Abstract:
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.

Description:
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. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an impression system within the scope of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a paw of an animal being placed into the foam of the impression system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an impression of a pet paw retained in the foam of the impression system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the impression system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative view of the impression system of  FIG. 4  with the bottom view of the cover with the impression system in an open position. 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of the impression system of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the impression system of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a sectional side view of the impression system of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view of a corner of the impression system of the present invention in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is another side internal view of the impression system of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an impression system within the scope of the present invention in which the impression system has a cover with upper and lower lids; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the lower lid of the cover in the impression system of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the underside of the lower lid of the cover of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the underside of the lower lid of the cover of  FIG. 10  with a transparent insert; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the case for receiving a foam; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the lower lid of the cover and the case assembled; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the underside of the upper lid of the cover; and 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the underside of the upper lid of the cover with a transparent insert. 
     
    
    
     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 in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 1 , an impression system  10  is shown in an exploded view illustrating the various components thereof. The impression system  10  comprises a case  12  and a cover  14 . The cover  14  has an opening  60  for a viewing pane or window  16 . The cover  14  optionally includes a display area for receiving a memento, such as a poem, photograph, or other piece of memorabilia. Alternatively, the cover  14  is solid or opaque. The cover  14  is attached to the case  12  by hinge  18  so that the cover  14  can be opened and closed accordingly. A foam  100  is disposed inside the case  12 . The foam  100  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. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , case  12  is rectangular in shape having four sidewalls  20  with an overhang or edge  22  on the upper surface thereof. It is within the scope of the present invention that the case  12  is 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 case  12  is 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 cavity  28  is defined by the sidewalls  20  and is suitable for receiving the foam  100 . The cavity  28  is defined by a base or floor  30  and inside surfaces  32  of side walls  20 . A lip  24  extends from the edge  22  at one end of the case  12  for ease of opening and closing of the cover  14 . At the opposite end of the case  12 , the sidewall  20  includes a hinge support  34  that defines a channel  36  for receiving a rod or bolt  58 . As discussed in detail below, the bolt  58  hingedly supports and secures the cover  14  to the case  12 . 
     The cover  14  includes a frame  52  that fits the dimensions of the case  12 . The frame  52  is shown as a separate element, but it is contemplated that the frame  52  could be formed integrally with one or more other elements comprising the cover  14 . The frame  52  includes at least one hinge support  54  that defines a channel  56  for receiving the bolt  58  such that the bolt can be inserted through channel  56  and channel  36  to secure the frame  52  to the case  12  and allow for hinged rotation of the frame about an axis of rotation defined by the bolt  58 . The frame  52  includes a lip  68  that extends inwardly from the outer edges of the frame  52 , and the lip defines an opening  60  that is preferably sized so that an impression made in the foam  100  is viewable through the opening  60  when the frame  52  of cover  14  is in a closed a position over the foam. The opening  60  also 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 foam  100 . The frame  52  also defines a plurality of threaded channels  64  that are spaced around the perimeter of the frame  52  for securing screws. 
     The window  16 , which is preferably rigid and formed from glass or a polymeric material, such as plexiglass or other acrylic, is removably attached to the frame  52 . The window  16  is preferably clear, but could be tinted, partially opaque, or fully opaque. It is optionally formed integrally with one or more elements of the frame  52  and/or cover  14 , and optionally forms part of the display area for receiving or displaying a memento. A plurality of openings  82  are defined by the window  16  and positioned to cooperate with the threaded channels  64  of the frame  52 . A frame support  70  attaches to the frame  52  and holds the window  16  in place. The frame support  70  includes a frame rail(s)  72  defining a plurality of threaded channels (not shown) through which a screw(s)  76  engages and extends through the threaded channel(s), openings  82  of the window  16 , and the threaded channels  64  of the frame  52 . The window  16  is thus held in place between frame support  70  and the lip  68  of frame  52 . Other structures and methods of securing the window  16  are also possible, such as by using adhesives, friction fits, tabs, or other devices. 
     The frame  52  also includes a flange  86  having a recessed portion  88  at one end opposite the hinge support  54 . The flange  86  extends along three sides of the frame  52  and is positioned to correspond with the edges  22  of case  12 . In particular, the flange  86  interfaces with the edge  22  in an interference or frictional fit when the cover  14  is moved to a closed position in order to secure the cover  14  to the case  12 . The cover  14  is secured to the case  12  by use, for example, of a latch, lock, or other closure mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the method of using the impression system  10  of the present invention is set forth herein. To open, cover  14  is pivoted away from the case  12 , exposing the impression surface  102  of the foam  100  located in the case  12 . 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 foam  100 . The paw P or other object of which an impression is to be made is positioned over the foam  100 , noting the orientation of the paw relative to the case  12  and cover  14  (portrait or landscape). The paw P is guided onto the impression surface  102  and pressure is applied, such as from the pad of the paw P up to the toes and claws, to form an imprint  106 . Care should be taken so that the paw is not pushed all the way to the base  30  of the case  12  so as not to cause any undesired displacement of the foam  100 . Advantageously, the foam  100  substantially retains the imprint  106  after pressure is removed. The method of using the system of the present invention requires heating steps or down time for heating or drying. 
     The foam  100  is 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 to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the impression system of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the impression system comprises a case  42 , a cover  44 , and a viewing pane or window  46 . The impression system of  FIG. 4  does 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 of  FIG. 1 . The impression system of  FIG. 4  provides 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. 5  is an illustrative view of the impression system of  FIG. 4  with the bottom view of the cover with the impression system in an open position. It is noted that retention fins  43  are present to hold the foam in place.  FIG. 6A  is a top view of the impression system of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6B  is a side view of the impression system of  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6C  is a sectional side view of the impression system of  FIG. 6A . These views illustrate the simplified construction of the cover and the case by which they matingly engage one another. 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view of a corner of the impression system of the present invention in a closed position. 
       FIG. 8  is another side internal view of the impression system of  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring to the figures,  FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the impression system. In  FIG. 9 , impression system  200  is shown. The impression system  200  has a case  212  and a cover  214 . The cover  214  has an upper lid  216  and a lower lid  218 . A foam (not shown) is disposed inside the case  212 . 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. 10  is a perspective view of the lower lid  218  of the cover  214  in the impression system of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the underside of the lower lid  218  of the cover of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the underside of the lower lid  218  of the cover of  FIG. 10  with a transparent insert  220 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the case  212  having a cavity  228  for receiving a foam. The cavity is defined by a base or floor  230  and inside surfaces  232  of side walls  234 . The case also comprises retention fins  236  to hold the foam in place. Also, shown is a channel  240  for receiving a rod or bolt or other connector to attach the case  212  to the lower lid  218 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the lower lid  218  of the cover assembled with the case  212 . Also, shown is a channel  242  for receiving a rod or bolt or other connector to attach the upper lid (not shown) to the lower lid  218 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the underside of the upper lid  216  of the cover. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the underside of the upper lid  216  of the cover with a transparent insert  220 . 
     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.