Abstract:
Illuminated display case for collectibles that can simulate the look and feel of a collectible&#39;s theme. The display case can be modular in design, such that one case can serve as the basis for the joining of additional case modules to form a larger illuminated display. Through the use of a specialized alignment structure, display cases can be lined up one next to the other to form a continuous track around a room.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/652,903, filed Feb. 14, 2005. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Statement of the Technical Field 
   The present invention generally relates to a modular display case for collectibles. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Acrylic glass boxes and wood cases resembling furniture are the traditional solutions to the problem of displaying various types of collectibles, such as model cars. Model collectible cars come in a variety of scales and typically feature metal bodies, although bodies formed of other materials are also known. In recent years, certain model cars have become available that are authentic replicas of actual vehicles. For example, in the field of auto racing such cars can be purchased with substantial detailing including authentic chassis designs and paint schemes. These types of model cars are available in a variety of styles that accurately replicate both modern and historical race cars. 
   One limitation faced by collectors is that the current cases for displaying collectibles are relatively uninteresting and do little to enhance the appearance of the collection. As is the case with model car collections, the display cases are merely designed to serve the purpose of preserving the collectible car and do little to resemble a racing environment. Another limitation of such conventional cases is that they come in a predetermined size which limits the number of model vehicles that can be displayed in the case. 
   Another disadvantage faced by collectors is that their collections tend to increase with time. As a result, the need may arise for a larger display case to house the collection. Considering that a conventional display case is not expandable, such a display case would be undesirable if the collection exceeds the case&#39;s capacity. Typical model car display cases are individually placed either side by side or stacked on top of the other. Such configurations do not give the appearance of a unified collection. 
   Yet, another problem with many existing designs is that they do not offer integrated lighting solutions. Similarly, many conventional display cases also do not feature integrated electrical connections. Such integrated electrical connections can be useful for the purpose of facilitating integrated lighting solutions. If each display case was to have an independent power supply source, an expanded collection could prove rather cumbersome to set up when there are numerous display cases to be illuminated. 
   For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved display case for collectibles that can easily adapt to increasing collections and that can provide an integrated, themed appearance. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides an improved display case for collectibles that is modular in design and simulates the look and feel of a collectible&#39;s theme. The display case can comprise a case having one or more case panels arranged for at least partially enclosing an item to be displayed. One or more of the panels can be at least partially formed of a transparent material. A first and second opposing side panels can be removably connected to the case at opposing ends of the case panels. According to one aspect, the portions of the opposing side panels can be transparent. A first alignment structure can be disposed adjacent to at least one of the opposing ends. The first alignment structure can be adapted for interacting with a second alignment structure of a second display case. The first and second display cases can be aligned to form a single extended display case. 
   The first alignment structure can be disposed beneath a portion of one or more of the first and second opposing side panels. The first alignment structure can be concealed beneath one or more of the first and second side panels when the first alignment structure is not in use. When the first and second display cases are aligned, an end portion of each of the one or more case panels of the first case can abut an end portion of each of one or more second case panels of the second case. 
   Each of the first and second display cases can further comprise a display surface on which display items can be placed. An edge portion of the display surface of the first display case can abut an edge portion of the display surface of the second display case when the first and second display cases are aligned. One or more of the case panels can each include at least a front panel, one or more rear panels, and a top panel. An end portion of the front panel, one or more rear panels, and the top panel can abut a corresponding end portion of a front panel, a rear panel, and a top panel of the second display case when the first and second cases are aligned. 
   According to one aspect, one or more of the case panels can be sized and shaped to conform to a corner display configuration that extends the display case around corners. For the corner display configuration, two of the rear panels can be positioned transversely to each other. 
   The first alignment structure and the second alignment structure can each include one or more apertures. One or more alignment fasteners can be adapted to be received by opposing apertures from abutting the first and second alignment structures when the first and second display cases are aligned in abutment. Thus, one or more of the alignment structures can be disposed adjacent to opposing ends of the case panels. 
   The display case can further comprise a display surface on which display items can be placed. According to one aspect, the display surface can be stepped to define a multi-level surface for improved display of collectibles. However, in another aspect, the display surface can be banked to define a simulated track defining at least one of a road and a playing field. One or more of the case panels can further include a securing device. The securing device can define at least one channel for retaining a background display panel. 
   The display case can further comprise one or more light sources that can be disposed along a length of the simulated track. One or more of the light sources can be comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The display case can further comprise one or more electrical connectors that can be integrated within a portion of the display case that is adjacent to the opposing ends of the case panels. According to one aspect, the electrical connector can form a portion of the alignment structure. 
   According to another embodiment of the invention, a display case for collectibles can comprise a case having one or more case panels that can be arranged for at least partially enclosing an item to be displayed. One or more of the case panels can be at least partially formed of a transparent material. A first and second opposing side panels can be removably connected to the case at opposing ends of the case panels. A first alignment structure can be disposed adjacent to one or more of the opposing ends. The first alignment structure can be adapted for interacting with a second alignment structure of a second display case. The first and second display cases can be aligned to form a single extended display case. In addition, one or more of the plurality of case panels can be sized and shaped to conform to a corner display configuration that can extend the display case around corners. To maintain a corner display configuration, two of the rear panels can be positioned transversely to each other. 
   In yet another embodiment of the invention, a display case for collectibles can comprise a case having one or more case panels that can be arranged for at least partially enclosing an item to be displayed. One or more of the case panels can be at least partially formed of a transparent material. A first and second opposing side panels can be removably connected to the case at opposing ends of the case panels. A first alignment structure can be disposed adjacent to one or more of the opposing ends. The first alignment structure can be adapted for interacting with a second alignment structure of a second display case. The first and second display cases can be aligned to form a single extended display case when abutting side panels of the first and second display cases have been removed. One or more electrical connectors can be integrated within a portion of the display case adjacent to the opposing ends of the case panels. The electrical connector(s) can form a portion of the alignment structure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a display case in a straightaway configuration that is useful for understanding the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the display case in a corner display configuration that is useful for understanding the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a display case in a straightaway configuration that is useful for understanding the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a right side elevational view of the display case in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the display case in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the display case in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a right side elevational view of the display case in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 8  is a left side elevational view of the display case in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of conjoined straightaway display cases that is useful for understanding the invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of conjoined straightaway and curved display cases that is useful for understanding the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention concerns modular display cases. The display cases can form either a straight or a curved configuration. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the display case  100  with a straight configuration can be formed such that a display surface  101  resembles a straight section of a playing field such as an automobile race track. The general structure of the display case  100  includes a base  102 , a rear panel  103 , a front panel  104 , a top panel  105 , and a set of opposing right and left side panels  106 ,  107 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , it can be observed that a display case  200  with a curved configuration can be formed so that a display surface  201  resembles a curved section of a playing field or track. Display case  200  generally includes a base  202  and a set of opposing right and left side panels  206 ,  207 . The display case  200  includes rear panels  209 ,  210 ,  211 , a display surface  204 , and a set of front and top panels  204 ,  205  to create a corner display configuration. Display case  200  can be used in corners of a room. The display case  200 , in combination with the display case  100 , can facilitate the formation of a continuous oval or round track/playing field around a perimeter of a room. 
   The display cases  100 ,  200  are designed to enhance the themed appearance of any type of collectible, particularly for displaying model race cars. For illustrative purposes, the specification shall generally provide examples pertaining to a racetrack theme. However, the examples are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , it can be observed that the display surface  101  can have a banked configuration. In particular, the display surface  101  can extend between a rear panel  103  and an infield area  152  as shown. The display surface  101  can be formed at an angle relative to a plane defined by an infield area  152 . For example, this angle can be between about 5° to 60° to simulate the appearance of a banked race track. According to one embodiment, this angle can be between about 10° and 40°. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the display surface  101  can also be inclined relative to a plane defined by a portion of rear panel  103 . For example, the display surface  101  can form an angle of between about 95° to 150° relative to a plane defined by back portion  110  of rear panel  103 . Still, the invention is not limited in this regard and other banked track configurations are also possible. According to one embodiment of the invention, the display surface  101  can resemble a real automobile raceway and can allow substantially unobstructed visibility with regard to model race cars placed on the track. 
   According to another embodiment of the display case  300 , shown in  FIG. 3 , the display surface  101  can also have a stepped configuration  301 . The stepped display surface  301  can facilitate greater visibility of collectibles that can be positioned towards the rear of the case  300  or behind other collectibles. The stepped display surface  301  can also allow other type of collectibles to be easily placed in an upright position by resting on a flat display surface. As can be seen from the previous embodiments, the particular profile of the display surface  101 ,  201  is not critical, as long as a collectible or collectibles can be suitably positioned on the display surface  101 ,  201 . 
   The display case  100  can also include a plurality of case panels defining a cover  117 . The cover can prevent dust and dirt from damaging the model vehicles displayed in the case. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover  117  can be removable by a user to facilitate access to the interior of the case. As shown in  FIGS. 1 , and  3 - 5 , the cover  117  can be formed by the combination of a front panel  104  and a top panel  105 . Both front  104  and top  105  panels can be attached to one another along an attachment line  118 . The front panel  104  can be secured to the base surface  108  by inserting a bottom edge  120  of the front panel  104  into a base panel groove  122  located on the base surface  108 . 
   The top panel  105  can be secured to the rear panel  103  by inserting a top panel tab  124  into a rear panel groove  126 . According to  FIGS. 4-5 , the top panel tab  404  can be attached to and protrude from an underside surface portion  405  of the top panel  105 . The top panel tab  404  can be shaped as a narrow, raised ridge that extends along the length of the top panel  105 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard, so long as the top panel tab  404  is configured to fit within a rear panel groove  126 . The rear panel groove  126  is sized and shaped to mate with the top panel tab  404 . The rear panel groove  126  extends along the length of a top surface  407  of the rear panel  103 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard, and any other attachment arrangement can also be used. According to an embodiment, the cover  117  can be at least partially formed from a transparent material. For example, the cover  117  can be made from a transparent acrylic material, a transparent polymer, glass or any other suitable material. 
   A pair of opposing side panels  106 , 107  can be used in combination with the cover  117 , base panel  102 , and rear panel(s)  103  to enclose collectibles within the display case  100 .  FIG. 1  illustrates one possible example of a removable side panel arrangement for the display case  100 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the side panels  106 ,  107  have a series of rod elements  129  that protrude from an inner surface portion  130  of the side panels  106  and  107  (not viewable). The rod elements  129  can be sized and shaped to fit snugly within apertures  131 . Alternatively, or in addition to the rod elements  129 , the side panels  106 ,  107  can also have a horizontal ridge  128  and a vertical ridge  127  that are respectively configured for frictionally engaging an inner portion of a horizontal and a vertical edge  133 ,  134  of the cover  117 . The horizontal and vertical ridges  128 ,  127  extend respectively along a top edge  136  and a front edge  137  of the side panels  106 ,  107 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard, and any other attachment arrangement can also be used. The opposing side panels  106 ,  107  can be at least partially formed from a transparent material to enhance the display of the collectible. For example, the side panels  106 ,  107  can be made from a transparent acrylic material, a transparent polymer, glass, or any other suitable material. 
   The display case  200 , shown in FIGS.  2  and  7 - 8 , can be formed from two or more rear panels  209 - 211  that can be attached to one another at an angle. Advantageously, at least two of the panels  209 ,  211  can be arranged at about 90° with respect to each other to facilitate mounting the display case  200  in the corner of a room. In the display configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , a left rear panel  209  and a right rear panel  211  are at right angles with each other. The middle rear panel  210 , which connects the left and right rear panels  209 ,  211 , forms an angle of about 135° or 225° with each of the left and right rear panels  209 ,  211 . The number of additional panels used to form the curved track configuration is not critical to the invention and any number of panels can be used to form the curved display case  200 . 
   The display case  200  can also include a plurality of case panels defining a cover  217 . According to one embodiment, the cover can be removable. The cover can prevent dust and dirt from damaging the model vehicles displayed in the case. As shown in  FIGS. 2 , and  7 - 8 , the cover  217  can be formed by the combination of a front panel  204  and a top panel  205 . Both front  204  and top  205  panels can be attached to one another along an attachment line  218 . The front panel  204  can be secured to the base surface  208  by inserting a bottom edge  120  of the front panel  204  into a base panel groove  222  located on the base surface  208 . 
   The top panel  205  can be secured to the rear panels  209 ,  210 ,  211  by inserting a top panel tab  224  into a rear panel groove  226 . The top panel tab  224  can be attached to and protrude from an underside surface portion  225  of the top panel  205 . The top panel tab  224  can be shaped as a narrow, raised ridge that extends along the length of the top panel  205 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard. The rear panel groove  226  is sized and shaped to mate with the top panel tab  224 . The rear panel groove  226  extends along the length of a top surface  227  of the rear panels  209 ,  210 ,  211 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard, and any other attachment arrangement can also be used. According to an embodiment, the cover  217  can be at least partially formed from a transparent material. For example, the cover  217  can be made from a transparent acrylic material, a transparent polymer, glass or any other suitable material. 
   A pair of opposing side panels  206 ,  207  can be used in combination with the cover  217 , base panel  202 , and rear panels  209 ,  210 ,  211  to enclose collectibles within the display case  200 .  FIG. 2  illustrates one possible example of a removable side panel arrangement for the display case  100 . Similar to the illustration in  FIG. 1 , the display case  200  can have side panels  206 ,  207  having a series of rod elements  229  that protrude from an inner surface portion  130  of the side panels  206  (not viewable) and  207 . The rod elements  229  can be sized and shaped to fit snugly within apertures  231 . Alternatively, or in addition to the rod elements, the side panels  206 ,  207  can also have a horizontal ridge  228  and a vertical ridge  230  that are respectively configured for frictionally engaging an inner portion of a horizontal and a vertical edge  233 ,  234  of the cover  217 . The horizontal and vertical ridges  228 ,  230  extend respectively along a top edge  236  and a front edge  237  of the side panels  206 ,  207 . However, the invention is not limited in this regard, and any other attachment arrangement can also be used. The opposing side panels  206 ,  207  can be at least partially formed from a transparent material to enhance the display of the collectible. For example, the side panels  206 ,  207  can be made from a transparent acrylic material, a transparent polymer, glass, or any other suitable material. 
   The display case  200 , shown in FIGS.  2  and  7 - 8 , can be formed from two or more rear panels  209 - 211  that can be attached to one another at an angle. Advantageously, at least two of the panels  209 ,  211  can be arranged at about 90° with respect to each other to facilitate mounting the display case  200  in the corner of a room. In the display configuration shown in  FIG. 2 , a left rear panel  209  and a right rear panel  211  are at right angles with each other. The middle rear panel  210 , which connects the left and right rear panels  209 ,  211 , forms an angle of about 135° or 225° with each of the left and right rear panels  209 ,  211 . The number of additional panels used to form the curved track configuration is not critical to the invention and any number of panels can be used to form the curved display case  200 . 
   Display cases  100 ,  200  share several common elements. Themed elements can be included for simulating a theme of a collectible. A wall bracket can be used to mount display cases  100 ,  200  onto a wall. An alignment structure can be used to suitably align one display case with another. Each display case can include an alignment structure to suitably align two or more conjoined cases. A lighting system is used to illuminate collectibles within the display cases  100 ,  200 . 
   According to several embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the display case  100 ,  200  can include additional detail features so that it more closely resembles a section of a racetrack. For example, the display surfaces  101 ,  201  can be painted black, grey or any other suitable color so as to resemble asphalt or pavement. Appropriate striping  140  can be provided to delineate one or more lanes of the racetrack. The display surface  101  can also include various textures to reflect the theme of the collectibles. For example, a racetrack theme can include a rough texture to simulate an asphalt surface. A rear wall  145  can also be painted or have detail added to appear more like a real race track. For example, a scale version of a security fence  150  can be provided. The security fence  150  can be configured as a chain link fence that extends vertically from the rear wall  145 . An infield area  152  can be painted or otherwise detailed to appear as turf. However, the invention is not limited in this regard. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the display cases  100 ,  200 , and  300  described herein can be formed in a variety of sizes. Referring back to the race track themed embodiment, the display case can be designed to have two lanes, three lanes or four lanes, without limitation. The size of the case can also be scaled to accommodate all scales of collectibles. For example, model car scales can include a 1:18 Scale, 1:24 Scale, and 1:64 Scale. 
   Referring now to FIGS.  1  and  3 - 6 , it can be observed that the back portion  110  of the rear panel  103  may be formed of a continuous linear panel  103 . The front portion  111  of the rear panel  103  can include a securing device  113 . The securing device  113  can include a structure suitable for removably securing a background display panel  115 . The background display panel  115  can be a thin rectangular sheet that includes a themed graphic design. According to one embodiment of the straight display case shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the securing device  113  can include an upper track  401  and a lower track  402  having a channel with an ‘L’ shaped cross-sectional profile. The channels associated with the upper and lower tracks  401 ,  402  are configured for securing the background display panel  115 . The background display panel  115  can be profiled such that it can slide in or out of the channels, thereby allowing for interchangeability of background themes. An example of the mating interaction between the background display panel  115  and the securing device  113  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The securing device can be included in both straight and curved display cases  100 ,  200 . 
   As mentioned earlier, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the display cases  100 ,  200 ,  300  disclosed herein can include different background themes. Background themes that can be used include, but are not limited to, sports grandstand/stadium, fans, dusk, night, and day. In effect, any background theme can be used depending on the type of collection that is being housed. The display surface  101  can also contain any type of ornamentation, color, or texture, depending on the type of collection. For example, if the case were to house model race cars, the display surface could reflect a race track theme. However, the display case can have other non-tracked sports themes. These themes include, but are not limited to, baseball, basketball, football, golf, hockey, soccer, and tennis. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  9 , it can be observed that the display case  100 ,  200 ,  300  can also include a mounting system for attaching the display case to a wall. The particular design of the bracket system is not critical provided that the bracket system can releasably secure a display case to a wall(s). For example, a wall bracket  212  can be designed to engage a bracket channel  203  formed on a rear surface of the display cases  100 ,  200 ,  300 . 
   In the example shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  6 , and  9 , the bracket system can include a wall bracket  212  that is mounted to a wall. The wall bracket  212  can have a cross-sectional profile that is configured to securely and slidably mate within the bracket channel  203  formed with the same cross-sectional profile. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the wall bracket  212  and bracket channel  203  can be trapezoidal with outwardly tapered sides. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to this mounting configuration and other mounting configurations with different sizes and shapes can be implemented. The wall bracket  212  and bracket channel  203  can also facilitate alignment of two conjoined display cases. Additional information relating to the alignment of conjoining display cases will be discussed below in greater detail. 
   The display cases can also each include an alignment structure to ensure that the display cases are aligned vertically and horizontally with one another, producing a more realistic appearance of an extended display case. Any suitable structure can be used for this purpose. For example, the alignment structure can include one or more interlocking structures. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the interlocking structures can be defined by a male alignment member  901  and a female alignment member  902 , which interlock such that two or more display cases can be conjoined. 
   According to one embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the female alignment member  902  can be defined by aperture(s)  131  that can be placed opposite to one another on abutting side portions  902  of the display cases  100 . The aperture  131  can be of any size or shape so long as the male alignment member  901  can snugly fit within the apertures  131 . According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the apertures  131  can have a circular cross-section which defines the opening of a bore. The male alignment member  901  can have a rod-like structure with a cross-section that matches the aperture(s)  131 . It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the actual location of these interlocking structures. 
   According to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , the male alignment member  901  can be defined by an alignment pin  903 . The alignment pin  903  can be of any size and shape so long as it can interlock with the aperture(s)  131 . The alignment pin  903  can have a cylindrical shape such that it can be inserted within the aperture(s)  131 . The one or more alignment pins  903  can be adapted to be received by opposing apertures  131 . The alignment pin can be inserted in the aperture(s)  131  to provide vertical and horizontal alignment of the infield edge of the display case. However, the invention is not limited to this type of interlocking structure configuration. 
   As noted earlier, the bracket system can also facilitate the alignment of two or more display cases. For example, the wall bracket  212  can be sized and shaped to be inserted within two or more bracket channels  203  simultaneously, as shown in  FIG. 9 . In order for this alignment to take effect, the bracket channels  203  should be aligned end to end such that the wall bracket  212  can traverse the bracket channels  203  simultaneously. Such an alignment ensures that the conjoined display cases are aligned vertically and horizontally with one another. 
   It can be appreciated that the side panels  106 ,  107  and/or  206 ,  207  can disrupt the appearance of a continuous display case if several display cases  100  and/or  200  are joined together to form a larger case. For example, if the display case is designed to simulate a racetrack, the continuity of the racetrack could be interrupted by the side panels  106 ,  107 ,  206 , and/or  207 . In order to avoid this undesirable effect associated with conjoined display cases, opposing side panels  106 ,  107 ,  206 ,  207  can be designed so that they are removable. The removal of the opposing side panels can facilitate the task of connecting together two or more cases end to end. Such an arrangement can allow the two or more cases to become one, simulating the appearance of a longer display case. In the case of model race cars, the arrangement could simulate a longer stretch of racetrack. 
     FIG. 10  shows how the straight display case  100  and the curved display case  200  can be conjoined to simulate the appearance of a longer display case. Note how the side panels  106 ,  207  corresponding to the abutting ends of display cases  100 ,  200  have been removed. However, the side panels  107 ,  206  located at the extreme ends of the conjoined display cases could still be attached to conceal the alignment structures at those extreme ends, thus fully enclosing the collectibles within the extended display case. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  4 - 5 , and  7 - 8 , the display case  100 ,  200  can also include an integrated lighting system. For example, a first set of miniature lights  161  can be provided at a location on or near the rear panel(s)  103  and a second set of miniature lights  162  can be provided at the base surface  108  of the display case  100 . According to one embodiment shown in the  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 - 5 , and  7 - 8 , the first and second set of miniature lights  161 ,  162  can be formed from light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are well known in the art. However, the lighting system can use any type of light source as long as the power supply meets the voltage and current requirements and the light&#39;s size is sufficiently small to fit within the display case. For example, miniature halogen or incandescent bulbs can be used for this purpose. 
   According to the embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  4 - 5 , and  7 - 8 , the first set of LED lights can be integrated into poles  165 . For example, the first set of miniature lights  161  can be installed at a tip end of poles  165  distal from the display surface. By employing a lighting system that includes LEDs integrated into poles  165 , the collectible race cars can be better displayed within the case without obtrusive lighting from conventional light fixtures that are inconsistent with a racetrack theme. Similarly, the second set of miniature lights  162  can be positioned on a tapered edge  163  of the infield area  152 , opposed from panel  104 ,  204 . Such an arrangement can minimize the appearance of lighting fixtures inconsistent with the racetrack theme. 
   The light sources can be designed to produce any color of light. However, white light can present a more natural appearance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the miniature lights can be formed of white LEDs. Further, the miniature lights can be selected and positioned so that the light they produce is directed in a particular direction or pattern, e.g. toward the display surface  101 , the collectibles, or both. According to a preferred embodiment, the lights can be selected to be LEDs that emit light at a particular angle that is directed generally toward the display surface  101 ,  201  for illuminating the collectibles placed thereon. 
   Suitable circuitry can be provided to power the miniature lights. The circuitry can include wiring, light sockets, circuit boards, and the like suitable for powering the lights. If the lights are designed to run on a low voltage DC, a suitable power supply can be provided. The power supply can be integrated with the display case  100 ,  200 ,  300  or can reside as a separate module. 
   The invention can include circuitry that can allow electrical current to pass from one display case to another display case. According to an embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 9 , electrical connectors can be disposed on at least one end of each display case. For example, the alignment pin  903  can include a female electrical connector  904  that connects with two opposing male electrical connectors  905  attached to either side of the abutting cases  100 . The two opposing male electrical connectors  905  can be recessed within the apertures  131 . Alternatively, any other suitable connector can be provided on display cases  100 ,  200  to facilitate distribution of electric power to one or more display cases. 
   It should be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular electrical configuration, so long as it is capable of handing the voltage and current demands of the one or more display cases. As an alternative embodiment to the one shown in  FIG. 9 , a male electrical connector can be provided on a first case that will mate with a female electrical connector on a second case. 
   While specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.