Encased Media Display

Abstract

The invention herein is a method or system of displaying encased media on a wall. Many types of collectible media can be graded by a third party for condition and encased to preserve the item. Given multiple companies who grade either comic books, or sports cards, or even coins, they have similar yet slightly different sized cases for the media. My invention allows a display to be created which will fit multiple different sizes of a particular media in one display, one at a time. The invention involves a system of fixtures attached to a frame which deliver frictional force to opposing side edges of the encased media to secure the media for display in a vertical orientation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to displaying encased media in a vertical orientation, particularly professionally graded sports cards, comic books, and coins.

There are companies who will, for a fee, grade a coin, sports card or comic book for quality and condition. They enclose it in a protective case and assign a grade, usually between 0 and 10. This constitutes an independent third-party's opinion of its condition for use in determining its value for trade or sale.

Due to the variability of the size and shape of the media, there are different sizes to the encasements of the media for similar types. There are also competing companies which designed similar encasements of slightly different sizes.

Currently the only effective means of displaying these encasements is to build a unique frame for each different size of similar media. The frame would only be usable for that particular size and shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is comprised of a system of fixtures which are attached to a frame. The fixtures deliver frictional force to opposing side edges of a piece of variably sized encased media, with a thickness and peripheral dimensions, to center and secure it for viewing in a vertical orientation. Each frame and arrangement of fixtures is designed to accommodate one or more different sizes of a particular type of media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is one typical arrangement of the fixtures detailed in FIG. 2 attached to a frame.

FIG. 2 is an underside view of one of a system of identical fixtures used to secure and display an article of media.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2 is composed of three pieces: the housing (3), the spring (4), and the pressure plate (5). FIG. 1 is a typical layout of four of the fixtures detailed in FIG. 2, where the frame is 1 and the fixture is 2. The fixture 2 is composed of 3, 4 and 5.

The fixture 2 is attached by any reasonable means to a frame 1. The frame is not limited in shape or material as long as it holds two or more fixtures. The frame 1 holds the housing 5 in place with respect to other identical fixtures.

When an article of media is inserted between the fixtures, the housing 5 supports the spring 4 to generate a force, transferred to the pressure plate 3, which in turn transmits a frictional force to one of opposing sides of a piece of media, holding it in place. The intent is that the width of the media be greater than the ‘at rest’ position of an opposing set of pressure plates, so a force is generated in the spring 4 when the media is in place between the fixtures.

Claims

1. A system of opposing fixtures attached to a frame. Each set of two or more fixtures delivers frictional force to opposing side edges of an article of media to center and secure, one at a time, similar variably sized encased media to be viewed in a vertical orientation.