Customizable storage and display systems

Abstract

A custom display storage system includes storage and display assemblies. One embodiment of the storage assembly includes an album or scrapbook containing pages for mounting graphic works and other generally planar objects. An embodiment of the display assembly includes a display unit joined at the edges with a backing to form a pocket. The display unit includes openings for display of character strings and/or graphic images. The backing includes a slot, hinge, or some other opening system to provide access to the pocket. A customizable insert assembly for insertion into the pocket includes a base sheet having guidelines for mounting images and/or character strings; a clear synthetic resin sheet; and a mat including cut outs aligned with the guidelines of the base sheet. An alternative embodiment of the system includes a container for storing three dimensional items as well as graphic works. The custom display storage system may also comprise a kit with a selection of character units, multiple variations of mats (i.e. color, thickness, cut-out sizes, etc.) and an album or storage container with a variety of display units. Another embodiment of the display system of the instant invention is provided that allows for the display of a either three dimensional or two dimensional items, or combinations of the same. The display system includes a frame, a display glass, an injection molded spacer, and a backing. The spacer provides spacing between the display glass and the backing to accommodate three dimensional items and/or to provide a three dimensional look to the display.

1 . A custom display and storage system comprising: 
 a display unit having an opening, said opening adapted for display of an image or character string;    a customizable insert assembly adapted for display of an image or character string, said insert assembly including a matting, said matting including a cut out corresponding to said opening of said display unit;    a releasable connection between said display unit and said insert assembly adapted to removably mount said insert assembly to said display unit, and    a storage unit coupled with said display unit.    
   
   
       2 . The custom display and storage system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said insert assembly further comprises a base sheet for mounting of the image or character string.  
   
   
       3 . The custom display and storage system as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said base sheet further comprises guidelines adapted for alignment of the image or character string.  
   
   
       4 . The custom display and storage system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said releasable connection comprises a backing coupled with said display unit.  
   
   
       5 . The custom display and storage system as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said backing includes an elongate slot.  
   
   
       6 . The custom display and storage system as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said backing is coupled to said display unit via a hinge.  
   
   
       7 . The custom display and storage system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said storage unit comprise an album type storage unit.  
   
   
       8 . A custom display system comprising; 
 a frame, said frame including a lip;    a transparent display panel supported within a front side of said frame by said lip;    an injection molded single piece spacer positioned within said frame on an opposing side of said panel to said lip; and    a backing positioned on an opposing side of said spacer to said panel, said backing adapted to maintain said spacer and said panel within said frame from a back side of said frame.    
   
   
       9 . The custom display system as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said backing comprises a matting component and a backing component.  
   
   
       10 . The custom display system as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said spacer has a width similar to a width of said lip.  
   
   
       11 . The custom display system as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said spacer has an inner circumference generally similar to an outer circumference of said lip.  
   
   
       12 . A method of manufacturing a spacer for providing a gap between a display panel and a backing in a three dimensional custom display system, comprising the steps of: 
 determining an inner circumference of the display system; and    injection molding a single piece body, said body including an outer circumference that fits within said inner circumference of the display system.