U.S. patent application number 12/211634 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for floating acrylic magnetic plaque.
Invention is credited to Tyrone Keyes.
Application Number | 20100068422 12/211634 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42007477 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100068422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keyes; Tyrone |
March 18, 2010 |
Floating Acrylic Magnetic Plaque
Abstract
An acrylic display tablet, a supporting base and magnetic
elements for releasably interconnecting the display tablet with the
supporting base. The magnetic elements comprise a plurality of
permanent magnets that are embedded in the base, which magnets mate
with a plurality of magnetic standoffs that, in turn, mate with a
plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the acrylic
tablet.
Inventors: |
Keyes; Tyrone; (Oxnard,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES E. BRUNTON, ESQ.
P. O. BOX 29000
GLENDALE
CA
91209
US
|
Family ID: |
42007477 |
Appl. No.: |
12/211634 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 7/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/13 |
International
Class: |
A47G 1/08 20060101
A47G001/08 |
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A decorative plaque comprising: (a) a base; (b) a plurality of
spaced apart first magnets embedded within said base; (c) a
plurality of spaced apart magnetic standoffs removably connected to
said embedded first magnets; and (d) a display panel removably
connected to said plurality of magnetic standoffs said display
panel including a plurality of spaced apart third magnets embedded
within said display panel, said spaced apart third magnets being
mated with and magnetically attracted to said magnetic
standoffs.
8. The decorative plaque as defined in claim 7 in which said spaced
apart first magnets are disposed in the configuration of a
rectangle.
9. (canceled)
10. The decorative plaque as defined in claim 7 in which said
spaced apart third elements are disposed in the configuration of a
rectangle.
11. The decorative plaque as defined in claim 7 in which said
spaced apart third elements comprise permanent magnets in which
said spaced apart second elements comprise standoffs.
12. (canceled)
13. The decorative plaque as defined in claim 7 further including a
pair of spaced apart surface engaging elements connected to and
extending from said base.
14. A decorative plaque comprising: (a) a base; (b) a plurality of
spaced apart first permanent magnets embedded within said base in
the configuration of a rectangle; (c) a plurality of spaced apart
magnetic standoffs removably connected to said embedded first
permanent magnets, each of said magnetic standoffs having a length
of between about 1/8 inch and about 1/2 inch; (d) an acrylic
display panel having a plurality of third permanent magnets
embedded therein, said third permanent magnets being mated with and
removably connected to said plurality of magnetic standoffs by
magnetic attraction; and (e) a pair of spaced apart elongated,
generally cylindrically shaped surface engaging elements connected
to and extending from said base.
15. The decorative plaque as defined in claim 14 in which said
spaced apart third permanent magnets are disposed in the
configuration of a rectangle.
16. A decorative plaque comprising: (a) a base; (b) a plurality of
spaced apart permanent magnets embedded within said base; (c) an
acrylic display panel removably connected to said base, said
display panel having a plurality of permanent magnets embedded
therein; (d) a plurality of spaced apart magnetic standoffs
removably connected to said permanent magnets, embedded in said
base, said plurality of spaced apart magnetic standoffs being
disposed between said permanent magnets embedded within said base
and said permanent magnets embedded within said display panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to achievement
awards. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel
decorative plaque that includes an engravable acrylic panel that is
uniquely, removably connected to an attractive base by magnetic
means.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] Achievement awards of various types are frequently given to
individuals and athletic teams for outstanding achievements in
sports such as golf, bowling, tennis, baseball, basketball and the
like. These awards include medals, small statues and a number of
different types of plaques which frequently take the form of
inscribed commemorative tablets.
[0005] In the prior art, the aforementioned types of plaques or
tablets are typically affixed to a suitable supporting base by
solvent welding or through the use of clips, screws or other types
of mechanical fastening means. Exemplary of such a construction is
that shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,940 issued to Wood
et al.
[0006] Another type of achievement plaque and method of making same
is. described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,171 issued to Greenblat. The
Greenblat achievement award comprises a substantially transparent,
injection molded acrylic plaque and a supporting base therefor. The
display plaque is provided with ornamental designs comprising
either or both a fossil-like, three-dimensional decorative design
or image which appears to be embedded in the central body portion
of the plaque and an upstanding ornamental design which extends
outwardly from the front face of the plaque. The display plaque
uniquely includes strategically located bevels that give the plaque
the appearance of expensive cut glass and, at the same time,
function to optically mask the mold lines which are formed during
the injection molding process.
[0007] As will become apparent from the description which follows,
the acrylic tablet of the decorative plaque of the present
invention is uniquely, removably mounted oil an attractive base by
means of a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the
base, which magnets mate with a plurality of magnetic standoffs,
that, in turn, mate with a plurality of permanent magnets that are
embedded in the acrylic tablet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] By way of brief summary, the novel decorative plaque of the
present invention comprises a base, a plurality of spaced apart
first elements embedded within the base, a plurality of spaced
apart second elements removably connected to the embedded first
elements by magnetic attraction and a display panel, or tablet,
removably connected to the plurality of said spaced apart second
elements by magnetic attraction.
[0009] With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a novel decorative plaque that includes an
acrylic display tablet, a supporting base and magnetic means for
releasably interconnecting the display tablet with the supporting
base.
[0010] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a novel, decorative plaque of the aforementioned
character in which the magnetic means for releasably
interconnecting the display tablet with its supporting base
comprises a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the
base, which magnets mate with a plurality of magnetic standoffs,
that, in turn, mate with a plurality of permanent magnets that are
embedded in the acrylic tablet.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative
plaque of the character described in the preceding paragraphs in
which the permanent magnets that are embedded within the base are
arranged in a generally rectangular configuration as are the
permanent magnets that are embedded within the acrylic tablet.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative
plaque of the aforementioned character that is markedly superior in
appearance, construction and durability to similar prior art
plaques made by traditional, prior art processes.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative
plaque as described in the preceding paragraphs which can be
attractively mounted on a supporting surface, such as a desktop, or
alternatively can be hung on a wall.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an award
plaque of the character described which is versatile in use, is
easy to assembly and is pleasing in appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of the
decorative plaque of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a generally perspective, exploded front view of
the decorative plaque illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along
lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3A a greatly enlarged view of the area designated in
FIG. 3 as 3A-3A.
[0019] FIG. 3B a greatly enlarged view of the area designated in
FIG. 3 as 3B-3B.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, cross- sectional view taken along
lines 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross- sectional view taken along
lines 5-5 of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a generally perspective, exploded rear view of the
decorative plaque illustrated in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Referring to the drawings and particularly the FIGS. 1
through 5, one form of the decorative plaque of the present
invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral
14. In this form of the invention, plaque 14 comprises a base 16
having spaced apart, generally planar front and rear faces 18 and
20. As best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, base 16 is provided
with a plurality of spaced apart cavities 22 within which a
plurality of small, generally cylindrically shaped first magnetic
elements in the form of first permanent magnets 24 are embedded. In
this form of the invention, first permanent magnets 24 are disposed
in a generally rectangular configuration. However, it is to be
understood that the first permanent magnets can be disposed in
various configurations, such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal
and similar configurations. Base 16 can be constructed from various
materials, but preferably is constructed from an attractive
hardwood, such as cherry wood, that is appropriately finished with
a high gloss surface.
[0024] Removably connected to the embedded first magnets 24 by
magnetic attraction are a plurality of spaced apart second elements
shown here as generally cylindrically shaped, second permanent
magnets 26. As indicated in FIGS. 3 and 5, second permanent magnets
26 function as standoffs so that the display panel, or beveled
tablet 28 of the decorative plaque can uniquely be mounted in a
spaced apart relationship relative to the front face 18 of the
base. Permanent magnets, or standoffs 26, can have a length "L"
(FIG. 3B) of between about 1/8 inch and about 1/2 inch.
[0025] Display panel, or beveled tablet 28, is provided with a
plurality of spaced apart cavities 30 within which a plurality of
small, generally cylindrically shaped third magnetic elements,
shown here as third permanent magnets 32, are embedded. In this
form of the invention, third permanent magnets 32 are disposed in a
generally rectangular configuration of the same shape and size as
the rectangular configuration of first permanent magnets 24 so that
the permanent magnets 32 can be mated with the permanent magnets 24
in the manner shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. However, it is to be
understood that the third permanent magnets can also be disposed in
various configurations, such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal
and the like, depending upon the configuration of first permanent
magnets 24.
[0026] In the present form of the invention, the display panel, or
beveled tablet 28, is constructed from a substantially clear
acrylic material that can be engraved in a conventional manner with
various indicia in a manner well understood by those skilled in the
art. However, it is to be understood that tablet 28 can also be
constructed from various other materials, including resin, brass,
steel, and like metals.
[0027] To support the decorative plaque in the upright
configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings base 16 is
provided with spaced apart cavities 36 and 38 which closely receive
internally threaded sleeves 39 which, in turn, threadably receive
elongated, generally cylindrically shaped surface engaging elements
40. As best seen in FIG. 1, when the surface engaging elements 40
are threadably connected to the base, they extend outwardly so as
to support the plaque in the generally vertical orientation shown
in FIG. 1. Base 16 is also provided with a cavity 42 that is spaced
apart from cavity 38 and is adapted to receive an internally
threaded sleeve 39 which, in turn, threadably receives an
elongated, generally cylindrically shaped surface engaging elements
40. This novel feature of the decorative plaque permits the plaque
to be positioned on a supporting surface in a generally horizontal,
rather than vertical, orientation.
[0028] The rear surface 20 of base 16 is also provided with a pair
of elongated spaced apart hanger receiving slots 44, each of which
is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 44a that is adapted
to receive the head of a screw or nail (not shown). Hanger
receiving slots 44 enable the plaque to be mounted on a wall in a
conventional manner.
[0029] Affixed to the rear surface 20 of base 16 by any
conventional means, such as adhesive bonding, is a thin felt
backing 46. As best seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, backing 46 is
provided with apertures 47 and elongated slots 49 that are located
so as to index with cavities 36, 38 and 42 and with elongated slots
44, respectively.
[0030] In use, with magnets 24 positioned within cavities 22
provided in base 16, standoffs 26 can be interconnected with
magnets 24 by means of magnetic attraction. With magnets 32 in
position within cavities 30 provided in tablet 28 in the manner
shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings, the tablet can uniquely be
removably affixed to the base as a result of the magnetic
attraction between magnets 32 and standoffs 26. The decorative
plaque can then be positioned on a flat surface such as a desktop,
or the like, using surface engaging elements 40. Alternatively, the
plaque can be hung on a wall using hanger slots 44.
[0031] Having now described the invention in detail in accordance
with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this
art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in
the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet
specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications
may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention, as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *