom sides, respectively of the example back plate
304. A typical border mat is constructed of a PVC sheet material. A
selection of border mats may be precut and provided to a user in a
kit. The border mats may have printed images on them according to a
particular theme, for example a birthday theme or a vacation theme.
Alternatively, the border mats include a peelable adhesive so that
a user can secure a selected design onto the border mat. The back
of each border mat typically contains one or more magnetic strips
to enable the border mat to be secured to example metal insert 202
of the display case. In some embodiments the theme matches a theme
of the associated display pieces.
[0061] FIG. 17 shows an example memorabilia display 1700 in a
display case. The memorabilia display includes border mats 1602,
1604, 1606 and 1608, example display pieces 1102, 1302 and 1702 and
smaller decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708, and 1710. More or fewer
display pieces and decorative pieces may be used. The memorabilia
display 1700 shows an example of a three-dimensional effect that
can be created by the memorabilia display case according to the
present disclosure. Example display piece 1102 has a thickness of
three mounting layers and example display pieces 1302 and 1702 have
a thickness of two mounting layers. In addition, the smaller
decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708, and 1710 have a thickness of
one mounting layer, although other examples include multiple
mounting layers. The smaller decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708,
1710 may have art pasted on them or may have three dimensional
objects pasted on them (by either the manufacturer or the user). As
an example, for a beach theme, the smaller decorative pieces 1704,
1706, 1708, 1710 may includes small pails, shovels, sandcastles,
beach umbrellas, etc, all with magnets or magnetic strips on the
back so that the decorative pieces can be secured to the display
case.
[0062] The decorative effect provided by the example memorabilia
display 1700 is only dependent upon the imagination and creativity
of the user. Some example themes that can be created include an
African safari theme, an All American theme, a baseball theme, a
Christmas theme, a first day of school theme, an outdoors theme, a
Halloween theme, a birth arrival theme (e.g. "It's a Boy!"), a
funeral memorial theme, a snow day theme and a poker theme. Other
themes are possible. Each of these themes make use of display
pieces similar to those shown in FIG. 17.
[0063] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate specific examples of possible
memorabilia displays that can be displayed by the display case 100.
FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a portion of a display case 100
having a First Day of School theme. FIG. 19 is a front plan view of
a portion of a display case 100 having a Christmas theme. The
various components of these example memorabilia displays are
discussed above. FIG. 19 further includes another example display
piece 1902, which is a three-dimensional object, such as a small
ledge. Another possible example of display piece 1902 includes one
or more charms, or a charm bracelet. Alternatively, the ledge can
include hooks or other fasteners, to which a charm or other object
can be connected, or from which a charm or other object is hung.
Other objects are used in other examples. A magnet is fastened to
the back surface for attachment in some examples. Other display
pieces include other possible objects.
[0064] Another possible object that is included in some examples is
a digital photo frame. Digital photo frames typically include
memory, a processor, and a display device. The digital photo frame
stores digital photographs and displays the digital photographs on
the display device. For example, the digital photo frame can be
included in the display case to display a digital image or slide
show of digital images. Digital photo frames include standard
photograph sized devices or smaller keychain-sized devices, for
example.
[0065] A wide variety of other themes are possible. Several
examples include: African Safari theme, All American theme, At The
Beach theme, Baseball theme, Great Outdoors, Halloween theme, It's
a Boy theme, Memorial & Funeral theme, Snow Day theme, and
Poker Night theme. In some embodiments, the components for each
theme are packaged and sold as a kit. The kit can be assembled to
create the memorabilia display by the user. In some examples the
user provides their own photographs or graphical images for at
least some of the display pieces. The memorabilia display is then
arranged by the user into the display case.
[0066] Some embodiments include a display stand for supporting the
display case on a floor, desk, table, or shelf. An example of a
display stand includes one or more supports members that support
the display case. In some embodiments the display stand is
configured to support the display case at an angle, such that the
display case is leaned back from a vertical position. Some
embodiments include one or more support tabs. The support tabs are
configured to be inserted into one or more of slots 316, 318, 320,
and 322 of back plate 104 (shown in FIG. 3). For added support and
stability, support tabs are configured in some examples to extend
at least half or three-quarters of the height of the display case.
Other embodiments include other support mechanisms for supporting
display case with the display stand. One possible example of a
display stand is a floor easel. Another possible display stand
includes a base plate and an angled vertical member that supports
the display case on a shelf or desktop. The angled vertical member
is connected to the base plate and configured to engage with back
plate 104 of the display case. In some examples, the display stand
further includes an external light fixture to illuminate the
display case.
[0067] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize various modifications and changes that may be made
without following the example embodiments and applications
illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the
true spirit and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *