Elastomeric Card Case Holder Device and Method

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that involve a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation. The upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion and further includes a slot. An elastomeric structure is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot and includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib includes a flexible portion and a retention portion. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs secure the encasement within the slot.

BACKGROUND

Collectors may display graded cards for a variety of reasons, such as to sell them or for decoration. Traditional displays range from wall mounts to shadow boxes to cases that are able to be stored flat. Some displays are configured to hold just one graded card, but some are configured to hold many cards at the same time.

However, it would be appreciated to have a manner of displaying a graded card such that both a front of the card and a back of the card were visible for observation in the display. It would also be beneficial to display a graded card in a unique and interesting way.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to elastomeric card case holder within an electromagnetic levitating system for display of encased collectible cards. The elastomeric card case holder utilizes the electromagnetic system as a foundation to magnetically levitate, hold and display a collectable card in a graded card case. The present disclosure provides for a secured and stable way to display encased collectible cards in a 360° rotating and levitating electromagnetic system.

In a first aspect, a system is disclosed that includes a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation. The upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, the upper portion further includes a slot. That system also includes an elastomeric structure that is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot such that the elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

In a second aspect, a method includes inserting an encasement into a slot of a display assembly. The display assembly includes a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation. The upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, the upper portion further including the slot configured to receive the encasement. The display assembly also includes an elastomeric structure that is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot such that the elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive the encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

In a third aspect, a method of manufacturing includes forming a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, inserting a magnet into the lower portion that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation, and forming an elastomeric structure along an interior perimeter of a slot in the upper portion. The elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs angles is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Thus, the example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. Aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

The present disclosure provides for the secured levitation of encased trading cards or other objects using an electromagnetic system. A system is disclosed that includes a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation and the upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, the upper portion further includes a slot. An elastomeric structure is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot such that the elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot. Furthermore, the elastomeric nature of the holder means that the same is free from ferrous metallic hardware avoiding any electrical interference with the electromagnetic system.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of ribs are along a first half of the elastomeric structure and the second plurality of ribs are along a second half of the elastomeric structure. Further, in some embodiments, the first half of the elastomeric structure is disposed along a first interior wall of the slot and the second half of the elastomeric structure is disposed along a second interior wall of the slot opposite the first interior wall of the slot. As such, in some embodiments, the first half of the elastomeric structure further comprises a first horizontal portion attaching together at least two ribs of the first plurality of ribs and the second half of the elastomeric structure further comprises a second horizontal portion attaching together at least two ribs of the second plurality of ribs.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric structure has a Shore hardness range between 30 Shore A and 60 Shore A. In other embodiments, the elastomeric structure has a smaller Shore hardness, such as between 38 Shore A and 56 Shore A. It will be understood that other Shore hardness values and ranges are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric structure comprises a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), such as fully cured ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber particles encapsulated in a polypropylene (PP) matrix. In other embodiments, the elastomeric structure may comprise a number of other engineered plastics (e.g., Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), etc.).

In some embodiments, the flexible portion of each rib in the first plurality of ribs is arranged between 120° and 150° with respect to a first side of the encasement and the flexible portion of each rib in the second plurality of ribs is arranged between 120° and 150° with respect to a second side of the encasement.

In some embodiments, the retention portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs further comprises a first alignment slot configured to receive a protruding portion of the encasement and the retention portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs further comprises a second alignment slot configured to receive the protruding portion of the encasement.

In some embodiments, each rib of the first plurality of ribs is spaced between 4 mm and 8 mm from an adjacent rib and each rib of the second plurality of ribs is spaced between 4 mm and 8 mm from an adjacent rib.

In some embodiments, the magnet has a pull strength of at least 500 grams.

In some embodiments, the encasement comprises a graded card within a card case having a width between 70 mm and 90 mm.

In some embodiments, the system also includes a bumper pad attached to an underside of the lower portion of the plastic housing such that the bumper pad is configured to absorb energy.

The present disclosure provides for a method of secured levitation of encased cards using an electromagnetic system. A method includes inserting an encasement into a slot of a display assembly. The display assembly includes a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation and the upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, the upper portion further including the slot configured to receive the encasement. An elastomeric structure is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot such that the elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive the encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

In some embodiments, the method further includes placing the display assembly above an electromagnetic assembly and levitating the display assembly above the electromagnetic assembly. In some embodiments, placing the display assembly above the electromagnetic assembly includes aligning the display assembly above the electromagnetic assembly using an alignment tool that is temporarily placed between the display assembly and the electromagnetic assembly and removing the alignment tool from between the display assembly and the electromagnetic assembly once the display assembly and the electromagnetic assembly have been aligned. Further, in some embodiments, the method includes rotating the display assembly 360° at a constant rotational rate. In some embodiments, the constant rotational rate is between 10 and 20 revolutions per minute.

The present disclosure provides for a method of manufacturing a secured levitation of encased cards using an electromagnetic system. A method of manufacturing includes forming a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, inserting a magnet into the lower portion that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation, and forming an elastomeric structure along an interior perimeter of a slot in the upper portion. The elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs angles is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

In some embodiments, the elastomeric structure is chemically bonded to the interior perimeter of the slot in the upper portion.

In some embodiments, a first half of the elastomeric structure comprising the first plurality of ribs is formed separately from a second half of the elastomeric structure comprising the second plurality of ribs. Further, in some embodiments, the first half of the elastomeric structure is disposed along a first interior wall of the slot and the second half of the elastomeric structure is disposed along a second interior wall of the slot opposite the first interior wall of the slot.

II. Example Rotatable Mirror Assemblies

FIGS.1-5Cillustrate an electromagnetic levitating display system10that involves a plastic housing having a lower portion11and an upper portion12such that the lower portion11is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly18for levitation and the upper portion12extends at least partially above the lower portion11, the upper portion further including a slot13. An elastomeric structure26is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot13such that the elastomeric structure26includes a first plurality of ribs26aand a second plurality of ribs26b. In some embodiments, each rib of the first plurality of ribs26ais spaced between 4 mm and 8 mm from a next rib of the first plurality of ribs26a. Similarly, in some embodiments, each rib of the second plurality of ribs26bis spaced between 4 mm and 8 mm from a next rib of the second plurality of ribs26b.

Each rib of the first plurality of ribs26aand each rib of the second plurality of ribs26bincludes a flexible portion32and a retention portion34such that the flexible portion32of each rib of the first plurality of ribs26ais arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion32of each rib of the second plurality of ribs26bis arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion32of the first plurality of ribs26aand the flexible portion32of the second plurality of ribs26bare configured to receive an encasement14and align the encasement14in the slot13. The retention portion34of the first plurality of ribs26aand the retention portion34of the second plurality of ribs26bare configured to secure the encasement14within the slot13.

The flexible portion32of each rib angles between 120° and 150°. As shown inFIG.4, in some embodiments, the flexible portion32of the first plurality of ribs26aangles in a first direction that is opposite to the second direction of the flexible portion32of the second plurality of ribs26b. Therefore, when an encasement14is placed inside the slot13between the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26b, the flexible portion32of each rib folds downwardly following the direction of the angle of each flexible portion32. The flexible portion32functions as a lead-in shape or reaction surface reducing installation force; thus, facilitating the placement of the encasement14in the slot13. Moreover, the flexible portion32of the first plurality of ribs26aangling in first direction that is opposite to the second direction of the flexible portion32of the second plurality of ribs26bbalances deflection between the right side and left side of the encasement14and therefore secures the installation of the encasement14in vertical position in the slot13.

As shown inFIGS.5A-5C, the retention portion34of the first plurality of ribs26aand the retention portion34of the second plurality of ribs26ba lead-in structure36, a lip38, and a retaining wall40. The lead in structure36, the lip38, and the retaining wall40on each rib of the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26bare configured to receive the encasement14and provide further security for the encasement14. In some embodiments, the lead-in structure36has a rounded top, like a mushroom cap, that enables the encasement14to glide past conveniently and easily. Once past the lead-in structure36, the encasement14may be configured to fit into the space between the lip38and the retaining wall40. The lip38may be configured to prevent the encasement14from undesirably loosening or being removed upward from the slot13, and opposing retaining walls40on each side of the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26bmay be configured to prevent the encasement14from undesirably shifting between a first side of the slot13and a second side of the slot13.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5B, a thickness42of the flexible portion32may be smaller than a thickness44of the lead-in structure36of the retention portion34of each rib. For instance, the thickness42of the flexible portion34may be between 1 mm-3 mm, e.g. 1.6 mm. However, the thickness44of the lead-in structure36of the retention portion34of each rib may be larger, e.g. 3.2 mm. In some embodiments, the lip38may have a length46between 1 mm-3 mm, e.g. 2 mm. In some embodiments, the retaining wall has a depth48that is dependent on a height of the slot13, but for example, the depth48may be 2 mm. In some embodiments, the distance50between subsequent lead-in structures36of neighboring ribs may range from 3 mm-7 mm, e.g. 6 mm, while the distance52between subsequent retaining walls40of neighboring ribs may be larger, in the range of 4 mm-8 mm, e.g. 7.6 mm. Further, in some embodiments, neighboring ribs may be connected by a piece of material to add rigidity to the shape. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.5C, the retaining walls40of each rib may begin at a depth54that is closer to a bottom of slot13than a depth56of the lip38of each rib. For instance, in some embodiments, the depth54may be 2.5 mm from the bottom of the slot13while the depth56may be 4.5 mm from the bottom of the slot13. Other ranges for all of these components are possible and contemplated.

FIGS.6-11demonstrate the ability of the system to accommodate various sized encasements14having a range of thicknesses. For example, different card grading companies use unique protective cases for the graded cards, each having a different thickness. The elastomeric nature of the currently claimed system provides for the installation of a variety of card cases of different width, depth and height, including containers relating to Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), Beckett Grading Services (BGS), and Sports Card Guaranty (SCG), among others. In some embodiments, the slot13could provide for the installation of card cases ranging in width between 70 mm and 90 mm, between 73 mm and 86 mm, and/or between 80 mm and 83 mm. Moreover, the slot13provides for the placement of card cases ranging in depth between 1.0 mm and 15 mm, between 1.5 mm and 13.5 mm, between 6.2 mm and 8.8 mm, and between 8.0 mm and 8.8 mm, between 8.4 mm and 8.7 mm. Furthermore, the slot13provides for the installation of card cases ranging in height between 100 mm and 140 mm, between 101 mm and 138 mm, between 110 mm and 135 mm, and/or between 127 mm and 130 mm.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, vertical cross-sectional views, represented as line A-A inFIG.6, of the elastomeric card case holder with a thinner card case and with a wider card case, respectively. Alternatively, as shown inFIG.9andFIG.10, horizontal cross-sectional views, represented as line B-B inFIG.6, of the elastomeric card case holder with a thinner card case and a wider card case, respectively. As evidenced, the flexible nature of the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26ballow for the slot13to hold an encasement14regardless of the encasement size. Further, the interference fit provided between the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26ballows for the secured installation of encasements regardless of the thickness of the same and without the use of a mechanical retention solution (e.g. screw system) and/ or back support. Furthermore, as illustrated with arrows inFIG.11, the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26bat each side of the encasement14place roughly equal force onto the encasement14, allowing for the stable and secured installation of the encasement14regardless of its width.

As illustrated inFIG.12, each rib of the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26bfurther includes a retention portion34. Moreover, the encasement14is further secured to the system by retention portion34of the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26b. This is particularly useful when the encasement14is an official card case, which includes a protruding portion60that allows for said card cases to be aligned with other cases when these are stored. When the encasement14is a card case in being placed in the slot13between the first plurality of ribs26aand the second plurality of ribs26b, the flexible portion32of each rib folds as the encasement14is inserted, and allows the encasement14to nest in retention portion34. Then, the retention portion34couples with the protruding portion60of the encasement14, further securing the encasement14to the system. For example, the retention portion34coupled with the protruding portion60of the encasement14prevents the encasement14from being expelled from the levitating elastomeric holder when the holder is inadvertently removed from above the electromagnetic assembly.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIGS.13A-13C, alternative embodiments to the elastomeric structure shown inFIGS.5A-5Care possible. For instance, as shown inFIG.13A, in some embodiments, each rib of the plurality of ribs may have a retention portion comprising a lip and a retaining wall, but no lead-in structure. As shown inFIG.13B, in some other embodiments, each rib of the plurality of ribs may have a retention portion comprising a lip and a retaining wall, but no lead-in structure, except for a few select ribs in the plurality of ribs that do include the lead-in structure, as shown inFIGS.5A-5C. Further, as shown inFIG.13C, in some embodiments, select ribs from the plurality of ribs may be connected by a horizontal portion of material to help further secure an encasement in a slot in a display assembly.

FIG.14shows system70having a display assembly72and an electromagnetic assembly74. One skilled in the art will realize that the display assembly72may include any components described inFIGS.1-13Cand that the electromagnetic assembly74may be of any size, shape, material, or the like to levitate the display assembly72. In some embodiments, an alignment tool76, specifically designed to assist users in effortlessly achieving a stable, floating display for their encasements, may aid in aligning the display assembly72and the electromagnetic assembly74for levitation. The alignment tool76, in some embodiments, is a slim, cylindrical device equipped with an attached handle78for easy removal once the display assembly72and the electromagnetic assembly74are properly aligned. For instance, in some embodiments, the alignment tool76may have a diameter of approximately 65 mm and a height of 22 mm to properly align the display assembly72and the electromagnetic assembly74for levitation. The alignment tool76functions by temporarily occupying the floating void between the display assembly72and the electromagnetic assembly74, ensuring proper positioning and stability for levitation. Once the display assembly72is properly aligned with the alignment tool76such that the display assembly72is securely centered without any magnetic pull from the electromagnetic assembly74, the alignment tool76can be easily removed using the handle78, allowing the display assembly72to continue floating independently above the electromagnetic assembly74, even in the presence of minor resistance encountered from the removal of the alignment device76.

III. Example Methods

FIG.15illustrates a method80, according to an example embodiment. It will be understood that the method80may include fewer or more steps or blocks than those expressly illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein. Furthermore, respective steps or blocks of method80may be performed in any order and each step or block may be performed one or more times. In some embodiments, some or all of the blocks or steps of method80may relate to elements of the systems described above.

Block82includes inserting an encasement into a slot of a display assembly. In some embodiments, the display assembly includes a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the lower portion is configured to house a magnet that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation. The upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion, the upper portion further including the slot configured to receive the encasement. The display assembly also includes an elastomeric structure that is disposed along an interior perimeter of the slot such that the elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive the encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

In some embodiments, the method80includes block84, placing the display assembly above an electromagnetic assembly. Further, in some embodiments, placing the display assembly above an electromagnetic assembly includes block84a, aligning the display assembly above the electromagnetic assembly using an alignment tool such that the alignment tool is temporarily placed between the display assembly and the electromagnetic assembly, and block84b, removing the alignment tool from between the display assembly and the electromagnetic assembly.

In some embodiments, the method80includes block86, levitating the display assembly above the electromagnetic assembly.

Further, in some embodiments, the method80includes block88, rotating the display assembly 360° at a constant rotational rate between 10 and 20 revolutions per minute.

FIG.16illustrates a method of manufacture90, according to an example embodiment. It will be understood that the method of manufacture90may include fewer or more steps or blocks than those expressly illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein. Furthermore, respective steps or blocks of method of manufacture90may be performed in any order and each step or block may be performed one or more times. In some embodiments, some or all of the blocks or steps of method of manufacture90may relate to elements of the systems described above.

Block92includes forming a plastic housing having a lower portion and an upper portion such that the upper portion extends at least partially above the lower portion.

Block94includes inserting a magnet into the lower portion that is adapted for placement above an electromagnetic assembly for levitation.

Block96includes forming an elastomeric structure along an interior perimeter of a slot in the upper portion. The elastomeric structure includes a first plurality of ribs and a second plurality of ribs. Each rib of the first plurality of ribs and each rib of the second plurality of ribs includes a flexible portion and a retention portion such that the flexible portion of each rib of the first plurality of ribs is arranged along a first direction and the flexible portion of each rib of the second plurality of ribs angles is arranged along a second direction. The flexible portion of the first plurality of ribs and the flexible portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to receive an encasement and align the encasement in the slot. The retention portion of the first plurality of ribs and the retention portion of the second plurality of ribs are configured to secure the encasement within the slot.

While various examples and embodiments have been disclosed, other examples and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various disclosed examples and embodiments are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.