BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention
The present disclosure relates to display cases, and more particularly, to a display case that is adapted to store and display a three dimensional memorabilia article.
2. Description of Related Art
The prior art references are normally configured to display only documents, hence, being limited to mount and display any type of display articles such as a t-shirt. What is needed is a frame display case that has a mounting panel that allows three-dimensional memorabilia, in addition, to documents to be attached and displayed.
The prior art display cases also generally include clamping mechanisms such as, hinges, latches or magnets, for locking and/or unlocking the front and back frame members of the display cases. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,967 discloses the use of hinge means for hingeably securing the front frame member to the rear frame member to facilitate pivotable movement of said frame members. The front frame member is adjacent to the rear frame member wherein said rear frame member is received in a recessed cavity of said front frame member. The front and rare frame members are pivoted apart from one another to permit removal and replacement of the display item. However, these clamping mechanisms unnecessarily increase the weight and size of the case and normally have a tendency to become loose in the course of time. This may lead them to be ineffective in facilitating the durable locking. What is needed is an effective lightweight and durable clamping mechanism that won't become loose in the course of time.
In addition, the prior art display cases generally include specific regions allocated to mount two and/or three dimensional objects. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,079 discloses the use of multiple compartments defined by the insertable panels within the case to define a plurality of marginally spaced compartments besides the center compartment. However, the marginal space within the compartments is specifically adapted to mount the objects of the specific sizes. Thus, what is also needed is a display case that facilitates the user to make the use of the whole inner space of the case for mounting the two and/or three dimensional objects per his/her desire.
The present invention solves these problems mentioned in the prior art by providing a memorabilia display case that includes a glass panel, a front frame member, and a back frame member that together define a configuration adapted to store and display a diversified range of display articles making use of the whole inner space. The back frame member has a mounting panel that is preferably permanently screwed into the back frame member, which is adapted to be able to display three-dimensional memorabilia, in addition, to documents. The side panels of the back frame member includes a pair of spring leaf clamping mechanisms adapted to be securely fitted and locked by the front frame member to facilitate a locking arrangement for the display case that won't become loose over time. Furthermore, the front frame member includes an adjustable hinge mechanism adapted to vertically or horizontally enlarge the front frame member while positioning or removing the glass panel to/from the front frame member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A memorabilia display case for displaying items is provided that includes a glass panel, a front frame member, and a back frame member that together define a configuration adapted to securely store and display three dimensional memorabilia articles. The front frame member has a first recessed configuration adapted to accommodate the glass panel. The front frame member includes an adjustable hinge mechanism adapted to vertically or horizontally enlarge the front frame member while positioning or removing the glass panel to/from the front frame member. The back frame member has a mounting panel that is preferably permanently screwed into the back frame member. The side panels of the back frame member define a groove portion that includes a pair of spring leaf clamping mechanisms adapted to be securely fitted and locked within a second recessed configuration defined by the front frame member to facilitate a locking arrangement for the display case. The display case includes a hanging mechanism that consists of two hanger arms that are riveted into a plate fastened to the upper side panel of the back frame member. The hanger arms are movable from a resting position to a hanging position to facilitate an arrangement for hanging the garments within the display case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top view of a memorabilia display case constructed in accordance with preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a glass panel of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1.;
FIG. 4B is a top view of the glass panel of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4C is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the glass panel of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4D is an alternative embodiment of the glass panel of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a front frame member of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the front frame member of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a back frame member of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the back frame member of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an exploded right side view of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an exploded front view of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an exploded rear view of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an exploded left side view of the memorabilia display case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a back frame member of the display case of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of the back frame member of the display case of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS: Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a memorabilia display case 10 is disclosed that has a configuration adapted to store and display a three dimensional article 12 such as a memorabilia in addition to a two dimensional article 14 such as a display and/or greeting card. However, it is understood that display case 10 can store the articles 12, 14 of any shape that have a configuration securely positionable within the structure defined by case 10. The display case 10 defines a central horizontal axis X-X that is substantially perpendicular to a central vertical axis Y-Y defined by the case 10. The display case 10, in this one preferred embodiment, has a rectangular shape, however, it is understood that the shape of case 10 may vary.
Referring to FIG. 3, the display case 10 defines a glass panel 16, a front frame member 18 and a back frame member 20 that preferably have their centers defined along the central longitudinal axis Y-Y. The glass panel 16, front frame member 18 and back frame member 20 preferably have their lengths relatively larger than their widths to facilitate a rectangular configuration to case 10. The panel 16 is preferably made of transparent glass, however, it is understood here that panel 16 also can be made of other transparent materials such as transparent plastic or fiber. The front and back frame members 18, 20 are preferably made of stainless steel, however, it is understood that frame members 18, 20 also can be made of wood and plastic in other alternative embodiments.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the glass panel 16 has a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24. The top surface 22 and bottom surface 24 define a thickness 26. The glass panel 16 has a first side 28, a second side 30, a third side 32 and a fourth side 34. The first and second sides 28, 30 preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis X-X. The first and second sides 28, 30 define a length of glass panel 16. The third and fourth sides 32, 34 preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis X-X. The third and fourth sides 32, 34 define a width of glass panel 16. The first and second sides 28, 30 are relatively larger than the third and fourth sides 32, 34 to facilitate a horizontally orientated rectangular configuration to glass panel 16. However, it is understood that the dimensions of sides 28, 30, 32 and 34 may vary in other alternative embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 4C, an alternative embodiment of glass panel 16 is shown wherein the glass panel 16 has a first side 28A, a second side 30A, a third side 32A and a fourth side 34A. The first and second sides 28A, 30A preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to a central horizontal axis X-X of panel 16. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second sides 28A, 30A define a length of glass panel 16. The third and fourth sides 32A, 34A preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis X-X. In this alternative embodiment, the third and fourth sides 32A, 34A define a width of glass panel 16. The length defined by first and second sides 28A, 30A is substantially the same to the width defined by the third and fourth sides 32A, 34A in this one alternative embodiment that facilitate squarer configuration to glass panel 16. It is understood that in this alternative embodiment, front frame member 18 and back member 20 may also have a squarer configuration to facilitate squarer configuration to case 10 by securely accommodating glass panel 16.
Referring to FIG. 4D, an alternative embodiment of glass panel 16 is shown wherein the glass panel 16 has a first side 28B, a second side 30B, a third side 32B and a fourth side 34B. The first and second sides 28B, 30B preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to a central horizontal axis X-X of panel 16. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second sides 28B, 30B define a length of glass panel 16. The third and fourth sides 32B, 34B preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axis X-X. In this alternative embodiment, the third and fourth sides 32B, 34B define a width of glass panel 16. The length defined by first and second sides 28B, 30B is relatively less than that the width defined by the third and fourth sides 32B, 34B in this one alternative embodiment that facilitate vertical orientation to glass panel 16. It is understood that in this alternative embodiment, front frame member 18 and back member 20 may also have a squarer configuration to securely accommodate glass panel 16 and to facilitate vertically oriented rectangular configuration to case 10. It is understood that in this alternative embodiment, front frame member 18 and back member 20 also need to have a vertically oriented rectangular configuration to facilitate rectangular configuration to case 10 by securely accommodating glass panel 16.
Referring to FIG. 5, the front frame member 18, in this one preferred embodiment, includes a first side panel 36, a second side panel 38, a third side panel 40 and a fourth side panel 42. The first and second side panels 36, 38 preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis X-X. The first and second side panels 36, 38 define a length of front frame member 18. The third and fourth side panels 40, 42 preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis X-X. The third and fourth side panels 40, 42 define a width of front frame member 18. The first and second side panels 36, 38 are relatively larger than the third and fourth side panels 40, 42 that facilitate a rectangular configuration to front frame member 18, however, it is understood that the dimensions of side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42 may vary in other alternative embodiments. The tabs 44, 46, 48 and 50 preferably horizontally and inwardly extend towards the central axis Y-Y in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical planes defined by side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42 in order to define a rim portion of front frame member 18. The side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42 preferably substantially enclose sides 28, 30, 32 and 34 of glass panel 16 to securely hold glass panel 16 within front frame member 18.
Each of the side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42 has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surfaces of each side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42 are connected to each other through an adjustable hinge mechanism 52. In this one embodiment, the front frame member 18 includes four hinge members 52, however, it is understood that the number of hinge members 52 may vary per intended application of device 10. The hinge members 52 are preferably positioned at the junction of each two inner surfaces of the side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42.
The hinge member 52 are preferably adapted to horizontally adjust front frame member 18 away from the central axis Y-Y along a first direction indicated by an arrow ‘A’ while positioning glass panel 16 within the frame member 18. In addition, hinge member 52 are preferably adapted to vertically adjust front frame member 18 away from the central axis Y-Y along a second direction indicated by an arrow ‘B’ while positioning glass panel 16 within the frame member 18. The frame member 18 includes a first recessed portion 54 that is preferably located on the upper sides of inner surfaces of the side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42. The first recessed portion 54 has a width that is approximately equal to thickness 26 of glass panel 16 that is essential to comfortably position the glass panel 16 within recess 54. The frame member 18 includes a second recessed portion 56 that is preferably located on the lower sides of inner surfaces of side panels 36, 38, 40 and 42. The second recessed portion 56 is preferably configured to be connected to back frame member 20.
Referring to FIG. 5A, an alternative embodiment of front frame member 18 is shown wherein the glass panel 16 is adapted to be slidably positioned and/or removed from front frame member 18 through side panel 36. Side panel 36 is preferably permanently connected to glass panel 16 and side panels 38, 40 and 42 are preferably connected to each other. First recessed portion 54 defined on the upper inner surfaces of side panels 38, 40 and 42 defines a configuration adapted to receive glass panel 16 in this one embodiment. The glass panel 16 is adapted to slide in the direction ‘J’ for being positioned in front frame member 18. The glass panel 16 is adapted to slide in the direction ‘K’ for being removed from front frame member 18. However, it is understood here that glass panel 16 can also be slidably positioned into front frame member 18 through side panels 38, 40 and 42 in other alternative embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 6, the back frame member 20 has a first side panel 58, a second side panel 60, a third side panel 62 and a fourth side panel 64. The first and second side panels 58, 60 preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially parallel to the horizontal axis X-X. The first and second side panels 58, 60 define a length of back frame member 20. The third and fourth side panels 62, 64 preferably horizontally extend in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis X-X. The third and fourth side panels 62, 64 preferably define a width of back frame member 20, The first and second side panels 58, 60 are relatively larger than the third and fourth side panels 62, 64 to facilitate a rectangular configuration to back frame member 20, however, it is understood that the dimensions of side panels 58, 60, 62 and 64 may vary in other alternative embodiments.
The back frame member 20 includes a mounting panel 74 that is preferably adapted to support and mount two dimensional objects 12 and/or three dimensional objects 14. The mounting panel 74 is preferably permanently screwed within the lower end of side panels 58, 60, 62 and 64 through a plurality of screws 76 such that a top surface of panel 74 mounts objects 12, 13 and a rear surface of mounting panel 74 engages with a bottom surface of back frame member 20. The screws 76 are adapted to securely mount the panel 74 within frame member 20. The mounting panel, 74 in this one preferred embodiment, is preferably padded with soft velvet material to impart an aesthetic look to case 10. However, it is understood that mounting panel 74 is strong enough to comfortably bear the load of objects 12 and/or 13.
Each of the side panels 58, 60, 62 and 64 has an inner surface and an outer surface. In this preferred embodiment, inner surface of each of the side panels 58, 60, 62 and 64 respectively defines a first groove 66, a second groove 68, a third groove 70, and a fourth groove 72 that together define a groove portion of back frame member 20 such that one of the grooves 66, 68, 70 and 72 defines a pair of spring leaf clamps. In this one preferred embodiment, the third groove 70 of third side panel 62 preferably includes a first spring leaf 78 and a second spring leaf 80. It is also understood here that spring leafs 78, 80 also can be positioned within grooves 66, 68 and 72 of side panels 58, 60 and 64 in other alternative embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 6A, back frame member 20, in this one alternative embodiment, includes a hanging mechanism 81A adapted to mount three dimension al article 12 (Refer FIG. 1). The hanging mechanism 81A is defined on side panel 60 and preferably includes a pair of hanger arms 81B, 81C. However, it is understood that hanging mechanism 81A also can be defined on side panels 58, 62 and 64 in other alternative embodiments. Each of the hanger arms 81B, 81C has a connecting end 81D, a connecting arm 81E and a hanging end 81F. The connecting end 81D is preferably riveted into side panel 60 in this one embodiment, however, it is understood that connecting end 81D also can be connected to side panel 60 by other connecting means in other alternative embodiments. The connecting arm 81E preferably has angular orientation and connects end 81D to end 81F. The hanging end 81D preferably has a curved configuration to advantageously mount article 12 being displayed. The hanging mechanism 81A defines a resting position 81G wherein hanger arms 81B, 81C remain parallel to the surface of mounting panel 74. The hanging mechanism defines a hanging position 81H wherein hanger arms 81B, 81C remain normal to the surface of mounting panel 74. In this one alternative embodiment, the hanging mechanism 81A is flexible to be movable from the resting position 81G to a hanging position 81H in the direction indicated by an arrow ‘M’. However, it is understood that hanging mechanism also can be moved in other directions in other alternative embodiments. The hanging mechanism 81A also includes a stop member (not shown) that is preferably located at the connecting end 81D. The stop member is adapted to stretch hanger arms 81B, 81C while being moved from the resting position 81G to the hanging position 81F. The stop member is also adapted to automatically snap the hanger arms 81B, 81C back to the resting position 81G from the hanging position 81F when not in use.
Referring to FIG. 7, front frame member 18 and back frame member 20 are removably connectable through spring leafs 78, 80. The first spring leaf 78 and second spring leaf 80 are preferably positioned and spaced apart at a predefined distance within groove 70 of third side panel 62 of second frame member 20. However, it is understood that number of spring leafs 78, 80 and their position within groove 70 may vary in other alternative embodiments.
Spring leaf 78 has leaf spans 82 on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on third side panel 62. Spring leaf 80 has a leaf spans 84 on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 62. Spring leafs 78, 80 respectively have an arc shaped half round body sections 86, 88 that preferably fit over groove 70 and bulge out from side panel 62. Front frame member 18 positions over back frame member 20 in the direction indicated by an arrow ‘C’ such that second recessed portion 56 defined on third side panel 40 of front frame member 18 positions and locks over body sections 86, 88 to define a locking arrangement of display case 10.
Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of display case 10 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second spring leafs 78, 80 are preferably positioned and spaced apart at a predefined distance within a groove 66 of first side panel 58 of second frame member 20. Spring leaf 78, in this one alternative embodiment, has leaf spans 82A on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 58. Spring leaf 80 has a leaf spans 84A on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 58. Spring leafs 78, 80 respectively have an arc shaped half round body sections 86A, 88A that preferably fit over groove 66 and bulge out from side panel 58. Front frame member 18, in this alternative embodiment, positions over back frame member 20 in the direction indicated by an arrow ‘D’ such that second recessed portion 56 defined on first side panel 36 of front frame member 18 positions and locks over body sections 86A, 88A to define alternative locking arrangement of display case 10.
Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of display case 10 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second spring leafs 78, 80 are preferably positioned and spaced apart at a predefined distance within a groove 68 of second side panel 60 of second frame member 20. Spring leaf 78, in this one alternative embodiment, has leaf spans 82B on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 60. Spring leaf 80 has a leaf spans 84B on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 60. Spring leafs 78, 80 respectively have an arc shaped half round body sections 86B, 88B that preferably fit over groove 68 and bulge out from side panel 58. Front frame member 18, in this alternative embodiment, positions over back frame member 20 in the direction indicated by an arrow ‘E’ so that second recessed portion 56 defined on second side panel 38 of front frame member 18 positions and locks over body sections 86B, 88B to define alternative locking arrangement of display case 10.
Referring to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of display case 10 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second spring leafs 78, 80 are preferably positioned and spaced apart at a predefined distance within a groove 72 of fourth side panel 64 of second frame member 20. Spring leaf 78, in this one alternative embodiment, has leaf spans 82C on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 64. Spring leaf 80 has a leaf spans 84C on either side that preferably enter at a predetermined distance inside frame member 20 through openings defined on side panel 64. Spring leafs 78, 80 respectively have an arc shaped half round body sections 86C, 88C that preferably fits over groove 72 and bulges out from side panel 64. Front frame member 18, in this alternative embodiment, positions over back frame member 20 in the direction indicated by an arrow ‘F’ such that second recessed portion 56 defined on fourth side panel 42 of front frame member 18 positions and locks over body sections 86C, 88C to define alternative locking arrangement of display case 10.
Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of the back frame member 20 is shown wherein third side panel 62 of back frame member 20 includes three spring leafs 100, 102 and 104. In this alternative embodiment, spring leaf 102 is preferably centrally positioned along the central vertical axis Y-Y and other two leafs 100 and 104 are preferably positioned on either sides of spring leaf 102. In this alternative embodiment, the leafs 100, 104 are spaced apart at a predetermined distance from leaf 102 such that all three leafs 100, 102 and 104 are equidistantly spaced apart from each other. Spring leafs 100, 102 and 104, in this alternative embodiment, have an arc shaped half round body sections that are preferably fitted over groove 70 defined in side panel 62 in order to be engaged with second recessed portion 56 (refer FIG. 5) defined on third side panel 40 (refer FIG. 5) of front frame member 18 (refer FIG. 5) to facilitate the alternative locking arrangement for case 10.
Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of the back frame member 20 is shown wherein first side panel 62 of back frame member 20 includes four spring leafs 110, 112, 114 and 116. In this alternative embodiment, spring leaf 110 and 112 are preferably positioned on one side of central vertical axis Y-Y and other two leafs 114 and 116 are preferably positioned on the other side of axis Y-Y. In this alternative embodiment, leafs 110, 112, 114 and 116 are equidistantly spaced apart from each other. Spring leafs 110, 112, 114 and 116, in this alternative embodiment, have an arc shaped half round body sections that are preferably fitted over groove 66 defined in side panel 58 in order to be engaged with second recessed portion 56 (refer FIG. 5) defined on first side panel 36 (refer FIG. 5) of front frame member 18 (refer FIG. 5) to facilitate the alternative locking arrangement for case 10.
Referring to FIGS. 1-12, display case 10, in operation, is advantageously used to store three dimensional articles 14 in addition to two dimensional articles 12. The case 10, in operation, can be advantageously opened and closed using spring leaf means 78, 80. Each of the spring leafs 78, 80, in operation, has a light weight and flexible construction that facilitates the user to open or close the frame members 18, 20 without overly exerting themselves. The mounting panel 74, in operation, has a configuration that advantageously allows the articles 12, 14 to be mounted anywhere within the predefined area of the back frame member 20. Moreover, the mounting panel 74 is permanently screwed into the back frame member 20 to advantageously provide sturdiness, strength and structural rigidity to display case 10.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and verifications are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. Since many embodiments of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, the present disclosure resides in the claims hereafter appended.
