Patent Abstract:
Apparatus for displaying packaged collectables in a supportive and protective frame. A rear frame member is secured inside a front frame member with a latch. The front frame member has sidewalls that enclose the rear frame member. In one embodiment the latch relies upon magnetic coupling between the front and rear frame members. In another embodiment the latch includes a tab engaging a slot and at least one detent capturing the rear frame member inside the sidewalls of the front frame member. The front frame member has an opening to allow the protrusion of a blister if the collectable has a blister package. The rear frame member has a transparent pane or portion. The collectable is visible from the front and back of the frame. The front and rear frame members are separable by manipulating the rear frame member through at least one notch in the front frame member.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/941,608, filed Feb. 19, 2014. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0004]    This invention pertains to display cases for collectables. More particularly, this invention pertains to frames and cases that display items that remain in their original packaging. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Frames are widely available in a wide assortment of shapes, sizes, styles, and colors for displaying pictures, paintings, drawings, and works of art. Picture frames, for example, are available and generally have a rectangular configuration with an open or transparent front through which the picture is visible and protected. Such frames are suited for displaying flat, planar objects, such as a painting or photograph. Many such picture frames allow viewing only from the front of the frame and are not intended to be picked up and handled so that the picture can be viewed from the back side. 
         [0007]    Various frames and display devices are known. For example, United States Patent Application Number 2009/0100732, naming inventor Stewart Seidler, published on Apr. 23, 2009, and titled, “Magnetic display device,” discloses a display case having external magnets for combining multiple frames into a modular display device album. United States Patent Application Number 2012/0285060, naming inventor Raoul Gross, published on Nov. 15, 2012, and titled, “Picture frames,” discloses picture frames with flexible borders that can be coupled together in a variety of configurations. Like the Seidler patent application, the Gross patent application discloses magnets to couple one picture frame to another. 
         [0008]    United States Patent Application Number 2009/0121109, naming inventor Richard C. Kinmont, published May 14, 2009, and titled, “Display stand for action figure,” discloses one method for displaying an action figure or collectable on a lighted, table-top stand. The collectable is removed from its packaging for display, which subjects the collectable to damage and soiling from handling. 
         [0009]    United States Patent Application Number 2007/0087651, naming inventor Aneel Ali, published Apr. 19, 2007, and titled, “Action figure stands,” also discloses a way to display action figures or collectables. The stand described in the Ali application has a support that attaches to the figure and to the stand, thereby securing the figure to the stand and making it more stable. As with the above application, the collectable is removed from its packaging for display, which subjects the collectable to damage and soiling from handling. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,488, issued to Schienbein on Mar. 31, 1981, and titled, “Phonograph record album display frame,” discloses a frame with an opening that receives an album cover. The album cover is positioned inside the opening with the bottom of the album cover resting in a groove or between bosses in the bottom of the opening with the album cover tilted back and resting against an inside surface of the frame. The display frame allows only the front, exposed surface of the album cover to be viewed without removing the album cover from the display frame. 
         [0011]    Another type of display device for a phonograph album is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,721, issued to Levitan on Jun. 6, 2000, and titled “Display case for phonograph album and record.” The &#39;721 patent discloses a shallow rectangular open topped base tray with a hinged transparent cover that latches in position. The tray includes a support post that secures the record outside the album cover such that a portion of the record is visible along with the album cover. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0012]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display frame for collectables is provided. Collectables are objects that have value to collectors. Collectables include such items as action figures; movie, sports and game memorabilia; music albums; and posters. These collectables are often kept in their original merchandising packaging. It is desirable to display such collectables in a manner so as to avoid damaging the packaging. A common type of merchandise package is a blister package, which has a planar portion with a blister or bubble projecting from the planar portion. The product is contained in the blister. The planar portion is typically cardboard or paperboard with printing. The blister has a flange extending from the sides with the flange adhered to the planar portion. A similar type of packaging is clamshell packaging, which is a plastic package that is available in various configurations. Generally clamshell packaging has a peripheral edge that is substantially planar. 
         [0013]    The display frame includes a front frame member and a rear frame member with the collectable sandwiched between a front pane and a rear pane secured by the front and rear frame members. For those collectables that have a blister on the front of the packaging, the blister extends through an opening in the front pane. In this way the collectable is supported and protected to prevent the packaging from becoming distorted and/or damaged while still allowing the collectable to be visible for display. 
         [0014]    The front frame member includes a front surface and four side surfaces or sidewalls that extend rearward from the front surface. In the front surface is an opening. A front pane is positioned inside the front frame member proximate the opening in the front surface. A resilient material extends from a portion of the front pane opposite the front surface of the front frame member. 
         [0015]    The rear frame member includes a rear surface and four side surfaces. In the rear surface is an opening. A rear pane is positioned proximate the front surface of the rear frame member proximate the opening in the rear surface. A resilient material extends from a portion of the rear pane opposite the rear surface of the rear frame member. In various embodiments a frame hanger is attached to the rear surface for hanging the display frame to a wall. In one such embodiment the rear surface of the rear frame member includes standoffs or spacers that space the rear surface and the back edge of the front frame member sidewalls away from the wall. 
         [0016]    The rear frame member fits inside the front frame member with the rear surface of the rear frame member visible from the back of the front frame member. A latch mechanism secures the front frame member to the rear frame member. The latch mechanism includes a plurality of magnets that are attached to the inside surface of the front frame member and a material responsive to the magnets that is attached to the front surface of the rear frame member at positions corresponding to the magnet locations. In this way the front and rear frame members are secured or latched together. In another embodiment, the magnets are attached to the rear frame member and the material responsive to the magnets is attached to the rear surface of the front frame member at positions corresponding to the magnet locations. 
         [0017]    The front frame member includes at least one outside notch that corresponds with at least one inside notch or edge in the rear frame member. The notches allow a user to separate the front frame member from the rear frame member by manipulating an edge of the rear frame member through the outside notch. 
         [0018]    For collectables that are in blister-type packaging, the front pane includes a cutout or opening sized and configured to allow the blister to extend through the front pane. In another embodiment the front pane is non-planar and extends over the blister, thereby protecting the collectable. The planar portion of the collectable packaging is sandwiched between the front and rear panes. For collectables that are completely planar the collectable is entirely enclosed by the display frame, thereby protecting the collectable from fingerprints and other damage from handling when the collectable is viewed. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment the display frame includes a front frame member and a rear frame member wherein the rear frame member is a planar sheet that fits inside said front frame member and rests on frame support ribs. The rear frame member and the front frame member latch together, securing the collectable therebetween. The latch mechanism includes a tab protruding from the rear frame member and a slot in a sidewall of the front frame member configured to receive the tab. In one embodiment the latch mechanism includes detents on the inside sidewall surface of the front frame member that engage the edge of the rear frame member, thereby securing the rear frame member to the front frame member. In another embodiment the latch mechanism includes a magnetic assembly that secures the rear frame member to the front frame member by magnetic attraction. A notch in the sidewall of the front frame member opposite the slot for the tab allows a user to apply pressure to the edge of the rear frame exposed by the notch, thereby unlatching the members by prying the rear frame member from the front frame member. 
         [0020]    The rear frame member is offset inside the front frame member with spacers attached to the rear, outer surface of the rear frame member that extend beyond the rearmost portion of the front frame member. In this way the spacers support the rear frame member when the rear frame member is positioned on a flat surface, such as a table top. The collectable is then placed on the rear frame member and the front frame member is placed over the collectable and secured to the rear frame member by pushing the front frame member against the flat surface. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The above-mentioned features will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a display frame. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded diagram showing the display frame of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the rear of another embodiment of a front frame member. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an outside notch in the front frame member. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the front of one embodiment of a rear frame member. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an inside notch in the rear frame member. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of the collectable sandwiched between the front and rear frame members. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of the front of a second embodiment of a display frame. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the front of a third embodiment of a display frame. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of the rear of a fourth embodiment of a display frame. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a rear plan view of a fifth embodiment of a front frame member for a display frame. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a rear plan view of an embodiment of a rear frame member for the display frame shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of the front frame member shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a partial view of the bottom of the display frame shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a side view of an embodiment of a spacer for the rear frame member shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Apparatus for displaying a collectable  108  is disclosed. The display frame is indicated generally as  100 , with particular embodiments and variations shown in the figures and described below having an alphabetic suffix, for example,  100 -A and  100 -B. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a display frame  100 -A.  FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded diagram showing the display frame  100 -A of  FIG. 1 . The collectable  108  in the illustrated embodiment has a blister  118  and a planar portion  208 . The blister  118  is located at the lower left corner of the collectable  108 . Other collectables  108  have various sized blisters  118  located at various positions on the planar portion  208 . Some collectables  108 , such as albums and posters, have only a planar portion  208  with no blister  118 . 
         [0039]    The display frame  100 -A includes a front frame member  102 -A and a rear frame member  110 -A. The front frame member  102 -A is a rectangular structure that includes a front pane  104 . The rear frame member  110 -A is a rectangular structure that includes a rear pane  204 . Between the front and rear panes  104 ,  204  is the collectable  108 . 
         [0040]    The front frame member includes an outside notch  106  that aligns with an inside notch  218  on the rear frame member. The pair of notches  106 ,  218  allow the front frame member  102 -A to be easily separated from the rear frame member  110 -A. By positioning the notches  106 ,  218  on the side the front frame member can be easily removed without interference with or scraping the blister  118 . 
         [0041]    The front pane  104  fits inside the front frame member  102 -A. The front pane  104  is a clear or transparent sheet that allows the front of the collectable  108  to be visible from the front of the display frame  100 -A. The front pane  104 , in the illustrated embodiment of the display frame  100 -A, includes a front opening  114  through which the blister  118  fits. Because of the variety of collectables  108  and the varied positioning of blisters  118 , the opening  114  in the front pane  104  varies to correspond with the position of the blister  118  on the collectable  108  desired to be displayed by the frame  100 -A. The edges of the front opening  114  extend to the sides of the blister  118 , but do not contact the sides of the blister  118 . The front pane  104  overlaps the portion of the blister  118  that is attached to the planar portion  208  of the packaging of the collectable  108 . In this way the front pane  104  provides support and protection of the attachment of the blister  118  to the planar portion  208 , thereby minimizing the risk of the blister  118  being pulled off or separating from the planar portion  208 . In another embodiment the front pane  104  is non-planar, but has a shape that conforms to the collectable  108 . In such an embodiment a portion of the front pane  104  extends away from the front frame member  102 -A such that the collectable  108  is enclosed by the front pane  104 . 
         [0042]    The rear pane  204  is a clear or transparent sheet that fits inside the rear frame member  110 -A. The rear pane  204  is sandwiched between a resilient material  216  and the rear frame member  110 -A. The rear frame member  110 -A includes a rear opening  210  that allows the rear of the collectable  108  to be visible from the rear of the display frame  100 -A. The front periphery of the rear frame member  110 -A includes a plurality of spaced metal objects  212  that are responsive to a magnetic field. The intervening space between the spaced metal objects  212  includes a resilient material  214 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the rear of another embodiment of a front frame member  102 -B.  FIG. 4  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an outside notch  106  in the front frame member  102 . The front frame member  102 -B includes a front surface  408 . Extending from the front surface  408  rearward are four sidewalls  308  that define the periphery of the front frame member  102 -B. The front surface  408  presents a frame face between the sidewalls  308  and the edge of the front opening  112 . The display frame  100  can be grasped and held by a person by holding the frame  100  between the front surface  408  and the rearmost edge of the sidewalls  308 . The edge of the front surface  408  that forms the front opening  112  defines a plane. In the illustrated embodiment the front surface  408  is a planar face. Behind the front surface  408  is a recess  404  that surrounds the front opening  112 . The peripheral edge of the front pane  104  fits into the recess  404 , where it is secured to the front frame member  102 -B such as with an adhesive or mechanical clip or fastener. A resilient material  224  is attached to the rear surface of the peripheral edge of the front pane  104  such as with an adhesive. The rear surface of the resilient material  224  extends slightly rearward past the rear inside surface  306  of the front frame member  102 -B. 
         [0044]    The display frame  100  includes a latching mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment the latching mechanism includes a plurality of magnets  304  are spaced around the rear surface  306  of the front frame member  102 -B. In the illustrated embodiment the magnets  304  are positioned in a recess with the outer surface of the magnets  304  flush with the rear surface  306  of the front frame member  102 -B. The magnets  304  are positioned to engage the metal objects  212  on the rear frame member  110 -A. In this way when the front and rear frame members  102 -B,  110 -A are positioned proximately they are held together, or latched, by the magnetic force between the magnets  304  and the metal objects  212 . In order to maximize the strength of the magnetic attraction the magnets  304 , in one embodiment, are rare earth magnets. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment, the magnets  304  are affixed to the rear frame member  110 -A and the metal objects  212  are attached to the front frame member  102 -A,  102 -B. In yet another embodiment, the rear frame member  110 -A has magnets instead of the metal objects  212 , with the magnets having an opposite polarity as the magnets  304  in the front frame member  102 -A,  102 -B. In each of these ways the front and rear frame members  102 -A,  102 -B,  110 -A are secured together by magnetic force. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of magnets  304  and metal objects  212  will vary based on the size of the display frame  100  and the strength of the magnets  304  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0046]    The outside notch  106  defines a lip  402  adjacent the front surface  408  of the front frame member  102 . A force applied normal to the rear surface of the lip  402  relative to the rear frame member  110  acts against the magnetic force holding the magnets  304  to the metal objects  212 . 
         [0047]    The illustrated embodiment of the front frame member  102 -B includes a blister notch  312  positioned in the bottom edge of the front opening  212 . The blister notch  312  is provided to provide clearance for a foot  802  extending from the bottom of the blister  118 -A. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view of the front of one embodiment of a rear frame member  110 -A.  FIG. 6  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an inside notch  218  in the rear frame member  110 -A. The rear frame member  110 -A includes a rear surface  602 . The rear frame member  110 -A is dimensioned to fit between the sidewalls  308  of the front frame member  102 -A,  102 -B. Behind the rear surface  602  is a recess  504  that surrounds the rear opening  210 . The peripheral edge of the rear pane  204  fits into the recess  504 , where it is secured to the rear frame member  110 -A. A resilient material  216  is attached to the front surface of the peripheral edge of the rear pane  204 . Opposite the rear surface  602  of the rear frame member  110 -A is a front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110 -A. A resilient material  214  is attached to the front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110 -A. The front surfaces of the resilient materials  216 ,  214  are substantially even. 
         [0049]    A plurality of metal objects  212  are spaced around the front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110 -A. In the illustrated embodiment the metal objects  212  include a washer  502  secured with a fastener  506 , such as a screw, to the front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110 -A. For example, the washer  502  is a #8 washer and the fastener  506  is a #4 zinc plated screw. The fastener  506  is countersunk with respect to the washer  502  so that a flat surface is presented for engagement with the corresponding magnet  304  attached to the front frame member  102 -A,  102 -B. The resilient material  214  extends from the front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110 -A the same distance or slightly greater than the distance that the metal object  212  extends from the front surface  608 . In this way the resilient material  214  provides a seal and cushion between the front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110 -A and the rear surface  408  of the front frame member  102 -A,  102 -B. 
         [0050]    The inside notch  218  defines a lip  604  adjacent the rear surface  602  of the rear frame member  110 -A. A force applied normal to the front surface of the lip  606  relative to the front frame member  102 -A,  102 -B acts against the magnetic force holding the magnets  304  to the metal objects  212 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the collectable  108  sandwiched between the front and rear frame members  102 -A,  110 -A of a display frame  100 -A. The planar portion  208  of the collectable  108  extends around the periphery of the collectable  108 . The outer edge of the planar portion  208  is sandwiched between the resilient material  224  on the front pane  104  and the resilient material  216  on the rear pane  204 . In this way the collectable  108  is sandwiched between the front and rear panes  104 ,  204  without the panes  104 ,  204  applying clamping pressure to the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108 . 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the resilient material  214 ,  216 ,  224  is a utility fabric rubber sheet. The resilient material  214 ,  216 ,  224  is compressible and does not react nor stain the surface of the collectable  108  that it contacts. In one such embodiment the resilient material  214 ,  216 ,  224  is adhesively adhered to the rear frame member  110  and the front and rear panes  104 ,  204 . In the illustrated embodiment the thickness of the resilient material  214 ,  216 ,  224  is substantially the same as the distance the metal objects  212  extend from the front surface  608  of the rear frame member  110  with the magnets  304  mounted flush with the rear surface  306  of the front frame member  102 . In one such embodiment the resilient material  214 ,  216 ,  224  is approximately 0.034 inches thick. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows the rear surface  602  of the rear frame member  110 -A recessed between the sidewalls  308  of the front frame member  102 . In various embodiments the rear surface  602  of the rear frame member  100  is either recessed between or flush with the outer edge of the sidewalls  308  of the front frame member  102 . 
         [0054]    In the illustrated embodiment the rear opening  210  has a smaller width and height relative to the front opening  112 . In another embodiment the front and rear openings  112 ,  210  are the same size. In the illustrated embodiment the resilient material  216 ,  224  on either side of the planar surface  208  overlaps slightly. The space remaining in the recess  504  is available for those collectables  108  that have a lip or projection at the edge of the planar surface  208 . 
         [0055]    In one embodiment the display frame  100  does not include the front and/or rear panes  104 ,  204 . In such an embodiment the collectable  108  is still supported by the resilient material  216 ,  224  but without the panes  104 ,  204  adjacent the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108 . In this way the display frame  100  is configured to receive a wide variety of collectables  108  without requiring a front pane  104  with a front opening  114  specially configured to fit the blister  118 . 
         [0056]    In another embodiment the front frame member  102  does not have the sidewalls  308 . Instead, the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  have the same outside dimensions so that the sides of the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  are flush. 
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of the front of a second embodiment of a display frame  100 -B. In the illustrated embodiment of the display frame  100 -B the collectable package  108  has a blister  118 -A that includes a foot  802 . The foot  802  allows the package  108  to stand upright when placed on a flat surface. The front frame member  102 -B includes a notch  312  dimensioned and configured to provide clearance for the foot  802  on the blister  118 -A. In this way the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108  is supported by the display frame  100 -B on both sides of the foot  802 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 9  illustrates a plan view of the front of a third embodiment of a display frame  100 -C dimensioned and configured to hold a collectable  108  such as a music album. The front frame member  102 -C and the rear frame member (not illustrated) are substantially square so as to have the same proportions as the album being displayed. 
         [0059]    In one such embodiment the display frame  100 -C is configured to receive either a single or double record album. In various embodiments the display frame  100 -C has one rear frame member  110  dimensioned to fit a single record album collectable  108  between the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  and another rear frame member  110  dimensioned to fit a double record album collectable  108  between the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110 . In yet another embodiment the rear frame member  110  is dimensioned to fit a double record album collectable  108  between the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  and a spacer, such as cardboard, is positioned adjace the collectable  108  when a single record album collectable  108  is to be displayed. 
         [0060]    In a similar embodiment the display frame  100 -C is dimensioned and configured to hold a rectangular collectable  108  such as a poster. In one such embodiment two posters are positioned back-to-back in the display frame  100 -C. The frame  100 -C includes a hanger that allows the frame  100 -C to be hung with either the front or the rear facing away from the wall. In this way the display can be alternated between the two collectables  108  by simply changing the orientation of the frame  100 -C without having to open the frame  100 -C and replace the collectable  108  with the one to be displayed. 
         [0061]    For display frames  100 -C that hold collectables  108  without a blister  118 , such as albums and posters, the outside and inside notches  106 ,  218  are positioned at any convenient location, for example, at the top and/or bottom of the display frame  100 -C. 
         [0062]      FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of the rear of a fourth embodiment of a display frame  100 -D. The rear surface  602  of the frame  100 -D includes a hanger  1002  and spacers  1004 . In various embodiments the hanger  1002  is configured to engage a nail or other protrusion on a wall. The spacers  1004 , in various configurations, are spaced around the rear opening  210  or positioned on the opposite side of the opening  210  from the hanger  1002 , that is, near the bottom of the rear surface  602 . The spacers  1004  extend beyond the outer edge of the sidewalls  308  of the front frame member  102 , thereby preventing the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  from touching or contacting the wall on which the display frame  100 -D is mounted. 
         [0063]      FIG. 11  illustrates a rear plan view of a fifth embodiment of a front frame member  102 -E for a display frame  100 -E.  FIG. 12  illustrates a rear plan view of an embodiment of a rear frame member  110 -E for the display frame  100 -E shown in  FIG. 11 . The display frame  100 -E includes the front frame member  102 -E and the rear frame member  110 -E, which is recessed inside the sidewalls  308 ′ of the front frame member  102 -E when the rear frame member  110 -E is latched in position. 
         [0064]    The front frame member  102 -E includes a front opening  112  through which a portion of the collectable  108  protrudes for display. The front frame member  102 -E includes a pair of blister notches  1112  to accommodate a blister  118  that protrudes from the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the notches  1112  are positioned and configured to accommodate the blister  118  for the collectable  108  to be displayed through the front opening  112  of the frame  100 -E. In the illustrated embodiment the opening  112  defined by the lip  1106  that extends inward from the periphery of the front frame member  102 -E. In another embodiment the display frame  100 -E includes a front pane  104  that fits inside the front frame member  102 -E, such as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 . In this embodiment the blister  118  protrudes from the frame  102 -E with the front pane  104  protecting the non-blister, or planar, portion  208  of the collectable  108 . 
         [0065]    The rear frame member  110 -E is a planar member that engages the front frame member  102 -E. In the illustrated embodiment the rear frame member  110 -E is a clear or transparent sheet that allows viewing of the collectable  108 . In this regard the rear frame member  110 -E performs the same function as the rear pane  204 , such as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The rear frame member  110 -E includes an integral hanger  1204  formed in the material of the member  110 -E. The hanger  1204  is an opening in the rear frame member  110 -E that is positioned between the sidewall  308 ′ and the frame support ribs  1102 . In this way any nail or other support object engaging the hanger  1204  will not contact the collectable  108 . In another embodiment a hanger  1002  is attached to the outer surface of the member  110 -E. The hanger  1204 ,  1002  is configured with a horizontal adjustment to allow the frame  100  to be supported squarely when the center of gravity of the collectable  108  is not centered with the centerline of the frame  100 . 
         [0066]    The rear frame member  110 -E has corners  1208  configured to engage the corners inside the front frame member  102 -E. In the illustrated embodiment the rear frame member  110 -E has diagonally cut corners  1208  that provide clearance for molded corner braces in the front frame member  102 -E. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations for mating with the front frame member  102 -E can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0067]    The rear frame member  110 -E also includes openings  1206  that are spaced apart along the periphery of the sheet. These openings  1206  are configured to receive spacers  1502 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The spacers  1502  are dimensioned and configured to extend rearward past the sidewalls  308 ′ of the front frame member  102 -E. In this way the collectable  108  is inserted in the display frame  100 -E by first positioning the rear frame member  110 -E on a flat surface with the spacers  1502  supporting the rear frame member  110 -E. The collectable  108  is positioned on the rear frame member  110 -E with the blister  108  or front facing upwards. The front frame member  102 -E is then positioned over the collectable  108  such that the front frame member  102 -E engages the rear frame member  110 -E, thereby locking the frame members  102 -A,  110 -E together when downward pressure is applied to the front frame member  102 -E. 
         [0068]      FIG. 13  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the front frame member  102 -E shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  illustrates the inside top of the front frame member  102 -E, that is, the end of the member  102 -E that is at the top of the display frame  100 -E when it is mounted on a wall or other vertical support. The top sidewall  308 ′ has a slot  1302  spaced slightly below the rearmost edge  1308  of the sidewall  308 ′. The slot  1302  is sized and configured to receive the protrusion or tab  1202  on the rear frame member  110 -E. The tab  1202  securely supports the front frame member  102 -E relative to the rear frame member  110 -E both in the front-to-back and the side-to-side directions. The hanger  1204  positioned adjacent the tab  1202  orients the display frame  100 -E with the tab  1202  and the slot  1302  at the top of the display frame  100 -E when the frame  100 -E is hung on a wall or otherwise supported by the hanger  1202 . 
         [0069]    The front frame member  102 -E includes frame support ribs  1102  and collectable support ribs  1104 . The frame support ribs  1102  have a rear end  1306  that is spaced a distance inside the front frame member  102 -E from the rearmost edge  1308  of the sidewall  308 ′. The distance between the rear end  1306  of the frame support ribs  1102  and the detents  1110  adjacent the rearmost edge  1308  of the sidewall  308 ′ is sufficient to receive the thickness of the rear frame member  110 -E such that the member  110 -E is wedged between the detents  1110  and the rear end  1306  of the frame support ribs  1102 . 
         [0070]    The collectable support ribs  1104  have a rear end  1304  that is spaced a distance inside the front frame member  102 -E from the rearmost edge  1306  of the frame support ribs  1102 . The distance between the rear end  1304  of the collectable support ribs  1104  and the rear end  1306  of the frame support ribs  1102  is the space in which the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108  fits. With the rear frame member  110 -E resting against the rear end  1306  of the frame support ribs  1102 , the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108  is supported between the rear frame member  110 -E and the rear end  1304  of the collectable support ribs  1104 . In various embodiments one or both of the resilient materials  224 ,  226  are attached to the collectable support ribs  1104  and/or rear frame member  110 -E to clamp and cushion the collectable  108  in the display frame  100 -E. 
         [0071]    Between the sidewalls  308 ′ of the front frame member  102 -E and the frame support ribs  1102  are a plurality of first support webs  1114 . Between the frame support ribs  1102  and the collectable support ribs  1104  are a plurality of second support webs  1116 . The first and second support webs  1114 ,  1116  provide structural integrity for the front frame member  102 -E, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is a molded plastic assembly. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number, configuration, and placement of the webs  1114 ,  1116  will vary without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0072]    The illustrated embodiment of the display frame  100 -E has a latching mechanism that includes the cooperating tab  1202  and slot  1302  and the cooperating detents  1110  and rear frame member  110 -E. The front frame member  102 -E includes a series of spaced detents or protrusions  1110  extending inward from the inside of the sidewalls  308 ′ adjacent the rearmost edge  1308  of the sidewall  308 ′. The detents  1110  are positioned along the sides of the front frame member  102 -E and the bottom of the member  102 -E, where the bottom is opposite the top where the slot  1302  is located. The detents  1110  extend inward a sufficient distance that when the tab  1202  of the rear frame member  110 -E is inserted into the slot  1302  and the rear frame member  110 -E is then pushed into the front frame member  102 -E against the frame support ribs  1102 , the detents  1110  engage the outer corner or edge of the rear frame member  110 -E, thereby securing the rear frame member  110 -E inside the front frame member  102 -E. 
         [0073]      FIG. 14  illustrates a partial view of the bottom of the display frame  100 -E shown in  FIG. 11 . The bottom of the frame  100 -E is in reference to the position of the frame  100 -E when it is mounted on a wall, such as when it is suspended from the hanger  1204 . The bottom sidewall  308 ′ of the front frame member  102 -E has a finger notch  1402  that allows a user to access the edge of the rear frame member  110 -E in order to bias the lower edge of the rear frame member  110 -E away from the front of the front frame member  102 -E to disengage the member  110 -E from the detents  1110  in the front frame member  102 -E. In this way the rear frame member  110 -E is unlatched from the front frame member  102 -E, thereby allowing the insertion or removal of the collectable  108 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a spacer  1502  for the rear frame member  110 -E. The spacer  1502  includes a body  1504 , a shaft  1506 , and a keeper  1508 . The body  1504  has a thickness  1510  sufficient to extend from the rearmost surface of the rear frame member  110 -E to beyond the rearmost edge  1308  of the sidewall  308 ′. The shaft  1506  is cylindrical with a diameter dimensioned to fit into an opening  1206  in the rear frame member  110 -E. The keeper  1508  in the illustrated embodiment is resilient with a wedge or truncated conical shape that compresses to fit into the opening  1206  and expand to keep the spacer  1502  secured to the rear frame member  110 -E. The spacer  1502  in one embodiment is resilient such that the body  1504  provides cushioning between the rear frame member  110 -E and the wall to which the display frame  100 -E is hung. 
         [0075]    The display frame  100  includes various functions. The function of accommodating a blister  118  of the packaging of a collectable  108  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the front opening  114  in the front pane  104 , such as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In another embodiment the function of accommodating a blister  118  of the packaging of a collectable  108  is implemented by one or more blister notches  312 ,  1112  formed in the edge of the opening  112  of the front frame member  102 . 
         [0076]    The function of supporting the collectable  108  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the resilient material  216 ,  224  protruding from the rear and front panes  204 ,  104 , respectively. In this way the collectable  108  is evenly supported, thereby preventing sagging or other damage to the collectable  108  from being displayed vertically. In another embodiment the function of supporting the collectable  108  is implemented by the front pane  104  positioned adjacent the flange extending from the sides of the blister  118 . In this way the front pane  104  provides support to the flange and prevents the blister  118  from being pulled off or separating from the planar section  208  of the collectable  108 . 
         [0077]    The function of protecting the surface of the collectable  108  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the front and rear panes  104 ,  204 . The front and rear panes  104  allow the display frame  100  to be handled while preventing direct contact with the planar surface  208  of the collectable  108 . In this way the planar surface  208  of the collectable  108  is protected from finger prints or being otherwise marked or damaged. 
         [0078]    The function of clamping the collectable  108  in the display frame  100  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the front and rear panes  104 ,  204  being forced against the front and rear surfaces of the planar portion  208  of the collectable  108 . In such an embodiment the clamp includes the front and rear panes  104 ,  204  as jaws for clamping the collectable  108 . In another embodiment the function of clamping is implemented by the clamp that includes the resilient material  224  on the front pane  104  and the resilient material  216  on the rear pane  204  as jaws for clamping the collectable  108  near its peripheral edge, such as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The resilient material  224 ,  226  is a cushion that prevents damage to the collectable  108  by the clamp. In yet another embodiment the function of clamping is implemented by the clamp that includes the collectable support ribs  1104  and the rear frame member  110 -E as jaws for clamping the collectable  108  near its peripheral edge while also providing support to the rear of the collectable  108  by the rear frame member  110 -E. In one such embodiment, the resilient material  224 ,  226  is attached to the ribs  1104  and rear member  110 -E, respectively, as cushions that prevent damage to the collectable  108  by the clamp. 
         [0079]    The function of securing the front and rear frame members together is implemented by a latching mechanism, which, in one embodiment, includes the magnets  304  and metal objects  212  attached to the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110 . In another embodiment the function of securing the front and rear frame members  102 -E,  110 -E together is implemented with the latching mechanism that includes the tab  1202  engaging the slot  1302  and the detents  1110  engaging the rear frame member  110 -E. In yet another embodiment, the function of securing the front and rear frame members  102 -E,  110 -E together is implemented with the latching mechanism that includes the tab  1202  engaging the slot  1302  and the magnetic assembly that includes magnets  304  and metal objects  212 . 
         [0080]    The function of separating the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the outside and inside notches  106 ,  218  that provide opposing lips  402 ,  604  that can be pushed apart to break the magnetic bond from the magnets  304 , such as illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6 . In another embodiment the function of separating the front and rear frame members  102 -E,  110 -E is implemented with the finger notch  1402  in the bottom of the front frame member  102 -E, such as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0081]    In another embodiment the function of separating the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  is implemented by a pull tab or opening, such as the inside notch  218 , in the rear frame member  110 . The pull tab is attached to the rear frame member  110  and allows the rear frame member  110  to be pulled away from the front frame member  102 . In such an embodiment the outside notch  106  is not necessary and the sidewalls  308  are smooth without any openings or notches. 
         [0082]    The function of supporting the rear frame member laterally is implemented, in one embodiment, by the sidewalls  308  of the front frame member  102 . The rear frame member  110  is dimensioned to fit inside the sidewalls  308  of the front frame member  102 . The latching mechanism, such as the magnets  304  and metal objects  212  or the tab  1202  and slot  1302  with the detents  1110 , secure the frame members  102 ,  110  front to back and the sidewalls  308 ,  308 ′ prevent the rear frame member  110  from being displaced laterally. 
         [0083]    The function of hiding the seam between the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110  is implemented, in one embodiment, by the sidewalls  308  that extend flush with or slightly beyond the rear surface  602  of the rear frame member  110 . 
         [0084]    From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a display frame  100  has been provided. The display frame  100  has a front frame member  102 , a rear frame member  110 , a clamp, and a latch. 
         [0085]    The front frame member  102  has a front surface  408  that surrounds an opening  112  and sidewalls  308 ,  308 ′ that extend around the periphery of the front frame member  102 . The front frame member  102  allows viewing of the collectable  108  from the front. In one embodiment the front frame  110  is used with a transparent front pane  104  configured to cooperate with the front of the collectable  108 . For collectables  108  that have a blister or bubble  118 , the front frame member  102  includes notches  312 ,  1112  that provide clearance for the blister  118 , and, for those embodiments with a front pane  104 , the pane  104  includes an opening or cutout  114  that allows the blister  118  to protrude through the pane  104 . 
         [0086]    The rear frame member  110  fits into the front frame member  102 . The rear frame member  110  allows viewing of the collectable  108  from the rear. In one embodiment the rear frame member  110 -A includes an opening  210  with a transparent rear pane  204 . In another embodiment the rear frame member  110 -E is a sheet with a transparent portion. 
         [0087]    The clamp has members that secure the collectable  108  between the frame members  102 ,  110 . In one embodiment the resilient material  224 ,  226  are the members that clamp and cushion the collectable  108 . In various embodiments the resilient material  224 ,  226  is attached to the front and rear panes  104 ,  204  or the collectable support ribs  1104  and the rear frame member  110 -E. In another embodiment the collectable support ribs  1104  and the rear frame member  110 -E are the members that clamp the collectable  108 . In yet another embodiment the front and rear panes  104 ,  204  are the members that clamp. 
         [0088]    The latch, in one embodiment, includes the magnets  304  and metal objects  212  that are attached to the front and rear frame members  102 ,  110 . In another embodiment the latch includes the detents  1110  and the rear frame member  110 -E. In one embodiment the latch includes the tab  1202  and slot  1302 . 
         [0089]    While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0