Keepsake apparatus

Abstract

A keepsake apparatus can be used for special events, for example, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthdays, and special promotional collections or donations. More particularly, the keepsake apparatus, which is configured to replicated a building connected to an event, provides a repository for articles, such as gift envelopes or money, in a secure manner while providing a decorative keepsake of the event.

Description

[0001] This is a non-provisional application based upon an earlier filed provisional application, Ser. No. 60/189,559 filed Mar. 15, 2000. The present invention relates to a keepsake apparatus for use in special events, for example, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversary gifts, birthdays, and special promotional collections or donations. More particularly, the present invention provides a keepsake apparatus for holding articles, such as gift-envelopes and money, in a secure manner while providing a decorative keepsake of the event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illuminated embodiment of the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with a drawer.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view, partially exploded, of an embodiment of the present invention showing a removable panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the present invention comprises a keepsake apparatus 10 in a general container shape, preferably comprising at least three walls 12 and a top 14 and a bottom 16. In one of the walls 12 or top 14 is a slot 18 through which articles 20 can be inserted. For example, envelopes or money may be inserted into the apparatus 10 of the present invention through said slot 18. The slot 18 should be of sufficient size to allow easy entrance of articles 20, such as money or envelopes, while at the same time providing security for and preventing unlimited access to said articles 20. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one slot 18 is one quarter to one inch wide and approximately seven to nine inches in length.

[0008] The present invention preferably includes a door 22 in the top 14, bottom 16 or one of the walls 12 of the apparatus 10. Such doors should be of such shape and configuration to provide access to the interior portion of the keepsake apparatus 10 when opened for easy removal of articles 20 inserted into the apparatus 10. The door 22 may or may not have a locking mechanism for locking the door 22. Such locking mechanism can include any kind of mechanical or electrical lock known in the art.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the keepsake apparatus 10 of the present invention is configured to replicate a building in which a special event occurs. For example, in the case of a wedding, the keepsake apparatus 10 may be configured to replicate the church or chapel where the wedding ceremony occurs. The keepsake apparatus 10 may include replicas of any architectual features of the building, including but not limited to stained glass window(s) 24, bell tower 26, steeple 28, etc. See FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top 14 of the keepsake apparatus 10 may be hinged to allow access to articles 20 inserted into the keepsake apparatus 10. In addition, the top 14 may be removably attached by other means known in the art or it may be permanently attached to the walls 12. In addition, one or more of the walls 12 may be hinged either to another wall 12 or to the top 14 of the keepsake apparatus 10.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3, the keepsake apparatus 10 in the present invention may also have a drawer located in a bottom portion of said keepsake apparatus 10 that allows for easy removal of articles 20 contained in said apparatus 10.

[0012] The keepsake apparatus 10 may be illuminated from within the apparatus 10. Illuminating means are well-known in the art. For example, a candle may be used to illuminate the keepsake apparatus 10, or a light socket 32 with either an electrical cord or battery operated may be contained within the keepsake apparatus 10. The keepsake apparatus 10 may also be used as a night-light.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more panels within the keepsake apparatus 10 may be removable. A panel 34, such as a panel with a slot or a picture frame panel or a window-replica panel, can be slid out of position in the keepsake apparatus 10 and replaced with another panel 34. For example, a panel with a slot that allows envelopes or money to be put into the keepsake apparatus 10 may be removed and replaced after an event with a picture frame panel that can hold a photograph. The picture frame panel can hold a paper backed photograph or a film-based photograph, similar to a slide. Such panels can be held in place by a securing piece 36 attached to the keepsake apparatus 10 by screws 38 or any other removable means of attachment. Other means of securing the panel 34 in the keepsake apparatus 10 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0014] A keepsake apparatus 10 of the present invention may be made of wood, cardboard, glass, ceramic, tile, plastic, metal any material with sufficient structural integrity to allow construction of the apparatus 10, or any combination thereof. It may be decorated and configured in any manner, including having decorative features such as stained glass windows in chapels, clocks, bells, etc.

[0015] The present invention provides a secure container for gifts, donations, etc. at, for example, gatherings or a social function. Furthermore because it can be configured to replicate some building or other item with sentimental value, it provides a decorative keepsake and memento of a special occasion.

Claims

1. A keepsake apparatus comprising

at least three walls,

a top,

a bottom, and

a slot located in at least one of the said top, bottom, or one of said three walls.

2. The keepsake apparatus of claim further comprising at least one removable panel.

3. The keepsake apparatus of claim 2 wherein said slot is located on a removable panel.

4. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a drawer.

5. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a door.

6. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an illuminating means.

7. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a picture frame panel.

8. The keepsake apparatus of claim 6 wherein said picture frame panel is removable.

9. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 wherein said top is hinged.

10. The keepsake apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said walls is hinged.