U.S. patent application number 10/730406 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-09 for display case with viewable packaging storage area.
Invention is credited to Atwood, Darrell J..
Application Number | 20050122008 10/730406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34634151 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050122008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Atwood, Darrell J. |
June 9, 2005 |
Display case with viewable packaging storage area
Abstract
A stackable display case including a window, a display shelf,
and a case body divided into a forward display area and a rear
storage area. The display shelf is sloped to provide a better view
of the displayed item. The forward display compartment and rear
storage compartment are preferably separated by a compartment panel
which is preferably a removable mirror. The packaging that the
collectible was sold in can be stored behind and above the display
shelf and may be viewed through the window by removing the
compartment panel. Side wall mirrors alongside the display shelf
facilitate viewing of the displayed item from the sides.
Inventors: |
Atwood, Darrell J.;
(Georgetown, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Morgan Law Office
Suite 203
130 N. Hamilton St.
Georgetown
KY
40324
US
|
Family ID: |
34634151 |
Appl. No.: |
10/730406 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 11/04 20130101;
A47F 3/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/117 |
International
Class: |
A47F 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A display case comprising; a case body having a base member, a
lid member, a rear panel, at least one observation panel including
the front observation panel, and at least two side walls; at least
one window in said observation panel, through which the contents of
said case body may be viewed; a compartment panel dividing said
case body into a forward display compartment and a rear storage
compartment; and a display shelf affixed within said forward
display compartment, said display shelf having a forward edge, a
rear edge, side edges, an upper surface, and a lower surface.
2. The display case of claim 1, said display shelf extending across
the width of said observation panel.
3. The display case of claim 2, wherein said display shelf is
sloped such that it ascends from the base of said window in said
front observation panel to said compartment panel.
4. The display case of claim 3, wherein said storage compartment
has means to suspend a model packaging box posterior to said
display shelf, beneath said lid member and above said display shelf
rear edge.
5. The display case of claim 4, wherein said means to suspend a
packaging box is comprised of support ledges affixed to said side
walls, thereby elevating the packaging to permit viewing behind
said display shelf.
6. The display case of claim 1, wherein said compartment panel is a
mirror panel.
7. The display case of claim 1, wherein said compartment panel is
removable.
8. The display case of claim 7, wherein said compartment panel is
received by parallel compartment panel receiving grooves in
opposing said side walls to guide insertion of, and secure, said
compartment panel.
9. The display case of claim 8, wherein said compartment panel is
received by parallel dual panel receiving grooves in opposing side
walls to guide insertion of, and secure, said compartment panel
between said support ledges and said rear panel.
10. The display case of claim 9, wherein side wall mirrors are
affixed to said side walls between said display shelf, said
receiving grooves, said lid member, and said window.
11. The display case of claim 1, wherein said window is constructed
of materials selected from the group consisting of glass, a
synthetic glass substitute, and similar materials.
12. The display case of claim 1, wherein said window is
removable.
13. The display case of claim 12, wherein said window is received
by parallel panel storage grooves in opposing side walls to guide
insertion of, and secure, said window transverse to said base
member and adjacent to said rear panel.
14. The display case of claim 1, wherein said observation panel is
a frame.
15. The display case of claim 1, wherein said lid member is
pivotally attached.
16. The display case of claim 1, wherein said case body is
stackable.
17. The display case of claim 1, wherein said display shelf has a
display stop to prevent the contents of the display shelf from
sliding.
18. A display case comprising; a case body having a base member, a
lid member, a rear panel, at least one observation panel including
the front observation panel, and at least two side walls; at least
one removable window in said observation panel, through which the
contents of said case body may be viewed; a removable compartment
panel separating said case body into a forward display compartment
and a rear storage compartment; a display shelf with a forward
edge, rear edge, side edges, an upper surface, and a lower surface
affixed within said forward display compartment; at least one set
of panel receiving grooves in at least two opposing side walls
running transverse to said base member between and adjacent to said
rear panel; and means to suspend a model packaging box posterior to
said display shelf and between said lid member and the rear edge of
said display shelf.
19. The display case of claim 18, said display shelf extending
across the width of said observation panel.
20. The display case of claim 19, wherein said display shelf is
sloped such that it ascends from the base of said window in said
front observation panel to said compartment panel.
21. The display case of claim 20, wherein said rear edge of said
display shelf ascends only so high as is necessary to conceal the
storage area beneath said suspended model packaging box.
22. The display case of claim 21, wherein said display shelf has a
display stop.
23. The display case of claim 18, wherein said means to suspend a
packaging box is comprised of support ledges affixed on said side
walls and, thereby elevating the packaging to permit viewing behind
said display shelf.
24. The display case of claim 18, wherein said side walls have
parallel, opposing compartment panel receiving grooves transverse
to said base member, said compartment panel receiving grooves
utilize to guide insertion of, and secure, said compartment panel
between said side walls.
24. The display case of claim 18, wherein side wall mirrors are
affixed within the case body on said side walls between said
display shelf, said window, and said lid member.
25. The display case of claim 18, wherein said compartment panel is
a mirror.
26. The display case of claim 18, wherein said window is
constructed of materials selected from the group consisting of
glass, a synthetic glass substitute, and similar materials.
27. The display case of claim 16, wherein said display case is
stackable.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to display cases, and more
particularly to a display case capable of storing, exhibiting and
protecting a collectible item and accompanying packaging while
providing the option to conceal the packaging by inserting a
compartment panel that functions to separate the display case into
a display area and a concealed storage area.
[0003] 2. Problems in the Art.
[0004] Hobbyists that collect items often desire to protect,
preserve and exhibit their collectibles. Preservation and
protection of collectibles entails protection from hazards such as
weather elements, dust, sunlight, insects, and unwanted handling to
name a few. An example of a common collectible item would be a
{fraction (1/24)}.sup.th scale die cast model car reproduction of a
professionally driven race car.
[0005] Collectibles are known to be more valuable the better the
collectible is preserved. Possessing the original packaging to a
collectible item can add additional value to the collectible. Such
packaging must also be preserved and protected to maximize the
value of the collectible and packaging set. Ideally, the hobbyist
should be able to store the collectible and the packaging in a
protected case that can display the collectible and either display
or hide the storage compartment where a packaging box may be
stored.
[0006] An example of one type of display case is supplied by Woy in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,516. The Woy patent describes an illuminated
automobile display case capable of allowing all sides except the
bottom of the model to be displayed. However Woy provides no space
for either the storage or display of the packaging. No mention is
made of the Woy display case being stackable. Additionally, the Woy
display case utilizes a level surface while the present invention
preferably utilizes a slope to improve the viewing angle and
simulate the appearance of a race car on a sloped racetrack.
[0007] An additional example of a display case is illustrated by
Harlan in U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,461. The Harlan patent describes a
sloped riser beneath a clear cover but fails to make the case
stackable and does not include either concealed or visible storage
space.
[0008] Yet another display stand is described by Goodman in U.S.
Design Patent 395,562. This case provides an open, sloped display
platform but offers no storage or display of the packaging,
provides no protection for the collectible, and is not
stackable.
[0009] A wall mounted model car display shelf is described by
Guillot in U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,632. The Guillot invention utilizes
a sloped shelf designed as a model racetrack for display and
includes unviewable storage beneath the display shelf for storing
the packaging. However, the Guillot invention fails to preserve and
protect the collectible items. Similar sloped display shelves which
have racetrack designs are illustrated by U.S. Design Patent
429,919 by Kornacki; U.S. Design Patent 391,795 by Pellerin; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,500 by Wilcox. An illuminated version of a
racetrack display shelf is described by Schultz et al. in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,941,176. None of the aforementioned display shelves protect
the items on display, and only the Guillot invention offers storage
of any kind. Multi-unit, wall-mounted protective display cases
without storage for packaging and sloped shelves are illustrated in
U.S. Design Patent 431,734 by Edgell and U.S. Design Patent 447,363
by Tharpe.
[0010] TenBrink describes a stackable interlocking modular display
case in U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,778. However the TenBrink invention
does not include storage space and has no sloped shelf. Moreover,
the TenBrink invention is designed to interlock the top of one case
to the bottom of another as well as laterally join two display
cases together so as to display a complete train with several cars.
A similar design is illustrated in U.S. Design Patent 264,906 by
Franklin, however the Franklin design is not stackable in addition
to offering no sloped display shelf and no storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the
previously described limitations and other limitations of known
display cases utilized to display collectible items such as model
cars.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
display case with a preferably sloped display shelf, but
alternatively level, descending toward the front of the case and
ascending toward the rear of the case to improve the viewing angle
of the displayed item as viewed through a glass window in the front
of the case body of the display case. Mirrors are utilized to
provide a full view of the displayed item from all sides.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
display case with storage for the packaging of the displayed
collectible. Preservation of the original packaging is known to
enhance the value of collectibles.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a display case that encloses and protects the displayed item and
packaging from damage due to hazards such as weather elements,
dust, insects, sunlight, and undesired handling. The value of a
collectible item is known to be related to the quality of its
preservation.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
display case that is stackable so that several display cases may be
displayed together in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The lid
member and base member of the display case body are preferably
parallel to each other and preferably planar to allow easy
stacking.
[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a display case that optionally provides for display of the stored
packaging. The original packaging can be as interesting and sought
after as the preserved collectible and the hobbyist often desires
the ability to display both together.
[0017] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent with reference to the
accompanying specification and claims.
[0018] To achieve the objects of the present invention as
described, the display case body is box-like or crate-like and
preferably cuboidal. The top of the display case is a removable lid
member with an upper surface that is planar and a bottom surface
that rests on the top edges of the side walls of the case body and
faces the interior of the display case. The lid member can be
loose, affixed pivotally, fit snugly into the top of the case, or
be of any other design that would allow the top to be removed.
[0019] The collectible item or model car can be viewed from the
front of the display case through a window in the observation
panel, the window preferably being made of glass, a synthetic glass
substitute, or a similar transparent material. Alternative
embodiments would allow for windows which permit viewing from
above, laterally, or from the rear of the case body. Within the
case body is a display shelf which has a leading edge that is
affixed at or near the bottom of the window in the observation
panel located at the front of the case body. The bottom of the
window is preferably in close proximity to the base member and
preferably occupies the entire width of the case body. The display
shelf is sloped so as to ascend as it approaches the rear of the
display case and preferably continuously abut the side edges of the
display shelf with the side walls. The display shelf terminates at
a receding edge that abuts a compartment panel that is preferably
mirrored and which preferably serves to segregate the display
compartment from the storage compartment in the display case,
extending from the lid member preferably down to the base member or
alternatively to the receding edge of the display shelf. A display
stop consisting of a ridge, a recess, or similar means may be used
to prevent the displayed item from slipping. The upper surface of
the display shelf may be mirrored to improve viewing of the
displayed item as well as aesthetics.
[0020] The compartment panel is placed between the display shelf
and the rear panel in order to reflect the hidden side of the
collectible to the viewer at the front. A mirror is preferably used
as the compartment panel. The compartment panel is located within
the display case in a manner allowing enough storage space so that
the displayed item packaging can be stored. The compartment panel
should preferably abut the receding edge of the display shelf. Two
opposing, and preferably parallel, linear grooves extend from the
top of the case to at least the terminating point of the back edge
of the display shelf on the inside of the side walls so as to
divide the display area and storage area and serve as a guide and
stop for the compartment panel. Ledges are placed along the
interior sides of the side wall panels and behind the compartment
panel receiving grooves, parallel to the base member and lid member
so as to provide support for the stored item packaging. The ledges
are placed at the same height of the receding edge of the
observation panel so as to level the bottom of the packaging with
the top of the display shelf so that the displayed face of the
packaging may be fully viewed. Both the window and compartment
panel may be individually or dually stored at the rear of the
display case in double panel receiving grooves. Alternatively, two
sets of grooves may be utilized instead of one larger set of
grooves. This feature permits the panels to be securely stored for
shipping.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] In the accompanying drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above the display case
partially showing the display shelf, window, compartment or mirror
panel, a side display mirror, and the ledge on which stored
packaging rests.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the display
case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] With reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a
display case in accordance with the present invention is shown by
reference numeral 22, the basic structure of which includes a base
member 3, right side wall 4, left side wall 8, window 1,
frame-type, front observation panel 2 to secure the window 1 to the
base member 3 and right side wall 4 and left side wall 8, a rear
panel 5, a display shelf 11, a compartment panel or mirror panel
12, side wall mirrors 13, and storage support ledges 9.
[0025] The rear panel 5 is received into the side wall cut-outs 6
located in the rear vertical edge in the right side wall 4 and left
side wall 8 in order to embed and secure the rear panel within and
between the right side wall 4 and left side wall 8. The window 1
through which the displayed item may be viewed is received into
front side wall cut-outs 7 in the front vertical edge of the right
side wall 4 and left side wall 8 in order to embed and secure the
window within and between the right side wall 4 and left side wall
8. The window 1 is further secured within the front side wall
cut-outs 7 by a decorative frame-type observation panel 2 secured
to the right side wall 4 and left side wall 8 and base member 3.
Parallel and opposing compartment panel receiving grooves 14 are
present in the right side wall 4 and left side wall 8 transverse to
the base member. An affixed or removable mirror panel 12 or
compartment panel 12 is received and secured by the compartment
panel receiving grooves 14 and functions to separate the rear
storage compartment 10 from the forward display compartment 15.
Double panel receiving grooves 21 are present in the right side
wall 4 and left side wall 8 transverse to the base member at the
rear of the display case between the rear panel 5 and support
ledges 9 and are intended to receive the compartment panel and or
window for storage purposes. On the right side wall 4 and left side
wall 8 between the window 1, compartment panel receiving grooves 14
and display shelf 11; side wall mirrors 13 are affixed to the right
side wall 4 and left side wall 8 in the forward display compartment
15 to facilitate lateral viewing of the displayed item. The storage
support ledges 9 are affixed to the right side wall 4 and left side
wall 8 and run parallel to the base member 3 at the height of the
rear edge of the display shelf 11, creating a displayable storage
area 20.
[0026] FIG. 2 presents a cross sectional view of the display case
22. Additional features that can be seen include the lid member 16
and the rear lower edge cut-out 17 in the lid member 16. Extending
the lid member 16 over and past the top of the rear panel 5 allows
for a better seal and a tighter fit for the lid member 16. The lid
member 16 fits flush against the top of the window 1 at the
frame-window-lid member joint 18 and abuts the posterior of the top
of the frame-type observation panel 2 or observation panel 2 to
form a planar surface on top of the display case to facilitate
stacking. The display stop 19 on the display shelf 11 can also be
seen. The display stop 19 is preferably a ridge in the rear upper
surface of the display shelf 11 which functions to catch the
displayed item to prevent slippage down the slope of the display
shelf 11. The display shelf 11 is also shown to run from the base
of the window 1 to the compartment panel receiving grooves 14 and
terminating at an even height with the storage support ledges 9
thus the bottom of the suspended packaging. The storage support
ledges 9 are placed at a predetermined height to accommodate the
height required to fully display the item packaging. The
compartment panel receiving grooves 14 are placed at a sufficient
distance from the rear panel 5 to accommodate the width of the item
packaging to be displayed. The width of the display case 22 is
designed to accommodate the length of the packaging to be displayed
in the displayable storage area 20.
* * * * *