Abstract:
A keepsake apparatus can be used for special events, for example, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthdays, and special promotional collections or donations. More particularly, the keepsake apparatus, which is configured to replicated a building connected to an event, provides a repository for articles, such as gift envelopes or money, in a secure manner while providing a decorative keepsake of the event.

Description:
[0001]    This is a non-provisional application based upon an earlier filed provisional application, Ser. No. 60/189,559 filed Mar. 15, 2000. The present invention relates to a keepsake apparatus for use in special events, for example, weddings, bar mitzvahs, anniversary gifts, birthdays, and special promotional collections or donations. More particularly, the present invention provides a keepsake apparatus for holding articles, such as gift-envelopes and money, in a secure manner while providing a decorative keepsake of the event. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0002]    [0002]FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0003]    [0003]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0004]    [0004]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illuminated embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0005]    [0005]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with a drawer.  
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view, partially exploded, of an embodiment of the present invention showing a removable panel. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0007]    As shown in FIGS.  1  to  5 , the present invention comprises a keepsake apparatus  10  in a general container shape, preferably comprising at least three walls  12  and a top  14  and a bottom  16 . In one of the walls  12  or top  14  is a slot  18  through which articles  20  can be inserted. For example, envelopes or money may be inserted into the apparatus  10  of the present invention through said slot  18 . The slot  18  should be of sufficient size to allow easy entrance of articles  20 , such as money or envelopes, while at the same time providing security for and preventing unlimited access to said articles  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the at least one slot  18  is one quarter to one inch wide and approximately seven to nine inches in length.  
         [0008]    The present invention preferably includes a door  22  in the top  14 , bottom  16  or one of the walls  12  of the apparatus  10 . Such doors should be of such shape and configuration to provide access to the interior portion of the keepsake apparatus  10  when opened for easy removal of articles  20  inserted into the apparatus  10 . The door  22  may or may not have a locking mechanism for locking the door  22 . Such locking mechanism can include any kind of mechanical or electrical lock known in the art.  
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment, the keepsake apparatus  10  of the present invention is configured to replicate a building in which a special event occurs. For example, in the case of a wedding, the keepsake apparatus  10  may be configured to replicate the church or chapel where the wedding ceremony occurs. The keepsake apparatus  10  may include replicas of any architectual features of the building, including but not limited to stained glass window(s)  24 , bell tower  26 , steeple  28 , etc. See FIGS. 1 and 4.  
         [0010]    As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top  14  of the keepsake apparatus  10  may be hinged to allow access to articles  20  inserted into the keepsake apparatus  10 . In addition, the top  14  may be removably attached by other means known in the art or it may be permanently attached to the walls  12 . In addition, one or more of the walls  12  may be hinged either to another wall  12  or to the top  14  of the keepsake apparatus  10 .  
         [0011]    As shown in FIG. 3, the keepsake apparatus  10  in the present invention may also have a drawer located in a bottom portion of said keepsake apparatus  10  that allows for easy removal of articles  20  contained in said apparatus  10 .  
         [0012]    The keepsake apparatus  10  may be illuminated from within the apparatus  10 . Illuminating means are well-known in the art. For example, a candle may be used to illuminate the keepsake apparatus  10 , or a light socket  32  with either an electrical cord or battery operated may be contained within the keepsake apparatus  10 . The keepsake apparatus  10  may also be used as a night-light.  
         [0013]    In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more panels within the keepsake apparatus  10  may be removable. A panel  34 , such as a panel with a slot or a picture frame panel or a window-replica panel, can be slid out of position in the keepsake apparatus  10  and replaced with another panel  34 . For example, a panel with a slot that allows envelopes or money to be put into the keepsake apparatus  10  may be removed and replaced after an event with a picture frame panel that can hold a photograph. The picture frame panel can hold a paper backed photograph or a film-based photograph, similar to a slide. Such panels can be held in place by a securing piece  36  attached to the keepsake apparatus  10  by screws  38  or any other removable means of attachment. Other means of securing the panel  34  in the keepsake apparatus  10  will be apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0014]    A keepsake apparatus  10  of the present invention may be made of wood, cardboard, glass, ceramic, tile, plastic, metal any material with sufficient structural integrity to allow construction of the apparatus  10 , or any combination thereof. It may be decorated and configured in any manner, including having decorative features such as stained glass windows in chapels, clocks, bells, etc.  
         [0015]    The present invention provides a secure container for gifts, donations, etc. at, for example, gatherings or a social function. Furthermore because it can be configured to replicate some building or other item with sentimental value, it provides a decorative keepsake and memento of a special occasion.