Abstract:
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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a divisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/946,921 filed on Nov. 16, 2010, 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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collectibles display case  10 , according to a preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded front perspective view of the collectibles display case  10 , according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  a front view of a combined first mat  41  and second mat  42 , according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the combined first mat  41  and second mat  42  depicted with a collectible  15  being applied, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the combined first mat  41  and second mat  42  with the collectible  15  applied and an overlay  50  being applied, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a frame  20  depicting a lower horizontal segment  29  removed, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the frame  20  depicting a frame fastening member  24  being applied, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the collectibles display case  10 , according to the preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  collectibles display case 
               15  collectible 
               20  frame 
               21  first groove 
               22  second groove 
               23  third groove 
               24  frame fastening member 
               25  aperture 
               26  fastener 
               27  upper horizontal segment 
               28  vertical segment 
               29  lower horizontal segment 
               30  front window 
               40  placeholder 
               41  first mat 
               42  second mat 
               43  first mat opening 
               44  second mat opening 
               45  offset area 
               50  overlay 
               51  overlay opening 
               60  rear window 
               70  mounting bracket 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the disclosure is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 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 terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     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 collectibles  15  such as, but not limited to: die-cast metal cars, action figures, playing cards, and the like in a viewable structure which enables the collectible  15  to remain in a pristine condition. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 2 , an exploded front perspective view of the apparatus  10 , are disclosed. The apparatus  10  generally includes a frame  20 , a front window  30 , a first mat  41 , a second mat  42 , an overlay  50 , and a back window  60 . The apparatus  10  is customizable for a various types and styles of collectible  15  which are displayed within. The collectibles  15  are 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 frame  20  provides a support structure to surround, secure, and protect the collectible  15 , particularly for collectibles  15  which remain in an unopened condition within the original packaging, such as a blister pack. The frame  20  includes exterior housing having an upper horizontal segment  27  and an opposing lower horizontal segment  29  and a pair of opposing vertical segments  28  which combine to form a generally square or rectangular structure and are preferably combined as a single structure similar to a shadow box. The frame  20  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, wood, or the like. The mats  41 ,  42 , and overlay  45  are preferably made of a thin foam, cardboard, or cardstock material, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The windows  30 ,  60  are preferably fabricated from transparent materials such as, but not limited to: glass, acrylic glass, or the like. All components of the apparatus  10  can be made in various dimensions to facilitate various sized collectibles  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  a front view of a combined first mat  41  and second mat  42 ;  FIG. 4  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the combined first mat  41  and second mat  42  depicted with a collectible  15  being applied; and,  FIG. 5  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the combined first mat  41  and second mat  42  with the collectible  15  applied and an overlay  50  being applied, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  includes a placeholder  40  for retaining the collectable  15  in a displayable orientation. The placeholder  40  includes a combination of the first mat  41  and the second mat  42 . 
     The first mat  41 , the second mat  42 , and an overlay  50  provide vertical support and a decorative border around the collectible  15  and provide an aesthetic contrast between the collectible  15  and frame  20 . Each of the mats  40 ,  42  are customizable in size, color, and thickness by the end user based upon the type of collectible  15  applied to the apparatus  10 . The first mat  41  and second mat  42  are also customized by including a first mat opening  43  and second mat opening  44 , 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 collectible  15  is centered upon the first mat  41  and the outer perimeter of the collectible  15  is 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 opening  43 . The first opening  41  is approximately equivalent to an exterior perimeter of the packaging of the collectible  15  and provides an aperture for the collectible  15  to be inserted and allows the first mat  41  to form an exterior border around the collectible  15 . The first mat  41  is then placed upon the second mat  42  and the first mat opening  43  is traced onto the second mat  42 . The traced line is then offset inwardly and cut-out to form a second mat opening  44 . The second mat opening  44  is preferably cut with an offset area  45  at least one-eighth (⅛) of an inch away from the border of the first mat opening  43 . The offset area  45  of the second mat  42  between the first mat opening  43  and the second mat opening  44  provides a rear support surface for the backside of the packaging of the collectible  15  to rest upon. The first mat  41  is mounted to the second mat  42  after a first mat opening  43  and a second mat opening  44  are created in each respective mat  40 ,  42  which corresponds to the approximate width and length of the collectible  15  or the collectible packaging. The second mat  42  is preferably adhered to a rear surface of the first mat  41  such that the first mat opening  43  is aligned with the second mat opening  44  so the offset area  45  of second mat  42  provides secures the collectible  15  in a fixed vertical position. Once the first mat  41  and the second mat  42  are combined with the correct size to fit a particular size and type of collectible  15 , the mats  40 ,  42  and frame  20  create a secure structure to retain the collectible  15  in an upright orientation for display purposes. 
     The overlay  50  is positioned in front of the first mat  41  and provides a color contrast and further overall aesthetic appearance to the apparatus  10 . The overlay  50  provides an approximately two (2) inch border around the outside of the collectible packaging and is positioned in front of the first mat  41  to provide a clean and neat appearance to the apparatus  10  and the collectible  15 . The overlay  50  includes an overlay opening  51  which allows the collectible  15  and corresponding original packaging to be completely shown through. 
     The collectible  15  shown as used with the apparatus  10  is depicted as a collectible action figure still within its original packaging. The apparatus  10  is 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 opening  43  and second mat opening  44  will vary depending upon the type of collectible  15 . Additionally, the length and thickness of the horizontal segments  27  and vertical segments  28  of the frame  20  will also vary with the type, size, and overall dimensions of the collectible  15 , as will be described in further detail. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the frame  20  depicting the lower horizontal segment  29  removed, is disclosed. The pair of horizontal segments  27  and the pair of vertical segments  28  provide the exterior structure to the frame  20 . A lower horizontal segment  27  is removed for illustration purposes only and it can be appreciated that the two pairs of segments  27 ,  28  would be integrally molded or otherwise connected to form a solid, unitary structure. The inner surfaces of each segment  27 ,  28  include a first groove  21 , a second groove  22 , and a groove  23  which each provide a recessed area for the front window  30 ; the combination of the first mat  41 , second mat  42 , overlay  50 , and collectible  15 ; and the rear window  60  to be inserted and secured, respectively. The first groove  21  is located on a forward end portion of each segment  27 ,  28  and provides a space for the placement of the front window  30 . The second groove  22  is located on an intermediate portion of each segment  27 ,  28  and provides a space for the first mats  40 , the combined second mat  42 , the applied collectible  15 , and the overlay  50 . The third groove  23  is located on a rearward end portion, adjacent to the second groove  22  and provides a space for the rear window  60 . The depth between the first groove  21  and second groove  22  may vary depending upon the size of the frame  20  and the dimensions of the collectible  15 , such that the entire packaging is enclosed between the opposing front window  30  and rear window  60 . 
     The front window  30  and the rear window  60  allow the collectible  15  to be viewed from the front or the rear when displayed within the apparatus  10 . The front window  30  is positioned within the first groove  21  of the frame  20  and can be permanently affixed within the first groove  21  during fabrication processes. The front window  30  allows the front side of the collectible  15  and accompanying packaging, if any, to be completely viewed when displayed. The overlay  50  is positioned within the second groove  22 . The combined first mat  41  and second mat  42  are applied within the second groove  22  behind the overlay  50 . The second mat  42  faces forward and outward through the front window such that the collectible  15  is applied to and rests upon the offset area  45  provided and the exterior perimeter edge of the collectible  15  rests upon the interior perimeter edge of the first mat opening  43 . The rear window  60  is inserted within the third groove  23  behind the back surface of the collectible  15  to retain the collectible  15  in contact with the offset area  45  and allows the rear surface of the collectible  15  and accompanying packaging to be viewed when displayed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a rear perspective view of the frame depicting a frame fastening member  24  being applied, is disclosed. The lower horizontal segment  29  is substantially similar in form and materials as the upper horizontal segment  27 . However, the lower horizontal segment  29  is slightly less thick and only includes the first groove  21 . A removable frame fastening member  24  is connected to the lower horizontal member  29  once the overlay  50 , the placeholder  40 , the collectible  15  have been fit into the second groove  22  and the rear window  60  has been fit within third groove  23 . Once the mats  40 ,  42 , and overlay have been customized, each are slidingly inserted within the second groove  22 . The overlay  50  is frontward, followed by the second mat  42 , and followed by the first mat  41  which is most rearward. Once inserted, the collectible  15  is applied by inserting any thickness through the aligned first mat opening  43  and second mat opening  44  such that an outward perimeter portion of the collectible  15  or packaging is resting upon the offset area  45 . The rear window  60  is then slidingly inserted within the third groove  23 . The second groove  22  and third groove  23  are accessible due to the thinner profile of the lower horizontal segment  29 . The frame fastening member  24  includes the second groove  22  and third groove  23  which align with corresponding grooves on the vertical segments  28  when connected. The frame fastening member  29  is fastened to the lower horizontal member  29  by a plurality of fasteners  26 . Each opposing end of the frame fastening member  24  includes forty-five degree (45°) angle cut which aligns with the miter joint of each vertical member  28 . The frame fastening member  24  also includes a pair of apertures  25  which receive the fasteners  26  which engage a pair of corresponding apertures  25  on an interior surface of the lower horizontal member  29 . The fasteners  26  are preferable screws which may be removed as desired to remove the frame fastening member  24  for access to the second groove  22  and third groove  23  and thus the collectible  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10 , is disclosed. The apparatus  10  can displayed by standing the frame  20  on a desk, table, or other flat surface in an upright manner or can be hung from a wall. At least one (1) mounting bracket  70  can be attached to a backside surface of the frame  20  to provide a way to suspend the apparatus  10  from a vertical surface. The mounting bracket  70  is depicted as a saw tooth frame mounting hanger attached to the backside surface of the upper horizontal segment  27  by nails. The mounting bracket  70  engages 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 apparatus  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the mats  40 ,  42  and overlay  50  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning a collectible  15  upon the first mat  41 , tracing the outer perimeter upon the first mat  41 , and cutting the traced line to create a first mat opening  43 ; positioning the first mat  41  upon the second mat  42  and tracing the perimeter of the first mat opening  42  onto the second mat  42 , offsetting the traced line, and cutting the traced line to create a second mat opening  44 ; adhering the second mat  42  to the first mat  41  with the openings  41 ,  43  aligned by applying an adhesive to the rear surface of the second mat  42  and a rear surface of the first mat  41  and mating together; positioning the overlay  50  upon the front surface of the second mat  41 ; and, positioning the collectible  15  into the openings  41 ,  43 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the frame  20  may be achieved by performing the following steps: positioning the frame  20  on a level surface with the front window  30  adjacent to the level surface; sliding the mats  40 ,  42 , overlay  50 , and collectible  15  into the second groove  22 ; inserting the rear window  60  into the third groove  23 ; placing the frame fastening member  24  onto the lower horizontal segment  29 , aligning the apertures  25 ; and, securing fasteners  26  into the apertures  25 . 
     The method of displaying the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: utilizing the suspending member  50  to suspend the apparatus  10  from a desired vertical surface, thereby engaging the suspending member  50  with an existing nail or hook; and, displaying collectibles  15  in a manner that is not only quick, easy and effective, but visually pleasing and protective as well. 
     The method of alternately displaying the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: positioning the apparatus  10  in an upright manner upon a desired horizontal surface; and, displaying collectibles  15  in a manner that is not only quick, easy and effective, but visually pleasing and protective as well. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.