DISPLAY STAND

Abstract

A display for an item of memorabilia includes a display stand, an item of memorabilia associated with an event mounted on the display stand, and a display device disposed proximate the display stand and configured to display the event.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/863,288, filed Oct. 27, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a display stand and, in particular, a display stand for displaying memorabilia.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Display stands are oftentimes displayed by their owners on a shelf, stand, bookcase, table, wall, or any other surface, and display stands can be configured to house items of memorabilia. Some people, such as fans or collectors, collect items—some of which are owned by athletes, some are given as gifts by teams, or sold to the public.

These items are frequently taken off the field of play by athletes or provided to athletes or others by teams or others to commemorate specific plays like an interception, touch down, goal, hit, a milestone (such as a 100^th catch, 10,000^th point, etc.). They are also used for promotional and commercial purposes, such as autographed baseballs, jerseys, helmets, etc. Such items are sometimes signed by athletes or others, or can remain unsigned.

Similarly, people display or retain other items of significance, such as musical instruments used in a performance, invitations from an event, baby shoes, hair clippings from a first haircut, etc. Known display stands, however, are not configured to display the event with which the item of memorabilia disposed thereon is associated. The structures and methods of the present disclosure solve at least some of the problems associated with these known devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display for an item of memorabilia includes a display stand, an item of memorabilia associated with an event disposed on the display stand, and a display device disposed proximate the display stand and configured to display the event.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the display can further include a separate display stand, the display device being mounted to the separate display stand. The device can also include a substantially transparent enclosure associated with the display stand such that the item is substantially completely enclosed by the display stand and the enclosure. In the above embodiment, the display device comprises a digital display, the display device is configured to display a video clip of the event, the display device is pivotally mounted, the display device is incorporated into the display stand, and the display device is incorporated into an enclosure associated with the display stand, the enclosure is configured to assist in substantially enclosing the item. The display can also include a controller configured to operate the display device, and at least one audio component configured to emit an audible sound associated with the event.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display for an item of memorabilia includes a display stand, an item of memorabilia associated with an event disposed on the display stand, and a display device disposed proximate the display stand and configured to display the event. The display also includes a controller configured to control one of audio and/or video of the event.

In such an exemplary embodiment, the display can include a separate display stand, the display device being mounted to the separate display stand. The display can also include a substantially transparent enclosure associated with the display stand such that the item is substantially completely enclosed by the display stand and the enclosure. The display can further include at least one support connected to the display stand and configured to assist in immobilizing the item relative to the display stand.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of displaying an item of memorabilia includes mounting an item of memorabilia associated with an event mounted on a display stand, mounting a display device proximate the display stand, and displaying the event on the display device.

In such an embodiment, the method displaying the event can also include comprising playing a video of the event. In addition, displaying the event can include presenting a digital image of the event, and mounting the item of memorabilia can include substantially immobilizing the item relative to the display stand. The method can also include completely enclosing the item and displaying the event can include emitting an audible sound associated with the event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the display of FIG. 1 according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the display of FIG. 3 according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a display according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates the display of FIG. 5 according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 illustrates a display 10, including a display stand 12 for any item 14 of memorabilia, and a display device 16. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, such items can include sports memorabilia such as footballs, baseballs, hockey pucks, baseball bats, basketballs, soccer balls, race car driver helmets, football helmets, jerseys, uniforms, gloves, or other sports equipment.

The display 10 could also be used to display items 14 associated with other memorable events. Such events can include, for example, the birth of a child, birthdays, a child's first steps, first haircut, weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and other events in people's lives. Items 14 associated with such events can include, for example, baby shoes, pictures, invitations, shattered glass, an item of clothing, a musical instrument used in an actual musical performance, an acceptance speech, an award, and a first production part or widget produced by a business. In an exemplary embodiment in which the item 14 is a first production part, the part could be in a display 10, and the display device 16 could show, for example, the first part coming off the machine that made it.

Display stand 12 can be any stand, base, or case on or in which an item 14 can be loosely or permanently affixed, enclosed, housed, mounted, immobilized, and/or otherwise displayed. Display 10 includes the display stand 12 and, in an exemplary embodiment, the display 10 may support the item 14 without enclosing the item 14 with sides, walls, or clear plastic. The display stand 12 and/or other components of the display 10 can be made of any known material such as, for example, wood, plastic, acrylic, metal, and/or glass.

Used in connection with the display 10 described herein is a display device 16 comprising a screen or other separate video/digital display. The display device 16 may be, for example, an LCD, LED, DLP, digital, video, flash memory, and/or a home video/camcorder. Such examples could play, illustrate, and/or otherwise show a video clip, segment, or feed of the event, moment, or play associated with the item 14. For example, the display device 16 can show a video clip of a football player scoring a touchdown with a football disposed on the display stand 12. As discussed above, the item 14 of memorabilia can relate to a particular instant in time or an event happening at a particular time. The display device 16 captures the instant in time or the event to which the item 14 of memorabilia relates. Display device 16 could also include and/or otherwise display game or event information, such as, for example, the date, score, teams involved, players, or other information of interest.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the items 14 of memorabilia may be put on a separate or stand alone base 18 (FIGS. 5 and 6) or display case. Item 14 illustrated by the video clip can be disposed either on top of the separate base 18, or in front of or next to the base 18.

Display device 16 could be incorporated into, or made a part of, the display 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 16 could be inlaid or otherwise located within the base 12. For example, the display device 16 can be mounted to the base 12 in fixed position, or can be pivotally or otherwise movably mounted to the base 12 such that it can be transitioned from a storage position to a viewing position. However, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, in another exemplary embodiment the display 20, 30 of the present disclosure can include a substantially transparent enclosure 22 and, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the display device 16 can be mounted to and/or otherwise incorporated within any of the enclosure walls or sides. In such an embodiment, the display device 16 can utilize part or all of any one or more walls or sides. The display device 16 could be incorporated into the display 10, 20, 30, or base 12 during manufacture, or could be added later as an add-on or module to the display 10 at a later date.

As another example, in connection with a team or person that won a championship, division, playoff series, game, match, and/or tournament, the display 10, 20, 30, base 12, and/or enclosure 22 can be used to store a team picture or other item for display. In such an exemplary embodiment, a display device 16 associated with the display 10, 20, 30 can play a video clip showing, for example, the last out or play of the event, the team celebrating, and/or the team running onto the field after winning the game. However, for more generic items 14, such as signed baseballs, jerseys, or other articles that are not used to commemorate, document, or represent a specific event, the display device 16 can comprise or otherwise show a video/digital clip of the athlete, person, or event in action.

It is understood that the display 10, 20, 30 can also be used with pictures, posters, photographs, and/or signed or unsigned prints that are already framed or otherwise housed in a display case. For example, the display device 16 of the display 10, 20, 30 can comprise or otherwise illustrate a sequence of still images taken simultaneously with the event memorialized by the item 14 of memorabilia. Alternatively, the display 10, 20, 30 may be used to house or display pre-framed photographs or prints.

The display 10, 20, 30, can also include one or more supports 24 configured to secure, accept, and/or otherwise support the item 14. The supports 24 may be any type of bracket, holder, or other structure configured to substantially immobilize an item 14 of memorabilia relative to another structure such as, for example, a base 12 to which the supports 24 are connected. The supports 24 may be rigidly mounted to the base 12. Alternatively, the supports 24 may be movably mounted to the base 12 and may be configured to rotate, slide, and/or otherwise move to accept items 14 of varying shapes and sizes. The supports 24 may also include straps, teeth, prongs, and/or other structures to accept the item 14 for mounting to the base 12.

During use, the display device 16 can be operated by pushing one or more buttons on a controller (not shown). The controller may be, for example, incorporated into the display 10, 20, 30 or other display device 16. Alternatively, the controller may be a remote control. The actions used to operate or otherwise control the display device 16 can vary and may include, for example, pushing on the object itself, pushing on a touch screen of the display device 16, and pushing a button of the controller. The remote control could be programmed in connection with multiple displays 10 to operate one or more display devices 16.

Video/digital clips could be shown by the display device 16 with sounds from the event that was recorded. In an exemplary embodiment, sound could be dubbed and a different recorded sound could be added. Such sounds can include, for example, favorite music, fight songs, and/or alma mater songs. It is understood that the display 10 can comprise one or more sound devices (not shown) such as, for example, speakers configured to emit audible sound as an event is played by the display device 16.

The display device 16 may also comprise a power source (not shown), such as a battery, which could be replaceable or rechargeable. The power source can be configured to provide power to the display device 16 and/or other components of the display 10 such as, for example, the one or more of the sound devices discussed above.

The attached drawings show a number of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the display 10 used to display a bat, such as, for example, a bat used to hit a particular home run or to win a particular game. The display device 16 is shown as a video display located centrally on the base 12 to which the bat is mounted. FIG. 1 shows the display device 16 mounted flush with or otherwise inlaid within the base 12. FIG. 2, on the other hand, shows a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 where the display device 16 can be tilted up to make viewing more comfortable.

FIG. 3 shows a display 20 in which an item 14 of memorabilia, namely a basketball, is substantially completely enclosed by a substantially transparent protective enclosure 22 and the display stand 12. The display device 16 is mounted either on a front outside surface of the enclosure 22 or, as shown in phantom lines, on an inside surface of the enclosure 22.

FIG. 4 shows a similar arrangement to the embodiment of FIG. 3 with the display device 16 oriented so as to show a portrait type mode.

FIG. 5 shows a similar arrangement where the display device 16 is mounted on a separate display stand 18 extending outwardly from the base 12 on which the article of memorabilia, in this case a football, is mounted. This display device 16 may be either fixed as shown in FIG. 5 or may tilt up for easier viewing as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 shows a similar arrangement with an actual video being displayed on the display device 16.

Other embodiments of the disclosed display 10, 20, 30 will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of this specification. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display for an item of memorabilia, comprising:

(a) a display stand;

(b) an item of memorabilia associated with an event disposed on the display stand; and

(c) a display device mounted proximate the display stand and configured to display the event.

2. The display of claim 1, further including a separate display stand, the display device being mounted to the separate display stand.

3. The display of claim 1, further comprising a substantially transparent enclosure associated with the display stand such that the item is substantially completely enclosed by the display stand and the enclosure.

4. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a digital display.

5. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to display a video clip of the event.

6. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device is pivotally mounted.

7. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device is incorporated into the display stand.

8. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device is incorporated into an enclosure associated with the display stand, the enclosure configured to assist in substantially enclosing the item.

9. The display of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to operate the display device.

10. The display of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises at least one audio component configured to emit an audible sound associated with the event.

11. A display for an item of memorabilia, comprising:

(a) a display stand;

(b) an item of memorabilia associated with an event disposed on the display stand;

(c) a display device disposed proximate the display stand and configured to display the event; and

(d) a controller configured to control one of audio and video of the event.

12. The display of claim 11, further comprising a separate display stand, the display device being mounted to the separate display stand.

13. The display of claim 11, further comprising a substantially transparent enclosure associated with the display stand such that the item is substantially completely enclosed by the display stand and the enclosure.

14. The display of claim 11, further including at least one support connected to the display stand and configured to assist in immobilizing the item relative to the display stand.

15. A method of displaying an item of memorabilia, comprising:

(a) mounting an item of memorabilia associated with an event mounted on a display stand;

(b) mounting a display device proximate the display stand; and

(c) displaying the event on the display device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the event comprises playing a video of the event.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the event comprises presenting a digital image of the event.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein mounting the item of memorabilia comprises substantially immobilizing the item relative to the display stand.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising completely enclosing the item.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the event comprises emitting an audible sound associated with the event.