This discloses a system for displaying cards or other objects on a wall or other surface. The system comprises two primary components. The first component is a display unit for holding or containing the objects to be displayed. The second component is a coupler to couple a plurality of display units into a pleasing configuration. The display units and couplers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes as will be discussed more fully below. This invention claims priority to Provisional Application 61/604,465 filed Feb. 28, 2012.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There exist a number of transparent boxes to display collections of objects such as trading cards. Some of these boxes are disclosed individually and some are disclosed as parts to a system to be displayed. In the case of the former, the boxes tend to be plastic boxes. In the case of the latter, the systems tend to be horizontal boards with slots into which the boxes are inserted. None disclose display units which can easily be installed on a wall or other flat surface nor do any disclose a system for coupling the display units in esthetically pleasing arrangements.
In this disclosure, the objects will be called “display units”. The display units herein consist of a base part and a cover part. Each base part
DEFINITIONS “Face-coupled” shall mean that form of the base part in which the coupler sockets lie on the face of the base part. In this form, the centerlines of the coupler sockets lie perpendicular to the plane of the base part.
“Edge-coupled” shall mean that form of the base part in which the coupler sockets line around the periphery of the base part. In this form, the centerlines of the coupler sockets lie parallel to the plane of the base part.
DESCRIPTION The invention can best be understood from the drawings.
DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows the obverse side of a face-coupled base part with 28 sockets around the front periphery.
FIG. 2 is a magnified view of a portion of a face-coupled base part which view shows the details of the coupler sockets of the base part shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows the obverse side of a face-coupled base part with 8 coupler sockets.
FIG. 4 shows the reverse side of a face-coupled base part as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 shows the short side of a face-coupled base part viewed from that side.
FIG. 6 shows the long side of a ace-coupled base part viewed from that side.
FIG. 7 shows the obverse side of a cover part.
FIG. 8 shows the reverse side of a cover part.
FIG. 9 shows the short side of a cover part viewed from that side.
FIG. 10 shows the long side of a cover part viewed from that side.
FIG. 11 shows six of the types of couplers used to couple face-coupled base parts.
FIG. 12 shows an assembly of nine face-coupled display units coupled using a coupler shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 shows another assembly of four face-coupled display units coupled using a coupler shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 shows an assembly of four face-coupled display units as shown in FIG. 13 in exploded view form to show the coupler from FIG.
FIG. 15 shows how the parts of a face-coupled display unit fit together. In between a cover part and a base part is a representative object for display.
FIG. 16 shows the obverse side of a face-coupled base part that can accommodate a pre-existing transparent box.
FIG. 17 shows the obverse side of a cover for a pre-existing transparent box.
FIG. 18 shows how the parts of a face-coupled display unit part that can accommodate a pre-existing transparent box fit together. In between a cover part and a base part is a representative object for display inside a pre-existing box.
FIG. 19 shows the obverse side of an edge-coupled base part of a display unit.
FIG. 20 shows the reverse side of the edge-coupled base part shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 shows the short side of the edge-coupled base part shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 22 shows the long side of the edge-coupled base part shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 23 shows the obverse side of a cover part to be used with the edge-coupled base part shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 24 shows six of the types of couplers used to couple edge-coupled base parts.
FIG. 25 shows an assembly of nine edge-coupled display units which display units are coupled using the couplers shown in FIG. 24 coupling base parts as shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 26 shows an assembly of four edge-coupled display units which display units are coupled using the couplers shown in FIG. 24 coupling base parts as shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 27 shows the edge-coupled assembly shown in FIG. 26 in exploded view. Extra couplers are shown to reveal how additional display units can be added to the assembly.
FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of the edge-coupled assembly shown in FIG. 27 in isometric view.
FIG. 29 shows a single edge-coupled display unit of the type shown in FIG. 19 in exploded isometric view with an edge-coupled base part, a top part, a representative object to be displayed, and couplers as shown in FIG. 24.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, display units are shown first in the preferred embodiment and then in alternate embodiments.
The invention is designed to be configured as single display units, a plurality of display units not coupled to other display units, a plurality of display units coupled to other display units, or a mixture of display units coupled to other display units or not coupled to other display units whether singly or as a plurality thereof. Face-coupled and side-coupled display units do not couple to one another. However, face-coupled and side-coupled display units may be arranged as a user might wish.
FIG. 1 shows the obverse view of a base part of one of the face-coupled display units. In this disclosure, a face-coupled display unit is the preferred embodiment. Component 110 is a base part of one of the display units in the system. Component 120 is a socket for insertion of a coupler for coupling two display units 110. There are 28 socket components 120 in the figure. Component 130 is an opening or aperture allowing a user to attach this display unit to a wall or other surface with screw or other fasteners. Component 140 is a semi-circular cutout of the corner of the display unit. This cutout is designed to prevent damage to the corners of collectibles such as baseball cards. The cutout encompasses approximately 270 degrees of a circle. 150 is a groove between the socket 120 and the outer edge of a base part. In the preferred embodiment, base part 110 is made in any color from white to black. In alternate embodiments, base part 110 is translucent or transparent.
FIG. 2 is a detail or magnified section of that portion of a base part containing sockets of said base part. 120 is the same socket as shown in FIG. 1. 150 is the same groove as shown in FIG. 1. This groove accommodates a part of a coupler shown in FIG. 11. Groove 150 permits a coupler to be pushed deeper into the socket 120 for more secure coupling while preventing the coupler from moving radially about the socket. Were the coupler to move radially about the socket, the distance between coupled display units could be inconsistent thus altering the chosen arrangement of display units. 160 is a channel into which tab 720, shown in FIG. 8 is inserted to secure cover part 710, also shown in FIG. 8, into base part 110.
FIG. 3 shows the obverse side of an alternate embodiment of the display unit 110 with eight sockets. Otherwise, the components are the same as in FIG. 1. Other alternate embodiments may have zero to any plurality of sockets where the number of said sockets is limited only by the size of the sockets and the dimension of the particular side of the display unit.
In FIG. 4, the view shown is that of the reverse side of a base of a display unit 110. 130 is the reverse side of the opening 130 from FIG. 1. Sockets 120 and the channel 160 are the reverse sides of components 120 and 160 described in FIG.
In FIG. 5, component 110 is shown from a side. 150 is the same groove described in FIG. 1. If the display unit is rectangular with one
In FIG. 6, component 110 is shown from the top or bottom side. If the display unit is rectangular with one side longer than the other, this view is of one of the longer skies. 150 is the same groove described in FIG. 1.
In FIG. 7, component 710 is the obverse side of the cover part of the display unit. In order for the contents of the display unit to be viewed, this cover part is transparent or translucent. In the preferred embodiment, cover part 710 is transparent. In alternate embodiments, cover part is translucent. Component 720 is a tab normal to the plane of cover part 710. This tab fits into channel 160, snapping cover part 710 into base part 110 over the item to be displayed. Cover part 710 contains a recess or notch 730 which permits a user to easily pry cover part 710 from base part 110 in order to separate the components.
FIG. 8 is the reverse side of cover part 710 shown in FIG. 7 components as described in the description of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 shows cover part 710 from one end, thus showing the tabs 720 that fit into channels 160 when the cover part is snapped into base part 110. Also shown is the notch 730 used to pry the cover part acid base part apart.
FIG. 10 shows cover part 710 from one side and shoves tabs 720.
FIG. 11 shows a variety of couplers used to couple face-coupled base parts 110 together. 1110 is a straight coupler. 1120 is a coupler with a bend of 30 degrees. 1130 is a coupler with a bend of 45 degrees. 1140 is a coupler with a 60 degree bend. 1150 is a coupler with a 90 degree bend. 1160 is a height offset coupler which allows the coupling of face-coupled base parts in a vertical or stacked manner. The variety of couplers permits a user to arrange the display units in many different arrangements. One part 1180 is inserted into one socket 120 of one face-coupled base unit. The other part 1180 is inserted into one socket 120 of another face-coupled base unit, thus coupling the two base parts together. Parts 1180 contain slots in end 1170. These slots permits end 1180 to squeeze together, allowing end 1180 to slide into socket 120 and, when pushed in past the widest part of 1180 to return to the original width of end 1180. This locks part end 1180 into socket 120. The force applied by pulling a coupler from the base part 110, squeezes the part ends 1180 together enough resulting in the part backing out of the respective sockets 120. In the preferred embodiment, couplers are made in any color from white to black.
In FIG. 12, nine display units with face-coupled base parts 110 are coupled together making one of the possible arrangements of display units. Couplers are shown inserted into sockets 120. It should be understood that there exist a great variety of arrangements of display units. FIG. 12 is but one example.
In FIG. 13, four display units with face-coupled base parts 110 are coupled together making another of the possible arrangements of display units. Again, couplers are shown inserted into sockets 120.
In FIG. 14, the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 13 is shown in an exploded view in order to show how couplers 1110 may be used to couple face-coupled base units 110 together. Couplers 1110 are not shown inserted into sockets 110. Note that there are couplers 1110 shown on the periphery of the face-coupled base units 110 to show that additional face-coupled base units may be added to make other arrangements.
In FIG. 15, a display unit is shown in exploded view. Face-coupled base unit 110 is to the right and cover 710 is to the left. Between the two is collectible 1510, which collectible could be a baseball card, a stamp, a photo, or any other item that the user wishes to display. FIG. 15 also shows how tabs 720 will fit into channels 160 and how coupler 1110 fits into sockets 120.
FIG. 16 shows the obverse side of an alternate embodiment 1610 of the display unit 110 where the wall mount feature 130 is removed along with the entire backside such that the display unit 1610 can accommodate a pre-existing transparent box. This alternate embodiment provides a frame base 1620 where a pre-existing transparent box can be placed and displayed in the same manner as
FIG. 17 shows the obverse side of an alternate embodiment of the cover part 710 that is used as the front frame to secure a pre-existing transparent box in place.
In FIG. 18, the alternate display unit is shown in exploded view. Face-coupled base unit 1610 is to the right and cover 1710 is to the left. Between the two is collectible 1510 which collectible could be a baseball card, a stamp, a photo, or any other item that the user wishes to display. The collectible 1510 is inside a pre-existing transparent box 1820. Otherwise, the components fit together in the same manner as FIG. 15.
FIG. 19 shows the obverse side of an edge-coupled base part 1910. In this disclosure, an edge-coupled display unit is an alternate embodiment. No sockets are visible in this view. Otherwise 1910 is the same as 110 where 1920 functions the same as 130, allowing 1910 to be attached to a wall or other plane surface and 1930 functions the same as 140 preventing damage to the corners of collectibles such as baseball cards.
FIG. 20 shows the reverse side of an edge-coupled base part 1910.
FIG. 21 shows one edge of an edge-coupled base part 1910.
Where 1910 is rectangular with one side longer than the other, this view is of the shorter side. In an embodiment in which 1910 is square,
FIG. 22 shows one edge of an edge-coupled base part 1910. Where 1910 is rectangular with one side longer than the other, this view is of the longer side. If in an embodiment in which 1910 is square, there is no longer side and all sides are as described in FIG. 21. 1920 is one of a plurality of sockets in 1910.
FIG. 23 shows a cover part 2310 for an edge-coupled base part 1910. Otherwise 2310 is the same as 710 where 2320 functions the same as 720, allowing 2310 to be attached 1910,
FIG. 24 shows a variety of couplers for use coupling edge-coupled base units 1910. 2410 is a straight coupler. 2420 is a coupler with a bend of 30 degrees. 2430 is a coupler with a bend of 45 degrees. 2440 is a coupler with a 60 degree bend. 2450 is a coupler with a 90 degree bend. 2460 is an offset coupler which permits coupling edge-coupled base parts where the sockets might not be in the same line. For each coupler, part 2470 is inserted into socket 1920. The variety of couplers permits a user to arrange the display units in many different arrangements.
In FIG. 25, nine display units with edge-coupled base parts 1910 are coupled together making one of the possible arrangements of display units. Couplers 2410 are shown inserted into sockets 1920. It should
In FIG. 26, four display units with edge-coupled base parts 1910 are coupled together making another of the possible arrangements of display units. Again, couplers 2410 are shown inserted into sockets 1920. Additional couplers 2410 are shown extending from the periphery of edge-coupled base parts 1910 to show that more edge-coupled base parts 1910 can be added to the arrangement.
In FIG. 27, the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 26 is shown in an exploded view in order to show how couplers 2410 may be used to couple edge-coupled base units 1910 together. Couplers 2410 are not shown inserted into sockets 1920. There are couplers 2410 shown on the periphery of the edge-coupled base units 1910 to show that additional face-coupled base units may be added to make other arrangements.
In FIG. 28, four edge-coupled base parts 1910 are shown in orthogonal front view to show how couplers 2410 fit into sockets 1920.
In FIG. 29, an alternate embodiment of a display unit is shown in exploded view. Edge-coupled base unit 1910 is to the right and cover 2310 is to the left. Between the two is collectible 2910, which collectible could be a baseball card, a stamp, a photo, or any other item that the user wishes to display.
In a preferred embodiment, the display units measure 4.5 inches high overall, 3.5 inches wide overall, and 0.316 inches deep. In alternate embodiments, these dimensions can be larger or smaller. The display units can be round, oval, or any other shape.
In the preferred embodiment, the cover parts 710 of the display units snap into the base parts 110. The front pieces then lie within the depth of the base. In an alternate embodiment, the cover parts may be formed into box shapes. In this embodiment, the box is formed so that one part still snaps into the base. In this box embodiment, the box may be of whatever depth the user might wish.
In the drawings referenced above, different numbers may have been used to point to the same part. That does not imply the parts are different.
A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
