Patent ID: 6802576
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: A47F

Abstract:
A protected display case providing security for exhibiting items and for storing items when items are not on display comprising:a) a top section having at least one viewing window and defining a top volume; b) a bottom section having a peripheral wall with opposing sides defining a bottom volume; c) an access opening between the top and bottom volumes; d) a shelf disposed within the display case and adapted to receive items for viewing, the shelf having a raised position in which the items on the shelf are in the top volume and available for viewing through the viewing window and a lowered position in which the shelf and items are disposed within the bottom volume; e) a lifting mechanism disposed within the bottom section and comprising a pair of vertically aligned guides disposed along opposing sides of the peripheral wall of the bottom section, each guide includes a track having track teeth, a motor disposed under and carried by the shelf, a gear assembly carried by the shelf and coupled between the motor and the tracks, so that operation of the motor causes the shelf to move in relation to the tracks from the lowered to the raised position and visa versa; f) a movable panel assembly having a retracted position in which the access opening is unobstructed and a deployed position in which the movable panel assembly substantially covers the access opening; and g) at least one door situated on the protected display case such that the items on the shelf can be accessed.