MEMORABILIA DISPLAY SYSTEM

Abstract

A system for displaying memorabilia includes a display platform, at least one sheet of mounting material, and a cover. The mounting material is arranged and configured to be assembled into a first display piece, wherein when the first display piece is assembled, the first display piece includes at least two facing layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a first magnet fastened to one of the at least two facing layers of mounting material. The first magnet is arranged and configured to secure the display piece to the display platform. A first combined thickness of the at least two facing layers of mounting material and the first magnet define a first height. The cover encloses the display platform and has a transparent surface that permits viewing the at least one display piece when the cover is closed and when the display piece is secured to the display platform.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/081,455, filed on Jul. 17, 2008, titled “Modular Magnetic Display Kit”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Family photos, artwork and other memorabilia provide recollections of past memories and experiences and provide a sense of comfort and security to people. One popular method of storing and displaying photographs and other memorabilia is by creating a scrapbook. Scrapbooks are often multi-page booklets that contain photographs and text the show various events or relate to particular memories. Once a scrapbook page is completed, the page is not easily changed. Further, scrapbooks are not typically designed for display, but rather include a cover that conceals the contents until it is opened for viewing.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to a memorabilia display system.

One aspect is a system for displaying memorabilia includes a display platform, at least one sheet of mounting material, and a cover. The mounting material is arranged and configured to be assembled into a first display piece, wherein when the first display piece is assembled, the first display piece includes at least two facing layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a first magnet fastened to one of the at least two facing layers of mounting material. The first magnet is arranged and configured to secure the display piece to the display platform. A first combined thickness of the at least two facing layers of mounting material and the first magnet define a first height. The cover encloses the display platform and has a transparent surface that permits viewing the at least one display piece when the cover is closed and when the display piece is secured to the display platform.

Another aspect is a kit for displaying memorabilia in a display case, the kit including one or more sheets of mounting material, each sheet of mounting material being separable into two or more sections, the two or more sections being defined by a template indicated on the mounting material; and one or more pieces of magnetic material, wherein the plurality of sections are arranged and configured to be assembled into two or more display pieces of varying height, wherein when the display pieces are assembled, each of the display pieces include at least two stacked sections of the mounting material and at least one of the one or more pieces of magnetic material.

Yet another aspect is a display case for displaying memorabilia, the display case includes a display platform including a front surface, rear surface, a top, and a bottom, the display platform including at least one slot; a metal insert secured to the front surface of the display platform, the metal insert substantially covering the front surface of the platform; a transparent cover hingedly connected to the display platform; and a display sign insert arranged and configured to be supported by the display platform at the at least one slot, wherein when the display sign insert is supported by the display platform and when the transparent cover is in a closed position, the display sign insert is external to an interior space between the transparent cover and the display platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example memorabilia display case according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of an example back plate of the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an example metal insert used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of an example paper insert used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an example lens cover having a domed shape and used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of another example lens cover having a rectangular shape and used in another example memorabilia display case.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of a frame used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a view of two display signs used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a rear plan view of a back plate of the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of an example memorabilia display piece used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the memorabilia display piece shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of another example memorabilia display piece used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the memorabilia display piece shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front plan view of an example sheet of mounting material that has template patterns imprinted on it.

FIG. 16 is a front plan view of example border mats used in the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a front plan view of an example arrangement of border mats and memorabilia display pieces for the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a front plan view of another example arrangement as displayed by the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a front plan view of another example arrangement as displayed by the memorabilia display case shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

The present disclosure is directed to a display case system that provides a multidimensional display of memorabilia. The memorabilia is mounted on mounting material and attached to a back frame of the display case. The mounting material can be cut to size and multiple layers of mounting material can be combined to provide multidimensional layers.

Memorabilia include, but are not limited to, artwork, artifacts, photographs, and copies of photographs that can be mounted on a mounting material and displayed within the confines of a display case.

FIG. 1 shows an example display case 100 that supports a multidimensional display of memorabilia. The example display case 100 includes a display case having a lens cover 102, a back plate 104, a face frame 106, display signs 108, 110 and fasteners 112, 114 and 116.

The lens cover 102 provides a transparent cover for the display case, protecting the contents within the display case and permitting individuals to view the contents. The example lens cover 102 has a curved or domed shape. Other example lens covers may have other shapes, for example a square or rectangular shape.

The example back plate 104 provides a platform for the display case. The example lens cover 102 is hingedly connected to the back plate 104 and secured to back plate 104 using a fastening device. In one example, the lens cover 102 is secured to the face frame 106 using fasteners 112, 114, 116 that are inserted into the face frame 106 via holes on the lens cover 102. In another example, latches on the lens cover 102 are secured into corresponding slots on the back plate 104. Other fastening devices are used in other examples.

As shown in FIG. 1, the example display case 100 also includes example display signs 108 and 1 10. The example display signs 108, 110 can be inserted into slots on the display case and removed without opening the display case. Display signs can be used to provide messages to viewers of the example display case 100. For example, a birthday greeting can be imprinted on display signs 108, 110 to provide a “Happy Birthday” message to an individual. As another example, reminder messages can be imprinted on example display signs 108, 110, for example to remind individuals of a specific event. Other examples of display signs 108, 110 are possible. Because the display case can be wall mounted so that the example lens cover 102 can be opened from the left or the right, slots are provided on the top and bottom of back plate 104 for the display signs 108, 1 10. If desired, only one of display signs 108, 110 can be used. In another example, display signs can be inserted into slots on either side of the display case 100. Some examples do not include display signs 108, 110.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view 200 that shows how assemblies of the example display case 100 are organized. FIG. 2 shows an example metal insert 202 that is magnetically attached to back plate 104. A paper insert 204 is adhesively attached to metal insert 202. The example paper insert 204 is typically preprinted with an art design for decorative purposes. Memorabilia display pieces (not shown in FIG. 2) are magnetically attached to metal insert 202. The example lens cover 102 is attached to back plate 104, typically via a hinge system, and typically secured to face frame 106 via latches or fasteners. A face frame 106 is inserted over the example lens cover 102 for decorative effect. The frame is typically constructed of wood, but may also be constructed from other materials, including metal and injection molded plastic. Although the example display case is described as including specific types of fasteners, such as magnets, hinges, and adhesive, other examples include other fasteners. Examples of fasteners include, but are not limited to, tape (either single-sided or double sided), adhesive, nails, screws, bolts, rivets, magnets, buckles, clamps, pegs, pins, elastic bands, hook and loop fasteners, staples, tacks, zippers, or combinations of these or other fasteners or materials.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed front plan view of the example back plate 104. As shown in FIG. 3, the back plate 104 includes hinges 302, 304 which attach the example lens cover 102 to back plate 104. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, back plate 104 includes magnets 306, 308, 310, 312, 314 that are used to magnetically secure metal insert 202 to back plate 104. Alternatively, magnetic strips (not shown) are adhesively attached across the top of back plate 104 to secure metal insert 202 to back plate 304. The example back plate 304 also includes example slots 316, 318, 320 and 322 that are used to secure display signs 108 and 110 to back plate 304. For example display sign 108 is inserted into slots 316 and 318 and display sign 110 is inserted into slots 320 and 322. Typically, display sign 108 and slots 316 and 318 are used if back plate 104 is wall mounted such that hinges 302 and 304 are on the left. Typically, display sign 110 is inserted into slots 320 and 322 if back plate 104 is wall mounted such that hinges 302 and 304 are on the right. Other examples include other arrangements. Also shown in FIG. 3 are slots 324 and 326 that illustrate example devices for securing example lens cover 102 to back plate 104. The devices include latches on the inside of example lens cover 102 (not shown), that snap into example slots 324 and 326 to secure lens cover 102 to back plate 104.

In some examples, back plate 104 is formed of a plastic material. Other possible examples of materials include wood, metal, pressboard, or other suitable materials or combinations of materials.

Back plate 104 further includes additional features in some examples. For example, a wire feed hole 332 is provided in back plate 104 to allow a wire to extend from a battery pack behind back plate 104 through back plate 104 and to a light source or other device. A recess 334 is provided in some examples. Recess 334 makes it easier to remove a metal insert 202 from back plate 104. For example, a screwdriver or finger can be inserted into recess 334 to permit the user to pry the metal insert 202 away from back plate 104. Further, an additional suction cup is provided in some examples. The suction cup can be fastened to the outer surface of the metal insert and used to pull the metal insert away from the back plate 104.

A security port 330 is further provided in some examples. The security port is, for example, a hole that extends into back plate 104. The hole matches with the location of a corresponding tab or latch that extends from the lens cover. When the lens cover is closed, a screw, fastener, or a lock (such as a small padlock) can be inserted into security port 330 to securely hold the lens cover in the closed position. In some examples a screw is used having a non-standard head that requires a specialized tool in order to remove the screw. This makes it more difficult for someone to take objects from within the display case, without having the specialized tool. In examples that include a padlock, the lock can require a key or combination be used in order to remove the lock.

FIG. 4 shows example metal insert 202. An example of metal insert 202 is a ferromagnetic material. As discussed, example metal insert 202 is magnetically secured to the top of back plate 304, for example by magnets 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314 or by magnetic strips on the top of back plate 304. Other possible examples include other materials, such as a ferromagnetic material. Metal insert 202 is removable in some examples.

FIG. 5 shows an example paper insert 204. Paper insert 204 is typically the same size as metal insert 202. Typically, one side of paper insert 204 contains an adhesive layer. Some examples further include a protective sheet that can be peeled off of the adhesive to expose a surface of the adhesive. The adhesive material secures paper insert 204 to metal insert 202. Other fasteners are used in other examples, such as tape or other fasteners described herein. Typically, the second side of paper insert 204 is imprinted with a graphic design. A variety of paper inserts may be provided with the example display case 100 to permit a user to select an appropriate graphic design. Alternatively users may create their own graphic designs or download graphic designs from the Internet, and print the graphic designs on paper insert 204.

One example of paper insert 204 is a scrapbook-type page. The scrapbook page is secured to metal insert 202 with one or more pieces of metal, magnets, or any of a variety of other possible fasteners. In one example, corner fasteners are used to secure corners of paper insert 204 to metal insert 202. Some other examples of insert 204 are made of paper, wood, cardboard, plastic, or other suitable materials. Insert 204 is removable in some examples, such as to replace insert 204 with another insert 204.

FIG. 6 shows the example lens cover 102 in more detail. The example lens cover 102 is domed shaped to provide a decorative effect. The example lens cover 102 includes hinges 604 and 606 which are used to attach lens cover 102 to example back plate 304. Using hinges 604 and 606, lens cover 102 can easily opened and closes while still being secured to and supported by back plate 304. This allows the display case to be easily opened, for example, to rearrange or replace display items contained therein.

Various examples include various possible devices for securing lens cover 102 to back plate 304. In one example, latches 610 and 612 snap into example slots 324 and 326 on back plate 304. Tab 608 is used as a handle to open lens cover 102 and unsnap latches 610, 612. Tab 608 is useful in reducing the stress on the connection between the face frame 106 and the lens cover 102. For example, without tab 608, a user would apply an opening force to face frame 106 to open the display case, which would also cause a force to be applied to the connection between the face frame 106 and the lens cover 102. Instead, tab 608 allows a user to apply the opening force directly to the lens cover, which is arranged behind face frame 106. In this way, little or no force is applied to the face frame 106 connection with lens cover 102.

Face frame 106 is fastened to lens cover 102. In one example, the face frame 106 is adhered with an adhesive to a flange extending about an outer perimeter of lens cover 102. A plurality of fasteners are also used in some examples to further strengthen the joint. For example, the plurality of fasteners are inserted into example holes 614, 616 and 618 to secure lens cover 102 to face frame 106. Other fasteners are used to connect face frame 106 with lens cover 102 in other examples.

Lens cover 102 can be formed of a variety of materials, such as glass or plastic. In one example the lens cover 102 is formed by blow molding. In this example, the material is heated and pressurized air is introduced to cause the material to expand. A sensor, such as a laser, is used to detect when the material has reached the desired height. The material is then allowed to cool and settle into the desired shape. Another example is made by injection molding. In this example a mold defines a negative of the desired shape. The material is injected into the mold and allowed to cool and harden. Other possible manufacturing processes include thermoforming or vacuum forming.

In some embodiments, lens cover 102 includes one or more decorative display elements attached thereto. For example, in some embodiments a decorative display element is etched, molded, painted, or adhered into or onto the lens cover 102. An example of a decorative display element is a shape, logo, graphical image, graphical design, etc. One example is a flower or vine border. Another example is a star-shaped (or other shaped) decorative display element. This provides a further dimensional effect by providing such decorative display elements in front of others contained within the display case. In some embodiments the decorative display elements have a frosted appearance (e.g., semi-transparent or translucent). In other example, the decorative display elements are painted (with a brush or spray painted) onto the interior or exterior surface of lens cover 102 with a color. Another possible example includes a sticker or decal that is applied to the interior or exterior surface of lens cover 102. Another example includes decorative display elements cut or otherwise formed from other materials, such as a decorative linen.

Interior lighting is provided in some embodiments to further accentuate the decorative display. For this purpose, some examples of lens cover 102 include light support tabs 620 that extend into a light storage region 622. The light storage region 622 extends generally about the periphery of the lens cover 102 for storing one or more lights, or light wires, therein. Examples of lights include light emitting diodes, bulbs, or light wires. An example of a light wire is the LIVEWIRE® flexible light bulb, distributed by Live Wire Enterprises. The lights are supported in light storage region 622 by support tabs 620, such as by arranging lights or wires in a zigzag configuration between tabs 620. In one example the light storage region 622 is in a range from about 0.2 inches to about 0.5 inches deep. Other examples include other dimensions.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate style lens cover 702. The example lens cover 702 has many of the same features as lens cover 102, for example the lens cover 702 is transparent. However, in this example, lens cover 702 is square in shape. Other lens cover configurations are possible.

As an additional feature, a lighting cord can be wrapped around the inside of lens covers 102 and 702 to provide a decorative lighting effect. A battery pack can be attached to one end of the lighting cord to provide a power source for the lighting cord. Alternatively, another power source is used. For example, a power cord is provided in some embodiments to plug into a wall outlet to receive power from the wall outlet.

FIG. 8 shows an example face frame 106. The example face frame 106 is typically placed over a lens cover and provides a decorative framework for the display system. A frame is typically constructed from wood, but can also be constructed from metal or from an injected molded plastic material. In another possible example, the face frame 106 is constructed from high density fiberboard, such as medium density overlay (MDO). For example, strips of fiberboard are cut out using a computer numerical controlled router (CNC) to have angled corners. The corners are then arranged as desired and fastened together, such as with staples or other fasteners. If desired, the fiberboard is finished, such as with a paint, stain, or laminate. In some embodiments, a plurality of face frames 106 are interchangeable with each other. For example, a plurality of face frames are available in a variety of colors or finishes. A user can select one frame from the plurality of frames for attachment to the lens cover of the display case. Later, if desired, the user can replace the selected frame with a different frame. In addition to having different colored frames, the plurality of frames can also include different sizes, shapes, configurations, patterns, textures, or styles.

FIG. 9 shows example display signs 108 and 110. The display signs are typically used as banners that display a message to a viewer of the display case. For example, when a display case is used in a nursing home, the display sign could provide a birthday greeting to a resident of the nursing home. Display signs can be made of a variety of possible materials, such as metal, wood, plastic, composite materials, or other materials. In some examples, a message or graphic is printed, painted, or printed onto a separate material and then fastened to the display sign, such as by adhering the printed material to a surface of the display sign. The example display signs 108, 110 include tabs 902, 904, 906 and 908 that are used to secure the display signs 108, 110 to example back plate 304. For example, tabs 902, 904 are inserted into slots 316, 320 and tabs 906, 908 are inserted into slots 320, 322.

FIG. 10 shows a rear plan view of example back plate 304. The bottom side of example back plate 304 provides example mounting holes 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010 and 1012 that are used to secure the example display case 100 to a wall. Additionally, rubber pad stand-offs are provided in some examples to protect the wall surface. Some examples include additional features. For example, one possible feature is a battery pack support 1020. A battery pack is arranged in the battery pack support 1020 in some examples to store batteries. A wire from the battery pack is then threaded through wire feed hole 332, such as to provide power to a light source.

FIG. 11 shows a front plan view of an example display piece 1102 of display case 100. The example display piece 1102 is constructed from a mounting material, typically a foam board. Other mounting materials can also be used, for example fiber board or PVC sheets. The mounting material can be cut to a size and shape desirable by a user. The face of the mounting material typically contains a peelable adhesive. When the adhesive is peeled away, a copy of a photo, a graphic design or other artwork can be adhered to the mounting material. In another example, the graphic design is pre-printed onto the face.

When preparing copies of photos or art for mounting, computer templates may be used. For example a customer could use a computer template to edit a digital photograph to a specific size, for example 4″×6″. The photograph can then be printed onto to a blank label cut to the same size, for example 4″×6″. For example, in some embodiments a graphic or photograph is printed with a printer onto a peelable label sheet, such as an AVERY® type of label sheet. Alternatively, other paper is used and the paper is then fastened to the mounting material, such as using tape or adhesive, or another fastener as described herein.

FIG. 12 shows the side view of example display piece 1102. The side view shows how the display piece 1102 is constructed from multiple sections and layers of mounting material 1206, 1208 and 1210 in one example. Typically the mounting material, for example foam board, is supplied to a customer as flat sheets in a kit. The customer can then cut the mounting material to the desired size and add layers for mounting. Multiple layers can be combined to form display pieces of various heights.

FIG. 12 shows that the example display piece 1102 includes three layers of the same mounting material. The three sections and layers of mounting material 1206, 1208, 1210 are adhesively secured, typically using a hot glue gun. Magnets are then glued to the bottom side of the bottom layer of mounting material. The example display piece 1102 includes magnets 1212, 1214 and 1216. An example of a suitable magnet is a rare-earth ceramic magnets, such as the type that are extruded into long tubes and then cut into small disc shapes. Other magnets are used in other examples. In one example the mounting material is packaged with one or more magnets and sold as a kit for assembly into one or more display pieces, such as display piece 1102. The number of magnets used is dependent on the size and weight of the display piece 1102 and the size and strength of the magnet, more magnets being needed to support larger or heavier display pieces. When the magnets 1212, 1214 and 1216 are glued to the display piece 1102, the display piece 1102 can be located and secured to example metal insert 202. Some example display pieces have more or less than three layers. In this example, the mounting material has a material thickness L1. The overall height of display piece 1102 is height H1, which in this example includes multiple layers of mounting material and a thickness of at least one magnet.

FIG. 13 shows the top view of example display piece 1302. Example display piece 1302 is similar to example display piece 1102, but it is a different size. In addition, the example display piece 1302 has a different height than display piece 1102. FIG. 14 shows that the example display piece 1302 includes two layers of mounting material, layers 1402 and 1404. Therefore, example display piece 1302 has an overall thickness H2 including two layers of mounting material and the thickness of at least one magnet 1406, 1408, whereas example display piece 1102 has a thickness H1 (shown in FIG. 11) of three layers of mounting material and at least one magnet. In addition, since example display piece 1302 is smaller than example display piece 1102, example display piece 1302 is secured by two magnets, 1406, 1408, rather than three magnets for example display piece 1102. Additional display pieces can be created of varying sizes and thicknesses to accommodate the need and creativity of a user. Further, other examples include mounting materials having different thicknesses, such that one display piece made of, for example, two layers of a thicker mounting material has a greater height than another display piece made of two layers of a thinner mounting material.

Display pieces 1102 and 1302 are illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape. Other examples include other possible shapes. Examples of possible shapes include a square, circle, triangle, or more decorative shapes (e.g., fruit-shaped, animal-shaped, or shaped like another object). Further, display pieces 1302 are not limited to shapes having planar faces.

FIG. 15 shows an example sheet of mounting material 1500 that has template patterns imprinted on it. In this example, sheet 1500 includes template patterns for display pieces 1102 and 1302. In addition, template patterns are included for sections of mounting material used to provide height to the display pieces 1102 and 1302. In this example, mounting sheet 1500 includes patterns for sections 1206, 1208 and 1210 used to provide three mounting layers of height to display piece 1102. The example mounting sheet 1500 also includes patterns for sections 1402 and 1404 used to provide two layers of height to display piece 1302. Other template patterns on mounting sheets are possible. For example, a sheet of mounting material can include template patterns for standard photo sizes, such as 3.5″×5″, 4″×6″, 5″×7″, 8″×10″, 12″×12″, etc. Other examples include other sizes. In some examples the template is printed on the mounting material, in another example the template is cut into the mounting material, in another example the template is impressed into the mounting material. In another possible example the template is printed on a separate sheet that is configured to be placed onto the mounting material and then used to cut out the mounting material. In another example, the template is described in a printed or electronic instruction booklet.

Examples of mounting material include dimensional foam board, such as GATORBOARD® composite material, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet material. Other mounting materials are used in other embodiments, such as foam, Styrofoam, wood, plastic, cloth, or a variety of other possible materials. In one example, mounting material has a thickness L1 (as shown in FIG. 12) in a range from about 0.05 inches to about 3 inches. In another example, mounting material has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches. In another example, mounting material has a thickness of about 0.375 inches. Multiple layers of mounting material are stacked together, as discussed herein, to form thicknesses that are multiples of a single thickness of mounting material.

FIG. 16 shows examples 1600 of border mats that can be used in the display case. A typical display case provides a 12″×12″ area that can be used to mount display pieces. Some individuals may find a 12″×12″ area to large too fill up with display pieces. As a creative alternative, border mats are provided to reduce the size of the display area and to provide an additional decorative effect. FIG. 16 shows example border mats 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 that can be positioned at the top, left, right, and bottom sides, respectively of the example back plate 304. A typical border mat is constructed of a PVC sheet material. A selection of border mats may be precut and provided to a user in a kit. The border mats may have printed images on them according to a particular theme, for example a birthday theme or a vacation theme. Alternatively, the border mats include a peelable adhesive so that a user can secure a selected design onto the border mat. The back of each border mat typically contains one or more magnetic strips to enable the border mat to be secured to example metal insert 202 of the display case. In some embodiments the theme matches a theme of the associated display pieces.

FIG. 17 shows an example memorabilia display 1700 in a display case. The memorabilia display includes border mats 1602, 1604, 1606 and 1608, example display pieces 1102, 1302 and 1702 and smaller decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708, and 1710. More or fewer display pieces and decorative pieces may be used. The memorabilia display 1700 shows an example of a three-dimensional effect that can be created by the memorabilia display case according to the present disclosure. Example display piece 1102 has a thickness of three mounting layers and example display pieces 1302 and 1702 have a thickness of two mounting layers. In addition, the smaller decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708, and 1710 have a thickness of one mounting layer, although other examples include multiple mounting layers. The smaller decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 may have art pasted on them or may have three dimensional objects pasted on them (by either the manufacturer or the user). As an example, for a beach theme, the smaller decorative pieces 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 may includes small pails, shovels, sandcastles, beach umbrellas, etc, all with magnets or magnetic strips on the back so that the decorative pieces can be secured to the display case.

The decorative effect provided by the example memorabilia display 1700 is only dependent upon the imagination and creativity of the user. Some example themes that can be created include an African safari theme, an All American theme, a baseball theme, a Christmas theme, a first day of school theme, an outdoors theme, a Halloween theme, a birth arrival theme (e.g. “It's a Boy!”), a funeral memorial theme, a snow day theme and a poker theme. Other themes are possible. Each of these themes make use of display pieces similar to those shown in FIG. 17.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate specific examples of possible memorabilia displays that can be displayed by the display case 100. FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a portion of a display case 100 having a First Day of School theme. FIG. 19 is a front plan view of a portion of a display case 100 having a Christmas theme. The various components of these example memorabilia displays are discussed above. FIG. 19 further includes another example display piece 1902, which is a three-dimensional object, such as a small ledge. Another possible example of display piece 1902 includes one or more charms, or a charm bracelet. Alternatively, the ledge can include hooks or other fasteners, to which a charm or other object can be connected, or from which a charm or other object is hung. Other objects are used in other examples. A magnet is fastened to the back surface for attachment in some examples. Other display pieces include other possible objects.

Another possible object that is included in some examples is a digital photo frame. Digital photo frames typically include memory, a processor, and a display device. The digital photo frame stores digital photographs and displays the digital photographs on the display device. For example, the digital photo frame can be included in the display case to display a digital image or slide show of digital images. Digital photo frames include standard photograph sized devices or smaller keychain-sized devices, for example.

A wide variety of other themes are possible. Several examples include: African Safari theme, All American theme, At The Beach theme, Baseball theme, Great Outdoors, Halloween theme, It's a Boy theme, Memorial & Funeral theme, Snow Day theme, and Poker Night theme. In some embodiments, the components for each theme are packaged and sold as a kit. The kit can be assembled to create the memorabilia display by the user. In some examples the user provides their own photographs or graphical images for at least some of the display pieces. The memorabilia display is then arranged by the user into the display case.

Some embodiments include a display stand for supporting the display case on a floor, desk, table, or shelf. An example of a display stand includes one or more supports members that support the display case. In some embodiments the display stand is configured to support the display case at an angle, such that the display case is leaned back from a vertical position. Some embodiments include one or more support tabs. The support tabs are configured to be inserted into one or more of slots 316, 318, 320, and 322 of back plate 104 (shown in FIG. 3). For added support and stability, support tabs are configured in some examples to extend at least half or three-quarters of the height of the display case. Other embodiments include other support mechanisms for supporting display case with the display stand. One possible example of a display stand is a floor easel. Another possible display stand includes a base plate and an angled vertical member that supports the display case on a shelf or desktop. The angled vertical member is connected to the base plate and configured to engage with back plate 104 of the display case. In some examples, the display stand further includes an external light fixture to illuminate the display case.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for displaying memorabilia, the system comprising:

a display platform;

at least one sheet of mounting material, the mounting material being arranged and configured to be assembled into a first display piece, wherein when the first display piece is assembled the first display piece includes at least two facing layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a first magnet fastened to one of the at least two facing layers of mounting material, wherein the first magnet is arranged and configured to secure the display piece to the display platform, wherein a first combined thickness of the at least two facing layers of mounting material and the first magnet define a first height; and

a cover that encloses the display platform, the cover having a transparent surface that permits viewing the at least one display piece when the cover is closed and when the display piece is secured to the display platform.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sheet of mounting material is further arranged and configured to form a second display piece, wherein when the second display piece is assembled the second display piece includes at least three facing layers of mounting material fastened together and at least a second magnet fastened to one of the at least three facing layers of mounting material, wherein the second magnet is arranged and configured to secure the display piece to the display platform, wherein a second combined thickness of the at least three facing layers of mounting material and the second magnet define a second height.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting material includes an adhesive layer.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the adhesive layer of the mounting material is covered by a removable sheet.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a metal insert is magnetically attached to the display platform, the metal insert substantially covering a surface of the display platform.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein a paper insert is fastened to a surface of the metal insert, the paper insert substantially covering the surface of the metal insert.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pre-cut border mats.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more display signs, each display sign being arranged and configured for insertion into slots in the display platform external to the cover when the cover is in a closed position enclosing a portion of the display platform.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the mounting material is foam board, a fiber board, a cardboard, a paper sheet, or a combination thereof.

11. A kit for displaying memorabilia in a display case, the kit comprising:

one or more sheets of mounting material, each sheet of mounting material being separable into two or more sections, the two or more sections being defined by a template indicated on the mounting material; and

one or more pieces of magnetic material,

wherein the plurality of sections are arranged and configured to be assembled into two or more display pieces of varying height, wherein when the display pieces are assembled, each of the display pieces include at least two stacked sections of the mounting material and at least one of the one or more pieces of magnetic material.

12. The kit of claim 11, wherein at least one of the patterns is the size of standard size photograph.

13. The kit of claim 11, wherein the one or more pieces of magnetic material include at least one strip of magnetic material and at least one magnetic disk.

14. The kit of claim 11, wherein a surface of the one or more sheets of mounting material includes an adhesive layer.

15. The kit of claim 11, further comprising four or more pre-cut border mats, each one or the four or more pre-cut border mats sized to fit about a perimeter of the display case.

16. The kit of claim 11, wherein the mounting material is foam board.

17. The kit of claim 11, wherein the mounting material is fiber board.

18. A display case for displaying memorabilia, the display case comprising:

a display platform including a front surface, rear surface, a top, and a bottom, the display platform including at least one slot;

a metal insert secured to the front surface of the display platform, the metal insert substantially covering the front surface of the platform;

a transparent cover hingedly connected to the display platform; and

a display sign insert arranged and configured to be supported by the display platform at the at least one slot, wherein when the display sign insert is supported by the display platform and when the transparent cover is in a closed position, the display sign insert is external to an interior space between the transparent cover and the display platform.

19. The display case of claim 18, wherein the transparent cover has a shape selected from the group comprising a domed shape, a square shape, and a rectangular shape.

20. The display case of claim 18, wherein the display platform further comprises a second slot arranged about the bottom of the display platform, the second slot being arranged and configured to receive a support bracket of a stand.