Device for accepting and storing messages

Abstract

A message storage apparatus that can stimulate creativity and imagination of children and adolescents is disclosed. The apparatus facilitates storage of messages such as secrets, memories, notes, diary entries, wishes, dreams, trivia and other educational facts, quiz and other game questions, valentines, etc. More particularly, the apparatus can virtually (or physically) store intangible (and tangible) messages, thereby enhancing creativity and imagination. The message storage apparatus has a message delivery system that receives a message and delivers it securely to a storage chamber where the message can be accessed at a later time.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device that facilitates storage of a message, comprising:
 a base portion having an open side and cavity formed therein;   a cavity cover that is pivotally connected to the open side of the base portion, wherein the cavity cover is configured to open for input of a message into the cavity and to close to secure the message within the cavity; and   a locking mechanism that secures the cavity cover atop the open side of the base portion to facilitate secure storage of the message.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover portion that is hingedly connected to the base portion, wherein the cover portion closes atop the cavity cover. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an impression disposed within the cavity cover, wherein the impression facilitates storage of paper for authoring the message. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of pieces of paper, wherein the plurality of pieces of paper are configured to be removeably disposed within the impression. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic means that interfaces with an educational tool, wherein the educational tool accesses and employs the messages. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an unlocking mechanism that facilitates disengagement of the locking mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the unlocking mechanism is a key. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the locking mechanism is a numerical combination-type lock and the unlocking mechanism is a numerical combination. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity cover includes a securing mechanism that frictionally secures to a mating portion within the open side of the base portion. 
     
     
         10 . A method of storing a message, comprising:
 providing a base portion having an open side and cavity formed therein;   pivotally opening a cavity cover that is connected to the open side of the base portion;   accepting a message into the cavity; and   closing the cavity cover to secure the message within the cavity.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the message is a written or imaginary message. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the act of accepting the message is one of an actual or perceived acceptance of the message. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising, activating a locking mechanism that secures the cavity cover atop the open side of the base portion. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising hinging a cover portion that is disposed atop the cavity cover. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising inserting a plurality of pieces of indicia-accepting material, wherein the plurality of pieces of material are configured to be removeably disposed within an impression molded into the cavity cover. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising locking the cavity cover to secure the message within the cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 10 , further comprising unlocking the cavity cover to facilitates disengagement of a locking mechanism.