PROTECTION AND STORAGE OF COLLECTABLES

Abstract

An apparatus for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump, the apparatus having a sealed container, an access panel, a sealed air dam to receive a nozzle of the vacuum pump while maintaining constant pressure inside the container during insertion into the nozzle, a dial lock to simultaneously seal and unseal the container and lock and unlock the access panel when the dial lock is closed and opened, respectively, and a vacuum indicator. Also, a method for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump, the method including enclosing, accessing, sealing and forming a vacuum in a space, selectively penetrating the enclosed space with the vacuum pump, and indicating whether a vacuum is formed.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/906,680 filed Mar. 13, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the protection and storage of collectables, memorabilia and the like.

Collectors are necessarily concerned with protecting their valuable collectables and memorabilia from damage by exposure to deleterious conditions, such as air, dirt, dust, moisture, insects, and the like. However, due to the very nature of some collectables, collectors also seek to display their collections to friends and admirers. These desires often conflict since displaying the collection may expose the collected item to conditions that diminish the value of the collectable.

In the prior art, efforts have been made to provide devices for storage of memorabilia; however, such devices are not particularly geared toward the specific needs of certain specialized collectors, such as the collectors of sports paraphernalia, e.g. the needs of collectors of comic books, trading cards and clothing items such as shoes. Such collectors are often justifiably proud of their collections and seek a means for displaying their collection without exposure to deleterious conditions.

Prior art memorabilia storage devices typically do not provide protection from air or moisture in the ambient atmosphere. For example, as a result of exposure, document pages, comic books, and like paper items become yellow, faded, or discolored and the value of the memorabilia diminishes.

Also, prior art memorabilia storage devices typically do not address the need for an easy-to-use storage container that permits creation of a vacuum without introducing a deleterious condition into the space within the storage container. Further, prior art memorabilia storage devices have not addressed a collector's desire to display their collections efficiently and in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Still further, prior storage devices have not facilitated identification of memorabilia in combination with the advantages of a vacuum sealed container. Even further, the prior art has not provided a storage device that accomplishes all these functions while presenting the user of the device with an indication of whether a vacuum has been formed in the device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for protection and storage of collectables. The apparatus and method of the present invention may comprise one or more features, which address one or more (or all) of the above-referenced problems and deficiencies in the prior art.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings, and from the detailed description that follows below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with references to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container adapted for storage and protection of collectables in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container adapted for storage of comic books or magazines.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container adapted for storage of trading cards, such as baseball cards.

FIG. 4 shows a front side of the container for collectable sneakers.

FIG. 5 shows the stacking of six identical containers for collectable sneakers with two sets of three containers stacked on top of each other and joined side by side.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view through a front side and top side of the container for collectable sneakers detailing an interlocking rubber seal and a hinged door.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the upper left portion of the front side of the container detailing a vacuum indicator.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the vacuum indicator detailing the means of connection of the indicator to the container, the section taken through the front side of the container.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vacuum indicator.

FIG. 10 shows a vacuum pump.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the lower left portion of the front side of the container detailing the sealed opening adapted to receive the vacuum pump.

FIG. 12A is a sectional view of the sealed opening prior to insertion of a nozzle of the vacuum pump, the section taken through the front side of the container.

FIG. 12B is a sectional view through the sealed opening detailing an X-scored air dam.

FIG. 12C is a detailed sectional view of a flap air dam detailing the operational movement of the flap air dam.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the sealed opening detailing engagement of an X-scored air dam and a flap air dam upon with the nozzle of the vacuum pump.

FIG. 14 shows a dial lock with a handle, ventilation holes and a latch in a closed, locked position and engagement of the latch with the wall of the enclosure.

FIG. 15 shows the dial lock in an open, unlocked position.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the dial lock, the section taken through the front side of the container.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a drawer mechanism, the section taken through the front, top and bottom sides of the container.

FIG. 18 shows a container adapted for storage and protection of collectables in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a container adapted for storage and protection of collectables in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a container adapted for storage and protection of collectables in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a container adapted for storage and protection of collectables in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump, the apparatus may be provided with a sealed container, an access panel, a sealed air dam to receive a nozzle of the vacuum pump while maintaining constant pressure inside the container during insertion of the nozzle, a dial lock to simultaneously seal and unseal the container and lock and unlock the access panel when the dial lock is closed and opened, respectively, and a vacuum indicator. Also, the present invention is directed to a method for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump, the method including enclosing, accessing, sealing and forming a vacuum in a space, selectively penetrating the enclosed space with the vacuum pump, and indicating whether a vacuum is formed. The apparatus and method of the present invention protects collectables from contact with deleterious substances, e.g. air, dust, insects, water damage and the like, organizes a collection of collectables, and gives the collection a uniform look. Depending on the selection of materials, the present invention may be adapted to provide security, e.g. by incorporating a lock, fireproof protection, e.g. by incorporating fireproof materials, theft-proof protection and the like.

The present invention allows collectors to store their documents, comic books, trading cards, gym shoes or any like valuable items in a vacuum sealed environment to protect against deterioration caused by exposure to air, moisture, dust, and pests, for example. The apparatus may be entirely composed of plastic and rubber or any other suitable materials. When the apparatus is made of a hard plastic shell, the shell protects the collectables inside from damage and a rubber vacuum seal protects the collectables from moisture and other types of deleterious conditions. A manual hand pump may be employed to withdraw air from the interior of the apparatus. When the air is evacuated from the apparatus, a rubber air bubble may be provided so as to withdraw or deform into the apparatus to ensure an air tight seal and evacuation of air and to provide a visual indication to the user that a vacuum has been established. When a latching handle is turned, the apparatus simultaneously releases air back into the apparatus and releases the vacuum seal enabling the user to open the apparatus. A plastic frame may also be molded onto the front of the apparatus for descriptions or pictures of the contents of the apparatus. The stylish design of the apparatus also gives the collection a uniform appearance. Also, joining means may be provided on the apparatus for joining like apparatuses together for display. The joining means allows the collector to safely stack the apparatuses and, if need be, create a wall to house the collection. The apparatus protects the collectors' investment, and maintains the value of the collection. The absence of air inside the apparatus helps to slow the aging process of the contents of the apparatus, for instance, in order to prevent drying, cracking and yellowing of paper or in order to prevent the separation of glue used in the connection of a sole of a collectable shoe to the upper of the shoe.

Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus 100, 200, 300 (FIGS. 1-3) for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a means for forming a vacuum, e.g. vacuum pump 500 (FIG. 10), in the apparatus 100, 200, 300. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may comprise a means for enclosing a space, e.g. a container defined by bottom wall 110, side walls 120, back wall 130 and top wall 140 (FIGS. 1-3). The container may be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic or the like.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container adapted for storage and protection of collectables in accordance with the present invention. In this case, the container is adapted for storage of collectable sneakers. Apparatus 100 (FIG. 1) is particularly suited for the protection and storage of collectable sneakers, shoes and the like and may have approximate dimensions of 5.5″ high, 12″ wide and 15″ long. The apparatus 100 may be provided with a door 400 provided on a hinge 125 (FIGS. 6 and 7) adapted for movement in a direction denoted by arrow 150, where the approximate position of the door 400 in an open position is shown with reference number 400′. Although the hinge 125 is shown to be provided adjacent to the intersection of the top wall 140 and door 400, the hinge 125 and door 400 may provided at any suitable location on or within the container.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 200 (FIG. 2) is particularly suited for the protection and storage of comic books, magazines and the like and may have approximate dimensions of 12″ high, 12″ wide and 15″ long. The apparatus 200 may be provided with a door 400 in sliding engagement, e.g. FIG. 17, with the body of the apparatus 200.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 300 (FIG. 3) is particularly suited for the protection and storage of collectable trading cards, baseball cards and the like and may have approximate dimensions of 5″ high, 3.5″ wide and 15″ long. The apparatus 300 may also be provided with a door 400 in sliding engagement, e.g. FIG. 17, with the body of the apparatus 300.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a drawer mechanism, the section taken through the front, top and bottom sides of the container. Drawer mechanism 470 may be provided with a side panel 472, a channel slot 474 adapted to receive a roller 476 and a mounting bracket 478, which provides for sliding movement of the drawer 400. Although the drawer mechanism 470 is shown for sliding movement in a direction parallel to the top wall 140 and the bottom wall 110 of the container, the drawer mechanism 470 may provided at any suitable location within the container. The body of the drawer mechanism 470 may be formed of molded plastic or any other suitable material.

Although apparatus 100 is shown with a hinged door and apparatuses 200 and 300 are shown with drawer mechanisms, any suitable type of means for access to the space inside the apparatus may be provided. For example, apparatus 100 may be provided with a drawer, and apparatuses 200 and 300 may be provided with a hinged door. Other types of means for access could be used in any suitable shape or size with any suitable material.

FIG. 4 shows a front side of the container for collectable sneakers. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may comprise a means, e.g. access panel 400 (FIG. 4), for accessing the enclosed space. Although the access panel 400 is illustrated as a generally rectangular panel on the front side of the container, the access panel 400 may be provided in any suitable shape and at any suitable location, e.g. on the top of the container. Although the access panel 400 is shown with a means for forming a seal between the accessing means and the enclosed space, a means for permitting selective insertion into the enclosed space adapted to receive the vacuum forming means, a means for releasing the vacuum in the enclosed space, and a means for indicating whether the vacuum is formed (all described in greater detail below), these features may be provided at any suitable location on or within the apparatus 100, 200, 300. The access panel 400 may be provided with a frame holder 460 for content description or display of photographs of the contents of the apparatus 100, 200, 300. The frame holder 460 may be formed of clear plastic, for example.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view through a front side and top side of the container for collectable sneakers detailing an interlocking rubber seal and a hinged door. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may comprise a means for forming a seal, e.g. interlocking seal 440 (FIG. 6), between the accessing means, e.g. access panel 400, and the enclosed space. Although an interlocking seal is shown, any suitable type of seal may be provided between the accessing means and the enclosed space. The interlocking seal 440 may further be provided such that a first portion 442 of the seal forming means 440 is attached to the accessing means, e.g. access panel 400, and a second portion 444 of the seal forming means 440 is attached to the enclosing means (FIG. 6), e.g. a container defined by bottom wall 110, side walls 120, back wall 130 and top wall 140. The interlocking seal 440 may further be provided such that the first portion 442 is adapted for interlocking engagement with the second portion 444, e.g. FIG. 6. The first portion 442 of the interlocking seal 440 may be provided with a cross sectional shape having a plurality of ribs, protrusions and the like, and the second portion 444 of the interlocking seal 440 may be provided with a cross sectional shape having a plurality of channels, detents or the like to facilitate the interlocking engagement between the two portions 442, 444. The first and second portions 442, 444 may be provided with a larger central sealing member (rib/channel pairing, protrusion/detent pairing or the like) adapted to provide additional sealing surface area and adapted to facilitate interlocking engagement. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may be provided such that the rotational movement 150 about hinge 125 of the access panel 400 facilitates the interlocking engagement of the first and second portions 442, 444 of the interlocking seal 440. In other words, the rotational movement 150 about hinge 125 of the access panel 400 facilitates the engagement of the larger central sealing member. The interlocking seal 440 may be formed of rubber or any other suitable material.

FIG. 10 shows a vacuum pump, FIG. 11 is a partial view of the lower left portion of the front side of the container detailing the sealed opening adapted to receive the vacuum pump, FIG. 12A is a sectional view of the sealed opening prior to insertion of a nozzle of the vacuum pump, the section taken through the front side of the container, FIG. 12B is a sectional view through the sealed opening detailing an X-scored air dam, FIG. 12C is a detailed sectional view of a flap air dam detailing the operational movement of the flap air dam, and FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the sealed opening detailing engagement of an X-scored air dam and a flap air dam upon with the nozzle of the vacuum pump.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may comprise a means, e.g. sealed opening 420 (FIGS. 11, 12A-C and 13), for permitting selective insertion into the enclosed space adapted to receive the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500. The sealed opening 520 may be formed of rubber or any other suitable material. The vacuum pump 500 may be provided in any suitable form. The vacuum pump 500 may be a manual pump having a handle 510 connected to a shaft 520, a generally cylindrical housing 550 adapted to receive the shaft 520 through a seal 530, the housing 550 having first and second end members 540 and 570, a plunger 560 at one end of the shaft 520 and a nozzle 580. The pump 500 is adapted to form a vacuum when it is inserted into the selective insertion permission means. The pump is adapted to insert air 590 into to the apparatus 100, 200, 300 or extract air 590 from the apparatus 100, 200, 300. The nozzle 580 may be formed of rubber or any other suitable material.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the selective insertion permission means comprises a sealed opening 420 adapted to permit insertion into the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500, while maintaining constant pressure inside the space during insertion (FIG. 13) of the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500. Specifically, the sealed opening 420 or air dam may be adapted to receive a nozzle 580 of the vacuum pump 500 while maintaining constant pressure inside the container during insertion into the nozzle 580.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the sealed opening 420 comprises an X-scored air dam 426 (FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13) and a flap air dam 428 (FIGS. 12A, 12C and 13) adapted for sealing engagement with the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500, comprises a nozzle 580 (FIG. 10) adapted for insertion into the sealed opening 420 (FIG. 13). The sealed opening 420 may comprise of a generally cylindrical shape with a first portion 422 having a larger diameter than a second portion 424. The air dams 426, 428 may be provided inside the smaller diameter second portion 424, although the air dams 426, 428 may be provided in any suitable location within the sealed opening 420. As seen best in FIG. 13, the X-scored air dam 426 creates a seal between the nozzle 580 of the pump 500 and the exterior of the apparatus 100, 200, 300, and the flap air dam 428 provides a secondary seal between the interior of the apparatus 100, 200, 300 and a space between X-scored air dam 426 and the flap air dam 428, thus creating a vacuum chamber which allows for insertion of the nozzle 580 without compromising a vacuum which may already exist inside the apparatus 100, 200, 300. Also, by providing two air dams 426, 428, deleterious materials, such as dust and dirt, are prevented from entering the inside of the apparatus 100, 200, 300 regardless of whether a vacuum exists inside the apparatus 100, 200, 300.

FIG. 14 shows a dial lock with a handle, ventilation holes and a latch in a closed, locked position and engagement of the latch with the wall of the enclosure. FIG. 15 shows the dial lock in an open, unlocked position. FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the dial lock, the section taken through the front side of the container. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may comprise a means, e.g. dial lock 430 (FIGS. 14-16), for releasing the vacuum in the enclosed space. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the vacuum release means, e.g. dial lock 430 (FIGS. 14-16), comprises a means, e.g. a handle, for opening and closing the apparatus 100, 200, 300, a means, e.g. openings 434, for permitting air flow, and a means, e.g. latch 432, for locking the accessing means, e.g. access panel 400, in a closed position (FIG. 14) while maintaining the vacuum. The handle may be attached to the access panel 400 in any suitable method. For example, the handle may be attached via a shaft (not shown) through an opening (not shown) in the access panel 400 and seal 440, where the handle shaft is connected to a means 436 for connecting the handle shaft to the opposite side of the access panel 400 from the handle. The dial lock 430 may be adapted to simultaneously seal a container, which may be defined by bottom wall 110, side walls 120, back wall 130 and top wall 140 (FIGS. 1-3), and lock the access panel 400 when the dial lock 430 is closed (FIG. 14) and adapted to simultaneously unseal the container and unlock the access panel 400 when the dial lock 430 is opened (FIG. 15). The dial lock 430 may include any suitable type of security and anti-theft devices such as a combination or keyed lock or the like.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the air flow means, e.g. openings 434, is blocked when the vacuum release means, e.g. dial lock 430, is in a locked, closed position (FIG. 14).

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the air flow means, e.g. openings 434, is open when the vacuum release means, e.g. dial lock 430, is in an unlocked, open position (FIG. 15).

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the upper left portion of the front side of the container detailing a vacuum indicator. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the vacuum indicator detailing the means of connection of the indicator to the container, the section taken through the front side of the container. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the vacuum indicator. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may comprise a means, e.g. bubble 450 (FIGS. 7-9), for indicating whether the vacuum is formed. Although bubble 450 is shown, any suitable means of indicating whether the vacuum has been formed may be provided. The bubble 450 may be attached to the access panel 400 through an opening in a thickened portion 452 of the access panel 400. The bubble 450 may be provided in a generally half-spherical hollow shape with a flange 456 adapted to be connected via a means 454 for connection to the back side of the panel 400. Although glue may be used as the means 454 for connection, any suitable means of connection may be used to attach the bubble 450 to the access panel 400.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the vacuum indicating means, e.g. bubble 450 (FIGS. 7-9), is adapted to deform in a first direction 458 when the space is under vacuum.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the vacuum indicating means, e.g. bubble 450, is adapted to deform in a second direction (not shown) when the vacuum in the space is released, where the second direction may be opposite the first direction 458.

FIG. 5 shows the stacking of six identical containers for collectable sneakers with two sets of three containers stacked on top of each other and joined side by side. The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the apparatus 100, 200, 300 further comprises a means, e.g. dimples 115 (FIG. 4) and indents 135 (FIGS. 1-3), for joining the apparatus 100, 200, 300 with another identical apparatus 100, 200, 300. Although dimples 115 and indents 135 are shown, any suitable means for joining the apparatus 100, 200, 300 with another identical apparatus 100, 200, 300 may be provided. Although the dimples 115 are shown on the bottom wall 110 of the container and the indents 135 are shown on the top wall 140 of the apparatus, the joining means may be provided on any surface of the container to provide interlocking engagement with another apparatus in any direction. That is, for a generally rectangular apparatus, joining means may be provided on all six sides of the apparatus for horizontal and/or vertical stacking and arrangement.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the joining means comprises a first means, e.g. dimples 115 or indents 135, for attachment on one side of the apparatus 100, 200, 300 and a second means, e.g. indents 135 or dimples 115, respectively, for attachment on an opposite side of the apparatus 100, 200, 300.

The apparatus 100, 200, 300 may further be provided such that the first attachment means, e.g. dimples 115 or indents 135, is adapted for interlocking engagement, e.g. FIG. 5, with the second attachment means, e.g. indents 135 or dimples 115.

Also, the present invention is directed to a method for protecting and storing collectables utilizing a means for forming a vacuum, e.g. vacuum pump 500 (FIG. 10), in an apparatus 100, 200, 300 (FIGS. 1-3). The method may comprise one ore more of the following steps: enclosing a space, e.g. FIGS. 1-3; accessing the enclosed space, e.g. with access panel 400 (FIG. 4); sealing the enclosed space, e.g. FIG. 6; selectively penetrating the enclosed space, e.g. FIGS. 10, 11, 12A-12C and 13, with the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500; forming a vacuum in the enclosed space; and indicating whether the vacuum is formed, e.g. FIGS. 7-9.

The method may further comprise one or more of the following steps: sealing an opening in the apparatus 100, 200, 300, e.g. FIGS. 11, 12A-12C and 13; inserting the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500, while maintaining constant pressure inside the space during insertion into the vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500 (FIG. 13); inserting a nozzle 580 of a vacuum forming means, e.g. vacuum pump 500, into the sealed opening 420 while maintaining constant pressure inside the space during insertion into the nozzle 580 (FIG. 13); attaching a first portion 442 of a seal 440 to a means, e.g. access panel 400, for access to the enclosure (FIG. 6); attaching a second portion 444 of the seal 440 to the enclosure, e.g. top wall 140; interlocking the first portion and the second portion (FIG. 6); opening (FIG. 14 to FIG. 15) and closing (FIG. 14 to FIG. 15) the enclosure; simultaneously unsealing the enclosure, releasing the vacuum and unlocking the enclosure during an opening operation (FIG. 14 to FIG. 15); simultaneously sealing the enclosure, permitting formation of the vacuum and locking the enclosure during a closing operation (FIG. 15 to FIG. 14); blocking an air flow means, e.g. openings 434, during the closing operation (FIG. 15 to FIG. 14); unblocking an air flow means, e.g. openings 434, during the opening operation (FIG. 14 to FIG. 15); deforming the vacuum indicating means, e.g. bubble 450 (FIGS. 7-9), in a first direction 458 when the space is under vacuum; deforming the vacuum indicating means, e.g. bubble 450 (FIGS. 7-9), in a second direction (not shown) when the vacuum in the space is released; and interlocking the apparatus 100, 200, 300 with another identical apparatus 100, 200, 300, e.g. FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 18, as in one embodiment illustrated is a sealing pump 500 inserted into a flap seal 502. Flap 504 is shown that will seal flap seal 502 after sealing pump 500 is removed. Spring door 506 is shown in an open position. Referring to FIG. 19, as in one embodiment illustrated is the spring door 506. Referring to FIG. 20, as in one embodiment illustrated is a hinge clasp 510 and a hinge clasp holder 512. Referring to FIG. 21, as in one embodiment illustrated is the hinge clasp 510 holding a hinge clasp cover 520.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modifications and alterations might be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a means for forming a vacuum in the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a means for enclosing a space;

a means for accessing the enclosed space;

a means for forming a seal between the accessing means and the enclosed space;

a means for permitting selective insertion into the enclosed space adapted to receive the vacuum forming means;

a means for releasing the vacuum in the enclosed space; and

a means for indicating whether the vacuum is formed.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the selective insertion permission means comprises a sealed opening adapted to permit insertion into the vacuum forming means while maintaining constant pressure inside the space during insertion into the vacuum forming means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sealed opening comprises an X-scored air dam and a flap air dam adapted for sealing engagement with the vacuum forming means.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the vacuum forming means comprises a pump comprising a nozzle adapted for insertion into the sealed opening.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the seal forming means is attached to the accessing means and a second portion of the seal forming means is attached to the enclosing means, and

wherein the first portion is adapted for interlocking engagement with the second portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum release means comprises a means for opening and closing the apparatus, a means for permitting air flow, and a means for locking the accessing means in a closed position while maintaining the vacuum.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the air flow means is blocked when the vacuum release means is in a locked, closed position, and

wherein the air flow means is open when the vacuum release means is in an unlocked, open position.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum indicating means is adapted to deform in a first direction when the space is under vacuum, and

wherein the vacuum indicating means is adapted to deform in a second direction when the vacuum in the space is released.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a means for joining the apparatus with another identical apparatus,

wherein the joining means comprises a first means for attachment on one side of the apparatus and a second means for attachment on an opposite side of the apparatus, and

wherein the first attachment means is adapted for interlocking engagement with the second attachment means.

10. An apparatus for protection and storage of collectables and for use with a vacuum pump adapted to form a vacuum in the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a container;

an access panel attached to the container;

a seal between the access panel and the container;

a sealed air dam adapted to receive a nozzle of the vacuum pump while maintaining constant pressure inside the container during insertion into the nozzle;

a dial lock adapted to simultaneously seal the container and lock the access panel when the dial lock is closed and adapted to simultaneously unseal the container and unlock the access panel when the dial lock is opened; and

a vacuum indicator adapted to deform in a first direction when the container is under vacuum, and adapted to deform in a second direction when the vacuum in the space is released.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a first portion of the seal is attached to the access panel and a second portion of the seal is attached to the container, and

wherein the first portion is adapted for interlocking engagement with the second portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus further comprises a means for joining the apparatus with another identical apparatus,

wherein the joining means comprises a first means for attachment on one side of the apparatus and a second means for attachment on an opposite side of the apparatus, and

wherein the first attachment means is adapted for interlocking engagement with the second attachment means.

13. A method for protecting and storing collectables utilizing a means for forming a vacuum in an apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

enclosing a space;

accessing the enclosed space;

sealing the enclosed space;

selectively penetrating the enclosed space with the vacuum forming means;

forming a vacuum in the enclosed space; and

indicating whether the vacuum is formed.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

sealing an opening in the apparatus; and

inserting the vacuum forming means while maintaining constant pressure inside the space during insertion into the vacuum forming means.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of inserting a nozzle of a vacuum forming means into the sealed opening while maintaining constant pressure inside the space during insertion into the nozzle.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

attaching a first portion of a seal to a means for access to the enclosure;

attaching a second portion of the seal to the enclosure; and

interlocking the first portion and the second portion.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

opening and closing the enclosure;

simultaneously unsealing the enclosure, releasing the vacuum and unlocking the enclosure during an opening operation; and

simultaneously sealing the enclosure, permitting formation of the vacuum and locking the enclosure during a closing operation.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

blocking an air flow means during the closing operation; and

unblocking an air flow means during the opening operation.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

deforming the vacuum indicating means in a first direction when the space is under vacuum, and

deforming the vacuum indicating means in a second direction when the vacuum in the space is released.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of interlocking the apparatus with another identical apparatus.