Abstract:
An acrylic display tablet, a supporting base and magnetic elements for releasably interconnecting the display tablet with the supporting base. The magnetic elements comprise a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the base, which magnets mate with a plurality of magnetic standoffs that, in turn, mate with a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the acrylic tablet.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to achievement awards. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel decorative plaque that includes an engravable acrylic panel that is uniquely, removably connected to an attractive base by magnetic means. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Achievement awards of various types are frequently given to individuals and athletic teams for outstanding achievements in sports such as golf, bowling, tennis, baseball, basketball and the like. These awards include medals, small statues and a number of different types of plaques which frequently take the form of inscribed commemorative tablets. 
         [0005]    In the prior art, the aforementioned types of plaques or tablets are typically affixed to a suitable supporting base by solvent welding or through the use of clips, screws or other types of mechanical fastening means. Exemplary of such a construction is that shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,940 issued to Wood et al. 
         [0006]    Another type of achievement plaque and method of making same is. described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,171 issued to Greenblat. The Greenblat achievement award comprises a substantially transparent, injection molded acrylic plaque and a supporting base therefor. The display plaque is provided with ornamental designs comprising either or both a fossil-like, three-dimensional decorative design or image which appears to be embedded in the central body portion of the plaque and an upstanding ornamental design which extends outwardly from the front face of the plaque. The display plaque uniquely includes strategically located bevels that give the plaque the appearance of expensive cut glass and, at the same time, function to optically mask the mold lines which are formed during the injection molding process. 
         [0007]    As will become apparent from the description which follows, the acrylic tablet of the decorative plaque of the present invention is uniquely, removably mounted oil an attractive base by means of a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the base, which magnets mate with a plurality of magnetic standoffs, that, in turn, mate with a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the acrylic tablet. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    By way of brief summary, the novel decorative plaque of the present invention comprises a base, a plurality of spaced apart first elements embedded within the base, a plurality of spaced apart second elements removably connected to the embedded first elements by magnetic attraction and a display panel, or tablet, removably connected to the plurality of said spaced apart second elements by magnetic attraction. 
         [0009]    With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel decorative plaque that includes an acrylic display tablet, a supporting base and magnetic means for releasably interconnecting the display tablet with the supporting base. 
         [0010]    More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel, decorative plaque of the aforementioned character in which the magnetic means for releasably interconnecting the display tablet with its supporting base comprises a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the base, which magnets mate with a plurality of magnetic standoffs, that, in turn, mate with a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in the acrylic tablet. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative plaque of the character described in the preceding paragraphs in which the permanent magnets that are embedded within the base are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration as are the permanent magnets that are embedded within the acrylic tablet. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative plaque of the aforementioned character that is markedly superior in appearance, construction and durability to similar prior art plaques made by traditional, prior art processes. 
         [0013]    Another object of the invention is to provide a decorative plaque as described in the preceding paragraphs which can be attractively mounted on a supporting surface, such as a desktop, or alternatively can be hung on a wall. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide an award plaque of the character described which is versatile in use, is easy to assembly and is pleasing in appearance. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a generally perspective view of one form of the decorative plaque of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a generally perspective, exploded front view of the decorative plaque illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  a greatly enlarged view of the area designated in  FIG. 3  as  3 A- 3 A. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  a greatly enlarged view of the area designated in  FIG. 3  as  3 B- 3 B. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, cross- sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, cross- sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a generally perspective, exploded rear view of the decorative plaque illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    Referring to the drawings and particularly the  FIGS. 1 through 5 , one form of the decorative plaque of the present invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  14 . In this form of the invention, plaque  14  comprises a base  16  having spaced apart, generally planar front and rear faces  18  and  20 . As best seen in  FIG. 2  of the drawings, base  16  is provided with a plurality of spaced apart cavities  22  within which a plurality of small, generally cylindrically shaped first magnetic elements in the form of first permanent magnets  24  are embedded. In this form of the invention, first permanent magnets  24  are disposed in a generally rectangular configuration. However, it is to be understood that the first permanent magnets can be disposed in various configurations, such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal and similar configurations. Base  16  can be constructed from various materials, but preferably is constructed from an attractive hardwood, such as cherry wood, that is appropriately finished with a high gloss surface. 
         [0024]    Removably connected to the embedded first magnets  24  by magnetic attraction are a plurality of spaced apart second elements shown here as generally cylindrically shaped, second permanent magnets  26 . As indicated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , second permanent magnets  26  function as standoffs so that the display panel, or beveled tablet  28  of the decorative plaque can uniquely be mounted in a spaced apart relationship relative to the front face  18  of the base. Permanent magnets, or standoffs  26 , can have a length “L” ( FIG. 3B ) of between about ⅛ inch and about ½ inch. 
         [0025]    Display panel, or beveled tablet  28 , is provided with a plurality of spaced apart cavities  30  within which a plurality of small, generally cylindrically shaped third magnetic elements, shown here as third permanent magnets  32 , are embedded. In this form of the invention, third permanent magnets  32  are disposed in a generally rectangular configuration of the same shape and size as the rectangular configuration of first permanent magnets  24  so that the permanent magnets  32  can be mated with the permanent magnets  24  in the manner shown in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the third permanent magnets can also be disposed in various configurations, such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal and the like, depending upon the configuration of first permanent magnets  24 . 
         [0026]    In the present form of the invention, the display panel, or beveled tablet  28 , is constructed from a substantially clear acrylic material that can be engraved in a conventional manner with various indicia in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understood that tablet  28  can also be constructed from various other materials, including resin, brass, steel, and like metals. 
         [0027]    To support the decorative plaque in the upright configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1  of the drawings base  16  is provided with spaced apart cavities  36  and  38  which closely receive internally threaded sleeves  39  which, in turn, threadably receive elongated, generally cylindrically shaped surface engaging elements  40 . As best seen in  FIG. 1 , when the surface engaging elements  40  are threadably connected to the base, they extend outwardly so as to support the plaque in the generally vertical orientation shown in  FIG. 1 . Base  16  is also provided with a cavity  42  that is spaced apart from cavity  38  and is adapted to receive an internally threaded sleeve  39  which, in turn, threadably receives an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped surface engaging elements  40 . This novel feature of the decorative plaque permits the plaque to be positioned on a supporting surface in a generally horizontal, rather than vertical, orientation. 
         [0028]    The rear surface  20  of base  16  is also provided with a pair of elongated spaced apart hanger receiving slots  44 , each of which is provided with an enlarged diameter portion  44   a  that is adapted to receive the head of a screw or nail (not shown). Hanger receiving slots  44  enable the plaque to be mounted on a wall in a conventional manner. 
         [0029]    Affixed to the rear surface  20  of base  16  by any conventional means, such as adhesive bonding, is a thin felt backing  46 . As best seen in  FIG. 2  of the drawings, backing  46  is provided with apertures  47  and elongated slots  49  that are located so as to index with cavities  36 ,  38  and  42  and with elongated slots  44 , respectively. 
         [0030]    In use, with magnets  24  positioned within cavities  22  provided in base  16 , standoffs  26  can be interconnected with magnets  24  by means of magnetic attraction. With magnets  32  in position within cavities  30  provided in tablet  28  in the manner shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5  of the drawings, the tablet can uniquely be removably affixed to the base as a result of the magnetic attraction between magnets  32  and standoffs  26 . The decorative plaque can then be positioned on a flat surface such as a desktop, or the like, using surface engaging elements  40 . Alternatively, the plaque can be hung on a wall using hanger slots  44 . 
         [0031]    Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.