US20080053925A1

US20080053925A1 - Memorabilia organizer

Info

Publication number: US20080053925A1
Application number: US11/515,549
Authority: US
Inventors: Nanci Scheithauer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-02
Filing date: 2006-09-02
Publication date: 2008-03-06

Abstract

A memorabilia organizer having an open-face holder composed of sturdy side rails, top hooks, handle, tab guides with internal crease, sliding rings and winged finger grips, transparent pocket with enclosure and external label display and insert. The holder is easily modified by attachments in customize colors, shapes and sizes joined to top hooks and handle. The preferred holder has parallel, a closed oval or elliptical shaped, rounded rails composed of sturdy but flexible material embodiments that includes top hooks, handle, base bars, tab glides that are threaded through holder and attachable transparent pocket, label display and label insert. At least one tab integrates a base, joining sliding rings top-sided, winged finger grips ends, and top-sided internal crease. The pocket is composed of transparent, flexible but sturdy, protective material having expandable top-sided seams, top fold, dual label pocket, label insert, and sturdy base attaching to tab in holder.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the storage and preservation of memorabilia. More particularly, the present invention relates to the organization of memorabilia, such as chronologically, sequentially, categorically, alphabetically, or such other predetermined schematics or methods. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to the storage of memorabilia having varying sizes, shapes, dimensions, and such other like physical characteristics, in a conformable, compartmental, visual display and labeling device that may be modified and decorative. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a stationary tabletop storage device that may be modified for various settings and transportable.
Memorabilia is created when an object or item becomes imbued with sentimental and special significance having keepsake and symbolic purposes. For centuries, people have retained objects to invoke good fortune or to recall significant life events. Memorabilia may be preserved as symbolic markers that recognize and honor our past, and our loved ones. Indeed, the important moments in life are frequently depicted on scraps of papers, notes, cards, photos or such other natural or manufactured objects. Memorabilia collections may also order to tell a story that is created by the keeper. Storage devices may include various embodiments that, when joined may provide a means for similar and interrelated objects, and the like, to be organized collectively as a unified whole. Such a device may ordered by any predetermined scheme or method, thereby providing optimal representative, informational, or decorative significance to objects that may be viewed/accessed separately or as part of a series within a collective whole.
Numerous devices, apparatus and containers for storing memorabilia have been provided in the prior art such as published U.S. Patent Application 2006/0037223 by Ciriacks; U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,202 by Houseberg; U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,296 by Carney, Jr., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,836 by Colloton, are illustrative of such prior art. These devices are suitable for particular purposes addressed therein and contain and store objects by means of a closed-lid or box-like device, walled compartments and other types of internally integrated constrictions that provides minimal, if any, visual display purposes.
Carney, Jr. and Ciriacks are limited by vertical access to objects. Such prior art devices constrict object containment within hard or straight-edged, side folders, box-like enclosures, pivoting stands, that rotate objects in continuous, circuitous motion, and solid, or other types of confining, solid, hard surfaced and square-sided pouches or stationary compartments. In each of these various prior art devices, the embodiments have limited means for containment of three-dimensional objects or other like objects having various sizes and shapes, thereby significantly reducing object preservation, viewing/access. Such prior art also have limited, or no means for displaying a single object without handling the objects, thereby reducing preservation, or disrupting the object ordering sequence within the device.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention improves on prior art storage containers and other memorabilia display and preservation apparatus by providing a device wherein objects may be organized an any predetermined method, removed, sorted, identified, sequenced and displayed, and may also be decorative. In addition to the above improvements on prior art, the present invention provides a device having a plurality of movable, slideable, glidable, or adjustable embodiments that provide for access to objects, and allow for minimal object handling, maximized preservation and optimized viewing from different perspectives.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an organizer that maintains object ordering and identification for purposes such as information, historical, display, decorative, or other like purposes, during storage or containment.
First, the present invention integrates embodiments wherein objects may be arranged, or displayed in an open space holder device that also maintains object organization and representational affect.
A second aspect of the present invention is to provide compartmental containment for accommodating varying sizes, shapes, multi-dimensional objects, and the like, for viewing/access, vertically, horizontally, diagonally, and such other means of access, and thereby providing maximum object preservation such that handling is minimized during object containment. Accordingly, this open-face holder with embodiments allow objects to be sorted, moved, organized, preserved, displayed, and the like, without imposing containment constrictions and other limiting visuaVaccess, and without disrupting the object ordering, thereby improving on prior art as shown by published U.S. Patent Applications by Colloton, Houseberg, Ciriacks and Carney, Jr.
A third aspect of the present invention is to provide for a unique coupling of embodiments that unify pocket compartments, wherein objects may be organized, preserved, and easily identified, and such that objects may be grouped, arranged, and the like, into interrelated collections, or series of collections. Pockets may be conformable to accommodate and preserve objects having varying shapes, sizes, multiple dimensions, and such other unique characteristics. Pocketed objects may be easily accessed horizontally, vertically, or from various containment areas, such as for sorting, but access is not limited to only such purposes. Object identification is provided by label and other such insertable devices, which may also allow for other purposes, such as containment of other related objects, and the like. The present invention thereby improves upon the limited purposes and access of prior art.
Accordingly, the present invention integrates, and combines embodiments that provide object containment and storage having minimal constraints and maximum flexibility, and wherein pocket compartments may be movable and/or secured within a rail holder device that allows objects to be unified, arranged, organized, positioned, preserved, and other such purposes, in compartments that join, attach and detach to and from slidable tab guides connected to a central opening having anchoring or detachable top hook, handle and base bars.
These and other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

FIG. 1 is a front, side top and bottom perspective view of embodiments of the present invention holder 100.

FIG. 1A is a front, top and side view of the device holder 100 shown in FIG. 1, and showing a full view of holder 100, side rail front view 2 a and rear view 2 b, attaching hooks 6, and handle attachment 4, and a cut-away perspective of joining front and rear base bars.

FIG. 1B is a front and side view of the optional adjustable handle 4 a attachment and showing a full view of the optional tube-shaped handle 4 b, providing an insertable attachment for holder 100.

FIG. 2 is a front, side and top view showing tab 200, having a pair of center-cut rings 10, and a cut-away perspective of top-sided, smooth, rounded edged, indented center crease 8, and a full view of side winged finger grips 9, and smooth, rounded edged base 8.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged full view detail showing tab 200

winged finger grip

9.

FIG. 3 is a front and back view of transparent pocket 300 with top and side seam 13 and seamed fold 16, dual seamed 14 pocket label insert/display compartment area 15 and also showing sturdy base 12 and label insert 15 a.

FIG. 3A is a front view of label insert 15 a.

FIG. 3B is a side view of transparent 11 pocket 300, as shown in FIG. 3, and showing a detail view of expandable seam 13, with label pocket seam 14, pocket compartment 15 label insert 15 a, as shown in FIG. 3A, and expandable top seam fold 16.

FIG. 4 is a front view of holder 100 modification attachment for storing various categories or groups of memorabilia, such as sports as depicted by a golfer, with a cut away view of holder 100 attaching modification at handle 4 and at top hook 6.

FIG. 5 is another front view example of a holder 100 modification attachments for storing various categories or groups of memorabilia, such as animals, as depicted by a kitten, attaching at handle 4 of holder 100, and also attaching at top hook 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views shown in the figures. It is also understood that terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “outward,” “inward,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. In addition, whenever a group is described as either comprising or consisting of at least one of a group of elements and combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may comprise or consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other.
The present invention has an open-face frame holder to allow objects to be organized, viewed, adjusted, moved, and like adjustments, in various positions and directions. The device is comprised of coupling embodiments that include joining oval shaped or elliptical shaped rails that have attaching top handle and base bars. The open space is providing an internally integration of objects inserted between a top hook attaching to rail and top connecting handle, wherein objects may also be displayed within gradually increasing and decreasing angles, and organized, contained, unified, accessed from various positions, such as horizontally and vertically. Thereby, the present invention provides a device for marking, measuring, and unifying memorabilia sequentially, such that a single object or a series, may be arranged in any method, including but not limited to, chronologically, alphabetically, storybook fashion having a beginning, a middle and an end, or other predetermined method. This unique invention includes embodiments that are slideable, threadable, moveable, removable, adjustable, and the like, for displaying memorabilia in various ways, such as for example, separately as a single moment in time, or collectively or in combinations, such as for example, for representing parts in a unified body, or in such other methods having informational and/or decorative purposes, and the like. These are just a few examples of how the present invention combines embodiments and separate elements to provide for a multi-purpose containment device, allowing object preservation, storage and display.
Referring to the drawings in general and to FIG. 1 in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.
Referring to the details of the above-referenced drawings, FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A, illustrate holder (100) as one embodiment of the present invention storage device. FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of holder 100 side rails 2 a and 2 b, joined by base bar 5, attachable top hooks 6, and joining/attachable handle 4.
Holder 100 that is constructed of a pair of rails, or any other number of rails, having a smooth, rounded shape, such as an ellipse, 2, but may also take a rounded triangular shape, and the like. See FIG. 1. This embodiment is constructed of sturdy and flexible materials, that may be wire or tubes, metal, plastic or the like commonly used structural applications for adjusting or accommodating size and shape modifications. Holder 100 is open-faced 3 having attaching side rails 2 a and 2 b that are integrated with top handle 4 and matching to an integrally formed base bars 5 and top hooks 6.
The upper top portion of holder 100, is oval-shaped or elliptical, but other rounded shapes may be used, such as a rounded-end triangle, provided that open space 3 is retained to provide maximum visual/access to objects. Open space 3 has a beginning point at top hook 6 and ending point at handle 4. The integrated open space 3 has a gradual shape that curves upward at its front 2 a and slopes downward at its back 2 b for allowing various visual/access to objects. See FIG. 2. Thus, rounded, ellipse shaped holder 100, rail 2 a and 2 b, open space 3 and other embodiments, such as top handle 4, hook 6, and base bars 5, are integrally combined and joined to allow objects to be unified wherein the device provides a novel means for sequential organization, or any other predetermined organizational scheme, such as alphabetically, chronologically, numerically, and the like, and forward and back movement within an unobstructed open space for securing and maintaining continuity and enhanced visual/access to objects. See FIG. 1. Additionally, the oval, ellipse shaped, or the like, holder 100 rails 2 a and 2 b provide various gradations in open space 3 that may also provide alternative and varying vantage points from which objects may be stored and observed, such as while sitting, standing or kneeling. See FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 illustrates tab 200, as another embodiment of the present invention, with cut-away view of top indentation crease 8, and full view of rings 10, base 7, winged, finger grips 9. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, holder 100 includes tabs 200, also referred herein as “glides” or “tab glides”, that are composed of a sturdy but flexible material, such as wire, plastic, chrome, steel, or the like. Tab 200 embodiments include a solid base 7 of a sturdy material having a rounded, smooth, slideable, low friction surface, but may also have flexibility, such as plastic, as used in disposable utensils and/or service ware. Tab 200 base embodiments includes a top-sided center, internal crease 8, a pair of flared, rounded finger grips 9, coupled, center-cut rings 10 joining to base 8. Tab 200 may be inserted into holder 100 during manufacturing by threading through center-cut rings 10 for glidablity through holder 100 rails 2 a and 2 b, or may be manually inserted, post-manufacture, by easily hand inserting and/or detaching each by an optional adjustable handle tube 4 b or handle hook 4 a, allowing for opening and closing the holder 100. See FIG. 1B; FIG. 1A; FIG. 2. Tab 200 embodiments allow for coupling and joining holder 100 embodiments as shown in FIG. 1. Tab 200 integrates embodiment object within holder 100 and open space 3, allowing objects be glided and/or moved between rail graduations 2 a and 2 b, and secured between hook 6 and handle 4, while also stabilizing or securing objects between winged finger grips 9 and internal crease 8. Tab 200 glides may be added and removed from holder 100 open space 3 to provide for easily attaching and removing objects to be contained between hook 6 and handle 4 for viewing single objects or, for example, sequential ordering, storybook fashion having a beginning and an end, all model-T car collections, or other kinds of predetermined organization schemes. See FIG. 1 and FIG. 1B. Tab winged finger grips 9 provide an easy method for items to be removed and rearranged within and from the holder without removing the tabs. See FIG. 2A and FIG. 1. Tab 200 reduces handling and maximizes item preservation.
FIG. 3 illustrates pocket 300, (also herein referred to as “protective pocket 300”) which is attachable to tab 200 and has an expandable transparent surface 11, top fold seam 16 and insert seam 14, side seam 13, and dual label display pocket compartment 15 for label insert 15 a or objects. See FIG. 3, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.
As shown in FIG. 3, pocket 300 embodiments may also include a transparent, protective with dual label display compartment 14 and 15. Pocket 300 is composed of a transparent, flexible, expandable material 11, such as a soft plastic baggy, that is conformable to three-dimensional objects and attaches to a sturdy base 12. Expandable material 11 is composed of a solid, rounded edged, material, such as plastic or the like, that may be either transparent, having solid or multiple colors, as shown in FIG. 3, and has a pair of external side seams 13 having expanding and interloping stitching for flexibility, a top folding seams, 16 and label compartment seam 14. As shown in FIG. 3B, pocket 300, in one embodiment, includes a separate, transparent, accessible, seamed 14 information label/object display compartment 15. Pocket 300 modality allows for objects to be easily organized, ordered and visually identified without excess handling or opening the internal compartments of protective pocket 300. Objects may be easily inserted into pocket 300 vertically by flipping up the sturdy fold 16 which provides a weight laden enclosure and a separate pocket label compartment 15 with optional label insert 15 a. See FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A. Label, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A, provide for easily identifying and organizing objects, or other predetermined means, and may be inserted horizontally through pocket label display compartment 15, or modified for vertical access. Label inserts, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A, allow for pocket 300 contents to have maximum preservation and representational value wherein denotations thereon may be used to describe specific events, subjects, and the like descriptions easily and without handling items displayed therein. See FIG. 1.
The present invention may be easily modified to provided for various other purposes such as handle 4 a and hook 4 b options, as shown in FIG. 1B, for detaching, attaching, opening and closing holder 100. Hook 6 may be either stationary, removable, slidable or adjustable, provided its position has a corresponding position at each rail 2 a and 2 b on holder 100 top front. Hook 6 may be removable, re-attached and may have varying re-positions when joined to holder 100 rails 2 a and 2 b, allowing for expandability in open space 3. See FIG. 1B. This optional feature may additionally provide for easily modifying quantities of movable embodiments within holder 100, or allow for other optional modification, as may be necessary for storing large and/or other such multi-dimensional objects. See FIG. 1. Object preservation may be maximized by handle 4 that may be easily gripped to allow for holding, lifting, and other like transportable purposes, without disrupting an organizational scheme, object containment and/or other storage purposes. Handle 4 allows for easily transporting memorabilia collections within different settings, and for easily attaching modifications, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, such as for decorative purposes, and as may relate to particular settings, such as home, office and play areas, and the like, or various sized supporting surfaces, such as table-top, desk, dresser, and the like.
Another optional, attachable modifications include a removable tubular-or hook shaped handle 4 a and 4 b, as shown in FIG. 1B, or having such other like insertable shapes. These are just a few of the modifications that may be joined and removed to holder 100 elliptical or like rounded shaped rails, 2 a and 2 b, and other graduating surfaces, allowing for varying object quantities and viewing/access. See FIG. 1B. However, these various optional modifications to handle 4 are not necessary for holder 100 embodiments to provide easy view/access to objects, while also preserving the sequential or other predetermined organization of objects in holder 100. See FIG. 1.
Additional top hooks 6 and handle 4 modalities may also include multiple customized attachments to holder 100 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, depicting shapes and figures, but may also vary in colors, that may depict specific yet limitless subjects or categories. Such modifications to holder 100 may also depict various settings and viewing positions as described above, providing an external method for easily identifying objects contained there, and for grouping, sorting or the like commonly used organizing schemes/methods. Objects that may categorize an entire body of memorabilia, such as by subject, event or occurrence. See FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. For example, for the sports enthusiast the device may be modified to depict a golfer, race car driver, downhill skier, fishing pole, tennis racket, baseball bat and mitt, and the like. Pet and animal lovers may customize the present invention in shapes that depict, for example, a kitty cat, dog, horse, snake, lizard, or storybook fantasy creatures, such as mermaid, dragon or unicorn, and the like. Holiday memorabilia devices may be modified, to depict, for example, an ornamental tree or snow sled, jack-o-lantern or bunny. Vacation devices depict various modes of transportation, for example, from train to planes, or from cruise ship to sailboat, and the like. Wedding and anniversary devices may have colors that coincide with traditions, such as, for example, white for first year; silver for 25 years; gold for 50 years. Baby and childhood memorabilia devices are modified like time capsules to depict developments, from baby buggy to tricycle, from two-wheeler to first car, from graduation to grand opening.
Although all of the above referenced figures and descriptions are somewhat particular to a certain degree, these descriptions are by way of example, as various modalities for the present invention may be modified. See FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Additional modifications may be made to the materials which may be other than those specified in the described embodiments, such as pocket 300 seam 13 may have different stitching designs from that as shown by seams 13, 14 and 16, or it have other overlapping stitch reinforcements designs or methods than that shown on FIG. 3B. Other modifications may include, for example, as shown on FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, or it may have optional removable hook and handle embodiments from that shown in FIG. 1B, for easily attaching thereto handle various modifications, and the like. Also, holder 100 and modifications, such as the examples shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may have customized sizes, such as petite, kid-sizes, shapes, and the like; other colors, such as Hawaiian Punch, Tanzania Turquoise, and the like, or may depict other types of commonly used ear-marking designs, such as toddler, infants, or school grades, such as K-6, Junior High, and the like.
Despite all these various modifications, the foregoing detailed description of embodiments and device are for illustrative purposes demonstrating how the device may have a chameleon-like adaptability for organizing, storing and preserving memorabilia that is easily accessible, unencumbered by unnecessary construction constraints, and may also has decorative purposes by attachments/modifications that may accommodate a multitude of environments/settings and enhance viewing/access and object organization. While typical embodiments have been set forth for the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An organizer adapted to display at least one article, the organizer comprising:

a base comprising a plurality of rails oriented parallel to each other, wherein each of the plurality of rails forms a rounded shape and define an open viewing space;

at least one article holder slidingly coupled to the base and movable back and forth along the plurality of rails, the article holder comprising:

a rigid tab comprising a center internal crease;

a removable display pocket inserted in the center internal crease, the display pocket having at least one transparent face for displaying the article; and

a plurality of guides affixed to the rigid tab, wherein the plurality of guides are adapted to slidingly couple with the plurality of rails such that the transparent face is perpendicular to the plurality of rails and occupies at least a portion of the open viewing space;

at least one finger grip attached to an end of the rigid tab;

a plurality of hooks, wherein each of the plurality of hooks is coupled to one of the plurality of rails and that act as stops for the tab guides; and

a handle coupled to at least one of the plurality of rails.

2. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the pocket is positionable within the tab such that contents of the pocket are viewable from a plurality of positions.

3. The organizer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rails has a first end and a second end that join together to form a closed rounded shape.

4. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the closed rounded shape is one of a closed oval shape and a closed elliptical shape, and wherein the closed rounded shape has a maximum height.

5. The organizer of claim 3, wherein the first end and the second end are detachable from each other to open up the closed rounded shape.

6. The organizer of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of extender rails, wherein each of the plurality of extender rails is insertable between the first end and the second end of each of the plurality of rails, and wherein insertion of the extender rail extends each of the plurality of rails.

7. The organizer of claim 6, wherein the handle is coupled to at least a portion of the plurality of extender rails.

8. The organizer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hooks is movable to adjust different positions on the plurality of rails.

9. The organizer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of hooks is removable from the plurality of rails.

10. The organizer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rails comprises a rod, a wire, or a tube, and wherein the rod, wire, or tube is formed into the rounded shape.

11. The organizer according to claim 4, wherein the wire, rod, or tube is formed from metal, plastic, or combinations thereof.

12. The organizer of claim 5, wherein the rod, wire, or tube is formed from a rigid metal or a rigid plastic.

13. The organizer of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guides is a structure defining a central opening, wherein each of the plurality of rails is slideably threadable through the central opening.

14. The organizer of claim 13, wherein the forms at least a portion of a ring.

15. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the display pocket further comprises a top sided external center crease for securing the article.

16. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the display pocket has an open end opposite the center internal crease and a foldable flap that is capable of covering the open end.

17. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a label display pocket affixed to the display pocket, wherein the label pocket is adapted to accept a label.

18. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the organizer comprises a plurality of article holders capable of maintaining a plurality of articles in a predetermined sequential order.

19. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the display pocket is expandable to accept a three dimensional object.

20. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising at least one decorative object, wherein the at least one decorative object is affixed to the base.

21. The organizer of claim 20, wherein the at least one decorative object is affixed to at least one of the plurality of rails.

22. An article holder adapted to display at least one article in an organizer, the organizer comprising a plurality of rails oriented parallel to each other, the article holder comprising:

a rigid holder base comprising a center internal crease;

a display pocket inserted in the center internal crease, wherein the display pocket is adapted to contain the article and has at least one transparent face for displaying the article;

a pair of finger grips attached to opposite ends of the rigid holder base; and

a plurality of guides affixed to the rigid holder base, wherein the plurality of guides are adapted to slidingly couple with the plurality of rails.

23. The article holder of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of guides is a ring defining a central opening, wherein the central opening is capable of slideably accepting rails therethrough.

24. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the display pocket further comprises a top sided external center crease for securing the article.

25. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the display pocket has an open end opposite the center internal crease and a foldable flap that is capable of covering the open end.

26. The article holder of claim 22, further comprising a label display pocket affixed to the display pocket, wherein the label pocket is adapted to accept at least one of a label and a three dimensional object.

27. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the organizer comprises a plurality of article holders capable of maintaining a plurality of articles in a predetermined sequential order.

28. The article holder of claim 22, wherein the display pocket is expandable to accept a three dimensional object.