Scrap Book Storage Device and System

Abstract

A scrap book storage device and system comprised of: storage structure having a top surface, a bottom surface, and four reinforced, scrap-book dimensioned side to secure a scrap book is filled with memorabilia and decorations. The scrap book storage device is constructed of an acid-free, lignin-free, and water-resistant material to protect the scrap book. The scrap book storage device can further be part of a scrapbooking kit that contains materials necessary for embellishment.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/940,969 filed May 31, 2007.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of scrap books and scrap booking, and in particular to the field of a box or gift box for storing scrap books.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the scrap book storage device.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of one alternate embodiment of the scrap book storage device.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the scrap book storage device further including a lid that fits over the scrap book compartment.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the scrap book storage device further including a lid that folds over the scrap book compartment.

BACKGROUND

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of photographs, printed media, and memorabilia contained in decorated albums. Albums are sold in standard sizes and personalized by techniques such as applying stickers, rubbing patterns, using stamps, adding journal entries, eyelets, brads and chipboard elements in various shapes. The use of die cut machines is also increasingly popular in scrap booking.

The most basic component used in scrapbooking the scrapbook itself, which can be permanently bound, or allow for insertion of pages. There are other various album formats, such as mini albums and accordion-style fold-out albums. Some of these are adhered to various containers, such as matchbooks, CD cases, or other small holders.

Modern scrapbooking is done largely on a standard size 12 inch square or 8½×1 inch pages. More recently smaller albums have become very popular. The most common new formats are 6, 7, or 8-inch square. It is very important to many scrap book hobbiests to their scrap books. In particular, it is important to ensure that the materials held within the scrap book are not moved or jostled more than necessary overtime.

Although photographs and memorabilia are attached to scrap book pages with adhesives, clips, pins and by other methods, the mover a scrap book is moved or jostled, the more likely it is that the items within in will become disengaged,

Additionally, wrapping scrap books or storing them in conventional boxes can make it inconvenient to view the scrap books. Boxes are not easily opened and closed over time, and it may be necessary to stuff paper, Styrofoam pellets, shredded paper, tissue or similar material in the box to hold the scrap book securely.

Additionally, protective systems for scrap books (such as bubble wrap, cloth wrappings and paper wrapping) are not aesthetically pleasing or suitable for both gift giving and display.

Moreover, traditional boxes of wood or paper may contain lignin which is a bonding element that holds wood and paper together and causes wood and paper to become yellow or brittle over time. It is desirable to reduce the amount of lignin in a scrap book storage system.

It is desirable to have a scrap book storage device and system which is specially designed for the dual purpose of gift giving and scrap book storage, which holds a scrap books securely and protects it over time and which is designed to be opened and closed repeatedly over time.

As used herein, “scrap book” refers to any album, book, or other object on which photographs, printed media, and other memorabilia can be affixed.

As used herein, the term “reinforced box siding” means a box siding and outer edges which is reinforced or durably designed in a manner such that the sides of the box and upper edge will resist signs of wear caused by fitted box lid being repeatedly removed and replaced.

As used herein, the term “reinforced box edges” which resist splitting and tearing over a period of time and in humid storage areas.

As used herein, the term “scrap book lining” means a specially treated material such as paper, fabric, plastic or other material than fully covers the inner portion of a scrap book container, box or structure and serves as an additional structural layer. A scrap book lining may provide insulation, aesthetic appeal, added durability or serve as a method of distinguishing a scrap book storage box as being designated for storing a scrapbook. A liner may further be treated to be mildew resistant or to repel insects and rodents and may be color-coordinated with a scrap book or box and may be odor resistant.

As used herein “environmental control component” is a substance encased within a package which serves the function of absorbing moisture and odor. An environmental control component may include substances to add fragrance or repel insects (e.g., moths) and rodents. Silica and carbon gel mixtures stored within 5 to 10 gram packets is a common environmental control component. However, any other desiccant can be used as an environmental component.

As used herein, the term “scrap book dimensioned” means an object specially fitted to correspond to standard scrap book dimensions of 6, 7, or 8-inch square standard scrap book size which is mass produced and commercially available. When referring to a scrap-booking box, this term shall refer to a box with dimension which fits around the perimeter of a scrap book, so that the scrap book: cannot move within the box. For example, common scrap book dimensions may be approximately twelve inches (12″)-square or eight and one half inches; by eleven inches (8½−×11″), (9″×9″) but may be any other mass-produced and/or commercially available size, including six inches by eight inches (6″×8″), nine by nine (9″×9″), six inches by six inches (6″×6″), seven inches by seven inches (7″×7″) and eight inches by eight inches (8″×8″), and can also be made in any other size commonly known in the art.

As used herein, the term “water-resistant” is intended to be generic to materials that are water resistant as well as those materials that are waterproof.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a scrap book storage device, only some of which are depicted in the figures. It should nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that modifications such as the size and shape of the scrap book storage device, dimension, ornamental features, and the inclusion of fewer and/or additional elements in the scrap book storage device and (as described herein) are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the written description do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals refer to identical or nearly identical structural elements in the various drawings.

Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. For example, one embodiment of a scrap book storage device is disclosed herein as having a substantially square top and bottom surface. The scrap book storage device and system might permissibly be somewhat non-square, i.e., rectangular, rounded, oval, or another shape, and still be within the scope of the invention if its functionality is not materially altered.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of scrap book storage device 100, into which scrap book 50 fits securely and in which movement of the scrap book and objects within it are minimized. In the embodiment shown, scrap book storage device has the dimensions of approximately twelve inches (12″) square or eight and one half inches by eleven inches (8½″×11″), but there is increased popularity in other sizes, including six inches by eight inches (6″×8″) six inches by six inches (6″×6″), seven inches by seven inches (7″×7″) and eight inches by eight inches (8″×8″), and can also be made in any other size commonly known in the art.

Scrap book storage device 100 is shown in the open position and is comprised of top surface 110, bottom surface 120, and four (4) side surfaces 130 to form scrap book compartment 150. Top surface 110 further includes lid 112 (optional) which tucks into scrap book compartment 150 to form scrap book compartment 150 closed on all six (6) sides. Scrap book storage device 100 further includes environmental control component 80, inserted within the box. In the embodiment shown environmental control component 80 comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture, but other embodiments may include different or additional substances such as fragrance, insect and rodent repellent or other desiccants.

Also visible in FIG. 1 is scrap book 50. Scrap book 50 is comprised of front lid 51, back cover 52, spine 53, and pages 54. Pages 54 are attached to spine 53, and front cover 51 and back cover 52 provide a protective layer for the memorabilia (not shown) contained therein. Most commonly, scrapbook pages 51 are approximately twelve inches (12″) square or eight and one half inches by eleven inches (8½″×11″), but there is increased popularity in other sizes, including six inches: by eight inches (6″×8″), six inches by six inches (6″×6″), nine by nine inches (9″×9″), seven inches by seven inches (7″×7″) and eight inches by eight inches (8″×8″), and can also be made in any other size commonly known in the art; Front cover 51 and back cover 52 are typically the same size as each other and can be either the same size as pages 54 or slightly larger to provide additional protection to pages 54. Scrap book storage device 100 is of a sufficient size to snugly hold and store scrap book 50. In addition, scrap book storage device 100 is sized to accommodate any fabric, papers, decorations, or other embellishments on the outer surface of scrap book 50 or memorabilia on pages 54 that create a thicker scrap book 50. Thus, scrap book storage device 100 is custom-sized for a particular size of scrap book 50.

In the embodiment shown, scrap book storage device 100 is formed of a water-resistant, scrap book dimensioned, reinforced boxed siding which prevents wear from repeated removal of lid 50. In various embodiments, scrap books storage device 100 may be also be acid-free, lignin-free and water-resistant.

Other embodiments of scrap books storage device may be fire resistant, mildew resistant and/or insect and mouse repellent. Still other embodiments may be embellished or sold as a component in a kit in which may be embellished by decorative elements commonly used in scrap booking.

Scrap book storage device 100 may be constructed of wood, specially treated and reinforced cardboard, foam, metal, plastic or any other materials capable of protecting scrap book 50 when contained therein. In other embodiments, scrap book storage device 50 may include special compartments (not shown) for special memorabilia to be kept with a scrapbook, but not included in the scrap book (e.g., jewelry, heirlooms, hair, records, legal documents, dried flowers or other objects which may serve as memorabilia).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, scrap book storage device 100 is closed by tucking lid 112 within one (1) side surface 130 to form scrap book compartment 50. This is one (1) embodiment of a closure mechanism. Lid 112 can further include a hook, strap, snap, tab, or other member that secures lid 112 to side surface(s) 130.

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of one alternate embodiment of scrap book storage device 100. In this embodiment, scrap book storage device 100 again forms scrap book compartment 150 into which scrap book 50 fits, but is comprised of front surface 210, back surface 220, and three (3) side surfaces 230. In this embodiment of scrap book storage device 100, scrap book 50 fits into scrap book storage device 100.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the inclusion of environmental control component 80. In the embodiment shown environmental control component 80 comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture, but other embodiments may include different or additional substances such as fragrance, insect and rodent repellent or other desiccants.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of scrap book storage device 100 further including lid 310. Scrap book storage device 100, as with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is comprised of bottom surface 320 and four (4) side surfaces 330. However, rather than having a top surface; the embodiment of scrap book storage device 100 shown in FIG. 3 has lid 310 that fits over side surfaces 330 and bottom surface 320 to form scrap book compartment 150, into which scrap book 50 can be placed. As with the embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the embodiment of scrap book storage device 100 shown in FIG. 3 is also made of an acid-free, lignin-free, and water-resistant material to protect scrap book 50 once placed therein.

FIG. 3 further illustrates the inclusion of environmental control component 80. In the embodiment shown environmental control component 80 comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture, but other embodiments may include different or additional substances such as fragrance, insect and rodent repellent or other desiccants.

FIG. 4 further illustrates an additional embodiment scrap book storage device 100 which include foldable flap 420 which folds around box storage structure 440. The foldable flap 420 may comprise the base of foldable box structure 440 or may be attached to the base of box structure 440. FIG. 4 also shows securing component 460. In the embodiment shown, securing component 460 is a snap. In other embodiments securing component 460 may be Velcro, a hook a snap or a tie or any other securing member known in the art.

Also included in FIG. 4 is environmental control component 80 comprises two packets of a carbon and silica gel mixture (not shown).

The scrap book storage and system shown herein can also be sold as of a kit that a user can used to create the scrap book. Specifically, the kit can include any one (1) or more of the following: the scrap book, the scrap book storage device, design-forming punches, various colored pens, pencils, and other writing instruments, ordinary or patterned scissors, cut-outs, stickers, adhesives, tape, protective plastic lids, and any other material(s) or item(s) commonly known and used in the art of scrapbooking.

While the scrap book storage device has been shown and described with respect to several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto, but is susceptible to numerous changes and modifications as known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the details shown and described herein, but rather lid all such changes and modifications obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A scrapbooking storage device comprising:

a storage structure having a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a base; and

a lid, said lid part having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, lid side walls and a lid top side wherein said front all, rear wall said base said lid part, said lid front wall and said lid side walls are scrap book dimensioned.

2. The device of claim 1, which further includes at least one environmental control component.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said storage structure further includes a lining.

4. The device of claim 1, which further includes reinforcement components selected from a group consisting of reinforced box siding and reinforced box edges.

5. The device of claim 1, which is constructed from a material selected from a group consisting from fire-resistant material, acid-free paper, lignin free paper and recyclable material.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said lid is secured by a securing component selected from a group consisting of snaps, Velcro, ribbon, elastic, hooks, fitted edges, locks, hinges, rope attachments, string attachments, chains, ribbons and joints.

7. The device of claim 1, constructed from a group consisting of a paper product, wood, plastic, foam or metal.

8. The device of claim 1, which further includes impact resistant, non-collapsible sides.

9. The device of claim 1, which further includes at least one compartment for storing memorabilia.

10. The device of claim 1, which further includes a lid selected from a group consisting of a hinged lid, a folding lid, a sliding lid and a detachable lid.

11. The scrap book storage of claim 1, which is constructed from a group consisting of mildew-resistant material and fire resistant material.

12. A scrapbooking storage system comprising

a storage structure having a front wall, a box rear wall, box side walls and a base; and

a lid, said lid part having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, lid side walls and a lid top side;

a plurality of materials for embellishing a scrap book consisting of stickers, brads, ribbons, dies, stamps, serrated scissors, glitter, sequins, beads, specially shaped papers, colored papers, adhesive papers and specially shaped paper punches.

13. The scrapbooking storage system of claim 11, wherein said storage structure further includes a liner.

14. The scrapbooking storage system of claim 11, wherein said storage system further includes an environmental.

15. The scrapbooking storage system of claim 11, wherein said storage structure further includes reinforcement components selected from a group consisting of reinforced box siding and reinforced edges.

16. The scrapbooking storage system of claim 11 wherein said storage structure and said lid are constructed material selected from a group consisting of fire-resistant material, mildew resistant material, acid-reduced material and lignin-reduced material.

17. The scrap book storage system of claim 11 wherein said storage structure and said lid are constructed from a group consisting of a paper product, wood, plastic, foam or metal.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein said storage structure further includes impact resistant, non-collapsible sides.

19. The device of claim 11, wherein said storage structure further r includes at least one compartment for storing memorabilia.

20. A scrapbooking storage device comprising:

a storage structure having a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a base; and

a lid, said lid part having a lid front wall, a lid rear wall, lid side walls and a lid top side wherein said front all, rear wall said base said lid part, said lid front wall and said lid side walls are scrap book dimensioned and constructed from a material that is moisture resistant, mildew resistant, impact resistant, fire-proof, insect resistant and rodent resistant;

a liner; and

an environmental component.