Abstract:
A commemorative coin assembly includes a coin, a decorative component, and a holder that couples the component to the coin. The decorative component may be extended substantially perpendicularly from the coin&#39;s surface in a first position or alternatively inset into an outlined negative space on the coin&#39;s surface in a second position. The commemorative coin assembly depicts a central theme through the incorporation of engravings, etchings, letterings, motifs, numerals, or artistic depictions used on the decorative component or on the faces of the coin itself.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates broadly to decorative coin assemblies. In particular, this invention relates to a coin assembly having a three dimensional aspect. As set forth hereinafter in the specification, for purposes of the specification and claims, the term “coin” as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, shall have a broader meaning than the numismatic meaning and shall mean a small metallic disc having two faces (sides) and a diameter not greater than three inches which provides some intrinsic value to its owner. 
         [0003]    2. State of the Art 
         [0004]    According to the numismatic meaning, coins are generally small pieces of metal, usually flat and circular, issued by a national government for use as money. Although polygonal coins have been used, coins usually range in diameter from about two-thirds of an inch (e.g., a dime) to diameters greater than an inch (e.g. a coined half-dollar or dollar). Coins are sized so that they can easily be carried by an individual. Coins typically have axial thicknesses less than one-tenth of an inch. Thus, coins are generally viewed as being two-dimensional. 
         [0005]    Government issued coins are typically made from metals or metal alloys materials. Typical metals presently used in the production of government issued coins include copper, nickel, and zinc. These metals in turn give the coin a distinctive, recognizable color. Color can be added by thinly plated layers of a metal (e.g. silver) to the surfaces of the coin, although in the past, precious metals have been used for coins to provide intrinsic value to the coin. 
         [0006]    Modern government issued coins may include a number of designs and structural features to yield distinguishing qualities. Coins frequently include uniformly spaced ridges along their sides. Ornamental designs on the faces of coins also add distinguishing qualities including engravings, etchings, letters, numerals, symbols, and artistic depictions. 
         [0007]    As an example, it is common for U.S. government issued coins to include depictions of national themes such as the American eagle, the Capitol building, or images of past U.S. presidents. Another common motif used on some U.S. government issued coins is the inscription “In God We Trust” on one face of the coin. Additionally, U.S. government issued coins are commonly minted with the year of production engraved at the lower portion of one face. These examples when used in combination with one another relate to a common American theme. 
         [0008]    Collectible coins may be legal currency issued by a government to commemorate a particular person, place, or event. As an example, the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin was minted between 1979 and 1981 to commemorate the U.S. women&#39;s suffrage movement. Although not technically a “commemorative” (which according to the numismatist definition is legal currency which is not intended to be used as circulating currency), this collectible coin included an image of Susan B. Anthony below the word “Liberty” and along side the words “In God We Trust” on one face. On the opposite face was an artistic image of an American eagle flying above the moon. Collectively, these elements present a thematic association of the women&#39;s suffrage movement with American ideals. 
         [0009]    Alternatively, a collectible coin may more simply be a souvenir commemorative coin that is not legal currency. Commemorative coins are made in tribute to any desired theme and include artistic depictions, engravings, etchings, or lettering elements to reflect the desired theme. For example, a coin designed to commemorate the first launching of the space shuttle might include an image of the shuttle below the name “Columbia” and the numeral “1981” to represent the year it was first launched. 
         [0010]    Another example of a collectible coin having a decorative, thematic design is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,816 to Lu. The coin of Lu has a hollow space for the insertion of an overlapping dual heart structure. The dual heart structure is affixed to a member attached to the interior surface of the hollow space. Once assembled, this coin can be used as a decorative display or used as a pendant. 
         [0011]    Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that because of their two-dimensional aspect, display apparatuses are often necessary to facilitate display of commemorative coins. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art the desirability of displaying the commemorative features of the coin without the use of a display apparatus. Thus there remains a desire in the art to provide commemorative coin assemblies with different mechanisms for displaying the commemorative aspects of the coin. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a commemorative coin assembly that provides a three-dimensional presentation. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the invention to provide a decorative coin assembly that provides a unique sense of value to the owner. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a decorative coin assembly that has an ornamental structural element that may be extended substantially perpendicularly from the coin&#39;s surface in a first position or alternatively inlaid into an outline on the coin&#39;s surface in a second position. 
         [0015]    In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail below, a decorative coin assembly according to the invention is provided and includes a coin, a component separately formed from the coin, and a means for holding the component in a position relative to the coin. 
         [0016]    The coin of the present invention is preferably round and may have a range of thickness to diameter ratios. It may be composed of any number of alloys or metals such as copper, nickel, or zinc to name a few examples. These metals may in turn cause the coin to assume different colors. Alternatively, the coin may be plated with a second metal to provide a desired appearance. In addition, the coin of the present invention preferably includes lettering or engravings. Further, the coin preferably includes thematic representations and/or structural features. In one embodiment, the coin is provided with an outline which defines a negative space for the inlay of the separately formed component in a first position. 
         [0017]    The separately formed component preferably includes thematic representations and/or structural features and may also include lettering or engravings. The thematic representations, structural features, lettering, engravings, or thematic representations of the component preferably relate to the respective theme of the coin. The separately formed component may also include a fitting element to couple the component to the coin in a second position. 
         [0018]    The means for holding the component is provided to couple the separately formed component to the coin such that the separately formed component can assume a substantially perpendicular position relative to the coin. This holding means may be an additional separately formed support element or may be a part of the coin or component itself. Examples of such support elements include but are not limited to holding pieces, slots, grooves, or notches. 
         [0019]    The decorative coin assembly may also include an easel for the separate display of the second component piece. 
         [0020]    Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the commemorative coin assembly of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the coin and separately formed component of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the commemorative coin of  FIG. 1  without the separately formed component. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the separately formed component. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a holder for the first embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view partially in phantom of a second embodiment of the commemorative coin assembly. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a top view of the commemorative coin and separately formed component of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the commemorative coin and separately formed component of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the commemorative coin of  FIG. 6  without the separately formed inlay component. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the separately formed component of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a top view of a holder useful in conjunction with the separately formed component of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a coin with the holder of  FIG. 10  laying on the coin. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a coin assembly with the coin and holder of  FIG. 11  and the separately formed component of  FIG. 9  in an upright position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of the top of a two part casing for holding a commemorative coin. 
           [0035]      FIG. 13B  is a perspective view of the bottom of a two-part casing for holding a commemorative coin. 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an easel for holding a commemorative coin. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    As previously set forth, for purposes of the specification and claims, the term “coin” as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, shall have a broader meaning than the numismatic meaning and shall mean a small metallic disc having two faces (sides) and a diameter not greater than three inches which provides some intrinsic value to its owner. 
         [0038]    For purposes of the specification and claims, the term “commemorative” as used herein, unless otherwise indicated, shall have a broader meaning than the numismatic meaning and is to be understood in its broadest sense to mean honoring or preserving the memory of a person, place, thing, or event. 
         [0039]    For purposes of the specification and claims, the term “character” as used herein is to be understood in its broadest sense to mean a graphic symbol as used in writing or printing such as a letter, hieroglyph, or symbol that can be typed from a standard computer keyboard. 
         [0040]    For purposes of the specification and claims, the term “theme” as used herein is to be understood in its broadest sense to mean a unifying or dominant idea or motif as in a work of art. 
         [0041]    Turning now to  FIGS. 1-4 , a commemorative coin assembly  10  is shown having three parts in a preferred embodiment. The commemorative coin assembly  10  includes a coin  12 , a holder  20 , and a separately formed component  30 . In a first position shown in  FIG. 1 , the separately formed component  30  is coupled to the holder  20  as the holder  20  sits on one face of the coin  12 . In this position the separately formed component  30  is substantially perpendicular (90°+/−20°) to a face of the coin  12  forming angles between 70° and 110°. This first position permits viewing of the separately formed component  30  when the coin  12  is positioned flat upon a surface such as a desktop or display case shelf. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the separately formed component  30  assumes a second position relative to the coin  12 . Here, the separately formed decorative component  30  is positioned onto one face of the coin  12 . 
         [0042]    The coin  12  may possess unique structural or color features. As an example, ridges  14  are shown as a decorative element along the side perimeter of the coin  12 . The color of the coin  12  is usually controlled by its metallic body composition. However, the coin  12  may also be plated with metals such as gold, platinum, or silver to give the appearance of a solid precious metal having intrinsic material value. 
         [0043]    The coin  12  preferably has a diameter of between about 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches and a thickness of between one-sixteenth and one-quarter of an inch. The coin  12  also preferably includes decorative designs to define a theme on front and back faces such as engravings or etchings including logos  22  or characters  24 . Collectively these decorative designs coordinate with the theme presented by separately formed component  30 . 
         [0044]    As illustrated by  FIG. 2 , in the first embodiment the coin  12  and separately formed component  30  artistically depict a theme on the coin  12 : Babe Ruth. In this case, the separately formed component  30  is a representation of Babe Ruth assuming a home run pose. Thematic emphasis is added by an engraving of the logo  22  representing the New York Yankees. Additional thematic emphasis is added by placement of the characters  24  on the coin  12  representing the year “1927” in which Ruth hit a record 60 home runs. The separately formed component  70  also contains multiple colors to artistically highlight aspects of Babe Ruth&#39;s uniform such as distinctions between his uniform and socks. The multiple colors may be obtained by utilizing different metals or metal plates to form the separately formed component  70  or by painting the separately formed component  70  with one or more colors. The coordinated theme of Babe Ruth herein is presented only as an example and it is not intended to limit the scope of potential themes that can be incorporated into the invention. Similar logos and engravings may be presented on the back of the coin  12 . For example, the back of the coin might depict Yankee Stadium. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a top (i.e. front face) of the coin  12  is shown having a negative space  32 . The negative space  32  is an area in the surface of the coin  12  outlined to receive the holder  20  in the first position ( FIG. 1 ) and/or the separately formed component  30  in the second position ( FIG. 2 ). The negative space  32  preferably does not create an opening through the body of the coin  12  as the coin  12  is solid. Rather, negative space  32  is defined by either a ridge  34  on the coin  12  extending up from the face of the coin and/or an indent in the face of the coin  12 . The depth of the negative space  32  is defined as the distance from top of the ridge (if any) to the bottom of the indent and is preferably less than the thickness of the separately formed component  30  so that the front face of the separately formed component  30  extends above the front face of the coin  12 . 
         [0046]    As seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , the separately formed component  30  is effectively a two-dimensional element having a narrow thickness not greater than one-eighth of an inch in a preferred configuration, and not greater than one-sixteenth of an inch in a more preferred configuration. In this manner, when separately formed component  30  is placed in the negative space  32 , it extends slightly above the front face of the coin  12 . 
         [0047]    The holder  20  is shown in  FIG. 5  and is placed into the negative space  32  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to support separately formed component  30 . The holder  20  preferably has a narrow thickness not greater than one-sixteenth of an inch and is effectively a two-dimensional element. The holder  20  may occupy the entirety of the negative space  32 , or as suggested with respect to holder  20  of  FIG. 5  which represents the waist-down portion of Babe Ruth, only a portion of the negative space. As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the holder  20  as shown has a female fitting element in the form of slots  46  (at the feet area) adapted to receive a mating portion (in this case the feet  47 ) of the separately formed component  30  in the first position. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 6-9  depict a second embodiment of the invention having a theme commemorating the World Trade Center towers. As seen in  FIG. 6 , a photographic depiction of a commemorative coin assembly  50  is shown having a coin  52  plated in gold, a separately formed component  70  plated in silver in a first position substantially perpendicular to the coin  52 , and a holding means described hereinafter in  FIGS. 9-10 . The contrast of the silver color of the separately formed component  70  against the gold color of the coin  52  distinctly highlights each element. The separately formed component  70  in this embodiment is an artistically engraved depiction of the World Trade Center towers accompanied by a limited number of surrounding buildings. Phantom images of the separately formed component  70  are seen in  FIG. 6  to show that the separately formed component  70  may be lifted from a second position to the first position and returned from the first position to the second position. 
         [0049]    As seen in  FIG. 7A , the coin  52  has decorative elements on both faces which coordinate with the theme of the separately formed component  70 . Here, the coin  52  includes the characters  64  which read, “in memory of Sep. 11, 2001” entirely in capital letters on the right side of the separately formed component  70 . Above the separately formed component  70  and inside the circumference of the coin, additional characters state, “even grief recedes with time, but we will never forget,” again entirely in capital letters. The characters “2001-2006” are engraved below the separately formed component  70 . The separately formed component  70  is also surrounded by engraved buildings  58  representing the New York City skyline. Collectively, these character inscriptions emphasize the central theme of separately formed component  70  which depicts the World Trade Center towers. It should be noted however that other inscriptions and engravings may be envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art to emphasize this commemorative theme. As seen in  FIG. 7B , a side view of the collective coin assembly in the second position shows that the separately formed component  70  may extend an appreciable distance above the surface of the coin  52 . 
         [0050]    As seen in  FIG. 8 , the coin  52  has the negative space  62  for reception of the separately formed component  70 . The negative space  62  is an outline of the World Trade Center towers and accompanying buildings defined by perimeter of the separately formed component  70 . The coin  52  may optionally include a female fitting element such as a slot or notch  66  which preferably extends only partially into the coin and is used to receive a male fitting element  72  ( FIG. 9 ) extending from the separately formed component  70 . When a female fitting element such as the slot or notch  66  is present, additional support structures such as holders are unneeded to realize the first position of the decorative coin assembly  50 . When a male fitting element  72  from the separately formed component  70  coincides with a female fitting element such as the slot or notch  66  of the coin  52 , the separately formed component  70  stands substantially perpendicular to the surface of coin  52  in the desired first position. The female fitting element may also be a groove or another equivalent as envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 9 , the separately formed component  70  is shown including the male element  72 . The male element  72  may be coupled to either a female fitting element in the coin  52  or in a holder (as described hereinafter). The male element  72  is preferably an extension of the separately formed component  70  or may be a peg, prong, tab, or other equivalents as envisioned by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 10 , an example of a holding means for coupling the separately formed component  70  to the coin  52  is shown as a holder. The holder  80  is a support device that sustains the separately formed component  70  in the first position of the commemorative coin assembly. The holder  80  is preferably made of clear plastic and shaped to match the outline of the negative space  62  for placement therein. As shown, the holder  80  is substantially flat, but includes two raised ribs  83  and  85  which define a groove  86  therebetween, and a slot  82  (female element) extending through the plastic in the grooved area. With the groove and slot, the bottom  88  ( FIG. 9 ) of the separately formed component  70  will engage the groove  86  while the male element  72  will engage the female element slot  82 . While a separate holder such as the holder  80  is not required to sustain the separately formed component  70  in the first position relative to the coin  52  of  FIG. 6  because the coin  52  has its own holder in the form of a notch or slot  66 , the holder  80  of  FIG. 10  can still be utilized in conjunction with the coin  52  and the separately formed component  70  if desired. 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a decorative coin assembly  150  has a coin  152  which is substantially identical to coin  52  of  FIG. 6  except that it does not include a holder formed as part of the coin (i.e., it does not have a notch or slot  66 ). Thus, the coin assembly  150  uses a holding means such as the holder  80  of  FIG. 10  which has a female fitting element such as a slot  82 . The holder  80  is placed in the negative space of the coin  152 . However, it is not necessary that the holder  80  occupy the entirety of the space or that a negative space be provided. Instead, holder  80  structurally strong enough to support on its own the separately formed component  70  ( FIG. 9 ) in the first position. As seen in  FIG. 12 , the first position of the commemorative coin assembly  50  is realized by the coupling of the bottom  88  of the separately formed element  70  in the groove  86  of holder  80 , and the coupling of the male fitting element  72  of the separately formed component  70  in the slot  82  of the holder  80 . 
         [0054]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the holding means of the invention can refer to any element or combination of elements which couple the separately formed component to the coin. Such holding means may include the use of an intermediary structural support element. Alternatively, holding means may refer to the coupling of male and female fitting elements attached or imbedded into the separately formed component and the coin. Holders and male-female fitting elements as presented herein provide examples of holding means and are not intended to limit the holding means to the examples presented. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the separately formed component  70  of the commemorative coin assembly  150  may assume a tilt in the first position. After the holder  80  is positioned into the negative space of the coin  152 , the separately formed component  70  is placed into the holder  80 . This positioning preferably occurs by the insertion of the male element  72  into the female element  82  of the holder  80 . This insertion causes the separately formed component  70  to be coupled to the coin  152  in the first position of the commemorative coin  50 . 
         [0056]    The substantially perpendicular angle of display of the separately formed component as incorporated into decorative coin assembly serves two important functions. First, this angle provides a unique way of viewing the separately formed component when the plane of view of the coin is flush relative to an observer. Second, variations in the angles can be used to assist the thematic presentation of the commemorative coin assembly generally. For example, the invention herein described could be used to make a coin assembly commemorating the leaning tower of Pisa having a distinct slant of 5.5°. Although “substantially perpendicular” has been defined to mean having an angle of 90°+/−20° such that the tilt of separately formed component  70  in  FIG. 12  is still substantially perpendicular, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that the female element, the slot, or the holder can be configured so that the separately formed component can assume a wider range of angles relative to the plane of the coin without deviating from the spirit of the invention described herein. 
         [0057]    The previously described commemorative coin assemblies  10 ,  50 ,  150  may be provided with a round casing closed by the union of casing top  102  of  FIG. 13A  and casing bottom  104  of  FIG. 13B . The casing is preferably made of a clear plastic such that a coin with a separately formed component inlaid in the second position can be seen within the casing for viewing while also serving the protective function of preventing the coins from being undesirably scratched. From the closed casing position, the casing top  102  and casing bottom  104  may be easily separated from each other by prying or pulling at the base of the casing top  102  to allow removal of the decorative coin assembly elements. 
         [0058]    Turning to  FIG. 14 , an easel  110  is provided for display of the commemorative coin with the separately formed component. For example, a coin may be placed upon an easel support member  112  such that the coin is displayed at an angle. This angle is determined by the geometry of the easel  110  and may be customized as desired. 
         [0059]    There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a commemorative coin assembly and methods of display. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus, while particular examples of commemorative coin assemblies have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that a variety of other thematic presentations may be incorporated into the same coin assembly design as well. For example and not by way of limitation, a commemorative coin assembly could incorporate a design of a college mascot as the separately formed component including associated school themes placed on the coin. As a further example, the commemorative coin assemblies described herein could also incorporate a theme having an American flag. Furthermore, while a round commemorative coin is presented herein, it will be understood that a small medallion can be similarly used. Moreover, while particular configurations have been disclosed in reference to commemorative coin assemblies, it will be appreciated that other configurations could be used as well. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.