Impression system

An impression system is provided for capturing an anatomical impression of an animal. The impression system comprises a foam that substantially retains an impression after application of pressure and subsequent removal of pressure and a case having a recessed area for receiving the foam and a case for retaining the foam therein. The system further comprises a cover having a viewing pane attachable to the case for providing viewing of the foam when closed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an impression system for a pet, more particularly to an impression system as a keepsake for a pet owner to memorialize a pet or other animal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The pet industry is a growing industry. For the time and expense that many people devote to their pets, it is often desirable to a pet owner to memorialize their pet, living or deceased. One such memento is a paw print of the animal.

A typical way of making a paw imprint is by utilizing a clay type solution comprising hot water, salt, cold water and cornstarch. The ingredients must be boiled and combined, and then whisked constantly until the mixture becomes a stiff dough. The dough is then kneaded until firm, and then rolled into the desired shape or placed into a presentation case. For these types of impression kits, once the paw imprint is made in the clay or dough, the clay must air dry or bake for up to 48 hours. This causes significant delay and additional cost in creating the keepsake. If an oven is used to bake and permanently secure the imprint in the clay, this step must be performed prior to the clay being inserted into the presentation case so as not to melt or otherwise damage the presentation case. In addition, this step requires the use of an oven, which adds further expense to creating the keepsake. Accordingly, a need exists for an impression system that overcomes existing disadvantages such as increased drying cycle time, use of additional equipment such as ovens and/or dryers, and increased energy costs for additional processing steps. These needs are addressed by the impression system of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An impression system is provided for capturing and for display of an anatomical impression of an animal. The impression system comprises: a foam that substantially retains an impression after application of pressure and subsequent removal of pressure, and a case having a recessed area for receiving the foam. The impression system further comprises a cover having a viewing pane and a case for containing the foam inside of the case.

As such, the system of the present invention serves as a keepsake or memento of an alive or a deceased pet or other animal. The system provides a display for an impression of an animal paw and optionally for other memorabilia or keepsakes. The system of the present invention overcomes the difficulties associated with clay impression mediums in order to create an easy to assemble and lasting keepsake for a pet owner.

As a feature of the invention, the impression system comprises a cover having a viewing pane or window. The viewing pane or window is comprised of a transparent material. The transparent material is preferably rigid. The viewing pane or window is formed as part of or affixed to the cover. The cover is attachable to the case, for example, by a hinge such that the cover pivots between an open and closed position. Alternatively, the cover is snapped or slid onto or otherwise affixed to the case. When in the closed position, the cover is secured to the case. As another feature of the present invention, the cover optionally comprises an upper lid and a lower lid. Each of the upper lid and the lower lid is independently pivotable between an open and closed position. The upper lid is inserted in the lower lid.

As another feature of the present invention, the foam is a podiatric foam. The foam is formulated to receive an imprint on the surface of the foam by applying pressure. Advantageously, the foam of the present invention substantially retains the impression without additional steps to secure the impression therein. As such, no additional heating or drying steps are needed. In one embodiment, the foam comprises an expanded phenolic plastic, such as a fine-celled, thermoset phenolic plastic foam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and the following written description of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the detailed description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. This disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended nor is it to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations or variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by claims that pended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Referring to the figures, an impression system is shown inFIG. 1. InFIG. 1, an impression system10is shown in an exploded view illustrating the various components thereof. The impression system10comprises a case12and a cover14. The cover14has an opening60for a viewing pane or window16. The cover14optionally includes a display area for receiving a memento, such as a poem, photograph, or other piece of memorabilia. Alternatively, the cover14is solid or opaque. The cover14is attached to the case12by hinge18so that the cover14can be opened and closed accordingly. A foam100is disposed inside the case12. The foam100is of a type suitable to receive an imprint or an impression in the foam by application of force, such as by pressing the paw of an animal thereupon, and to substantially retain the impression after subsequent removal of pressure.

As shown inFIG. 1, case12is rectangular in shape having four sidewalls20with an overhang or edge22on the upper surface thereof. It is within the scope of the present invention that the case12is of different shapes and sizes. An example of dimensions for an impression system having a rectangular shape is approximately 5 inches in length by 4 inches in width by 1 inch in height. However, an impression system, including those having a rectangular shape, is of any dimensions. The case12is constructed out of any number and type of materials, including but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass, polymeric materials, wood, paper, or any combination thereof. A cavity28is defined by the sidewalls20and is suitable for receiving the foam100. The cavity28is defined by a base or floor30and inside surfaces32of side walls20. A lip24extends from the edge22at one end of the case12for ease of opening and closing of the cover14. At the opposite end of the case12, the sidewall20includes a hinge support34that defines a channel36for receiving a rod or bolt58. As discussed in detail below, the bolt58hingedly supports and secures the cover14to the case12.

The cover14includes a frame52that fits the dimensions of the case12. The frame52is shown as a separate element, but it is contemplated that the frame52could be formed integrally with one or more other elements comprising the cover14. The frame52includes at least one hinge support54that defines a channel56for receiving the bolt58such that the bolt can be inserted through channel56and channel36to secure the frame52to the case12and allow for hinged rotation of the frame about an axis of rotation defined by the bolt58. The frame52includes a lip68that extends inwardly from the outer edges of the frame52, and the lip defines an opening60that is preferably sized so that an impression made in the foam100is viewable through the opening60when the frame52of cover14is in a closed a position over the foam. The opening60also provides for a display area for receiving or displaying a memento, such as a photo or other memorabilia and for display of the impression in the foam100. The frame52also defines a plurality of threaded channels64that are spaced around the perimeter of the frame52for securing screws.

The window16, which is preferably rigid and formed from glass or a polymeric material, such as plexiglass or other acrylic, is removably attached to the frame52. The window16is preferably clear, but could be tinted, partially opaque, or fully opaque. It is optionally formed integrally with one or more elements of the frame52and/or cover14, and optionally forms part of the display area for receiving or displaying a memento. A plurality of openings82are defined by the window16and positioned to cooperate with the threaded channels64of the frame52. A frame support70attaches to the frame52and holds the window16in place. The frame support70includes a frame rail(s)72defining a plurality of threaded channels (not shown) through which a screw(s)76engages and extends through the threaded channel(s), openings82of the window16, and the threaded channels64of the frame52. The window16is thus held in place between frame support70and the lip68of frame52. Other structures and methods of securing the window16are also possible, such as by using adhesives, friction fits, tabs, or other devices.

The frame52also includes a flange86having a recessed portion88at one end opposite the hinge support54. The flange86extends along three sides of the frame52and is positioned to correspond with the edges22of case12. In particular, the flange86interfaces with the edge22in an interference or frictional fit when the cover14is moved to a closed position in order to secure the cover14to the case12. The cover14is secured to the case12by use, for example, of a latch, lock, or other closure mechanism.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the method of using the impression system10of the present invention is set forth herein. To open, cover14is pivoted away from the case12, exposing the impression surface102of the foam100located in the case12. A protective sheet or other protective material (not shown) is optionally present. The protective sheet, if present, is removed prior to creating an impression in the foam100. The paw P or other object of which an impression is to be made is positioned over the foam100, noting the orientation of the paw relative to the case12and cover14(portrait or landscape). The paw P is guided onto the impression surface102and pressure is applied, such as from the pad of the paw P up to the toes and claws, to form an imprint106. Care should be taken so that the paw is not pushed all the way to the base30of the case12so as not to cause any undesired displacement of the foam100. Advantageously, the foam100substantially retains the imprint106after pressure is removed. The method of using the system of the present invention requires heating steps or down time for heating or drying.

The foam100is of a type suitable to receive an imprint or an impression by application of force and to substantially retain the impression after subsequent removal of pressure. Preferably, the retention of the impression in the foam is permanent. Other desirable properties of the foam include, but are not limited to, compressible, ease of handling, durable, non-toxic, anti-bacterial, moisture-proof, and a combination thereof. Among the types of foams that are particularly suitable are moisture-proof, closed-cell, or fine-celled foams such as dry podiatric foams. An example of a commercially available dry podiatric foam is BIO-FOAM® foam from Smithers-Oasis Company. A suitable chemical composition for such a foam is an expanded phenolic plastic. The foam optionally comprises additives, catalysts, or other chemicals, including but not limited to barium sulfate and formaldehyde.

Referring toFIG. 4,FIG. 4is a perspective view of another embodiment of the impression system of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4, the impression system comprises a case42, a cover44, and a viewing pane or window46. The impression system ofFIG. 4does not require a hinge having a channel for receiving a bolt or rod for attachment of the cover to the case as in the embodiment ofFIG. 1. The impression system ofFIG. 4provides an alternative approach for attachment of the cover to the lid by providing a built-in, compatible slotted construction of the case, the cover, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5is an illustrative view of the impression system ofFIG. 4with the bottom view of the cover with the impression system in an open position. It is noted that retention fins43are present to hold the foam in place.FIG. 6Ais a top view of the impression system ofFIG. 4.FIG. 6Bis a side view of the impression system ofFIG. 6A.FIG. 6Cis a sectional side view of the impression system ofFIG. 6A. These views illustrate the simplified construction of the cover and the case by which they matingly engage one another.

FIG. 7is an enlarged sectional view of a corner of the impression system of the present invention in a closed position.

FIG. 8is another side internal view of the impression system ofFIG. 4.

Referring to the figures,FIG. 9illustrates another embodiment of the impression system. InFIG. 9, impression system200is shown. The impression system200has a case212and a cover214. The cover214has an upper lid216and a lower lid218. A foam (not shown) is disposed inside the case212. As discussed herein, the foam is of a type suitable to receive an imprint or an impression in the foam by application of force, such as by pressing the paw of an animal thereupon, and to substantially retain the impression after subsequent removal of pressure.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the lower lid218of the cover214in the impression system ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of the underside of the lower lid218of the cover ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of the underside of the lower lid218of the cover ofFIG. 10with a transparent insert220.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of the case212having a cavity228for receiving a foam. The cavity is defined by a base or floor230and inside surfaces232of side walls234. The case also comprises retention fins236to hold the foam in place. Also, shown is a channel240for receiving a rod or bolt or other connector to attach the case212to the lower lid218.

FIG. 14is a perspective view of the lower lid218of the cover assembled with the case212. Also, shown is a channel242for receiving a rod or bolt or other connector to attach the upper lid (not shown) to the lower lid218.

FIG. 15is a perspective view of the underside of the upper lid216of the cover.

FIG. 16is a perspective view of the underside of the upper lid216of the cover with a transparent insert220.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. For example, it is within the scope of the present invention that instead of placing the actual paw of the pet on the foam, a mold or scan of the paw could be used to transfer an impression into the foam. In addition, the impression system could be used as an additional product or sales and marketing tool for veterinarians, animal breeders, shelters, and other businesses that treat, sell, and/or assist in the adoption of new animals. In particular, these or other businesses could create an impression of the animal as a memento to capture a particular moment or event, such as a pet adoption or birth. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.