Picture Frame Keepsake Box

Abstract

A lined keepsake box system has a box, a coaster cover adapted to fit into a recess in the top of sidewalls of the box, and a picture frame cover adapted to be held with magnets on a top of the box over the coaster cover. The picture frame cover has an easel back with an easel kickstand and is removable to display a picture supported on a surface by the kickstand away from the box.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

[0001] The instant application claims priority to Provisional Application 62/925,959, filed Oct. 25, 2019. All disclosure of the parent application is incorporated at least by reference

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is in the technical area of memento boxes, and pertains more particularly to a memento box that may be assembled in different ways for different purposes.

2. Description of Related Art

[0003] There are various types of keepsake boxes in the current art, such as memento boxes, and memorabilia box containers that have been made for many years. It is customary that most all keepsake boxes have tops that are attached to the main box with a fixed hinge, screw, or other fastening mechanism. This attached non-removable top creates a very limited display of any person's name, design or picture that is on it, and can only properly be seen when the top is closed, in the down position.

[0004] Another problem in the art is that when the top is in the raised position, the person's name, design or picture is turned away from the viewer, and it is such that the person's name, design or picture is upside down and/or backwards.

[0005] Furthermore, problematic with these fixed top boxes in the current art, in which the person's name, design or picture is adorned on the box, the person's name, design or picture remains permanent and cannot be removed or changed.

[0006] Yet another problem is that that the contents inside the box cannot be displayed simultaneously with the box top with the person's name, design or picture.

[0007] What is clearly needed is a memento box that solves all the problems detailed above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention a convertible keepsake box system is provided, comprising a planar coaster cover having a regular shape with an outer periphery, a thickness and one or more openings near the outer periphery, a box having a closed floor, a side wall structure and an open top, the sidewall structure having an outer periphery in the regular shape of the planar coaster cover, the sidewall structure recessed around an inner periphery in the regular shape of the planar coaster cover to a depth equal to the thickness of the coaster cover, to engage the planar coaster cover, and a first plurality of magnets embedded in a top surface of the side wall structure in a specific pattern outside the recess of the side wall structure, and a picture frame top in a planar aspect having the lateral size and shape of the outer periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box and a second plurality of magnets embedded in a bottom surface of the picture frame top in the specific pattern of the magnets embedded in the top surface of the side wall structure of the box. In one embodiment the regular shape of the sidewall structure of the box, the coaster cover and the picture frame top is rectangular. Also in one embodiment the box has a fabric lining, which may be leather. And in one embodiment the picture frame top further comprises an outer frame recessed to a first depth around an inner periphery with a planar interchangeable insert of a first thickness with indicia printed on one surface engaged in the recess of the outer frame.

[0009] In one embodiment of the system the indicia is a photograph. Also, in one embodiment the planar interchangeable insert is aluminum and has a dye-sublimation photograph printed on one surface. In one embodiment the picture frame cover further comprises an easel back in the shape and size of the planar interchangeable insert and a second thickness, the easel back engaged over the planar interchangeable insert with the first and second thickness equal to a depth of the recess in the outer frame. In one embodiment the interchangeable insert and the easel back are retained in the recess of the outer frame by a plurality of turn button latches. And in one embodiment the easel back further comprises an easel kickstand enabling the easel back to be supported in a semi-upright aspect separate from the box with the indicia displayed.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention a method for keeping a keepsake is provided, comprising placing the keepsake in a box a having an outer periphery in a regular shape, a closed floor and an open top, with a side wall structure recessed around an inner periphery in a regular shape of a planar coaster cover with an outer periphery, a thickness and one or more openings near the outer periphery, and a first plurality of magnets embedded in a top surface of the side wall structure in a specific pattern outside the recess of the side wall structure, placing the planar coaster cover in the recessed inner periphery of the wall structure, enclosing the keepsake in the box, and placing a picture frame top having a planar aspect with lateral size and shape of the outer periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box, and having and a second plurality of magnets embedded in a bottom surface of the picture frame top in the specific pattern of the magnets embedded in the top surface of the side wall structure of the box, on the top of the box over the coaster cover, such that the first and second plurality of embedded magnets mate and hold the picture frame top in place.

[0011] In one embodiment of the method box is lined with leather. Also, in one embodiment the method further comprises steps for accessing the keepsake by removing the picture frame cover, then lifting off the planar coaster cover using the openings proximate the outer periphery, exposing the keepsake for removal. And in one embodiment the picture frame top further comprises a picture on one side and an easel back with an easel kickstand on the other side, further comprising a steps for removing the picture frame top, and poisoning the picture frame top vertically on a surface away from the box, supported on the easel kickstand, displaying the picture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of three components of a convertible keepsake box in an embodiment of the invention

[0013] FIG. 2A depicts an exploded perspective view of a picture frame top of the keepsake box of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 2B shows a front view of the picture frame top assembled.

[0015] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the convertible keepsake box, upright.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the convertible keepsake box, upside down.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a coaster cover of the convertible keepsake box.

[0018] FIG. 4B shows a side cut-away view of the box.

[0019] FIG. 4C shows a side cut-away view of the box, as shown with coaster cover in joined display.

[0020] FIG. 4D illustrates a perspective view of the convertible keepsake box, as shown with coaster cover and box in joined display.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded side view, of two components of the convertible keepsake box, depicting the placement and polarity of magnets.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of all three components of the convertible keepsake box, as shown in joined display.

[0023] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of all three components of the convertible keepsake box, as shown in a partial separated side by side display.

[0024] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of all three components of the convertible keepsake box, as shown in a separated side by side display.

[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of all three components of the convertible keepsake box, as shown in a separated stacked display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The inventor provides a unique method and apparatus for a convertible keepsake box for holding a keepsake or memento, the holder providing for the secure and safe long-term retention of the keepsake and providing a sophisticated appearance for displaying the keepsake. a new three component apparatus in the instant invention provides for customization and personalization of the keepsake box, and identification of the keepsake contained therein. The present invention further provides several compartments for holding a picture, article or event associated with the keepsake, and multiple ways and means of displaying the keepsake box. The present invention is described in enabling in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present invention

[0027] FIG. 1 of the convertible keepsake box shows an exploded perspective view of the three components; the first component being the picture frame top 101, the second component being the box 102, and the third component being the coaster cover 103. The picture frame top 101 and box 102, are both manufactured from wood and painted with lacquer. The coaster cover 103 is manufactured from wood and painted with lacquer. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that all three components, the picture frame top, box, and coaster cover sections may be made of any suitable material such as plastic, injection molded plastic, acrylic, metal, glass, cardboard, plaster, mineral, etc., but not limited to these materials, this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0028] FIG. 1 further shows the picture frame top 101 with an interchangeable insert 105 of a person's name, design or picture. The interchangeable insert 105, is constructed of dye-sublimation photograph printed on aluminum. This interchangeable insert 105 may be made of any suitable material such as paper, plastic, injection molded plastic, acrylic, glass, cardboard, plaster, mineral, etc., but not limited to these materials, this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0029] FIG. 1 further shows the front facing perspective view of the box 102, with an area for a plaque 104 to be applied. This plaque 104, is made of aluminum metal plate and it can be engraved. The plaque 104, is held in place with double-sided sticky tape, and not permanently affixed to the box 102, it can be replaced, re-positioned, changed, or altered. The plaque 104, is engraved with a person's name, title, sentiment, inscription, design, etc. This plaque 104, may be made of any suitable material such as paper, plastic, injection molded plastic, acrylic, glass, cardboard, plaster, mineral, etc., but not limited to these materials, this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0030] FIG. 1 further shows the picture frame top 101, box 102, and coaster cover 103, all having the same square shape. But, not limited to this, this could be made to be any size and/or shape that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0031] FIG. 2A shows the exploded profile side perspective view of the picture frame top 101, comprising the interchangeable insert 105, easel back 201, and the easel kickstand 202. FIG. 2B shows a back-side perspective view of the picture frame top 101, and five specific elements. The first specific element is the placement of four round micro Neodymium-Rare Earth Magnets (magnets) 205a, 205b, 205c, and 205d. Each of these magnets are recessed and flush mounted into the back side of the picture frame top 101. The magnets 205a, 205b, 205c, and 205d are set adjacent to the edge of all four sides of the picture frame top 101 and are aligned on center of each of the four sides of the picture frame top 101.

[0032] FIG. 2B also shows a second specific element to the picture frame top 101, that is titled, the easel back 201. The easel back 201 is manufactured from wood and painted with lacquer. But is not limited to this, this could be made to be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0033] FIG. 2B further shows a third specific element that is named the easel back kickstand 202, which is affixed to the easel back 201 by hinge 203. This enables the easel back kickstand 202 to fold flat into the closed position against the easel back 201, and also enables the easel back kickstand 202 to swing out and into the open position as shown in FIG. 2A. Hinge 203 is constructed of metal in this example. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this may be of any suitable material such as plastic, carboard, rubber, etc., but not limited to these materials. This could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed. Easel back kickstand 202 serves to support the picture frame top 101 in an upright display position and stand up on a flat surface for display purposes, as shown in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8.

[0034] FIG. 2B further shows a turn button latch 204a, 204b, 204c, and 205d which are affixed to the easel back 201. The turn button latch 204a, 204b, 204c, and 205d swivel from side to side and is used to secure the interchangeable inset 105 and easel back 201 into the backside of the top picture frame 101. The turn button latch 204a, 204b, 204c, and 205d is constructed of metal. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that this may be of any suitable material such as plastic, carboard, rubber, etc., but not limited to these materials, this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0035] FIG. 3A shows the right-side-up perspective view of box 102 with the main compartment 301 for holding a keepsake or memento, the holder providing for the secure and safe long-term retention of the keepsake. The main compartment 301 is fully lined with leather, providing a sophisticated appearance for displaying the keepsake. But, not limited to this material, this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0036] FIG. 3A also shows the right-side-up perspective view of box 102 with the placement of (4) four round micro Neodymium-Rare Earth Magnets (magnets) 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d recessed and flush mounted into the top side of the box 102. The magnets 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d are set adjacent to the edge of all four top sides of the box 102 and are aligned on center of each of the four top sides of the box 102.

[0037] FIG. 3B shows an upside-down perspective view of box 102 with a solid bottom and for a person's name, title, sentiment, inscription, design, etc.

[0038] FIG. 4A shows a right side up perspective view of coaster cover 103.

[0039] FIG. 4B shows a cut-away perspective view of box 102.

[0040] FIG. 4C shows a cut-away perspective view of box 102 with coaster cover 103.

[0041] FIG. 4D shows a right side up perspective view of box 102 with coaster cover 103 and also shows the placement of (4) four round micro Neodymium-Rare Earth Magnets (magnets) 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d recessed and flush mounted into the top side of the box 102. The magnets 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d are set adjacent to the edge of all four top sides of the box 102 and are aligned on center of each of the four top sides of the box 102.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a front side perspective view of two components, in which, each is fitted with the strategic placement of (4) round micro Neodymium-Rare Earth Magnets (magnets); the picture frame top 101 with magnet 205d, and the box 102 with magnet 106d. More specifically FIG. 5 shows the polarity of the magnets, each magnet having a (-) negative side and (+) positive side. The polarity alignment is an integral element in the joining the three components of convertible keepsake box. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that all three components, may be brought together securely of any suitable material such as; hook and loop fastener, tape, etc., but not limited to these materials, this could be any material that currently exists, that is commonly used in the industry, and/or yet to be developed.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a joined-together display perspective view of the two components, being the picture frame top 101, and box 102.

[0044] FIG. 7A shows a side by side display perspective view of the three components, in which, the box 102 and the coaster cover 103 are joined, and the picture frame top 101 is removed and standing upright on a flat surface next to the box 102.

[0045] FIG. 7B shows a side by side display perspective view of the three components, in which, the box 102 and the coaster cover 103 are separated, and the picture frame top 101 is removed and standing upright on the coaster cover 103 next to the box 102.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows a stacked display perspective view of the three components, in which, joined are the coaster cover 103 on top of the box 102, and the picture frame top 101 is removed and standing upright on top of the coaster cover 103.

[0047] The person of skill in the art will understand that the descriptions above, referring the figures, are exemplary, and that many alterations might be made in individual cases, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A picture frame keepsake box system, comprising: a planar coaster cover having a regular shape with an outer periphery, a thickness and one or more openings near the outer periphery; a box having a closed floor, a side wall structure and an open top, the sidewall structure having an outer periphery in the regular shape of the planar coaster cover, the sidewall structure recessed around an inner periphery in the regular shape of the planar coaster cover to a depth equal to the thickness of the coaster cover, to engage the planar coaster cover, and a first plurality of magnets embedded in a top surface of the side wall structure in a specific pattern outside the recess of the side wall structure; and a picture frame top in a planar aspect having the lateral size and shape of the outer periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box and a second plurality of magnets embedded in a bottom surface of the picture frame top in the specific pattern of the magnets embedded in the top surface of the side wall structure of the box.

2. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 1 wherein the regular shape of the sidewall structure of the box, the coaster cover and the picture frame top is rectangular.

3. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 2 wherein the box has a fabric lining.

4. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 3 wherein the lining is leather.

5. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 1 wherein the picture frame top further comprises an outer frame recessed to a first depth around an inner periphery with a planar interchangeable insert of a first thickness with indicia printed on one surface engaged in the recess of the outer frame.

6. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 5 wherein the indicia is a photograph.

7. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 5 wherein the planar interchangeable insert is aluminum and has a dye-sublimation photograph printed on one surface.

8. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 5 further comprising an easel back in the shape and size of the planar interchangeable insert and a second thickness, the easel back engaged over the planar interchangeable insert with the first and second thickness equal to a depth of the recess in the outer frame.

9. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 8 wherein the interchangeable insert and the easel back are retained in the recess of the outer frame by a plurality of turn button latches.

10. The picture frame keepsake box system of claim 9 wherein the easel back further comprises an easel kickstand enabling the easel back to be supported in a semi-upright aspect separate from the box with the indicia displayed.

11. A method for keeping a keepsake, comprising: placing the keepsake in a box a having an outer periphery in a regular shape, a closed floor and an open top, with a side wall structure recessed around an inner periphery in a regular shape of a planar coaster cover with an outer periphery, a thickness and one or more openings near the outer periphery, and a first plurality of magnets embedded in a top surface of the side wall structure in a specific pattern outside the recess of the side wall structure; placing the planar coaster cover in the recessed inner periphery of the wall structure, enclosing the keepsake in the box; and placing a picture frame top having a planar aspect with lateral size and shape of the outer periphery of the wall structure of the keepsake box, and having and a second plurality of magnets embedded in a bottom surface of the picture frame top in the specific pattern of the magnets embedded in the top surface of the side wall structure of the box, on the top of the box over the coaster cover, such that the first and second plurality of embedded magnets mate and hold the picture frame top in place.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the box is lined with leather.

13. The method of claim 11 comprising a steps for accessing the keepsake by removing the picture frame cover, then lifting off the planar coaster cover using the openings proximate the outer periphery, exposing the keepsake for removal.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the picture frame top further comprises a picture on one side and an easel back with an easel kickstand on the other side, further comprising a steps for removing the picture frame top, and poisoning the picture frame top vertically on a surface away from the box, supported on the easel kickstand, displaying the picture.

Images