Combination picture retaining and item storing device

Abstract

A combination picture retaining and item storing device that has an integrally formed plastic structure. The structure includes at least two sidewalls that extend from a base. At least one of the sidewalls has a hole formed through the sidewall. A storage area is disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls. A separate picture retaining member having a translucent planar body including first and second parallel portions are joined at a radius. The first and second parallel portions allow for retention of a picture in a gap formed by the opposing portions. Retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole positions the picture retaining member within the periphery of the hole and allows for easy removal of the picture retaining member.

1 . A combination picture retaining and item storing device comprising: 
 an integrally formed plastic structure having at least two sidewalls extending from a base, the sidewalls including inner and outer surfaces, at least one of the at least two sidewalls having a hole formed therein;    a storage area disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls comprising raised storage features formed on the outer surface of the sidewall without the hole formed therein;    a picture retaining member comprising a translucent planar body having first and second parallel portions joined at a radius, the first and second portions defining a gap for retaining a picture;    a plurality of retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole formed in at least one of the sidewalls;    the picture retaining member positioned within the periphery of the hole and releasably retained in position by the plurality of retaining features.    
   
   
       2 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 1  wherein the plastic structure comprises two oppositely positioned sidewalls.  
   
   
       3 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 1  wherein the raised storage features comprises a pair of brackets spaced from each other and attached to the outer surface of the sidewall without the hole formed therein for retaining a business card.  
   
   
       4 . A combination picture retaining and item storing device comprising: 
 an integrally formed plastic structure having at least two sidewalls extending from a base, the sidewalls including inner and outer surfaces, at least one of the at least two sidewalls having a hole formed therein wherein the plastic structure comprises four sidewalls joined to form a pyramid structure;    a storage area disposed adjacent and integrally formed with the at least two sidewalls;    a picture retaining member comprising a translucent planar body having first and second parallel portions joined at a radius, the first and second portions defining a gap for retaining a picture;    a plurality of retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole formed in at least one of the sidewalls;    the picture retaining member positioned within the periphery of the hole and releasably retained in position by the plurality of retaining features.    
   
   
       5 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  wherein each of the four sidewalls has a hole formed therein.  
   
   
       6 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  wherein each of the four sidewalls includes a plurality of retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the holes.  
   
   
       7 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  further including four picture retaining members positioned within a periphery of the four holes and releasably retained in position by the plurality of retaining features.  
   
   
       8 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  wherein the storage area comprises a flattened planar surface formed at a top portion of the pyramid structure.  
   
   
       9 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  further including a depression formed in the flattened planar surface for receiving a candle.  
   
   
       10 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  further including a soap dish positioned atop the flattened planar surface.  
   
   
       11 . The combination picture retaining and item storing device of  claim 4  further including an ashtray positioned atop the flattened planar surface.  
   
   
       12 . A combination picture retaining and item storing device comprising: 
 an integrally formed plastic structure having four sidewalls joined to form a pyramid structure, the sidewalls including inner and outer surfaces, at least one of the four sidewalls having a hole formed therein;    a storage area comprising a flattened planar surface formed at a top portion of the pyramid structure;    a picture retaining member comprising a translucent planar body having first and second parallel portions joined at a radius, the first and second portions defining a gap for retaining a picture;    a plurality of retaining features formed on an inner surface and around a periphery of the hole formed in at least one of the sidewalls;    the picture retaining member positioned within the periphery of the hole and releasably retained in position by the plurality of retaining features.