US20190112117A1

US20190112117A1 - Keepsake box

Info

Publication number: US20190112117A1
Application number: US16/157,049
Authority: US
Inventors: Melinda Pruitt
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-18
Filing date: 2018-10-10
Publication date: 2019-04-18

Abstract

A keepsake box is disclosed. The keepsake box includes a box housing, a capsule housing removably positioned within the box housing, and at least one tray removably positioned within the capsule housing. The keepsake box provides parents with the capability to save their baby's most cherished possessions, eventually passing them onto the child when he or she becomes an adult.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/547,488 filed Aug. 18, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of receptacles and more specifically relates to a receptacle for storing keepsakes therein.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Individuals may collect or retain various types of memorabilia, such as, for example, memorabilia related to items or events of interest, relative personal importance, and/or financial significance. Currently, many parents store their babies' first possessions, like shoes, jewelry, book, photo album, special outfit, and blanket, in a cardboard box, only to get lost and tucked away in a musty basement or cluttered attic. Some parents, especially new ones, may not even think to save these possessions, unaware of the meaning they will have years later. Additionally, some parents and children may drift apart as they grow older, losing the bond they once had. An effective alternative is needed.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,108,791 to Stephanie L. Shirkey relates to a memorabilia storage device. The described memorabilia storage device includes a memorabilia storage device for storing a plurality of items. The storage device may include a housing that has at least one sidewall that generally defines a cavity and a lid. The storage device may also include a sleeve that is configured for placement within the cavity. The sleeve is configured to receive a plurality of content holders. The plurality of content holders may have a variety of different shapes, sizes, and configurations so as to be capable of storing a variety of different types of memorabilia. Additionally, various different combinations of the different sized content holders may be stored in the storage device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because of disadvantages inherent in the known receptacles art, the present disclosure provides a novel keepsake box. The general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide parents with a capacity to save their baby's most cherished possessions, eventually passing them on to the baby when he or she becomes an adult.
A keepsake box is disclosed. The keepsake box includes a box housing which may include a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, and four side walls. The box housing may further include a box lid removably covering the box top, the box lid may include a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the box lid to the box housing. A capsule housing may be removably contained within the box capacity. The capsule housing may include a capsule capacity defined by an outer shell, a capsule bottom, and a capsule top. The capsule housing may further include a capsule lid removably covering the capsule top. Further, at least one tray may be removably positioned within the capsule capacity. The at least one tray may include a tray capacity configured to store at least one item.
A method of using the keepsake box is also disclosed herein. The method of using the keepsake box may comprise the steps of providing the keepsake box as above, unlocking the box lid via the locking mechanism, opening the box lid, removing the capsule housing from the box capacity, opening the capsule lid, removing the at least one tray from the capsule capacity, placing the at least one item within the tray capacity, positioning the at least one tray back within the capsule capacity, closing the capsule lid, inserting the capsule housing back into the box capacity, closing the box lid, and locking the box lid via the locking mechanism.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a keepsake box, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the keepsake box during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cut-away perspective view of the keepsake box of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of use for keepsake box, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will be described in the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to receptacles and more particularly to a keepsake box as used to improve the receptacle for storing keepsakes therein.
Generally, a treasure box may include a lock on an exterior. On an interior, the box may have a removable capsule with compartmental trays to preserve and protect possessions from damage or destruction, unlike standard cardboard boxes. This may further enhance the bond between parents and children as they grow older. The treasure box may comprise a time capsule for parents to save special baby items, including a baby's first pair of shoes, jewelry, a photo album, a baby's first book, a special outfit, and more.
The treasure box may measure 10 inches wide, 10 inches high and 8 inches in depth. An exterior of the treasure box may resemble a treasure box with a lock on the front, with accompanying key. The treasure box may include a hinged-lid which may allow the treasure box to be open and closed often. Inside the box may be a tube-shaped capsule. The capsule may have a lid and may be opened on the top. Ribbon located on sides of the capsule may assist users in its removal by simply pulling up. The capsule may open to reveal two compartmental trays, creating three layers of storage space. On sides of the trays, looped ribbons may be located and again may assist users in their removal.
A first tray may measure approximately 2 inches in depth and may accommodate a photo album, favorite book, or other similar book or album. However, it should be appreciated that other dimensions are contemplated. A second tray may also measure 2 inches in depth and may be divided into 5-6 compartments to accommodate items, such as a baby's first pair of shoes, jewelry, or any special item the parents think are noteworthy to save. The third layer, or the empty space on the bottom of the capsule, may accommodate a special outfit, a small blanket, or a baby's favorite small stuffed toy. The bottom of the capsule may measure 4 inches in depth. The first tray and the second tray may be designed to lock into each other. Further, the second tray may be positioned above a lever to hold up the tray and create the third layer.
Further, on a top of the box, there may be a logo “BBOX: Baby Box, a collection of giggles, hugs, and kisses.” Further, on top of the box may be a line for a baby's name and date of birth to personalize the box. When the box is opened, parents may be able to see the capsule. While the box in time capsule may have any color, in some examples the box or time capsule may have a color selected from baby blue, pastel pink, pastel green, white, or soft tan. The time capsule may match the box's color. Each box may be covered in a soft matching-colored linen to protect the box and capsule and strengthen its durability. The treasure box may include a high gloss appearance constructed from a white cedar wood, similar to a vinyl appearance. The exact specifications may vary on manufacturing.
Referring more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, FIGS. 1-5 show various views of a keepsake box 100.
FIG. 1 shows a keepsake box 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the keepsake box 100 may include a box housing 110, a capsule housing 120, and at least one tray 130. As shown, the keepsake box 100 may be used for storing at least one item 5. The at least one item 5 may be memorabilia; particularly, memorabilia associated with the life and growth of a baby.
According to one embodiment, the keepsake box 100 may be arranged as a kit 105. The kit 105 may include a set of user instructions 107. The instructions 107 may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the keepsake box 100 (such that the keepsake box 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner).
FIGS. 2A-2B show front-side perspective views of the keepsake box 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The box housing 110 may include a box capacity 112 defined by a box bottom 114, a box top 116, and four side walls 118. The box housing 110 may further include an outer surface 144 that may be covered in a protective material 119 configured to not only protect the outer surface 144 of the box housing 110 but also to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In one embodiment, the protective material 119 may be a linen material. In other embodiments, the protective material 119 may be silk, satin, cotton, etc. Further, the box housing 110 may include a high gloss appearance.
As shown, the outer surface 144 of the box housing 110 may include name indicia 115. This name indicia 115 may be the baby's full name, nickname, initials, etc. Further, the outer surface 144 of the box housing 110 may further include data indicia 117. This data indicia 117 may be a date of birth of the baby. Further, as mentioned above, the outer surface 144 of the box housing 110 may include a logo. The logo may read: “BBOX: Baby Box, a collection of giggles, hugs, and kisses.”
The box housing 110 may further include a box lid 111 removably covering the box top 116. In one embodiment, the box lid 111 may be attached to the box housing 110 via a hinge (not shown). The box lid 111 may include a locking mechanism 113 configured to selectively lock the box lid 111 to the box housing 110. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 113 may be a lock and key. More than one key may be provided for providing a plurality of users with access to the box housing 110 (for example, a mother, a father, and the baby). In other embodiments, more than one lock may be provided with different keys so that opening the box housing 110 requires more than one key. Other locking mechanisms 113 may also be contemplated such as keycards, tokens, coins, etc., and biometric sensors or data such as fingerprints, face scans, eye scans, etc.
FIG. 3 shows a front-side perspective view of the keepsake box 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The capsule housing 120 may be removably contained within the box capacity 112. The capsule housing 120 including a capsule capacity 122 defined by an outer shell 124, a capsule bottom 126 and a capsule top 128. The capsule housing may further include a capsule lid 121 removably covering the capsule top 128. The outer shell 124 of the capsule housing 120 may include a first removal means 123 configured to aid in removal of the capsule housing 120 from the box capacity 112. In one embodiment, the first removal means 123 may be a ribbon. Preferably, the capsule housing 120 may include two ribbons located on opposite sides of the capsule housing 120 to allow a user to grasp the ribbons and pull to remove the capsule housing 120 from the box capacity 112. In one embodiment, the capsule housing 120 may include a tube shape. Further, the capsule housing 120 may include characteristics similar to the box housing 110, such as materials, appearance, color, design, etc.
FIGS. 4A-4B show top and cutaway perspective views of the keepsake box 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The at least one tray 130 may be removably positioned within the capsule capacity 122 and may include a tray capacity 132 configured to store the at least one item 5. As discussed above, the at least one item 5 may be the memorabilia associated with the life and growth of a baby such as a first pair of shoes, jewelry, a photo album, a baby's first book, a special outfit, etc. In one embodiment, the at least one tray 130 may comprise a first tray 134 and a second tray 136. In one embodiment, the first tray 134 and the second tray 136 may be configured to lock together.
The first tray 134 may include a depth 131 of at least 2 inches sized and configured to accommodate the photo album, a baby's first book, or other similarly sized items. However, other sizes are contemplated for the first tray 134. The second tray 136 may be divided into at least two compartments 133. Preferably, the second tray 136 may include between 5-7 compartments. But the number of compartments is not limited to a minimum of 2 or a maximum of 7. These compartments may accommodate items such as a first pair of shoes, jewelry, or any special item. In addition, as shown, the first tray 134 may include a second removal means 142 configured to aid in removal of the first tray 134 from the capsule capacity 122, and similarly, the second tray 136 may include a third removal means 143 configured to aid in removal of the second tray 136 from the capsule capacity 122. Preferably, the second removal means 142 and the third removal means 143 may be looped ribbon. There may be the looped ribbon located at opposite sides of the first tray 134 and the second tray 136 to act as handles for the user to grasp and pull.
As shown, the first tray 134 and the second 136 together may define three storage levels 135 within the capsule housing 120 when removably contained within the capsule capacity 122. The three storage levels may include a first storage level 137—and the first tray 134 may define the first storage level 137, a second storage level—and the second tray 136 may define the second storage level 138, and a third storage level 139—and the third storage level 139 may be defined by a space 141 between the second tray 136 and the capsule bottom 126. This space 141 may be used to store items such as a special outfit, a small blanket, a stuffed animal/toy, etc. In one embodiment, the second tray 136 may sit atop a lever to hold the second tray 136 and create the space 141 defining the third storage level 139.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 550 illustrating a method of using a keepsake box 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method of using a keepsake box 500 may include the steps of providing 501 the keepsake box 100 as above; unlocking 502 the box lid 111 via the locking mechanism 113; opening 503 the box lid 111; removing 504 the capsule housing 120 from the box capacity 112; opening 505 the capsule lid 121; removing 506 the at least one tray 130 from the capsule capacity 122; placing 507 the at least one item 5 within the tray capacity 132; positioning 508 the at least one tray 130 back within the capsule capacity 122; closing 509 the capsule lid 121; inserting 510 the capsule housing 120 back into the box capacity 112; closing 511 the box lid 111; and locking 512 the box lid 111 via the locking mechanism 113.
It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Not all embodiments necessarily use all steps. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for keepsake box 100 (e.g., different step orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc.), are taught herein.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A keepsake box comprising:

a box housing including a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, and four side walls, and further including a box lid removably covering the box top and including a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the box lid to the box housing;

a capsule housing removably contained within the box capacity and including a capsule capacity defined by an outer shell, a capsule bottom, and a capsule top, and further including a capsule lid removably covering the capsule top;

and

at least one tray removably positioned within the capsule capacity and including a tray capacity configured to store at least one item.

2. The keepsake box of claim 1 wherein the at least one tray comprises a first tray and a second tray.

3. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the first tray and the second tray together define first, second, and third storage levels within the capsule housing when contained within the capsule capacity.

4. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the first tray has a depth of at least 2 inches.

5. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the second tray is divided into at least two compartments.

6. The keepsake box of claim 5 wherein the second tray includes between 5-7 compartments.

7. The keepsake box of claim 3 wherein the first tray defines the first storage level.

8. The keepsake box of claim 3 wherein the second tray defines the second storage level.

9. The keepsake box of claim 3 wherein a space between the second tray and the capsule bottom defines the third storage level.

10. The keepsake box of claim 1 wherein the outer shell of the capsule housing includes a first removal means configured to aid in removing the capsule housing.

11. The keepsake box of claim 10 wherein the first removal means is a ribbon.

12. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the first tray includes a second removal means configured to aid in removing the first tray.

13. The keepsake box of claim 2 wherein the second tray includes a third removal means configured to aid in removing the second tray.

14. The keepsake box of claim 13 wherein the second removal means and the third removal means are a looped ribbon.

15. The keepsake box of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the box housing includes name indicia.

16. The keepsake box of claim 15 wherein the outer surface of the box housing further includes date indicia.

17. The keepsake box of claim 1 wherein a protective material covers the outer surface of the box housing.

18. A keepsake box comprising:

a box housing including a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, and four side walls and further including a box lid removably covering the box top, the box lid including a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the box lid to the box housing;

a capsule housing removably contained within the box capacity and including a capsule capacity defined by an outer shell, a capsule bottom and a capsule top, and further including a capsule lid removably covering the capsule top, the outer shell of the capsule housing including a first removal means configured to aid in removing the capsule housing;

a first tray removably positioned within the capsule capacity and including a first tray capacity configured to store at least one item, the first tray further including a second removal means configured to aid in removing the first tray;

and

a second tray removably positioned within the capsule capacity and including a second tray capacity configured to store another at least one item and further including a third removal means configured to aid in removing the second tray, the second tray being divided into at least two compartments,

wherein

the first tray and the second tray define first, second, and third storage levels within the capsule housing when disposed in the capsule capacity,

the first tray defines the first storage level,

the second tray defines the second storage level,

a space between the second tray and the capsule bottom defines the third storage level,

an outer surface of the box housing includes name and date indicia,

and

a protective material covers the outer surface of the box.

19. The keepsake box of claim 18 further comprising a set of instructions wherein the keepsake box and instructions are arranged as a kit.

20. A method of using a keepsake box comprising the steps of:

providing the keepsake box wherein the keepsake box includes:

a box housing including a box capacity defined by a box bottom, a box top, and four side walls, and further including a box lid removably covering the box top, the box lid including a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the box lid to the box housing;

a capsule housing removably contained within the box capacity, the capsule housing including a capsule capacity defined by an outer shell, a capsule bottom, and a capsule top, and further including a capsule lid removably covering the capsule top;

and

at least one tray removably positioned within the capsule capacity, the at least one tray including a tray capacity configured to store at least one item;

unlocking the box lid via the locking mechanism;

opening the box lid;

removing the capsule housing from the box capacity;

opening the capsule lid;

removing the at least one tray from the capsule capacity;

placing the at least one item within the tray capacity;

positioning the at least one tray back within the capsule capacity;

closing the capsule lid;

inserting the capsule housing back into the box capacity;

closing the box lid;

and

locking the box lid via the locking mechanism.