Decorative apparatus for displaying items

Abstract

A decorative apparatus for displaying items in internal cavities includes a housing that is at least partially transparent with opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members defining a hollow region therebetween. The decorative apparatus also includes a plurality of dividers within the hollow region separating the region into a plurality of internal cavities. The housing further includes a removable member, configured to provide access to each of the internal cavities, so that decorative objects within the internal cavities can be easily changed or rearranged. A method for decorating an apparatus includes placing objects within the hollow region through a housing access provided by removing a removable housing member and replacing the removable housing member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to fillable apparatus, more particularly a decorative apparatus including a hollow region where objects can be displayed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Decorative apparatus are known in the prior art that allow sheets of material or objects to be stored within the walls of the apparatus. For example, some beverage mugs provide space for a sheet of material, such as a photo, in the wall of the mug. Some of these decorative mugs may allow for insertion of liquid or fine particles within the space provided for decoration.

[0003] A transparent bowl is known that provides a hollow region between an inner and outer bowl that is purchased with decorative objects already present in the hollow region. However, it is not possible for the purchaser of this bowl to access the hollow region to change the decorative objects.

[0004] Transparent storage systems for items such as fishing lures are also known, such as the compartmentalized container of U.S. Pat. No. 3,378,134. The compartments can be rotated to bring them in line with access openings on the outer container wall. The access openings may be covered by a hinged access door that is readily visible on the container wall. The access door provides access to only one compartment at a time.

[0005] A decorative container providing a hollow region for displaying three-dimensional decorative objects is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,918, dated Jul. 3, 2001, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/824,937, filed Apr. 3, 2001, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. These containers provide dividers within the hollow region for separating the decorative objects in a number of internal cavities and a removable access opening for accessing the hollow region.

[0006] There is a need for additional arrangements for holding three-dimensional decorative objects in a decorative apparatus or decorative apparatus system. Apparatuses with different configurations are needed where decorative objects in a hollow region of the apparatus can be changed by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a decorative apparatus for displaying items includes a housing that is at least partially transparent with opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members defining a hollow region therebetween. The housing further includes a removable member, configured to provide access to each of the internal cavities, so that decorative objects within the internal cavities can be easily changed or rearranged. The decorative apparatus also includes a plurality of dividers within the hollow region separating the region into a plurality of internal cavities.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a decorative apparatus displaying system for displaying items includes a housing with opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members defining a hollow region therebetween. The housing is at least partially transparent. The decorative apparatus displaying system further includes a removable housing member allowing access to the hollow region. The decorative apparatus displaying system also includes dividers located within the hollow region to divide the hollow region into a plurality of internal cavities for displaying items.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention is a method for filling a decorative apparatus with items for display. The decorative apparatus for displaying items is at least partially transparent and includes opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members that define a hollow region therebetween. The decorative apparatus also includes access into the hollow region through a removable housing member. The method for filling the decorative apparatus with items may include the steps of removing the removable housing member to gain access to the hollow region, placing objects in the hollow region, and then replacing the removable housing member in the apparatus housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention may be more completely understood by considering the detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, which follows in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative apparatus having a housing and a removable housing lid, where the apparatus is configured as a tray.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the decorative apparatus housing of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the decorative apparatus housing of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an end view of the decorative apparatus housing of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the removable housing lid of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an end view of the removable housing lid of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the removable housing lid illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial view of an end of the removable housing lid illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a decorative apparatus having a housing and a removable housing lid, where the apparatus is configured as a trivet.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of the decorative apparatus housing of FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the decorative apparatus housing of FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the decorative apparatus housing of FIG. 9.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of the removable housing lid of FIG. 9.

[0024] FIG. 14 is an end view of the removable housing lid of FIG. 9.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the removable housing lid of FIG. 13.

[0026] FIG. 16 is partial view of an end of the removable housing lid illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0027] FIG. 17 is cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a decorative apparatus housing where the housing has removable dividers.

[0028] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood however that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of systems and arrangements for a decorative apparatus that displays items. The apparatus is intended to both display items within its hollow housing and serve a functional purpose, such as a tray or trivet. The invention has been found to be particularly advantageous where it is desired to display different types of three-dimensional objects in a format such that the arrangement of the decorative objects and the content of the decoration can be easily changed to suit different circumstances. The invention is also especially useful where it is desirable to display several different types of decorative objects in separate internal cavities of a decorative apparatus. While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained through a discussion of an example operating in such an environment.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the decorative apparatus for displaying items is designed and configured as a tray. The apparatus may have a variety of shapes and sizes and other features conforming to the limitations of the invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one particular embodiment of a decorative apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention where the decorative apparatus is a tray having a rectangular shape with a bottom member 104 partially slid out of the apparatus. The tray, in a preferred embodiment, is made of transparent material and FIGS. 1-8 reflect an apparatus being constructed of such transparent material. The decorative apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 and a removable housing member 104 (also referred to as removable housing lid, removable lid, housing lid, and housing bottom member) removably secured to housing 102. The combined housing 102 and removable lid 104 create a hollow region 106 therebetween. Decorative items can be removably stored and displayed within hollow region 106.

[0031] Now referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the apparatus housing of the present invention is illustrated. In this preferred embodiment, tray-housing 102 is rectangular shaped having a first end wall 108 and an opposing second end wall 110 and opposing sidewalls 112. End walls 108, 110 and sidewalls 112 create a housing periphery 123 to which a handle 114 is attached. The tray housing also includes a top member 120 having an upper surface 121 (see FIG. 3). The top member 120 (best seen in FIG. 3) also has a top member periphery that can create a common connecting surface between end walls 108, 110 and sidewall 112. Handle 114 may be attached to the top member periphery or to the housing periphery. Top member 120 and removable housing member 104 may be considered opposing top and bottom housing members. Hollow region 106 is defined within the bounds of end walls 108, 110 sidewalls 112, top member 120 and removable lid 104. Dividers 116 are spaced throughout hollow region 106 creating a plurality of hollow cavities 115 (see FIG. 3). The internal cavities may store different types of decorative items, providing an appealing visual display by permitting a separation of the different types of decorative items.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a right-side view of tray housing 102 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This view of tray housing 102 illustrates handle 114, hollow cavities 115, end walls 108 and 110, a sidewall 112, dividers 116, sidewall protrusions 118, housing top member 120, and upper surface 121. FIG. 4 is an end view of tray housing 102, viewed from second end wall 110. FIG. 4 illustrates tray housing 102 having a housing end wall 110, sidewalls 112, handle 114, sidewall protrusions 118, top member 120, upper surface 121 and a housing thickness 125. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, upper surface 121, in a preferred tray embodiment, is recessed relative to handle 114, creating a tray surface bounded by handle 114. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, top member 120 is substantially flat or planar such that apparatus housing 102 alone or in combination with removable lid 104 and handle 114 may be used as a tray. Housing thickness 125 is defined by a height of second end wall 110.

[0033] FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrate end wall end 111, notched area 113, divider ends 117, sidewall tabs 118 positioned on sidewalls 112, and housing gap 119. Sidewall tabs 118 (also illustrated in FIG. 2) are positioned relative to dividers 116 such that removable lid 104 will be captured therebetween. FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate first end wall 108 extending in a vertical direction further from top member 120 then does second end wall 110. Second end wall 110 is configured to provide a housing gap 119 formed between end 111 of end wall 110, end 117 of dividers 116, and sidewall protrusions 118. Sidewalls 112 also include a recessed area or notch near end wall 110 that forms notched area 113 for receiving a portion of removable member 104. First end wall 108 is configured to assist in stopping removable lid 104 from extending all the way through housing 102 so that removable lid 104 is captured within tray housing 102. Second end wall 110 is further configured to provide-a locking or interference surface to assist in holding removable lid 104 in place within housing 102.

[0034] A cross-sectional view of tray housing 102 would be similar to the cross-sectional view of the apparatus housing shown and described hereinafter as FIG. 12. Differences between a cross-sectional view of tray housing 102 and the cross-section view of FIG. 12 would include such features as the number of dividers 116 and the position of handle 114 on housing 102.

[0035] Now referring to FIG. 5, a top view is shown of removable lid 104. Removable lid 104 has a first end 150, a second end 152 and sidewalls 154. In a preferred embodiment, removable lid 104 is substantially flat and configured to be slidably inserted into tray housing 102 by inserting first end 150 into housing gap 119 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Removable lid 104 further includes a top lid surface 156 (see FIG. 6), a bottom lid surface (see FIG. 6), grip members 158 formed on the top lid surface 156, pull-tab 160 attached at the lid second end 152, and recesses 162 formed in the lid sidewalls 154. Also illustrated in FIG. 5 are interference dimples 164 and stop protrusions 166 extending outwardly from sidewalls 154 at or near lid second end 154. Grip members 158 and tab 160 assist in inserting and removing lid 104 from tray housing 102. Stop protrusions 166 and dimples 164 function to lock and hold removable lid 104 within housing 102.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an end view of removable lid 104 viewed from lid second end 152. FIG. 6 illustrates top lid surface 156 and a bottom lid surface 157 of the removable lid. Dimples 164 are formed into and extend from bottom lid surface 157 and grip members 158 are formed into and extend from upper lid surface 156. When removable lid 104 is inserted into housing 102, the lid is inserted with the top surface 156 facing in a direction away from top member 120. When inserted in this manner, dimples 164 contact end wall member 110 and stop protrusions 166 contact sidewalls 112 at notched area 113. In this assembled configuration, grip members 158 are accessible for assisting in removing removable lid 104 from housing 102.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the removable lid 104 illustrated in FIG. 5 taken along line 7-7. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 7 illustrates removable lid 104 having a first end 150, a second end 152, a top surface 156, a bottom surface 157, and an end region 170 that includes gripping members 158 and dimples 164. End region 170 is shown in greater detail in the partial view of FIG. 8.

[0038] The partial view of FIG. 8 includes second end 152, gripping members 158, dimple 164 and pull-tab 160. In a preferred embodiment, there are three gripping members 158 positioned adjacent each to one another on upper lid surface 156 (see FIG. 5) and three dimples 164 equally spaced apart between sidewalls 154 of removable lid 104 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The number of gripping members 158 and dimples 164 may vary depending upon a particular tray design. Dimples 164 may vary in size and shape but are required to interfere with second end wall member 110 of housing 102 in order to hold the removable lid 104 in place within housing 102. Alternative locking features or techniques may be used in place of dimples such as, for example, fasteners, snap-fits, latches, hinges or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the removable lid 104 is removable from housing 102 by hand without the use of special tools.

[0039] In a second preferred embodiment, the decorative apparatus for displaying items is designed and configured as a trivet or a “hot plate.” The trivet may have a variety of shapes and sizes and other features conforming to the limitations of the embodiment as follows and illustrated in FIGS. 9-16.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the features of the present invention where the decorative apparatus is a trivet having a square shape with a bottom member partially slid out of the apparatus. The trivet, in a preferred embodiment, is made of transparent, heat-resistant material and FIGS. 9-17 reflect an apparatus being constructed of such transparent material. An apparatus 200 includes an apparatus (or trivet) housing 202 and a removable housing member 204 (also referred to herein as removable housing lid, removable lid, housing lid, and housing bottom member) removably secured to trivet housing 202. A hollow region 206 is defined by the combination of housing 202 and removable lid 204.

[0041] Decorative items can then be stored and displayed within hollow region 206. FIG. 10 is a top view of trivet housing 202 as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 illustrates components of housing 202 which are further illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, including housing first end wall 208, housing second end wall 210 and opposing sidewalls 212 creating a periphery of the housing, a handle 214, hollow cavities 215, dividers 216, sidewall protrusions 218, and a top housing member 220 having an upper surface 221 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). Handle 214 extends around the housing periphery and is attached to sidewalls 212 and first and second end walls 208, 210. Sidewall protrusions 218 are formed in sidewalls 212 and assist in capturing removable lid 204 within housing 202. Dividers 216 extend into hollow region 206 of the housing creating a plurality of hollow cavities 215 within hollow region 206 for storing different types of decorative items and providing an appealing visual display by permitting separation of different types of decorative items within the housing. In addition, top housing member 220 has a periphery 223. Preferably, sidewalls 212 and end walls 208, 210 are formed into top housing member 220 around periphery 223.

[0042] FIG. 11 is an end view of housing 202 as viewed from second end wall 210. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the trivet housing 202 illustrated in FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate housing 202 having a handle 214, a first end wall 208, a second end wall 210, opposing sidewalls 212, sidewall protrusions 218, a top housing member 220 having an upper surface 221 and a housing thickness 225. Housing 202 also includes end wall end 211, notched area 213, divider end 217 and gap 119. Housing thickness 225 is defined by a height of second end wall 210. End wall end 111 represents an end of second end wall 210 opposite top housing member 220. Removing a portion of sidewalls 212 near second end 210 creates notched area 213. Divider end 217 represents an end of dividers 216 opposite top member 220. FIGS. 11 and 12 also illustrate a spatial relationship between sidewall protrusions 218 and second end wall 210 of the housing. The vertical space between end wall 210 and protrusions 218 creates a gap 219 and is sufficient for removable lid 204, illustrated in FIG. 9, to be inserted into trivet housing 202.

[0043] Top housing member 220 and removable housing member 204 may be considered opposing top and bottom housing members, respectively. As opposed to the configuration of a tray as described in the first preferred embodiment (FIGS. 1-8), top housing member 220 and upper surface 221 are not vertically recessed relative to handle 214. Preferable, upper surface 221 is at the same or a greater vertical height as handle 214.

[0044] FIGS. 11 and 12 further illustrate handle 214 as a curved handle extending outwardly from sidewalls 212. Handle 214 as well as handle 114 may, in other embodiments, be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not restricted to a configuration that is curved or semi circular in shape or that extends around the entire housing periphery as defined by the housing sidewalls 212, 112 and first and second end walls 208, 210 and 108, 110. Handle 114, 214 may be a single handle or a plurality of separate handles extending from a housing side or end wall or the housing top member. Handles 114, 214 may also extend upwardly or downwardly as well as perpendicularly from a housing side or end wall or the housing top member so long as the handle is accessible for the purposes of aesthetics or functionally handling the apparatus. In addition, the handles may be removable. The handles may also have a hollow cavity which may be filled by a user with decorative items.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a top view of removable lid 204 shown in FIG. 9. Removable lid 204 includes a first end 250, a second end 252 and opposing sides 254. Removable lid 204 also includes a top surface 256 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) and recesses 262 formed into sidewalls 254. At or near end 252 of the lid are located dimples 264, stop protrusions 266, grip members 268 and pull-tab 260. These four features assist in locking removable lid 204 in place within trivet housing 202 and removing removable lid 204 from trivet housing 202.

[0046] FIG. 14 is an end view of trivet removable lid 204 as viewed from second end 252. FIG. 14 illustrates removable lid 204 having sidewalls 254, second end 252, upper trivet surface 256, and a lower trivet surface 257. Dimples 264 are formed into lower trivet surface 257 and grip members 258 are formed into upper surface 256. Pull-tab 260 extends outwardly from end 252 in a linear direction. Pull-tab 260, as with pull-tab 160, may be configured in a variety of ways having a variety of shapes, sizes and places of attachment on removable lid 204 for the purpose of handling and maneuvering removable lid 204. When lid 204 is inserted into housing 202, the lid is positioned such that dimples 256 face towards top housing member 220 and grip members 258 face outwardly away from top housing member 220. Dimples 264, when lid 204 is completely inserted within housing 202, create an interference fit with second end wall 210 of trivet housing 202 to lock removable lid within housing 202.

[0047] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the removable lid 204 illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates upper surface 256, lower surface 257, first end 250, second end 252, and an end region 270. End region 270 is shown in greater detail in the partial view of end 270 illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0048] The partial view of FIG. 16 includes second end 252, gripping members 258, dimples 264 and pull-tab 260. In a preferred embodiment, there are three gripping members 258 positioned adjacent each to one another on upper lid surface 256 (see FIG. 13) and three dimples 264 equally spaced apart between sidewalls 254 of removable lid 204 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The number of gripping members 258 and dimples 264 may vary depending upon a particular trivet design. Dimples 264 may vary in size and shape but are required to interfere with second end wall member 210 of trivet housing 202 in order to hold the removable lid 204 in place within housing 202. Alternative locking features or techniques may be used in place of dimples such as, for example, fasteners, snap-fits, latches, hinges or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the removable lid 204 is removable from housing 202 by hand without the use of special tools.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the dividers are removable from the apparatus housing. FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a decorative apparatus housing 302 similar to trivet housing 202 illustrated in FIG. 2. Housing 302 is illustrated in FIG. 17 as having an outer surface 320, sidewalls 312, first end wall 308, second end wall 310, dividers 316, sidewall protrusions 318 and divider recesses 380 formed within outer member 320. In this exemplary drawing, dividers 316 are removable from housing 302 and are positioned within housing 302 with the aid of divider recesses 380. It is envisioned that dividers 316 might have a variety of shapes or configurations such that they might be removably attached to or inserted into recesses 380 of housing 302.

[0050] The decorative apparatus may be provided in many different sizes depending on the types of decorative items to be displayed within the apparatus and alternative intended uses for the apparatus. For example, in another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is circular-shaped and the apparatus handle extends around only a portion of the decorative apparatus periphery. The height of the housing sidewall and end wall members provides this spacing. The decorative apparatus could also have a rectangular, triangular, hexagonal or a variety of other shapes. In addition, many different placements and configurations of the access opening are also possible. It is anticipated that access to the apparatus hollow region could be through either the removable lid or bottom housing member or one of the housing sidewall or end wall members that provide access to all of the hollow cavities. It is further anticipated that the removable member could provide access to all hollow cavities simultaneously

[0051] In the preferred embodiment, the hollow region within apparatus housing has a thickness of about 0.2 inch to 2 inches, or about 0.5 to 5 centimeters, preferably about 0.5 inch or about 1.25 centimeters.

[0052] The decorative apparatus may be constructed of many different materials that have adequate rigidity for holding items on the top housing member and for storing decorative objects within the internal hollow cavities. Other desirable characteristics for the material of the decorative apparatus are transparency, ease of manufacture, low cost, durability, washability, and visual attractiveness. Preferably, the components of the decorative apparatus are made of the same material and are molded using well-known techniques. Preferred materials for the decorative apparatus include polystyrene and other plastic materials. Preferably, the apparatus housing, including side and end wall, handle, dividers and removable member are formed of the same material. In a another embodiment, the components of the decorative apparatus are all made of polystyrene except for the removable member which is made of polypropylene.

[0053] Many different construction techniques may be used to produce the decorative apparatus of the claimed invention. Preferably, injection molding is used to produce the components of the decorative apparatus. The injection molding process may result in small lines on the surface of the components called “witness lines” where two mold pieces meet or where there is a change in the radius of curvature of a surface. The witness lines will be nearly invisible when the proper molding techniques, known in the art, are employed. In one embodiment using injection molding techniques, each of the components are produced as separate pieces. The components may then be secured together using adhesives, ultrasonic welding, interference or snap-fits, fasteners or other like techniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the housing components including the top member, side and end walls, and dividers are integrally formed as one piece and the removable member is formed separately. In another embodiment, the housing top member together with the side and end walls are formed in one piece and the dividers and removable member are formed as separate pieces.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the decorative apparatus, all components are made of a transparent material to allow viewing of the decorative objects from all angles. However, it is also possible and may be desirable to construct the decorative apparatus with only some portions transparent, such as only the housing top member or only the housing sidewall and end wall members or portions thereof. By transparent, it is meant that objects behind the material are at least somewhat visible to a viewer.

[0055] In addition, many different numbers and configurations of internal dividers are contemplated by the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the decorative tray apparatus, twelve dividers are equally spaced within the housing hollow region. In a preferred embodiment of the decorative trivet apparatus, four dividers are equally spaced between the housing and removable lid. It should be understood that many different quantities and special arrangements of the dividers and internal cavities may be desirable and are encompassed by the present invention. It may also be desirable to have the dividers spaced parallel to each other as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 or spaced at different angles to each other. It is also possible that the dividers may be differently configured than those shown. For example, the dividers in the Figures are linear, but the dividers could also be, for example, non-linear, such as having a curved shape such as an s-shape or circular-shape.

[0056] The decorative apparatus of the present invention allows for custom design of a decorative apparatus, so that the decorations may be suited for a personal gift or to a certain room's decor. According to a method of decorating the decorative apparatus, the removable housing member is removed from the housing, objects are placed within the housing hollow region, and the removable housing member is replaced into the housing. The method may further include removing objects from the apparatus housing after removing the removable member and before placing new objects within the housing hollow region. The present invention may also be useful for displaying seasonally oriented decorations because the removable member allows for ease in changing the decorative objects. The decorative apparatus of the present invention may be used to store items such as flour, cookies, or cooking ingredients, among other household items, in the housing hollow region. The hollow region may also serve a decorative function by providing a location to display decorative items such as dried pasta, colorful candies, beads, or photos, for example.

[0057] It may be desirable to provide for an airtight or semi-airtight seal between an apparatus housing and a removable lid. Such a seal may be advantageous when storing items within the apparatus that are desired to maintain fresh or moist. It may also be desirable to provide for ventilation within the apparatus housing. Such ventilation may be accomplished within the apparatus housing by providing ventilation slot or holes in the apparatus removable member or apparatus housing side or end walls.

[0058] It may be desirable to combine two and three-dimensional objects when filling the hollow region of the decorative apparatus. For example, where some of the dividers in the preferred embodiment are removed, a photograph could be placed within a wider hollow cavity. Decorative objects that compliment the photo could be placed in the other hollow cavities. It may be desirable to insert tissue paper or other filler material between the back of the photograph and the removable lid, so that the photograph is pressed against the housing top member. Many different arrangements of decorative objects may be accomplished because of the flexibility provided by the removable dividers in one embodiment of the invention.

[0059] In order to decorate the decorative apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus is placed with the apparatus housing and housing upper surface facing down with the housing hollow cavities exposed, or otherwise situated so that the removable housing lid is facing upward. The removable lid is then removed from the apparatus housing, providing access to each of the internal hollow cavities. Decorative objects are then placed in the various internal cavities. When the decorative objects have been arranged as desired, the removable lid is fitted back into place within the apparatus housing.

[0060] The removable lid may be installed within or secured to the apparatus housing in many different ways in alternative configurations, such as screwed or fastened into place, snapped into place, hinged and latched into place, or locked into place with interference fit dimples as described in relation to FIGS. 1-16. The removable lid may also be secured to exterior surfaces of the apparatus housing rather than sliding into the housing top member. In a preferred embodiment, the removable lid is removable by hand without the use of special tools or other mechanical devices.

[0061] According to FIGS. 5 and 13, the present invention also allows for a quick attachment and removal of removable lids 104, 204 when utilizing recesses 162, 262. Recesses 162, 262 are configured to interface with sidewall protrusions 118, 218 respectively. The sidewall protrusions 118, 218 fit into recesses 162, 262 respectively and the removable lid 104, 204 is then slid within housing 102, 202 to lock the removable member in place within the housing. Recesses 162, 262 allow removable lids 104, 204 to be locked into place with apparatus housing 102, 202 without having to slide the removable lid into the housing through gap 119, 219.

[0062] Once the removable lid is closed, the decorative objects are securely contained within the hollow region. In a preferred embodiment, the hollow region is not open to the outside environment, thereby preventing unwanted items from entering the internal cavities. The decorative apparatus may then be turned over so that the housing upper surface is facing upward and the upper surface of the decorative apparatus may then be utilized.

[0063] When a change of the decorative items within the internal cavities is desired, the removable member or lid is removed and the three-dimensional objects are emptied from the internal cavities. Now the decorative apparatus is available for filling with different decorative objects.

[0064] The housing top member may be also be configured in a variety of ways having a variety of different shapes. For example, the housing top member may be substantially flat or planar and parallel to the removable lid as illustrated in FIGS. 1-17. In the alternative, the housing top member may be concave or convex shaped, include ridges, dividers, or other typical tray features. Furthermore, in the case of a trivet, the top housing member may be configured to conform to the bottom surface shape of a bowl, pan, sheet, dish or other container.

[0065] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes which may be made to the present invention without strictly following the preferred embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A decorative apparatus for displaying items, the apparatus comprising:

a housing defining a hollow region, the housing including:

opposing top and bottom members; and

sidewalls perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces;

a removable member allowing access to the hollow region;

a plurality of dividers extending within the hollow region defining a plurality of hollow cavities within the hollow region; and

wherein the housing is at least partially transparent.

2. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handle extending outwardly from the housing.

3. The decorative apparatus of claim 2 wherein the handle is integrally formed into the housing.

4. The decorative apparatus of claim 3 wherein the handle is integrally formed into the housing sidewall members.

5. The decorative apparatus of claim 2 wherein the housing has an outer periphery and the handle extends continuously around the housing outer periphery.

6. The decorative apparatus of claim 5 wherein the outer periphery is defined by a periphery of the top member and wherein the top member is recessed with respect to the handle.

7. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing top and bottom members are substantially planar.

8. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing sidewall members are integrally formed into the housing top member.

9. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is rectangular shaped.

10. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is circular shaped.

11. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hollow region has a thickness of at least about one-half inch.

12. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of dividers are removable.

13. The decorative apparatus of claim 12 wherein the housing further comprises grooves for receiving the removable dividers.

14. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dividers are integrally formed into the housing top member.

15. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dividers are equally spaced throughout the hollow region.

16. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the dividers are arranged parallel to each other.

17. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable member allows simultaneous access to all hollow cavities within the hollow region.

18. The decorative apparatus of claim 17 wherein the removable member is the housing bottom member.

19. The decorative apparatus of claim 17 wherein the removable member is a housing sidewall member, wherein the plurality of hollow cavities are accessible when the housing sidewall member is removed.

20. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable member is removable without special tools.

21. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable member has locking protrusions that engage the housing and wherein the protrusions assist in attaching the removable member to the housing.

22. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable member has gripping protrusions wherein the gripping protrusions assist in removing the removable member from the housing.

23. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable member is releasably secured to the housing with fasteners.

24. The decorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing is made of a material having a high heat resistance.

25. A system for decorating an apparatus for displaying items in internal cavities, the system comprising:

a decorative apparatus comprising a housing having opposing top and bottom members and perpendicular sidewall members defining a hollow region therebetween, wherein the housing is at least partially transparent;

dividers located within the hollow region to divide the hollow region into a plurality of internal cavities; and

a removable housing member configured to provide access to the internal cavities.

26. The system of claim 25 wherein the removable housing member is the housing bottom member.

27. The system of claim 25 wherein the dividers are removable.

28. The system of claim 25 wherein the apparatus includes a handle extending from the housing.

29. The system of claim 25 wherein at least the housing top member is made of a heat resistant material.

30. A method for decorating an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a housing with opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members coupling the top and bottom members, the housing defining a hollow region and having access to the hollow region through a removable housing member, the method comprising the steps of:

removing the removable housing member to gain access to the hollow region;

placing objects within the hollow region; and

replacing the removable housing member.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the step of placing objects within the hollow region comprises placing objects in a plurality of internal cavities within the hollow region.

32. The method of claim 30 further comprising the step of allowing objects within the hollow region to fall out of the housing after removing the removable member and before the step of placing objects within the hollow region.

33. The method of claim 30 wherein the step of removing the removable housing member comprises removing the housing bottom member and the step of replacing the removable housing member comprises replacing the housing bottom member.

34. A decorative apparatus for displaying items, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having a hollow region, wherein the hollow region is defined by opposing top and bottom members and sidewall members coupling the top and bottom members;

at least one divider located within the hollow region to divide the hollow region into a plurality of internal cavities; and

means for providing access to each of the plurality of internal cavities.

35. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the means for providing access comprises a removable housing member.

36. The decorative apparatus of claim 35 wherein the removable housing member is either the bottom member or a sidewall member.

37. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the apparatus is made from a heat resistant material.

38. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein a handle extends outwardly from the housing.

39. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the apparatus is a tray.

40. The decorative apparatus of claim 34 wherein the apparatus is a trivet.