Patent Abstract:
A keepsake display device stores and displays a printed ultrasound image, and includes a substantially transparent convex hollow first member with a substantially closed smooth outer surface, a second member coupled to the first member to define a substantially closed outer surface for the device, and a display element adapted to receive the printed ultrasound image and display it through the outer surface of the first member. The first and second members can be shaped to mimic a pregnant belly and a woman&#39;s buttocks, together representing the midsection of a pregnant woman. A kit includes the display device plus one or more of a lamination member, a real or plastic birthstone or a set of real or plastic birthstones, a template useful for cutting the ultrasound image, and glue. An assembly includes the display device and a figurine such a stork which can hold the display device from its beak.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/478,227 filed on Apr. 22, 2011 which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a picture display device, kit and assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a kit and display device for an ultrasound image of an unborn child, and an assembly that includes the display device and a stand. 
     2. State of the Art 
     It is now commonplace for obstetricians to take ultrasound images of fetuses in utero. Often, the expectant mother or parents are provided by the doctor with a printed image which can be treated as a keepsake. The image is typically printed on a thin piece of thermal paper that has a tendency to curl. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A keepsake ornamental display device is provided for safely storing and displaying a printed ultrasound image. The display device includes a substantially transparent convex first member with a preferably smooth surface which in one embodiment mimics a pregnant belly. A second member is provided to close the back of the convex member. The second member may take any of various shapes. In one embodiment, the second member is shaped so that together, the first member and second member represent the midsection of a pregnant women. The second member is optionally more opaque than the first member. 
     In one embodiment, one or more tracks adapted to receive a laminated printed ultrasound image are located on the inside surface of the convex member. If desired, two parallel tracks can be provided and adapted to receive a rectangular laminated picture. With parallel tracks, the laminated picture can be slid into place. 
     In another embodiment, the second member includes a surface which extends inside the convex member, and one or more tracks may be provided on the outside surface of the second member instead of being forming on the inside of the convex member. 
     In another embodiment, a third member is provided to sit between the first and second members. The third member is provided to capture and/or support the laminated printed ultrasound image. The third member may be provided with one or more tracks or edges which hold the laminated printed ultrasound image in place. 
     In one embodiment, a kit includes the first member and second member and a lamination member. The printed ultrasound image can be placed inside the lamination member to form a laminated structure that can be received in the tracks. The kit may also include such items as a template for expediting cutting of the printed ultrasound image, scissors, a birthstone, set of birthstones, or one or more plastic chips with the colors of the various birthstones, and cement or glue. 
     In different embodiments, the lamination member may be generally rectangular or generally oval. Where a generally oval lamination member is provided, the printed ultrasound image is preferably cut to the size of the oval lamination member. 
     When the display device is used as part of an assembly, one or both of the outer two members of the display device is preferably provided with an opening for receiving a ring or hook. A figurine, preferably resembling a stork is provided to hold the display device via the opening or via the ring or hook. More particularly, the figurine has a stand and a body extending from the stand, with a portion of the body adapted to extend through an opening, ring or hook so as to hold the display device in a dangling position above the horizontal level of the stand. Where the figurine is a stork, the body includes one or more legs attached to the stand, a main body area, and a head with a beak, with the beak adapted to extend through the opening, ring or hook. 
     Objects and advantages of the invention will be understood by reference to detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a first embodiment of a display device. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the first embodiment with a laminated picture located therein. 
         FIG. 3  is side perspective view of the front piece of the display device with the laminated picture located therein. 
         FIG. 4  a detailed view of the track seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of the rear piece of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the first embodiment with a laminated picture located therein. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded side perspective view of a second embodiment of a display device. 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a rear plan view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-section through  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic of various kit elements. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of an assembly including a display device and a stand. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A first embodiment of a keepsake ornamental display device  10  is seen in  FIGS. 1-6 . As shown, the device  10  is intended to safely store and displaying a printed ultrasound image  15  ( FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  6 ). The display device  10  includes a translucent hollow convex first member  20  with a preferably smooth outer surface  22  and inner surface  23  and mimics a pregnant belly. If desired, the smooth surface  22  may be interrupted by a central indent  25  or hole that mimics a belly-button. The indent or hole  25  may be adapted to receive a birthstone or plastic chip (not shown) with the color of an appropriate birthstone. The birthstone or plastic chip may be provided as part of a kit discussed below. The back of the hollow member  20  presents an edge  24 . A second member  30  is provided to close the back of the convex member. The second member may take any of various shapes, but in the embodiment shown, the second member  30  has a closed portion shaped as the buttocks of a woman and an open front portion which presents an edge  34 . Together, the first member and second member represent the midsection of a pregnant woman. The first member  20  is preferably sufficiently transparent to permit details of an ultrasound photograph contained in the first member  20  to be viewed by an unaided eye. The second member  30  is optionally more opaque than the first member. The edges  24 ,  34  of the first and second member may be adapted to snap together and/or to be glued together ( FIGS. 1 ,  6 ). 
     In the first embodiment, the inside surface  23  of the convex first member  20  is provided with one or more tracks or flanges  36  which are adapted to receive the printed ultrasound image  15 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , two flanges  36  are provided. The flanges  36  are generally horizontal, parallel arcs which present a curved track. The flanges  36  preferably extend far enough off of the inner surface  23  so as to accommodate a laminated image. Thus, the ultrasound image  15  can be laminated, and the laminated picture can be slid into place and held in place by flange(s)  36 ; i.e., along the track. Alternatively, the second member  30  may be provided with a convex surface which extends inside the first member  20  and on which one or more flanges are provided to hold the photograph or laminated photograph in place. 
     In one embodiment, one or both of the first member  20  and second member  30  may be shaped and may be provided with slots (not shown) in line with the flanges or track so that a lamination of the photograph  15  can be inserted through the slots and along the track. In this manner, the first and second members  20 ,  30  can be preassembled so that they do not come apart. 
     In one embodiment, one or both of the first member  20  and second member  30  are provided with a tab (not shown) or a hole (not shown) at the top area of the device  10 . Where a tab is provided, the tab is provided with a hole. In this manner, a hole is provided which permits the device  10  to be hung as discussed hereinafter. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 7-13  another embodiment of a keepsake ornamental display device  110  is seen. The embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13  is similar in some ways to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6 , and like or similar parts are numbered with a like number which is  100  larger. Thus, device  110  is provided a translucent hollow convex first member  120  with a preferably smooth outer surface  122  and inner surface  123  and mimics a pregnant belly. If desired, the smooth surface  122  may be interrupted by a central indent or hole (not shown) that mimics a belly-button and which may be adapted to receive a birthstone or plastic chip (not shown) with the color of an appropriate birthstone. The back of the hollow member  120  presents an edge  124  with an outer lip and an inner stop. A second member  130  is provided to close the back of the convex member. The second member may take any of various shapes, but in the embodiment shown, the second member  130  has a closed portion (with outer surface  132  and inner surface  133 ) shaped as the buttocks of a woman and an open front portion which presents an edge  134  with an inner lip  134   a  and an outer stop  134   b  which mate with the outer lip and inner stop of edge  124  of the outer lip. Together, the first member and second member represent the midsection of a pregnant woman. The first member  120  is preferably sufficiently transparent to permit details of an ultrasound photograph contained in the first member  120  to be viewed by an unaided eye. The second member  130  is optionally more opaque than the first member. The edges  124 ,  134  of the first and second member are preferably adapted to snap together and/or to be glued together. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-12 , a third member  140  is also provided to sit between the first and second members and to capture and/or support the laminated printed ultrasound image  115 . More particularly, the third member  140  is provided with a centering cup  142 , an arm  144  which extends upward and forward of the centering cup  140 , and a support surface  146  attached to the arm  144  for holding and supporting the photograph. The cup  142 , arm  144  and support surface  146  may be integrally formed, or may constitute two or more pieces which are glued, sonically welded, or otherwise attached to each other. Support surface  146  as shown with a convex curvature so as to present the photograph close to the inner surface  123  of the first member  120 , and tapers on each side as it extends backward toward the second member  130 . The support surface  146  is also preferably provided with a lip or flange  147  extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the third member  140 . The lip  147  is intended to help hold a photograph (e.g., a laminated ultrasound photograph such as photograph  15  of the first embodiment) in place. The support surface  146  of the third member  140  is preferably shaped such that it is in contact or nearly in contact (as seen in  FIG. 13 ) with the inner surface  123  of the first member  120  along some or much of its length. The centering cup  142  is shown to be formed as a hollow frusto-conical member which is adapted to sit down in the bottom area of the first and second members  120 ,  130 . The centering cup  142  may be provided with a side hole  148  ( FIG. 13 ) to accommodate a post  135  extending from the inside of the second member  130 . In this manner, the centering cup  142  will be securely held in place. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13 , both the first member  120  and the second member  130  are provided at their top ends with tabs  128 ,  138  which are aligned and define a through-hole. As discussed hereinafter, this permits the display device to be hung as part of an assembly. Also, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13 , the edges  124 ,  134  of the first and second members may be arranged with steps, tongues, grooves, or otherwise (e.g., lips and stops), to expedite mating of the members. As shown best in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-13 , the bottom  129  of first member  120  is provided as a solid finger with a horizontal inner surface which accommodates the bottom of the centering cup  142  as well as the bottom edge of the second member  130 . 
     The keepsake display devices  10 ,  110  are preferably relatively small, e.g., less than six inches high, less than four inches wide, and less than five inches deep, and accommodate a standard printed ultrasound of 3.75 inches by 3 inches. In one embodiment, the display device  110  is approximately 5.5 inches high, approximately 3.5 inches wide, and approximately 4.25 inches deep. In the case of device  110 , the printed ultrasound photograph should be cut to match the support surface  146 . The display devices  10 ,  110  are preferably made out of moldable plastic. The first member is preferably made out of a clear moldable plastic such as, by way of example only, acrylic, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In one embodiment, the second and/or third members are made out of the same material as the first member. In another embodiment, the second and/or third members are made out of a more opaque moldable plastic such as, by way of example only, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyvinyl chloride. Because the display device has a desired outer shape, it also preferably has room to store other small keepsake items including, for example, a lock of baby hair. 
     In one embodiment, a kit includes a display device  10  or  110  and a lamination member  201  seen in  FIG. 14 . The printed ultrasound image  15  can be placed inside the lamination member to form a laminated structure that can be received by the display device  10  or  110 . The lamination member  201  can take different shapes depending upon the display device. For example, for display device  10 , the lamination member  201  can be rectangular, and for display device  110 , the lamination member  201  can take the shape of the support face  146  (i.e., generally oval). In addition, a template  203  for expediting cutting of the printed ultrasound image  15  (and lamination) can also be provided as part of the kit. If desired, scissors (not shown) may also be provided. Further, a birthstone, set of birthstones, or one or more plastic chips  205  with the colors of the various birthstones may be included as part of the kit. Glue  207  for attaching the birthstones to the display device and/or for attaching pieces of the display device to each other may also be provided. For purposes herein, the term “glue” is intended to encompass any type of adhesive or bonding agent. 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , according to another aspect of the invention, the display device  10 ,  110  may be used as part of an assembly  301  that further includes a figurine  375 . The figurine  370  should have a stand and a body and means for holding the display device off of a support surface on which the stand sits. More particularly, in one embodiment, a figurine  370  is a wire sculpture resembling a stork is provided to hold the display device. The figurine  370  has a stand  372 , at least one leg  374  attached to the stand, a wire body  375  extending from the leg, and a head  377  extending from the body  375 . The head  377  includes a generally horizontal beak  378  which is adapted to extend through an opening in the display device (e.g., through tabs  128 ,  138  of display device  110 ), or through a ring or hook  380  which is attached to or through the display device so as to hold the display device in a dangling position above the horizontal level of the stand  372 . Alternatively, a ribbon or other attachment device can be used to extend through the ring attached to the display device or through the hole(s) in the display device in order to attach the display device to figurine. 
     There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a display device, a kit including the display device, and an assembly including the display device. 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 plastic materials have been disclosed in forming the display device, it will be appreciated that other materials such as glass, metal, etc., may be used as well. In addition, while particular sizes have been disclosed, it will be understood that other sizes can be used. Also, while a particular figurine has been described as part of the assembly, it will be appreciated that other figurines could be utilized. 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0