Patent Publication Number: US-2007115281-A1

Title: Three-dimensional genealogical display system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/738,997, filed Nov. 23, 2005. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to display devices, and particularly to a three-dimensional genealogical display system that may be implemented in a printable medium, such as paper, cardboard, or similar media, or in blocks.  
      2. Description of the Related Art  
      A wide variety of three-dimensional display systems have been utilized for advertising, general display and record keeping. The record keeping systems, in particular, typically provide some sort of demarcated surface, allowing the user to enter data or information in particular places. Such display systems, however, are not well adapted for the keeping of genealogical records. Although names can be entered into any record keeping system or database, it is helpful for a genealogical system to be divided into generations. It is particularly helpful if the system includes generational divisions dictated by a geometrical progression, i.e., the initially recorded person has one allocated division, the parents of that person have two divisions, the grandparents have four divisions, the great-grandparents have eight divisions, etc. A generalized three-dimensional display system for the entry of general data is not typically divided for the particular needs of genealogical record keeping.  
      Although genealogical display systems have been used in the past, such systems typically include a two-dimensional branched or tree-like structure, some even simulating actual trees. Such systems, however, present information only in a single plane of view, and do not provide information or ornamental display properties when viewed from any angle, such as would be provided by a three-dimensional display system. Further, it is difficult to enter information into the allotted name entry spaces on a tree-like structure, as the “branches” may be easily bent or damaged. Thus, a three-dimensional genealogical display system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The three-dimensional genealogical display system is a three-dimensional structure in the shape of a cone or a pyramid, which is divided into vertical tiers, with each tier representing a genealogical generation. Each vertical tier includes a name entry region for each member of the respective generation, allowing the user to print the member&#39;s name in the respective name entry region. The number of name entry regions within each vertical tier is based upon a geometrical progression. The user&#39;s name appears in the top tier, which provides a single name entry region; the next tier down includes two name entry regions for the user&#39;s parents&#39; names; the third tier down includes four name entry regions for the users&#39; grandparents&#39; names, etc. Each name entry region is a demarcated area printed on the outer face of the three-dimensional geometrical structure in which the user may write or print the appropriate names.  
      The three-dimensional genealogical display system may be in the form of a blank made from paper or similar media, which the user folds and secures to form the three-dimensional structure. The blank is pre-printed with user-selectable indicia and has clearly demarcated name entry regions imprinted thereon for the user to enter the names of the user&#39;s family. The blank has first and second side edges, which converge at a vertex, and at least one tab is formed on the first side edge to engage a slot formed on the second side edge. The engagement of the tab with the slot secures the first side edge to the second side edge, thus maintaining the three-dimensional shape.  
      Alternatively, the system may include a plurality of blocks, each having a name entry region formed thereon, which may be stacked together to form the three-dimensional structure. The top tier is a single block forming the vertex of the cone or pyramid. The lower tiers are formed from wedge-shaped blocks, which are shaped to engage with one another to form the vertical tiers. The middle tiers and the bottom tier each have a recess formed in an upper surface thereof, and the top tier and the middle tiers have projecting members formed on the bottom surfaces thereof. The projecting members fit into the respective recesses in order to secure the blocks together and maintain the three-dimensional shape.  
      These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a three-dimensional genealogical display system according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a top view of foldable blank used to make the three-dimensional genealogical display system of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a three-dimensional genealogical display system according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  is a top view of a foldable blank used to make the three-dimensional genealogical display system of  FIG. 3 .  
       FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the three-dimensional genealogical display system of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the bottom tier of the three-dimensional genealogical display system of  FIG. 5 , as viewed from above.  
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of a middle tier of the three-dimensional genealogical display system of  FIG. 5 , as viewed from below.  
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the three-dimensional genealogical display system according to the present invention.  
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the bottom tier of the three-dimensional genealogical display system of  FIG. 8 , as viewed from above.  
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of a middle tier of the three-dimensional genealogical display system of  FIG. 8 , as viewed from below. 
    
    
      Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of a three-dimensional genealogical display system, designated generally as  10  in the drawings. The three-dimensional genealogical display system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  as having a substantially pyramidal shape. However, as will be described in detail below, other three-dimensional shapes may be utilized. The display  10 , as shown, is divided into a plurality of descending vertical tiers  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 , with each vertical tier representing a genealogical generation. Each vertical tier  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  includes one name entry region  12  for each member of the respective genealogical generation. The user may write or otherwise imprint the names of each member of each generation within the name entry regions.  
      The number of name entry regions  12  for each vertical tier follows a geometric progression. If the user&#39;s name is entered in the single name entry region  12  of first tier  16 , the names of the user&#39;s parents will be entered into the two name entry regions  12  provided in the second tier  18 , the names of the user&#39;s grandparents will be entered into the four name entry regions  12  provided in the third tier  20 , the names of the user&#39;s great-grandparents will be entered in the eight name entry regions  12  provided in the fourth tier  22 , and the names of the user&#39;s great-great-grandparents will be entered in the sixteen name entry regions  12  provided in the fifth tier  24 . Although shown as having five tiers, the dimensions and the number of tiers of display  10  are dependent upon the needs and desires of the user. Each name entry region  12  may contain the name of a family member and may further contain any other data the user may wish to enter, such as the birth and death dates of that particular family member.  
      In addition to the name entry regions  12  imprinted on the outer face of the three-dimensional genealogical display system  10 , user-selectable indicia  14  may also be added. For example, a pine needle design representing the “family tree” may be imprinted on the face of the display  10 , or a representation of bricks or sandstone may be printed to simulate a pyramid. The user-selectable indicia  14  chosen to ornament display  10  is dependent upon the needs and desires of the user.  
      The three-dimensional display system  10  is formed as a blank  26 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , which is then folded into a three-dimensional shape, such as the square-based pyramid shown in  FIG. 1 . The blank  26  is formed from paper, cardboard, paperboard or similar foldable and printable media, and has indicia  14  and name entry regions  12  imprinted thereon. The blank  26  has a pair of first and second side edges  37 ,  39 , which converge in the vertex  41 . First side edge  37  has at least one tab  28  (here shown as three tabs, though the number of tabs used is dependent upon the needs and desires of the user) formed thereon and projecting outwardly therefrom, and second side edge  39  has a connection member  30  formed thereon and projecting outwardly therefrom. Connection member  30  has at least one slot  32  formed therethrough for receiving and engaging the at least one tab  28 .  
      In use, the user enters the names of the user and the user&#39;s ancestors into the name entry regions  12  and then folds the blank  26  along fold lines  34  in order to create the three-dimensional shape, such as the pyramid shown in  FIG. 1 . Tabs  28  are inserted into corresponding slots  32  in order to secure first side edge  37  to second side edge  39  and maintain the display  10  in the desired three-dimensional shape. The lower edge  36  of blank  26  acts as the base of the three-dimensional display, and the vertex  41  of blank  26  becomes the vertex of the three-dimensional shape.  
      In the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the three-dimensional genealogical display system  100  has the shape of a cone, rather than the pyramid of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the display  100  is divided into a plurality of descending vertical tiers  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122  and  124 , with each vertical tier representing a genealogical generation. Each vertical tier  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122  and  124  includes one name entry region  112  for each member of the respective genealogical generation. The user may write or otherwise imprint the names of each member of each generation within the name entry regions. In addition to the name entry regions  112  imprinted on the outer face of the three-dimensional genealogical display system  100 , user-selectable indicia  114  may also be added.  
      Similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , the three-dimensional display system  100  is formed as a blank  126 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , which is then rolled into a three-dimensional shape, such as the cone shown in  FIG. 3 . The blank  126  is formed from paper, cardboard, paperboard or similar foldable and printable media, and has indicia  114  and name entry regions  112  imprinted thereon. The blank  126  has a pair of first and second side edges  137 ,  139 , which converge in vertex  141 . First side edge  137  has at least one tab  128  (shown here as three tabs, though the number of tabs used is dependent upon the needs and desires of the user) formed thereon and projecting outwardly therefrom, and second side edge  139  has a connection member  130  formed thereon and projecting outwardly therefrom. Connection member  130  has at least one slot  132  formed therethrough for receiving and engaging the at least one tab  128 .  
      In use, the user enters the names of the user and the user&#39;s ancestors into the name entry regions  112  and then rolls the blank  126  to form the three-dimensional shape, such as the cone shown in  FIG. 3 . It should be noted that, unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , no fold lines are required to form the cone shape, since the blank  126  is rolled to form a shape having a circular cross-section, rather than folded to form a cross-sectional shape having vertices.  
      Tabs  128  are inserted into corresponding slots  132  in order to secure first side edge  137  to second side edge  139  and maintain the display  100  in the desired three-dimensional shape. The lower edge  136  has a substantially arcuate contour to act as the base of the conical three-dimensional display  100 , and the vertex  141  of blank  126  becomes the vertex of the three-dimensional shape.  
      In the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5, 6  and  7 , the three-dimensional genealogical display system  200  is formed from a plurality of blocks  226 . Similar to the previous embodiments, the display  200 , as shown, is divided into a plurality of descending vertical tiers  216 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222  and  224 , with each vertical tier representing a genealogical generation. Each vertical tier  216 ,  218 ,  220 ,  222  and  224  includes one name entry region  212  for each member of the respective genealogical generation, as in the previous embodiments. Further, the number of blocks  226  provided for each vertical tier is equal to the number of members in that particular generation, i.e., one block  226  for each member of the genealogical generation is provided. The corresponding name entry region  212  for each member is printed on an outer face of the respective block  226 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The user may write or otherwise imprint the names of each member of each generation within the name entry regions  212 .  
      Since blocks  226  are three-dimensional elements, the names of generational members may be printed or etched into the name entry regions  212 . In addition, the surfaces of blocks  226  may be textured or have indicia, similar to indicia  14  of the previous embodiment, etched into them. For example, the outer faces of blocks  226  may be etched or otherwise formed to resemble pine needles, representing the “family tree”. Alternatively, a brick or sandstone etching may represent the “pyramid” structure. The blocks  226  may be etched or textured in any desired way, depending upon the needs and desires of the user. Further, information may be imprinted or etched on the interior faces of each block. Such information would not be seen when the structure is fully assembled. However, in disassembly, when the user may wish to look at all surfaces of each block, the information would be available on one or more of the interior faces of a block. Such information could include, for example, details about the particular family member, such as occupation, additional marriages, or a listing of other children.  
      The blocks  226  may be formed from molded plastic, wood, chrome-plated metals, brass-plated metals, gold, silver, crystal or from any other suitable material, depending upon the needs and desires of the user. When crystal or other transparent materials are used in the construction of blocks  226 , ancestral names may be etched or otherwise formed in the interior of the block  226 , rather than on an exterior face. Alternatively, images, such as, for example, the facial image of the family member, may be etched or otherwise imprinted within the interior of the block  226 .  
      The uppermost block  226  forming first tier  216  is in the form of a pyramid in the pyramidal embodiment of  FIG. 5 , and the blocks  226  forming the lower tiers, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , are wedge-shaped. As best shown in  FIG. 6 , which represents the bottom-most tier  224 , the wedge-shaped blocks  226  join together to form fifth tier  224 , having a substantially square-shaped cross-sectional contour. When mated together, as shown, the name entry regions  212  face outward in order to display the genealogical data. In order to secure the blocks  226  together, each block  226  of the lower tiers has a recess  228  formed in an upper surface thereof. When mated together, as shown, the individual recesses  228  form a larger recess  230  having a substantially square shape that spans the upper surface of the tier.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , the blocks  226  of the upper tiers have corresponding projection members  240  formed on their lower surfaces for engaging the recesses  228 . When mated together, the projection members  240  form a square projection having the same dimensions as the recess  230  of the next lower tier. When all of the blocks  226  are mated together, as shown in  FIG. 5 , to form the three-dimensional construct, the engagement of projection members  240  with engaging recesses  228  secures blocks  226  together to form a secure and solid display system.  
      Further, the lowermost tier of the structure could alternatively include projection members  240 , as shown. These projections would allow the lowermost tier to engage with a separate base  201 , which would have a corresponding recess  203 , similar to recesses  230 , formed therein. The separate base could be a simple plate or other planar structure having a recess  203  formed therein, providing a stable base for the genealogical display structure, with the recess providing support for the blocks of the structure and preventing the foundation from shifting. The base could include indicia or other ornamentation, dependent upon the needs and desires of the user.  
      In addition, a contoured cover may be provided to protect the three-dimensional display from dust and other sources of contamination or damage. Further, blocks  226  may be produced in a variety of colors, allowing particular ancestors to be highlighted or providing other color-related organization and ornamentation.  
      Similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 5, 6  and  7 , in the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8, 9  and  10 , the three-dimensional genealogical display system  300  is formed from a plurality of blocks  326 . Similar to the previous embodiments, the display  300 , as shown, is divided into a plurality of descending vertical tiers  316 ,  318 ,  320 ,  322  and  324 , with each vertical tier representing a genealogical generation. Each vertical tier  316 ,  318 ,  320 ,  322  and  324  includes one name entry region  312  for each member of the respective genealogical generation, as in the previous embodiments. Further, the number of blocks  326  provided for each vertical tier is equal to the number of members in that particular generation, i.e., one block  326  for each member of the genealogical generation is provided. The corresponding name entry region  312  for each member is printed on an outer face of the respective block  326 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The user may write or otherwise imprint the names of each member of each generation within the name entry regions  312 .  
      The uppermost block  326 , forming first tier  316 , is in the form of a cone in the conical embodiment of  FIG. 8 , and the blocks  326  forming the lower tiers, as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , are wedge or “pie slice”-shaped. As best shown in  FIG. 9 , which represents the bottommost tier  324 , the wedge-shaped blocks  326  join together to form fifth tier  324 , having a substantially circular-shaped cross-sectional contour. When mated together, as shown, the name entry regions  312  face outward to display the genealogical data. In order to secure the blocks  326  together, each block  326  of the lower tiers has a recess  328  formed in an upper surface thereof, similar to that shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . When mated together, as shown, the individual recesses  328  form a larger recess  330  having a substantially circular-shape spanning the upper surface of the tier.  
      As shown in  FIG. 10 , the blocks  326  of the upper tiers have corresponding projection members  340  formed on their lower surfaces for engaging the recesses  328 . When mated together, the projection members  340  form a circular projection having the same dimensions of the recess  330  of the next lower tier. When all of the blocks  326  are mated together, as shown in  FIG. 8 , to form the three-dimensional construct, the engagement of projection members  340  with engaging recesses  328  secures blocks  326  together to form a secure and solid display system. Similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 , the embodiment of  FIG. 8  could further include a base  301  having a substantially circular cross-sectional contour. The base  301  has a circular recess  303  formed in the upper surface thereof to engage projecting members  340  formed on the lower faces of the blocks of the lower-most tier  324 .  
      It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.