Customizable storage and display systems

Abstract

A custom display storage system includes storage and display assemblies. One embodiment of the storage assembly includes an album or scrapbook containing pages for mounting graphic works and other generally planar objects. An embodiment of the display assembly includes a display unit joined at the edges with a backing to form a pocket. The display unit includes openings for display of character strings and / or graphic images. The backing includes a slot, hinge, or some other opening system to provide access to the pocket. A customizable insert assembly for insertion into the pocket includes a base sheet having guidelines for mounting images and / or character strings; a clear synthetic resin sheet; and a mat including cut outs aligned with the guidelines of the base sheet. An alternative embodiment of the system includes a container for storing three dimensional items as well as graphic works. The custom display storage system may also comprise a kit with a selection of character units, multiple variations of mats (i.e. color, thickness, cut-out sizes, etc.) and an album or storage container with a variety of display units. Another embodiment of the display system of the instant invention is provided that allows for the display of a either three dimensional or two dimensional items, or combinations of the same. The display system includes a frame, a display glass, an injection molded spacer, and a backing. The spacer provides spacing between the display glass and the backing to accommodate three dimensional items and / or to provide a three dimensional look to the display.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 442,452, filed Jan. 25, 2003 and to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 507,906, filed Sep. 30, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to systems for storage and display. More particularly, one embodiment of the instant invention is concerned with a system providing storage for prints and the like and a display for graphic images and character strings, such as custom character strings formed from a selection of character units, or preprinted character strings. Another embodiment of the instant invention is concerned with a system providing simultaneous storage and display of three dimensional items as well as graphic images and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Display devices and storage systems are well known. Examples of a prior art custom display systems are referenced in U.S. Pat....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] A principal object of the instant invention is to provide a customizable display and storage system that allows for customization and variation of features that are not customizable in the display systems of the prior art. Another object of the instant invention is to provide a customizable display and storage system that allows for customization and variation of the color of a mat used in connection with the display.

[0026] Another principal object of the instant invention is to provide a customizable display and storage system that allows for the display of three dimensional items as well as two dimensional items. A further object of the instant invention is to provide a custom display system that allows for the display of three dimensional items as well as two dimensional items that is fast and easy to assemble and which is suitable for mass production.

[0028] The display glass (or panel) of the instant invention can be real glass, Plexiglas, clear plastic, or any other suitable generally transparent material. The spacer of the preferred embodiment is injection molded as a single piece of plastic that is sized to fit the specific frame for which it is to be used. Injection molding virtually eliminates any wasted materials during manufacturing of the spacer. The single piece spacer allows for easy assembly of the frame, display glass and backing without the need for any adhesives or cutting of pieces, greatly reducing total assembly time, and allowing for mass production of the display units. This allows standard picture frames to be easily converted into shadow boxes.

Problems solved by technology

While the prior art custom display systems described above do provide a wide variety of applications and customizability for the end user, these systems still have some limitations as to the type, magnitude and nature of customization that can be accomplished by the end user.

Thus the end user is limited to the color combinations and variations provided by the manufacturer of the particular album.

Furthermore, although the prior art custom display systems described above do provide a wide variety of applications and customizability for the end user, these systems still have some limitations as to the type of objects that can be displayed.

For example, several embodiments of the prior art include storage units that are capable of containing three dimensional items but which do not provide for the display of such three dimensional items.

Such is a very labor intensive process.

This cutting of individual spacer pieces and gluing in place is often very difficult as well as time consuming to complete and thus not convenient for mass production.

Images