Collectable display panel and data storage device

Abstract

A collectable display panel and data storage device is described. The invention involves at least one display panel that is formed for housing and displaying at least one collectable object, such as a coin. The display panel has associative visual markings for one or more collectable objects. A data storage device has associative visual markings with at least one display panel, and comprises data related to one or more collectable objects that are housed in the display panel. The data storage device is stored in the display panel, and is compatible with a standard computer system. Thus, it is connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system by wired or wireless means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the collectable object is a coin.

Description

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/493,312 filed on Jul. 26, 2006, by the inventor herein, entitled PROTECTION, AUTHENTICATION, IDENTIFICATION DEVICE FOR A COLLECTABLE OBJECT.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the collectable display boards, and display albums for such collectables as coins and stamps.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Collecting coins has been an enjoyable pastime for many generations. To enhance coin collecting, a number of display boards and albums have been developed to assist collectors in displaying and assembling sets of coins. One popular example, is the Whitman® display boards and albums that are constructed to allow coins to be inserted into openings of the display panel and providing for a number of coins to be displayed on one display panel. The display panel has circular openings that allow for a coin to be pressed into a cavity that holds the edges of the coin in place. Another example, is a coin album that comprises several display panels in order to house an entire series or collection. These display panels and albums typically have associative visual markings to identify a certain characteristic of each coin, or a series of related coins, such as the date, denomination series, and mintmark of the coin. Coins and other collectibles usually have a substantial amount of history, artistry, and lore that is associated with the coin or collectable object. Unfortunately, the display panels have limited surface area for expansive printed information or images and a collector is often times unaware of the interesting history surrounding the coin and the coin's design. For instance, the United States has minted a series of quarter dollar coins depicting designs of the fifty states that has become immensely popular with young and old collectors. Applicant believes that the rich history associated with a coin's design is especially appealing for the marketing, education, and collecting of that coin. Applicant believes a collectable display panel and data storage device will significantly enhance the marketing, sales, education, and enjoyment in collector based industries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the present invention, a collectable display panel and data storage device is described. The invention involves at least one display panel that is formed for housing and displaying at least one collectable object, such as a coin. The display panel has associative visual markings for one or more collectable objects. A data storage device that has associative visual markings with at least one display panel, comprises data that includes at least in part, data relating to at least one collectable object housed in at least one display panel. The data storage device is stored in a display panel, or auxiliary panel and is compatible with a standard computer system. Thus, it is connectable, directly or indirectly to a computer system or equivalent system by wired or wireless means. In one embodiment of the present invention, the collectable object is a coin.

Recognizing the need for an improved collectable display panel and data storage device, the following objectives are considered:

It is an important objective of the present invention to provide for a commercially viable collectable display panel or plurality of display panels, such as an album, that provides for enhanced information storage capabilities for collectable objects such as coins, stamps, baseball cards and currency.

It is another important objective of the present invention to provide enhanced information about a collectable object that is housed in a display panel that is easily accessible to the user or collector.

It is another important objective of the present invention to provide for a compact data storage device that is easily housed in combination with a collectable display panel or display album and having relevant information of the collectable objects that are housed and displayed in the same display panel or album.

It is another important objective of the present invention to provide associative visual markings with the display panel or display album and the data storage device.

It is another important objective of the present invention to provide the user with a data storage device that stores digital images and characteristics of the collectable object/s, and can be viewed by means of a standard computer.

It is another important objective of the present invention to provide the ability to store historical information of the collectable object/s to promote marketing, sales, and education of the collectable object/s.

It is another important objective of the present invention to provide the ability for the data storage device to easily link with a predetermined external database to provide the user with additional or corresponding information of the collectable object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a right front perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a right front perspective of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a right front perspective of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a right front perspective of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings which are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a right front perspective view of the present invention. Display panel 1 is a collectable type display board formed to display and house one or more collectable objects, such as coins. Other collectable objects such as stamps, baseball cards, etc., are additional examples of collectable objects that may be applicable to the present invention. Display panel 1 may be made from a wide variety of materials, but are typically manufactured from paper and cardboard composite materials. Display panel 1 is designed to house and display a collectable object, such as coin 31, or a related series of collectable objects, and display panel 1 would have associative markings 3 that are related at least in part, to the displayed coin, or a series of coins. Opening 9 is a circular opening that is very close in size to the diameter of the coin, and coin 31 is pressed into opening 9 to hold the coin in place for display. Typically, opening 9 and coin 31 rely on a friction fit housing method, however, other means to house and display the coin/s in a display panel would also be applicable to the present invention. Data storage device 21 is a Flash Memory type data storage device, such as a USB flash memory device. A USB type data storage device is illustrated only as an example for it's compact size, and preferred non-volatile memory (NVM) capability, but many other examples of data storage devices could also be utilized, such as a PC Card, Memory Card, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital Card, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card and other compact sized, solid-state data storage devices. For data security reasons, data storage device 21 may comprise a Read-Only-Memory (ROM) condition that is immutable to prevent a user from altering or erasing the data of the data storage device 21. Immutable shall mean that the data is highly resistant to change or alteration. Data storage device 21 has visual markings 23 that are associative with visual markings 3 of display panel 1. Visual markings 3 are associated at least in part, with coin 31, or a series of coins that are housed in display panel 1. For user reference purposes and correlation of display panel 1 associative markings 3, data storage device 21 has associative markings 23, and can readily be associated by a user with display panel 1. Associate markings 23 may be affixed to data storage device 21, for example, by means of a durable label, such as a polycarbonate label with sub-surface printing and a permanent adhesive. Associate markings 23 may also include other makings such as a serial number, barcode, or other information with relevance to data storage device 21, coin 31, or display panel 1. Data storage device 21 comprises data that includes, at least in part, data that is related to coin 31, or a series of coins related to coin 31. For example, data storage device 21 may include historical information and images about the coin design of coin 31, such as information related to the design elements, the designer or engraver, the minting process, mintages, and mint facility origins of coin 31. These are just examples of typically relevant information of coin 31, and the amount and diversity of data is only limited by the memory capability of data storage device 21. Data storage device 21 may also comprise one or more electronic links, such as a Hyperlinks, that can electronically fetch a predetermined external database that maintains data associated with coin 31, or other information such as marketing information, or coin valuations information relevant to coin 31, or a series of related coins. For convenient and ergonomic storage purposes, data storage device 21 is stored in cavity 5 that is formed into display panel 1 by means of a friction fit method, and an ergonomic finger opening 7 allows a method for a user to remove data storage device 21 easily from display panel 1. This method of storage is only one example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate there are many other viable methods of storing data storage device 21 with display panel 1. Data storage device 21 is compatible and connectable with a standard computer system or equivalent system.

FIG. 2 shows a right front perspective another embodiment of the present invention. Data storage device 51 is non-detachably secured to display panel 41 that houses at least one collectable object, such as a coin 71, that is stored in display panel cavity 49. “Non-detachable” shall mean that it resists disassembly. Although data storage device 51 is non-detachably secured to display panel 41, other structural variations of data storage devices may be utilized, including examples that have movement capability while remaining secured to display panel 41. For example, data storage device 51 may comprise a hinge having a port section that opens for interface with a data storage interface device, such as a USB cable that is connectable to a standard computer system. Opening 45 in display panel 41 is shown as an example to provide port access to data storage device 51. Also referred to in FIG. 1, the data storage device 51 is a USB type data storage device; although those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other types of compact data storage devices can be substituted within the scope of the invention. Data storage device 51 comprises data that includes at least in part, data that is related to coin 71, or a series of coins that are housed in display panel 41. Data storage device 51 is compatible and connectable with a standard computer system with or without Internet capability. In some instances, data storage device 51 may also comprise electronic links, such as Hyperlinks, that can electronically fetch a predetermined external database that maintains data associated with coin 71, or a series of related coins. Although it is not illustrated, it is common in the industry that data storage device 51, a USB flash memory type data storage device, may also have a removable protective port cap to provide port protection from damage and environmental elements. Data storage device 51 can be connected to a computer or equivalent system by wired means utilizing for example, a standard USB cable, or by wireless means, by utilizing for example, wireless USB (WUSB) component attachments.

FIG. 3 shows a right front perspective of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates the present invention with an auxiliary panel 211, for example an interconnected front cover for display panel 201. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may also be a rear cover. Auxiliary panel 211, is interconnected with display panel 201 by means of a hinge, although other interconnection methods could also be utilized. Display panel 201 houses and displays one or more coins, such as coin 231. Display panel 201 has associative markings 203 that are related at least in part, to the displayed coin, or coins related in a coin series. Opening 209 is a circular cavity in display panel 201 that houses and displays coin 231. Data storage device 221 is a Flash Memory type data storage device, such as a USB flash memory device and comprises data that includes, at least in part, data that is related to coin 231, or a series of coins that are housed in display panel 201. Data storage device 221 has visual markings 223 that are associative with visual markings 203 of display panel 201. Visual markings 203 are associated at least in part, with coin 231, or a series of coins that are housed in display panel 201. For convenient and ergonomic storage purposes, data storage device 221 is stored in cavity 205 that is formed into auxiliary panel 211 by means of a friction fit method, and an ergonomic finger opening 207 allows a method for a user to remove data storage device 221 easily from auxiliary panel 211. This method of storage is only one example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate there are many other viable methods and placement options of storing data storage device 221 with auxiliary panel 211. Data storage device 221 is compatible and connectable with a standard computer system or equivalent system.

FIG. 4 shows a right front perspective of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates the present invention with an auxiliary panel 311, for example, an interconnected front cover for display panel 301. Display panel 301 houses and displays one or more coins, such as coin 331. Display panel 301 has associative markings 303 that are associated at least in part, with coin 331, or coins related in a coin series. Opening 309 is a circular cavity in display panel 301 that houses and displays coin 331. Data storage device 321 is a Compact Disk with Read-Only-Memory (CD-ROM) type data storage device. Data storage device 321 has visual markings 323 that are associative with visual markings 303 of display panel 301. Visual markings 303 are associated at least in part, with coin 331, or a series of coins that are housed in display panel 301. For convenient and ergonomic storage purposes, data storage device 321 is stored in cavity 305 that is formed into auxiliary panel 311 by means of a friction fit method, and an ergonomic finger opening 307 allows a method for a user to remove CD-ROM 321 easily from auxiliary panel 311. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that CD-ROM 321 may also have a protective slipcase or protective sleeve as commonly known in the industry, and auxiliary panel 311 would be alternately formed to accommodate such storage. In one example for instance, CD-ROM 321 could slide into a formed slot at the top or side of auxiliary panel 311. CD-ROM 321 is compatible with a standard computer system with a compact disc reader or equivalent system.

Upon reading and understanding the specification of the present invention described above, modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the patent as claimed or the equivalence thereof.

Claims

1. A collectable display panel and data storage device comprising:

at least one display panel formed for housing and displaying at least one collectable object and having associative visual markings of said at least one collectable object; and,

a data storage device that is stored in at least one said display panel, said data storage device having associative visual markings of said at least one display panel, and comprising data that includes at least in part, data relating to at least one said collectable object housed in said display panel, and said data storage device being compatible and connectable to a standard computer system or equivalent system.

2. A collectable display panel of claim 1, wherein said data storage device is stored in an auxiliary panel that is interconnected to said at least one display panel.

3. A collectable display panel of claim 1, wherein said data storage device is stored in one said display panel of a plurality of interconnected or related display panels.

4. A collectable display panel of claim 1, wherein said collectable object is a coin.

5. A data storage device of claim 1, wherein said data storage device is detachable from said at least one display panel.

6. A data storage device of claim 1, wherein said data storage device is a Flash Memory type data storage device.

7. A data storage device of claim 1, wherein said data storage device is CD-ROM.

8. A data storage device of claim 1, wherein said data storage stores comprises data of at least one digital image that is associative with said at least one collectable object.

9. A data storage device of claim 1, wherein said collectable object has more than one predetermined characteristic thereof, and, said data storage device comprises data of more than one predetermined characteristic of said at least one collectable object.

10. A data storage device of claim 1, further comprising at least one electronic link that can fetch at least one predetermined external database that maintains data associated with said at least one collectable object.

11. A collectable display panel and electronic data storage device comprising:

at least one display panel formed for housing and displaying at least one collectable object and having associative visual markings of said at least one collectable object; and,

a data storage device that is non-detachably secured to said at least one display panel, and comprising data that includes at least in part, data relating to at least one said collectable object housed in said display panel, and said data storage device being compatible with a standard computer system or equivalent system, and connectable by wired or wireless means.

12. A collectable display panel of claim 11, wherein said data storage device is stored in an auxiliary panel that is interconnected to said at least one display panel.

13. A collectable display panel of claim 11, wherein said data storage device is stored in one display panel of a plurality of interconnected or related display panels.

14. A collectable display panel of claim 11, wherein said collectable object is a coin.

15. A data storage device of claim 11, wherein said data storage device is a Flash Memory type data storage device.

16. A data storage device of claim 11, wherein said data storage stores comprises data of at least one digital image associative with said at least one collectable object.

17. A data storage device of claim 11, wherein said collectable object has more than one predetermined characteristic thereof, and, said data storage device comprises data of more than one predetermined characteristic of said at least one collectable object.

18. A data storage device of claim 11, further comprising at least one electronic link that can fetch at least one predetermined external database that maintains data associated with said at least one collectable object.

19. A data storage device of claim 11, wherein said data storage device can be connected to said computer system or equivalent system by a wired connection.

20. A data storage device of claim 11, wherein said data storage device can be connected to said computer system or equivalent system by a wireless connection.