Wreath storage container

Abstract

A wreath storage container having a front side, a back side, a bottom, a top and two sides that substantially fit together to form a back. Inside the wreath container there is a first piece and second piece which are attached to the back side and the front side, respectively. The first piece and the second piece are attached to their respective sides by a hinge mechanism. The first piece and second piece when disconnected allows a wreath to be inserted. Once the wreath is inserted, the first piece and second piece latch together to support the wreath. The wreath can then be secured to the back of the wreath storage container by using the hook and loop material straps which are attached to the back side.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

A case for storing a wreath when not in use and keeping the decorations from being crushed.

BACKGROUND

The use of wreaths for decorating is very popular. Wreaths can be made fairly cheaply or they can be constructed to very elaborate. Lots of people put wreaths on their door which are indicative of the season. These wreaths change from season to season or from holiday to holiday. Most of the time, the wreaths are changed out from one holiday to another. Although sometimes they are recycled and used for the next season as well. From time to time, the need to store the wreaths which are not being used becomes an issue.

The best storage option is to be able to hang the wreath in a place where it will not be in the way and the decorations on it will not be crushed. While some people will have the space to store one wreath in this manner, most people do not have space to store more than one wreath in this manner. Even with this option, you will need to provide some type of cover to protect the wreath from things like dust. One way of protecting the wreath would be to place a garbage bag over the wreath.

Another method of storing a wreath would be to place it in a box, whether plastic or cardboard. The problem with this is the ability to find a box that fits the wreath. Since wreaths come in varying sizes, it may be hard to find an appropriate box that would prevent the wreath from sliding around. This is also a cumbersome way of storing wreaths in the event you are trying to store more than one wreath.

There are a couple of options on the market that allow for the storage of a wreath. One of these is a called a wreath storage bag. The bags are comprised of a flexible plastic material which is formed to lay a wreath into the container and zip it closed. These storage bags come in several sizes and an individual can choose from a clear plastic or a plastic which is not see through. There is nothing in this particular design that prevents the wreath from being crushed in the even that something is placed on top of it.

Another option for storing a wreath is a wreath storage box. This box is designed in an octagonal manner and the wreath is laid in the box and the lid is placed on top. This particular box comes in small, medium and large. While it is a little more sturdy, it to has the ability to be crushed thereby crushing the wreath inside. Additionally, if this box gets turned upside down or on its side for any reason, the decorations on the wreath will be crushed.

There is also a storage container for a wreath that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. D502,807 and Publication No. 2005/0103656 which provides the ability to lay a wreath inside the container and close the lid. When the wreath is laid in the container, it is placed on a plastic hanger that functions to suspend the wreath. However, there is nothing to keep the wreath from moving about from front to back once it is in the container. Since the wreath is then stood up when the container is picked up by the handle, the possibility of movement from front to back is increased.

When storing a wreath, the idea is to keep the wreath in condition for reuse. If the decorations on the wreath become crushed or disarrayed, then the wreath has to be redone. In which case it is just easier to start over than attempt to remove the decorations and start again. While there are several wreath storage devices available, none of those currently on the market seem to address the need to keep the decorations from being crushed.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one embodiment of the wreath storage container comprises a front side and a back side which are substantially parallel.

In another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises two sides which connect the front side and the back side to substantially form a box.

In yet another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises a bottom.

In still another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises a top.

In another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises a hinge mechanism.

In yet another embodiment the top is connected to the back by the hinge mechanism.

In still another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises two or more hook and loop material straps.

In another embodiment the hook and loop material straps are attached to the back side.

In yet another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises a locking mechanism.

In still another embodiment the locking mechanism is comprised of two pieces wherein a first piece is attached to the back side and the second piece is attached to the front side.

In another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises a locking system.

In yet another embodiment the locking system functions to lock the top to the front side.

In still another embodiment the first piece is attached to the back by a hinge mechanism.

In another embodiment the second piece is attached to the front by a hinge mechanism.

In yet another embodiment the first piece and the second piece lock together to suspend a wreath.

In still another embodiment the hook and loop material straps are operable to hold a wreath against the back side.

In another embodiment the wreath storage container comprises a handle.

Still other advantages of various embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described preferred embodiments of this invention simply for the purposes of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different aspects and embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the advantages, drawings, and descriptions are illustrative in nature and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wreath storage container in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken across line A-A depicting the inside back of the wreath storage container.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the wreath storage container.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the wreath storage container depicted in FIG. 1 in an open position.

FIG. 5 illustrates the locking mechanism depicted in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wreath storage container 10 in a closed position. The top 20 includes a carrying handle 30 for carrying the wreath storage container 10. The front side 40 includes a locking system 50 which functions to have the top 20 attach to the front side 40. Once the locking system 50 is in the locked position, the top 20 is attached to the front side 40 which prevents the top 20 from opening. The wreath storage container 10 can then be easily carried by using the carrying handle 30.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wreath storage container 10 which depicts the inside of the wreath storage container 10 looking at the back side 60. In this view, one portion of the locking mechanism 70 is depicted. The locking mechanism 70 is comprised of two pieces. One portion of the locking mechanism 70 is attached to the back side 60 and the other piece of the locking mechanism 70 is attached to the front side 40. Both sides of the locking mechanism 70 are attached to their respective sides by a hinge mechanism 80. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates the hook and loop material 90. The hook and loop material 90 is comprised of a VELCRO® type substance. The hook and loop material 90 is used to hold a wreath in place against the back side 60 of the wreath storage container 10. While this embodiment incorporates the use of a hook and loop type material, other alternatives would work at well. For example, a snap type mechanism would also work. In the case of a wire wreath, you would be able to snap the wire into a plastic snap. Another alternative, would be to use a material strap with a snap. While the present embodiment illustrates the use of a hook and loop material 90, any means for holding the wreath in position to prevent the decorations from being crushed is capable of being used. By holding the wreath against the back side 60, the wreath is not able to move around in the wreath storage container 10 and prevents the wreath and any decorations from being crushed.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the wreath storage container 10 and again illustrate the locking system 50 which is attached to the front side 40 and the top 20. A side view of the carrying handle 30 is also depicted.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view looking down into the wreath storage container 10. In this illustrates the top 20 in an open position and the locking mechanism 70 in a locked position. As can be seen, the locking mechanism 70 forms a hanger for suspending a wreath within the wreath storage container 10. By suspending a wreath, the bottom of the wreath does not get crushed during storage. Since the locking mechanism 70 extends from the front side 40 to the back side 60, the hook and loop material 90 is needed to hold the wreath in a constant position and prevent the wreath from moving around.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the hinge mechanism 100. The hinge mechanism 100 attaches the top 20 to the back side 60. The hinge mechanism 100 functions to allow the top 20 open the wreath storage container 10.

FIG. 5 depicts the locking mechanism 70 inside the wreath storage container 10. In this embodiment the section of the locking mechanism 70 which is attached to the front side 40 and the piece of the locking mechanism 70 which is attached to the back side 60 are depicted. Additionally, the hinge mechanism 80 which attaches both pieces of the locking mechanism 80 to their respective sides is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, the piece of the locking mechanism 80 that is attached to the back side 60 function to snap together with the piece of the locking mechanism 80 which is attached to the front side 40. Once the two pieces snap together, they form a ledge which allows a wreath to hang from the locking mechanism 80. The hinge mechanism 80 allows the locking mechanism 70 pieces to rotate down toward the bottom of the wreath storage container 10. By having the locking mechanism 70 is an open position, a wreath can be inserted into the wreath storage container 10 and then the locking mechanism 70 placed in the locked position. Having the ability to open and close the locking mechanism 70 makes it easy to insert and remove a wreath from the wreath storage container 10.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail herein, along with certain variants thereof, many other varied embodiments that incorporate the teachings of the invention may be easily constructed by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wreath container comprising:

a front side and a back side wherein said front and back side are substantially parallel;

two sides which connect the front side and the back side to substantially form a box;

a bottom;

a top connected to said back said by a hinge mechanism;

two or more hook and loop material straps attached to said back side; and

a locking mechanism comprised of two pieces wherein a first piece is attached to said back side and a second piece is attached to the front side.

2. The wreath container of claim 1 further comprising a locking system operable to lock said top to said front side.

3. The wreath container of claim 1 wherein said first piece is attached to said back side by a hinge mechanism.

4. The wreath container of claim 1 wherein said second piece is attached to said back side by a hinge mechanism.

5. The wreath container of claim 1 wherein said first piece and said second piece lock together to suspend a wreath.

6. The wreath container of claim 1 wherein said hook and loop material straps are operable to hold the wreath against the back side.

7. The wreath container of claim 1 wherein said top side comprises a carrying handle.

8. A wreath container system comprising:

a front side and a back side wherein said front and back side are substantially parallel;

two sides which connect the front side and the back side to substantially form a box;

a bottom;

a top connected to said back said by a hinge mechanism;

a locking system operable to latch said top to said front side in a closed position.

two or more hook and loop material straps located on the inside of said box and attached to said back side; and wherein said hook and loop material straps function to hold a wreath against the back side; and

a locking mechanism comprised of two pieces wherein a first piece is attached to said back side and a second piece is attached to the front side wherein said first piece and said second piece function to suspend a wreath such that the wreath is held in place within said box; and wherein said first piece is attached to said back piece by a hinge mechanism and said second piece is attached to said front piece by a hinge mechanism.

9. The wreath system of claim 8 further comprising a carrying handle located on said top piece.

10. A method for storing a wreath comprising a front side, a back side, two sides, a top having a locking system, a bottom, a hinge mechanism attaching the top to the back side, a locking mechanism having a first piece and a second for suspending said wreath and two or more hook and loop material straps; comprising the steps of:

unlatching said locking system;

opening said top;

inserting said wreath;

hooking said locking mechanism by connecting said first piece and said second piece;

securing said wreath by said hook and loop material straps;

closing said top; and

latching said top to said front side using the locking system.