Protective case assembly

Abstract

A protective case assembly (10) is provided, configured to house, protect, and present for viewing an object (24) having a substantially planar structure. The protective case assembly (10) includes a front case assembly (14) having a transparent panel (22) and a rear case assembly (16) configured to be attached to the front case assembly (14). The rear case assembly (16) has a transparent panel (48). The rear case assembly (16) is configured to receive the object (24). In the orientation attached to the front case assembly (14), the object (24) is visible through the transparent panel (48) of the rear case assembly (16) and through the transparent panel (22) of the front case assembly (14). A bezel (12) forms a cavity (86) inside. The cavity (86) is configured to receive the front case assembly (14) and the rear case assembly (16) in their mounted orientations, so that the object (24) is visible through a number of openings (78, 82) formed in the bezel.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 495,311, filed Apr. 11, 2023. The entire disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to protective case assemblies, and more particularly to protective case assemblies for pieces and / or objects having a generally planar structure and requiring handling and protection from elements, the protective case assembly being configured to prevent damage to the piece and improve the visual presentation of the piece.

Background Art

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] In certain instances, it is desirable to protect objects having a generally planar structure from damage due to handling, mishandling, and environmental elements. The object may have a smaller presentation, such as non-limiting examples including sports cards and trading cards of special interest, concert ticket halves, sports event ticket halves, name tags, postcards, envelopes, etc. The object may have a larger presentation, such as non-limiting examples including diplomas, licenses, certificates, posters, artworks, tapestries, record album covers, etc.

[0005] Current options for protecting these types of objects can be bulky, expensive, difficult to assemble, difficult to disassemble, and may not provide the desired improved visual presentation of the object.

[0006] Therefore, it would be advantageous to improve protective case assemblies to better protect objects having a generally planar structure and present them for visual recognition.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] This summary of the invention is provided to introduce the selection of concepts in a simplified form, and it should be understood that the concepts will be further described below in the form of carrying out the invention. This summary of the invention is not intended to identify any important or essential features of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the protective case assembly.

[0008] The above objectives and other objectives not specifically enumerated are achieved by a protective case assembly configured to house, protect, and present for viewing an object having a substantially planar structure. The protective case assembly includes a front case assembly having a transparent panel and a rear case assembly configured to be mounted on the front case assembly. The rear case assembly has a transparent panel. The rear case assembly is configured to receive an object. In the orientation mounted on the front case assembly, the object is visible through the transparent panel of the rear case assembly and through the transparent panel of the front case assembly. The bezel forms a cavity inside. The cavity is configured to receive the front and rear case assemblies in the orientation mounted such that the object is visible through a plurality of openings formed in the bezel.

[0009] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this summary of the invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The drawings described herein are intended to illustrate selected embodiments only, and not all possible embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective front view of a novel protective case assembly according to the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the novel protective case assembly.

[0013] [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the novel protective case assembly.

[0014] [Figure 4] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the insertion assembly of the novel protective case assembly.

[0015] [Figure 5A] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the novel protective case assembly, illustrating the insertion of the assembly shown in Figure 4 into the bezel of Figure 1.

[0016] [Figure 5B] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of the novel protective case assembly, illustrating the partial insertion of the assembly shown in Figure 4 into the bezel of Figure 1.

[0017] [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of a novel protective case assembly illustrating the optional surface treatment of the thickened edge.

[0018] [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of several novel protective case assemblies shown in a stacked arrangement. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The following description of the technology is merely illustrative of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions and is not intended to limit the scope, use, or use of any particular invention claimed in this application, or any other application that may be filed claiming priority to this application, or any patent issued therefrom. With respect to the methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is intrinsically illustrative and therefore may differ in various embodiments, including cases where certain steps may be performed concurrently, unless otherwise specifically noted. Where used herein, “a” and “an” indicate the presence of “at least one” of an item. Where possible, there may be more such items. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all quantities herein should be understood to be modified by the word “about,” and all geometric and spatial descriptors should be understood to be modified by the word “substantially” when describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About,” where applied to a number, indicates that the calculation or measurement allows for some slight inaccuracy of the value (some approaches to the accuracy of the value, approximate or reasonably close to the value, almost). If for any reason the inaccuracy provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not understood in the art in the usual sense, “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least the variation that may arise from the usual methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0020] In this specification, the open-ended term “comprising” is used to describe and claim embodiments of the Art as a synonym for non-restrictive terms such as “including,” “containing,” or “having,” but alternatively, more restrictive terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” may be used to describe embodiments. Accordingly, for any given embodiment that lists materials, components, or process steps, the Art also specifically includes embodiments that consist of, or essentially consist of, additional materials, components, or processes, excluding additional materials, components, or processes that would affect a significant characteristic of the embodiment, even if such additional materials, components, or processes are not expressly listed in this application. For example, an enumeration of compositions or processes that enumerate elements A, B, and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and essentially consisting of, elements A, B, and C, excluding element D which may be enumerated in the art, even if element D is not explicitly stated as excluded herein.

[0021] When disclosed in this specification, a range disclosure includes the endpoints and, unless otherwise specified, all distinct values within the entire range and further divided ranges. Thus, for example, a range of "A to B" or "about A to about B" includes A and B. The disclosure of values and ranges of values for particular parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) does not exclude other values and ranges of values useful in this specification. It is assumed that two or more specifically exemplified values for a given parameter can define the endpoints of a range of values that can be claimed for the parameter. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having value A and also as having value Z, it is assumed that parameter X can have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, the disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) is assumed to encompass all possible combinations of ranges of values that can be claimed using the endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having values in the ranges of 1 to 10, or 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, it is also assumed that parameter X can have other ranges of values including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, etc.

[0022] When an element or layer is referred to as being "in contact with", "engaged with", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be in direct contact, engagement, connection, or coupling to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly in contact with", "directly engaged with", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, intervening elements or layers cannot be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in the same manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] Terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", etc., and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Spatially relative terms such as "inner", "outer", "lower", "below", "underside", "upper", "upper side", etc. may be used herein to facilitate description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an upward and a downward orientation. The device may be in other orientations (90 degree rotations or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0025] Referring here to Figures 1 to 3, a novel protective case assembly (hereinafter, "case assembly") is illustrated overall as 10 according to the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure. The case assembly 10 is configured to house, protect, and present for viewing an object having a substantially planar structure within a protective enclosure that facilitates viewing of both the front and rear main surfaces of the object, while handling the object and protecting it from damage due to improper handling and damage from environmental elements. The case assembly 10 includes a bezel element 12, a front case assembly 14, and a rear case assembly 16.

[0026] Referring here to Figures 3 and 4, the rear case assembly 16 includes a recessed pocket 18 defined by a periphery frame 20. The recessed pocket 18 includes a transparent panel 22 having an internal surface 19. The transparent panel 22 extends to the periphery of the recessed pocket 18. The periphery frame 20 includes a plurality of inwardly extending positioning tabs 23a to 23h. As will be described in more detail below, the positioning tabs 23a to 23h are configured to contact the edges of an object 24, thereby positioning the object 24 within the recessed pocket 18 and substantially centering the object 24 on the transparent panel 22.

[0027] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the concave pocket 18 is configured to receive the object 24 such that the first main surface 26 of the object 24 seats against the inner surface 19 of the transparent panel 22. The object 24 seats when the first long edge 29a of the object 24 contacts the positioning tabs 23a, 23h, the first short edge 29b contacts the positioning tabs 23b, 23c, the second long edge 29c contacts the positioning tabs 23d, 23e, and the second short edge 29d contacts the positioning tabs 23f, 23g. The concave pocket 18 has a size and shape that approximates the size and shape of the object 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the concave pocket 18 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape that approximates the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the object 24. However, in other embodiments, the concave pocket 18 and the object 24 may have other cross-sectional shapes sufficient to allow the object 24 to be received within the inner surface 19 of the transparent panel 22 of the concave pocket 18 and to seat against the inner surface. In other embodiments, it should be understood that other structures (not shown) may be positioned between the first main surface 26 of the object 24 and the inner surface 19 of the transparent panel 22. One non-limiting example of a structure is a conventional picture mat, as is well known in frame technology.

[0028] Referring again to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, object 24 has the form of a trading card, such as a Pikachu trading card from the Pokemon media franchise. However, in other embodiments, the size and shape of the recessed pocket 18 are intended to be adjustable to accommodate objects of larger and / or smaller sizes and shapes. Furthermore, non-limiting examples of other objects are intended to include diplomas, licenses, certificates, posters, works of art, tapestries, sports cards and trading cards of special interest, sewn goods, sporting event and concert ticket stubs, record album covers, and the like.

[0029] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the rear case assembly 16 further includes a first end 30 and a second end 32. An upper fastener 34 is positioned within the peripheral frame 20, close to the first end 30. A lower fastener 36 is positioned within the peripheral frame 20, close to the second end 32. Fasteners 34 and 36 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0030] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the first end portion 30 includes a thickened edge portion 38. The thickened edge portion 38 extends from the first side edge portion 39a to the second side edge portion 39b. The thickened edge portion 38 forms a recess 40 adjacent to the concave pocket 18. The recess 40 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0031] Referring here to Figure 4, a plurality of spaced end fasteners 42 are attached to the peripheral frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16 at the second end 32. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of end fasteners 42 is positioned within the housing that forms part of the peripheral frame 20. However, in other embodiments, each of the plurality of end fasteners 42 can be attached to the peripheral frame by other structures, mechanisms, and devices. The plurality of end fasteners 42 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 4, the front case assembly 14 includes a recessed pocket 44 defined and enclosed by a peripheral frame 46. The recessed pocket 44 includes a transparent panel 48 that approximates the size and shape of the object 24. Similar to the recessed pocket 18 of the rear case assembly 16, the second main surface 28 of the object 24 sits against the inner surface 49 of the transparent panel 22.

[0033] Referring again to Figure 4, the front case assembly 14 further includes a first end 50 and a second end 52. An upper fastener 54 is positioned close to the first end 50, and a lower fastener 56 is positioned close to the second end 52. The upper fastener 54 and the lower fastener 56 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0034] Referring again to Figure 4, the first end 50 of the peripheral frame 46 includes a protruding tab 58. The protruding tab 58 has a size, shape, and thickness that approximates the size, shape, and depth of the recess 40 formed in the first end 30 of the rear case assembly 16. The protruding tab 58 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0035] The initial steps for assembling the case assembly 10 are described below. Referring to Figure 4, in the first assembly step, with the front case assembly 14 and the rear case assembly 16 separated from each other, the first main surface 26 of the object 24 is seated against the inner surface 19 of the transparent panel 22. Once seated against the inner surface 19 of the transparent panel 22, the object 24 is positioned within the recessed pocket 18 of the rear case assembly 16. In the next step, the front case assembly 14 is seated against the rear case assembly 16 so that the tab 58 of the front case assembly 14 is aligned with the recess 40 of the rear case assembly 16 and received therein. In addition to this assembly step, the upper fastener 54 of the front case assembly 14 is aligned with the upper fastener 34 of the rear case assembly 16, and the lower fastener 56 of the front case assembly 14 is aligned with the lower fastener 36 of the rear case assembly 16. In this assembly position, the peripheral frame 46 of the front case assembly 14 seats and aligns with the peripheral frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16. In this orientation, the fasteners 34, 36, 54, and 56 cooperate to removably connect the front case assembly 14 to the rear case assembly 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 34, 36, 54, and 56 have the form of rare-earth magnets. In alternative embodiments, the fasteners 34, 36, 54, and 56 may have other forms sufficient to removably connect the front case assembly 14 to the rear case assembly 16, such as clips, clamps, snaps, and brackets, among other non-limiting examples.

[0036] Referring here to Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, the combination of the front case assembly 14, the object 24, and the rear case assembly 16 forms an insertion assembly 64. It should be understood that the insertion assembly 64 facilitates the visibility of both main surfaces 26, 28 of the object 24 through transparent panels 22, 48. The insertion assembly 64 includes end fasteners 42 that are pre-connected to the rear case assembly 16.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 5A, the insertion assembly 64 forms an upper edge 66 and a lower edge 68. The upper edge 66 is a combination of the thickened edge 38 of the rear case assembly 16 and the first end 50 of the front case assembly 14. The lower edge 68 is a combination of the second end 32 of the rear case assembly 16 and the second end 52 of the front case assembly 14.

[0038] Referring here to Figures 3 and 5A, the bezel 12 includes an upper member 70, an opposing lower member 72, and opposing side members 74 and 76. Members 70, 72, 74, and 76 cooperate to form a first opening 78 on the front surface 80 and a second opening 82 on the rear surface 84. Members 70, 72, 74, and 76 further cooperate to form an internal cavity 86 that extends through from the upper member 70 to the lower member 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cavity 86 has a rectangular cross-sectional size and shape that approximates the rectangular cross-sectional size and shape of the insert assembly 64. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the internal cavity 86 may have other cross-sectional sizes and shapes that approximate the cross-sectional size and shape of the insert assembly 64.

[0039] Referring again to Figure 3, the bezel 12 further includes a plurality of internal fasteners 90 positioned within the bezel 12 and fixed in close proximity to the bottom member 72. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of internal fasteners 90 is the same as or similar to the end fasteners 42 positioned within the insertion assembly 64. In other embodiments, the internal fasteners 90 may be different from the end fasteners 42.

[0040] Referring now to Figures 5A and 5B, in the next assembly step, the lower edge 68 of the insertion assembly 64 is inserted into the internal cavity 86 of the bezel 12 so that the lower edge 68 of the insertion assembly 64 seats against the bottom member 72 of the bezel 12. In this orientation, the end fastener 42 positioned on the lower edge 68 of the insertion assembly 42 and the internal fastener 90 positioned on the bottom member 72 of the bezel 12 cooperate to removably connect the insertion assembly 64 to the bezel 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the end fastener 42 and the internal fastener 90 have the form of rare earth magnets. In an alternative embodiment, the end fastener 42 and the internal fastener 90 may have other forms sufficient to removably connect the insertion assembly 64 to the bezel 12. It should be understood that the upper edge 66 of the insertion assembly 64, formed from the thickened edge 38 of the rear case assembly 16 and the first end 50 of the front case assembly 14, does not allow the upper edge 66 to be inserted into the internal cavity 86 of the bezel 12, thereby facilitating the precise assembly of the insertion assembly 64 and the bezel 12.

[0041] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the assembled case assembly 10 is illustrated. In the assembled orientation, the second main surface 28 of the object 24 is visible through the first opening 78 of the bezel 12 and through the transparent panel 48 positioned within the front case assembly 14. In addition to the assembled orientation, the first main surface 26 of the object 24 is visible through the second opening 82 of the bezel 12 and through the transparent panel 22 positioned within the rear case assembly 16.

[0042] It should be understood that the use of fasteners 42, 90 is advantageous in that it facilitates the retention of the insertion assembly 64 within the bezel 12. It should also be understood that the use of fasteners 42, 90 is advantageous in that it facilitates the repeated insertion of the insertion assembly 64 into the bezel 12 and the repeated removal of the insertion assembly 64 from the bezel 12. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of fasteners 34, 36 on the rear case assembly 16 and fasteners 54, 56 on the front case assembly 14 is advantageous in that it facilitates the repeated inspection, removal, and / or replacement of the object 24.

[0043] Referring here to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the peripheral frame 46 of the front case assembly 14 and the peripheral frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16 are formed from a polymetric material, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE), acrylic, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, in other embodiments, the peripheral frame 46 of the front case assembly 14 and the peripheral frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16 may be formed from other materials suitable for the functions described herein.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, in certain embodiments, the periphery frame 46 of the front case assembly 14 and the periphery frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16 may incorporate protective finishes and / or decorative coatings. The protective finishes may be configured to further protect the object 24 from environmental conditions. A non-limiting example of a protective coating is a UV-curing coating configured to help minimize the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation the object 24 receives. Other non-limiting examples include scratch-resistant coatings, anti-fogging coatings, glare-reducing coatings, and anti-fingerprint coatings. Decorative coatings are configured to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the periphery frame 46 of the front case assembly 14, the periphery frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16, and the transparent panels 22, 48, including non-limiting examples such as matte finishes, diffused light, glare reduction, and translucent appearances. It should be understood that physical protective coatings and / or decorative coatings can be applied to the periphery frame 46 of the front case assembly 14, the periphery frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16, and the transparent panels 22, 48 in any preferred manner.

[0045] Referring again to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transparent panel 48 of the front case assembly 14 and the transparent panel 22 of the rear case assembly 16 are formed from polymeric materials such as Optium Museum Acrylic®, manufactured and sold by Tru Vue, Inc., based in MacCook, Illinois, but are not limited to these. While not bound by theory, the use of polymeric materials such as Optium Museum Acrylic® is considered to offer many advantages, including, for example, UV protection, abrasion resistance, anti-reflective properties, antistatic properties, and shatter resistance, among other non-limiting examples. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the transparent panel 48 of the front case assembly 14 and the transparent panel 22 of the rear case assembly 16 may be formed from other suitable materials that are sufficient to provide the functions described herein.

[0046] Referring again to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bezel 12 is configured to form a protective enclosure for the insertion assembly 64 and is formed from a lightweight metallic material, such as an unspecified example of an aluminum-based material. While not bound by theory, the use of lightweight metallic materials is considered to provide excellent corrosion resistance and high strength in addition to structural properties. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, other metallic materials may be used, such as an unspecified example of magnesium, titanium, or beryllium alloys. In other embodiments, it should be understood that the bezel 12 can be formed using suitable non-metallic materials, such as an unspecified example of a reinforced polymer material, sufficient to provide excellent corrosion resistance and high strength.

[0047] Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, in certain embodiments, the material forming the bezel 12 may be coated with a physical protective coating and / or a decorative coating. The protective finish may be configured to further protect the bezel 12 from environmental conditions. One non-limiting example of a protective coating is a UV-curing coating configured to help minimize the amount of harmful ultraviolet radiation the bezel 12 is exposed to. Other non-limiting examples include scratch-resistant coatings, anti-fog coatings, glare-reducing coatings, and anti-fingerprint coatings. Decorative coatings are configured to provide the bezel 12 with a desired aesthetic appearance, including non-limiting examples such as a matte finish, diffused light, glare reduction, and a translucent appearance. It should be understood that the physical protective coating and / or decorative coating can be applied to the bezel 12 in any preferred manner.

[0048] Referring here to Figures 4 and 6, the thickened edge 38 extends across the first end 30 of the rear case assembly 16. In certain embodiments, each of the opposing first end corners 92a, 92b of the thickened edge 38 has a rounded shape. However, in other embodiments, the opposing first end corners 92a, 92b of the thickened edge 38 may have other shapes. It should be understood that the shape of the opposing corners 92a, 92b is not important for the successful operation of the case assembly 10.

[0049] Referring here to Figures 4 and 6, the peripheral frame 20 of the rear case assembly 16 has opposing gripping portions 93 positioned close to the first end 30. The gripping portions 93 are configured to be accessible to the user's hand for seating the insertion assembly 64 within the bezel 12 and for removing the insertion assembly 64 from the bezel 12. In certain embodiments, the opposing gripping portions 93 in these embodiments may have a surface treatment 94 configured to facilitate gripping the insertion assembly 64. In the illustrated embodiments, the surface treatment 94 has the form of raised parallel lines. However, in other embodiments, the surface treatment 94 may have other forms, including non-limiting examples such as raised bumps, indentations, etc., sufficient to facilitate gripping the insertion assembly 64 for insertion and / or removal purposes. However, it should be understood that the surface treatment 94 is optional and not essential for the successful operation of the case assembly 10.

[0050] Referring here to Figures 1, 2, and 7, optionally, the outer principal surface of the bezel 12 may include a projection 98, and the opposite principal surface of the bezel 12 may include a recess 100. Referring here to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the rim 98 extends in a substantially vertical direction, extending from the upper member 70 to the lower member 72. Referring here to Figure 2, the recess 100 extends from the upper member 70 to the lower member 72 of the bezel 12. Referring here to Figure 7, the rim 98 and the recess 100 have corresponding shapes, sizes, and configurations to facilitate the insertion of one of the rims 98 of one case assembly 10a into the recess 100 of an adjacent case assembly 10b, thereby facilitating the interconnected stacking of multiple case assemblies 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure is thorough and fully conveys its scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are described, including examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, in order to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, that the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many different forms, and that none should be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications, and variations of several embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the Art and yield substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A protective case assembly configured to house, protect, and present for viewing an object having a substantially planar structure, A front case assembly with a transparent panel, A rear case assembly configured to be attached to the front case assembly, having a transparent panel, the rear case assembly is configured to receive an object in the orientation attached to the front case assembly, and the object is visible through the transparent panel of the rear case assembly and through the transparent panel of the front case assembly, A protective case assembly comprising a bezel that forms a cavity inside, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the front case assembly and the rear case assembly in the mounted orientation such that the object is visible through a plurality of openings formed in the bezel.

2. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the front case assembly includes an upper fastener positioned at the first end of the peripheral frame.

3. The protective case assembly according to claim 2, wherein the front case assembly includes a lower fastener positioned at the second end of the peripheral frame.

4. The protective case assembly according to claim 3, wherein the upper fastener and the lower fastener have the form of rare earth magnets.

5. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the front case assembly includes a protruding tab extending from a first end of the peripheral frame.

6. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transparent panel of the first case assembly is formed from Optium Museum Acrylic®.

7. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear case assembly includes an upper fastener positioned at the first end of the peripheral frame.

8. The protective case assembly according to claim 7, wherein the rear case assembly includes a lower fastener positioned at the second end of the peripheral frame.

9. The protective case assembly according to claim 8, wherein the upper fastener and the lower fastener have the form of rare earth magnets.

10. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear case assembly includes a recess configured to receive a protruding tab of the front peripheral frame.

11. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the peripheral frame of the rear case assembly includes a thickened edge.

12. The protective case assembly according to claim 11, wherein the cavity formed in the bezel extends through the thickened edge of the rear case assembly.

13. The protective case assembly according to claim 11, wherein the thickened edge portion includes an opposing gripping portion.

14. The protective case assembly according to claim 13, wherein each of the opposing gripping portions includes one or more surface treatments.

15. The protective case assembly according to claim 14, wherein one or more surface treatments have the form of a plurality of raised lines.

16. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transparent panel of the second case assembly is formed from Optium Museum Acrylic®.

17. The protective case assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rear case assembly includes a plurality of end fasteners positioned in close proximity to the second end of the peripheral frame.

18. The protective case assembly according to claim 17, wherein the bezel includes a plurality of internal fasteners positioned within the bottom member.

19. The protective case assembly according to claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of end fasteners and each of the plurality of internal fasteners has the form of a rare earth magnet.

20. The protective case assembly according to claim 19, wherein, in the installed arrangement, the plurality of internal fasteners of the bezel are connected to the plurality of end fasteners of the rear case assembly.

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