Collectibles display case

A collectibles display case includes a durable frame, a front window, a rear window, and a placeholder. The front window includes a picture-frame type transparent front securely attachable to a front inside location of the frame. The back window includes a transparent back window similar to and removably located opposite the front window. The placeholder includes a corresponding pair of flat, durable frame-shaped mats with exterior perimeters of the same shape as the frame. The pair of mats each has a central rectangular opening. The placeholder is securely and removably mounted within a middle portion of the frame between the windows. The rectangular openings allow a packaged collectible having a thickness, such as a blister packed item to be “sandwiched” between the frame components and viewable housed between the windows.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 17, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to display cases and frames, and in particular, to a customizable display case for collectibles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A great many people enjoy collecting various items and objects. Such collectibles are not only limited to stamps and coins but also include other items, such as toys, die-cast metal cars, action figures, trading cards, or comic books. These items provide a sense of nostalgia for many people. To many others, these collectibles represent an investment as those that are in pristine condition and still in their retail packaging command the highest dollar. Accordingly, there is a strong desire to protect the value of such collectibles. However, this desire to protect is often offset by the need to view and enjoy the item.

Various picture frames, poster frames, shadow boxes, or similar multi-purpose cases exist for many different types of items. Typically these frames provide a structural frame and a flat transparent viewing window on only a front side. These features are well suited for flat or substantially flat items or collectibles, particularly those where only a front side of the item is ever displayed. However, many toys or other collectibles have various thicknesses and come in plastic and cardboard packaging, such as blister packaging, where frames or shadow boxes do not provide a suitable display. Additionally, many of these collectible items have images and information printed on the back side of the packaging which the owner may want to displayed as much as the front side. Those cases available to display these types of collectibles typically require the owner to use an adhesive or otherwise damage the packaging in order to position and retain the item in an upright position for display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device and method by which collectible items can be displayed for enjoyment yet protected against harm and physical damage. It is an object of the present disclosure to solve these problems.

The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing of a collectibles display case which provides a way to simply and conveniently display collectible items in a manner which also protects the item from damage, wear, or potential loss in value. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a frame for enclosing a displayable collectible. The frame includes an upper horizontal segment, a pair of opposing vertical segments, a lower horizontal segment opposite the upper horizontal segment, and a frame fastening member removably connected to the lower horizontal segment. A transparent front window is mounted within the frame for viewing a front side of the collectible. A placeholder is mounted within the frame behind the front window for retaining and supporting the collectible. A transparent rear window is mounted within the frame behind the placeholder for viewing a back side of the collectible. A first groove is inset on an interior surface of the upper horizontal segment, the pair of vertical segments and the lower horizontal segment at a forward position for receiving the front window. A second groove is inset on the interior surface of the upper horizontal segment, the pair of vertical segments and the frame fastening member at an intermediate position for slidably receiving the placeholder. A third groove is inset on the interior surface of the upper horizontal segment, the pair of vertical segments and the frame fastening member at a rearward position for slidably receiving the rear window.

The placeholder includes a first mat having a customizable first mat opening which is substantially equivalent to a peripheral edge of the collectible and a second mat having a customizable second mat opening that is smaller than said first mat opening. The first mat and the second mat are connected and an offset area of the second mat between the first mat opening and the second mat opening provides a contact surface for a perimeter portion of the collectible.

The frame has a thickness such that the distance between the first groove and the second groove is sufficient to enclose the body of collectible between the front window and the placeholder. The body of the collectible protrudes through the second mat opening.

Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment.

Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The best mode for carrying out the disclosure is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted withinFIGS. 1 through 8. However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The present invention describes a collectibles display case (herein described as an “apparatus”)10, which provides a structure for and method of storing and displaying packaged collectibles15such as, but not limited to: die-cast metal cars, action figures, playing cards, and the like in a viewable structure which enables the collectible15to remain in a pristine condition.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an environmental view of the apparatus10andFIG. 2, an exploded front perspective view of the apparatus10, are disclosed. The apparatus10generally includes a frame20, a front window30, a first mat41, a second mat42, an overlay50, and a back window60. The apparatus10is customizable for a various types and styles of collectible15which are displayed within. The collectibles15are envisioned to include, but are not limited to: action figures, die cast cars, various types of trading cards, comics books, or similar collectible articles. The frame20provides a support structure to surround, secure, and protect the collectible15, particularly for collectibles15which remain in an unopened condition within the original packaging, such as a blister pack. The frame20includes exterior housing having an upper horizontal segment27and an opposing lower horizontal segment29and a pair of opposing vertical segments28which combine to form a generally square or rectangular structure and are preferably combined as a single structure similar to a shadow box. The frame20is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, wood, or the like. The mats41,42, and overlay45are preferably made of a thin foam, cardboard, or cardstock material, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus10. The windows30,60are preferably fabricated from transparent materials such as, but not limited to: glass, acrylic glass, or the like. All components of the apparatus10can be made in various dimensions to facilitate various sized collectibles15.

Referring now toFIG. 3a front view of a combined first mat41and second mat42;FIG. 4is a partially exploded front perspective view of the combined first mat41and second mat42depicted with a collectible15being applied; and,FIG. 5is a partially exploded front perspective view of the combined first mat41and second mat42with the collectible15applied and an overlay50being applied, are disclosed. The apparatus10includes a placeholder40for retaining the collectable15in a displayable orientation. The placeholder40includes a combination of the first mat41and the second mat42.

The first mat41, the second mat42, and an overlay50provide vertical support and a decorative border around the collectible15and provide an aesthetic contrast between the collectible15and frame20. Each of the mats41,42are customizable in size, color, and thickness by the end user based upon the type of collectible15applied to the apparatus10. The first mat41and second mat42are also customized by including a first mat opening43and second mat opening44, respectively, which are can be cut to size by the user or can be provided pre-cut for particular styles of collectible packaging.

In use, the collectible15is centered upon the first mat41and the outer perimeter of the collectible15is outlined with writing utensil or similar marking instrument so the user can cut out the outline using a blade or scissors to create the first mat opening43. The first opening41is approximately equivalent to an exterior perimeter of the packaging of the collectible15and provides an aperture for the collectible15to be inserted and allows the first mat41to form an exterior border around the collectible15. The first mat41is then placed upon the second mat42and the first mat opening43is traced onto the second mat42. The traced line is then offset inwardly and cut-out to form a second mat opening44. The second mat opening44is preferably cut with an offset area45at least one-eighth (⅛) of an inch away from the border of the first mat opening43. The offset area45of the second mat42between the first mat opening43and the second mat opening44provides a rear support surface for the backside of the packaging of the collectible15to rest upon. The first mat41is mounted to the second mat42after a first mat opening43and a second mat opening44are created in each respective mat41,42which corresponds to the approximate width and length of the collectible15or the collectible packaging. The second mat42is preferably adhered to a rear surface of the first mat41such that the first mat opening43is aligned with the second mat opening44so the offset area45of second mat42provides secures the collectible15in a fixed vertical position. Once the first mat41and the second mat42are combined with the correct size to fit a particular size and type of collectible15, the mats41,42and frame20create a secure structure to retain the collectible15in an upright orientation for display purposes.

The overlay50is positioned in front of the first mat41and provides a color contrast and further overall aesthetic appearance to the apparatus10. The overlay50provides an approximately two (2) inch border around the outside of the collectible packaging and is positioned in front of the first mat41to provide a clean and neat appearance to the apparatus10and the collectible15. The overlay50includes an overlay opening51which allows the collectible15and corresponding original packaging to be completely shown through.

The collectible15shown as used with the apparatus10is depicted as a collectible action figure still within its original packaging. The apparatus10is designed to be used with various types of packaging including cardboard backed or clamshell type blister packs. However, it can be appreciated that various other packaged collectibles such as toys, models, trading cards, or comic books can be mounted and displayed in a similar fashion. The first mat opening43and second mat opening44will vary depending upon the type of collectible15. Additionally, the length and thickness of the horizontal segments27and vertical segments28of the frame20will also vary with the type, size, and overall dimensions of the collectible15, as will be described in further detail.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a perspective view of the frame20depicting the lower horizontal segment29removed, is disclosed. The pair of horizontal segments27and the pair of vertical segments28provide the exterior structure to the frame20. A lower horizontal segment27is removed for illustration purposes only and it can be appreciated that the two pairs of segments27,28would be integrally molded or otherwise connected to form a solid, unitary structure. The inner surfaces of each segment27,28include a first groove21, a second groove22, and a groove23which each provide a recessed area for the front window30; the combination of the first mat41, second mat42, overlay50, and collectible15; and the rear window60to be inserted and secured, respectively. The first groove21is located on a forward end portion of each segment27,28and provides a space for the placement of the front window30. The second groove22is located on an intermediate portion of each segment27,28and provides a space for the first mats41, the combined second mat42, the applied collectible15, and the overlay50. The third groove23is located on a rearward end portion, adjacent to the second groove22and provides a space for the rear window60. The depth between the first groove21and second groove22may vary depending upon the size of the frame20and the dimensions of the collectible15, such that the entire packaging is enclosed between the opposing front window30and rear window60.

The front window30and the rear window60allow the collectible15to be viewed from the front or the rear when displayed within the apparatus10. The front window30is positioned within the first groove21of the frame20and can be permanently affixed within the first groove21during fabrication processes. The front window30allows the front side of the collectible15and accompanying packaging, if any, to be completely viewed when displayed. The overlay50is positioned within the second groove22. The combined first mat41and second mat42are applied within the second groove22behind the overlay50. The second mat42faces forward and outward through the front window such that the collectible15is applied to and rests upon the offset area45provided and the exterior perimeter edge of the collectible15rests upon the interior perimeter edge of the first mat opening43. The rear window60is inserted within the third groove23behind the back surface of the collectible15to retain the collectible15in contact with the offset area45and allows the rear surface of the collectible15and accompanying packaging to be viewed when displayed.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a rear perspective view of the frame depicting a frame fastening member24being applied, is disclosed. The lower horizontal segment29is substantially similar in form and materials as the upper horizontal segment27. However, the lower horizontal segment29is slightly less thick and only includes the first groove21. A removable frame fastening member24is connected to the lower horizontal member29once the overlay50, the placeholder40, the collectible15have been fit into the second groove22and the rear window60has been fit within third groove23. Once the mats41,42, and overlay have been customized, each are slidingly inserted within the second groove22. The overlay50is frontward, followed by the second mat42, and followed by the first mat41which is most rearward. Once inserted, the collectible15is applied by inserting any thickness through the aligned first mat opening43and second mat opening44such that an outward perimeter portion of the collectible15or packaging is resting upon the offset area45. The rear window60is then slidingly inserted within the third groove23. The second groove22and third groove23are accessible due to the thinner profile of the lower horizontal segment29. The frame fastening member24includes the second groove22and third groove23which align with corresponding grooves on the vertical segments28when connected. The frame fastening member29is fastened to the lower horizontal member29by a plurality of fasteners26. Each opposing end of the frame fastening member24includes forty-five degree (45°) angle cut which aligns with the miter joint of each vertical member28. The frame fastening member24also includes a pair of apertures25which receive the fasteners26which engage a pair of corresponding apertures25on an interior surface of the lower horizontal member29. The fasteners26are preferable screws which may be removed as desired to remove the frame fastening member24for access to the second groove22and third groove23and thus the collectible15.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a rear perspective view of the apparatus10, is disclosed. The apparatus10can displayed by standing the frame20on a desk, table, or other flat surface in an upright manner or can be hung from a wall. At least one (1) mounting bracket70can be attached to a backside surface of the frame20to provide a way to suspend the apparatus10from a vertical surface. The mounting bracket70is depicted as a saw tooth frame mounting hanger attached to the backside surface of the upper horizontal segment27by nails. The mounting bracket70engages a hanging feature such as a hook, nail, or the like which is inserting into the wall or other desired vertical surface to suspend the apparatus10.

The method of installing and utilizing the mats41,42and overlay50may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus10; positioning a collectible15upon the first mat41, tracing the outer perimeter upon the first mat41, and cutting the traced line to create a first mat opening43; positioning the first mat41upon the second mat42and tracing the perimeter of the first mat opening42onto the second mat42, offsetting the traced line, and cutting the traced line to create a second mat opening44; adhering the second mat42to the first mat41with the openings43,44aligned by applying an adhesive to the rear surface of the second mat42and a rear surface of the first mat41and mating together; positioning the overlay50upon the front surface of the second mat41; and, positioning the collectible15into the openings43,44.

The method of installing and utilizing the frame20may be achieved by performing the following steps: positioning the frame20on a level surface with the front window30adjacent to the level surface; sliding the mats41,42, overlay50, and collectible15into the second groove22; inserting the rear window60into the third groove23; placing the frame fastening member24onto the lower horizontal segment29, aligning the apertures25; and, securing fasteners26into the apertures25.

The method of displaying the apparatus10may be achieved by performing the following steps: utilizing the suspending member50to suspend the apparatus10from a desired vertical surface, thereby engaging the suspending member50with an existing nail or hook; and, displaying collectibles15in a manner that is not only quick, easy and effective, but visually pleasing and protective as well.

The method of alternately displaying the apparatus10may be achieved by performing the following steps: positioning the apparatus10in an upright manner upon a desired horizontal surface; and, displaying collectibles15in a manner that is not only quick, easy and effective, but visually pleasing and protective as well.