Patent Publication Number: US-6220441-B1

Title: Method and apparatus for preserving sports related items for ornamental display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from co-pending provisional application Ser. No. 60/093,114 filed on Jul. 16, 1998. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to ornamental items, and more particularly to a method of preserving the color, texture and visual effect of sports related items for ornamental purposes. 
     2. Description of the Background Art It has been a popular hobby for many people over the years to collect and preserve sports memorabilia. Such items memorialize outstanding individual and team performances as well as the historical success of teams and the careers of various athletes. For example, hobbyists will collect baseballs, footballs, helmets, caps, hockey sticks, uniform jerseys, trading cards and other equipment and clothing which have been worn or used by famous athletes. 
     Many sporting venues have a rich history associated with them as a result of the major sporting events that have taken place there. Locations such as Pebble Beach golf course, Daytona Motor Speed Way, and Fenway Park are important places in sports history. Enthusiasts often wish to collect small pieces of the venue as memorabilia. 
     It is desirable for collections of memorabilia of particular value to be protected from dust and destruction and be clearly viewed at the same time. Display cases of various types are known in the art typically including a back panel and one or more horizontal shelves for holding objects. However, none of the displays have a method for preserving and presenting sports memorabilia as taught by the present invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally comprises a method for preserving sports related items enclosed within transparent material for ornamental display. The color, texture and visual effect of the sports related item is preserved by any, all or a combination of the following processes: freeze-drying, vacuum sealing, micro-vacuum process or any other known preservation process. The item is subsequently enclosed in a transparent material suitable for viewing. When the item is a section of grass, the preferred method of preservation is freeze-drying prior to encapsulation. 
     An object of the invention is to preserve the color of sports related items enclosed behind a transparent material for ornamental purposes. 
     Another object of the invention is to preserve the texture of sports related items enclosed behind a transparent material for ornamental purposes. 
     Still another object of the invention is to preserve the visual effect of sports related items enclosed behind a transparent material for ornamental purposes. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plaque embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame adapted to display a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of a ball mark fixer adapted to display a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a three-quarter rear perspective view of the ball mark fixer shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a key chain attached to an ornament displaying a sports related item which embodies the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ornament displaying a sports related item shown in FIG.  4 A. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ornamental desk set having a business card holder which displays a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ornamental desk clock which displays a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an ornamental desk set calendar which displays a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an ornamental desk set which displays a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a key chain attached to billfold adapted to display a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hinged display case housing an ornament displaying a sports related item which embodies the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pen which displays a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a paperweight which displays a sports related item embodying the preservation method of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG. 14, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     This invention generally comprises an apparatus and method for preserving the color, texture and visual effect of sports related items enclosed within transparent material for ornamental display purposes. The sports related item is subjected to a preservation process that includes, but is not limited to, freeze-drying, vacuum sealing, micro-vacuum or any other known type of preservation process that would allow the visual effect and preservation of the color and texture of the item. These various processes, either alone or in combination, help preserve and protect the visual appearance and texture of the sports related item from damage from the covering process. After the sports related item undergoes the preservation process, the item is enclosed or covered in any clear material, including but not limited to, glass, resin, acrylic, etc. 
     The sports related items may comprise, but is not limited to, aeration plugs (grass), sand, flowers, water, trees, shrubs, bridges, roads, paths and buildings obtained directly from the actual sports facility or course. The sports related items may also comprise any personal or real property for which an exclusive license can be issued. For example, if the sport is golf, the items may comprise golf greens, water, sand, flowers, tee&#39;s, paths and all such related items. If the sport is football or baseball, the items may comprise field playing surfaces, seats, stadiums and all such related items. If the sport is basketball, the items may comprise floor playing surfaces, seats, stadiums and all such related items. For auto racing, the items may comprise the race track surface, tires and all such related items. For tennis, the items may comprise the playing surfaces and all such related items. 
     In FIG. 1, a limited edition plaque apparatus  10  is generally shown. Limited edition plaque apparatus  10  includes a plaque  12 , shelf  14 , a logo sports ball  16  disposed atop shelf  14 , a sports related item  18 , a photo  20  and an authenticity pledge  22 . Logo sports ball  16  is typically a golf ball, baseball, miniature basketball or miniature football. Sports related item  18  is typically covered by a transparent substance, such as glass, resin, acrylic or the like, for ornamental display. Prior to being covered by the transparent substance, sports related item  18  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture. 
     In FIG. 2, a limited edition print apparatus  24  is generally shown. Limited edition print apparatus  24  includes a frame  26 , a photo or print  28 , a sports related item  30  and a certificate of authenticity of specifically licensed sports facilities  32 . Sports related item  30  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG.  3  and FIG. 4, a ball mark repair apparatus  34  is generally shown. Ball mark repair apparatus  34  includes a front side  36  and a rear side  38 . A sports related item  40  is displayed on front side  36  and a removable ball marker  42  with logo is removably attached to rear side  38 . Typically, removable ball marker  42  with logo is magnetized, and thus can be removably attached to ball mark repair apparatus  34 , which is fabricated from ferrous-containing magnetic material. Sports related item  40  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG.  5  and FIG. 6, a key chain apparatus  44  and a sports related item  46 , respectively, is generally shown. A key ring  48  is attached to sports related item  46  by a chain  50 . Sports related item  46  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 7, a business card holder apparatus  52  is generally shown. Business card holder apparatus  52  incorporates a base  54 . Disposed on base  54  are logo sports ball  16 , a sports related item  56  and a business card holder  58 . An authenticity plaque  60  is displayed on business card holder  58 . Sports related item  56  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 8, a desk clock apparatus  62  is generally shown. Desk clock apparatus  62  includes a base  64  and a wall  66 . A clock  68  is mounted within wall  66 . Logo sports ball  16  and sports related item  70  are disposed on base  64 . Sports related item  62  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 9, a desk calendar apparatus  72  is generally shown. Desk calendar apparatus  72  incorporates a base  74 . Disposed on base  74  are a pen holder  76 , a pencil holder  78 , a calendar holder  80   a ,  80   b , a certificate of authenticity  82 , logo sports ball  16  and sports related item  84 . Sports related item  84  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 10, an ornamental desk display apparatus  86  is generally shown. Ornamental desk display apparatus  86  includes a base  88  and a wall  90 . A certificate of authenticity  92  is affixed onto wall  90 . Logo sports ball  16  and sports related item  94  are disposed on base  88 . Sports related item  94  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 11, a billfold apparatus  96  is generally shown. Billfold apparatus  96  includes a billfold  98 , a key chain  100  and a chain  102  attaching key chain  100  to billfold  98 . A sports related item  104  is also included in billfold  98  for ornamental display and has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 12, a hinged display case  105  is generally shown. Hinged display case  104  includes a cover  106  and a housing  108  adapted to mount a sports related item  110  therein. Sports related item  110  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 13, a pen  112  is shown whereupon a sports related item  114  is disposed onto the body  116  of pen  112 . Sports related item  114  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     In FIG. 14, a paperweight  116  is shown whereupon a sports related item  118  is disposed onto the upper surface of paperweight  116 . Sports related item  116  has undergone the preservation process to help preserve and protect its visual appearance and texture and is covered by a transparent substance for ornamental display. 
     The figures are representative samples of the various applications of the method and apparatus to preserve and display such sports related items disclosed in the present invention, and as such, are not to be construed as limitations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the method and apparatus to preserve and display such sports related items can also include a multitude of other sporting goods of interest, such as sports shoes; clocks; belt buckles; watches and/or watch bands; golf club bags; golf clubs and putters; paper weights; hats, clothing or other apparel; golf club head covers; stroke counters; golf club display racks; pro shop score card holders; apparel display racks; ball washers; license plate frames; sunglasses; lighters; and ash trays. 
     Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides for a method and apparatus for displaying sports related items which preserves the color, texture and visual effect of the item. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention.