Trading card cases and frames

Abstract

To provide a case and a frame for trading cards capable of preventing damage to trading cards within a protection bag as well as trading cards not within the protection bag and appropriately protecting them without losing appreciativeness.SOLUTION: A trading card case 1 includes a first member 10 having a projection, a second member 20 that can be fixed to the first member 10, and an intermediate plate 30 that can be disposed between the first member 10 and the second member 20. A first storage area 120 capable of housing a first article 3 sandwiched and held between the intermediate plate 30 and the first member 10 in an area that is between the first member 10 and the intermediate plate 30 and is opposite to a side of a peripheral part 130 of a projection can be formed, and a second storage area 220 capable of housing a second article 5 that is sandwiched and held between a flat surface 300 and the second member 20 can be formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a case and frame for trading cards, and more particularly to a case and frame for trading cards that can adequately protect trading cards that are not in protective bags as well as trading cards that are in protective bags. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, trading cards printed with images of people such as sports players, or characters from animations or games have become popular due to their aesthetic appeal. They are often collected not only by gamers but also by collectors and fans. Damage to collected trading cards impairs their aesthetic appeal and is a major shock to collectors and fans. Therefore, there is a demand for ways to prevent damage to trading cards while still allowing them to be easily appreciated. Therefore, rather than storing trading cards alone (i.e., "naked"), users often store trading cards in protective bags called sleeves or shields, or in cases with storage compartments tailored to the size of the trading cards. To prevent trading cards from bending, trading cards are often stored in hard cases.

[0003] Conventionally, there has been known a card case that stores cards or the like in a hollow space formed between a first plate-shaped case member and a second plate-shaped case member, in which the first plate-shaped case member has a fixing means for fixing the second plate-shaped case member and a planar recess that forms part of the hollow space, and the second plate-shaped case member has planar recesses of different depths on both sides and a shape that allows it to be attached to the first plate-shaped case member upside down, and the card case realizes hollow spaces of different depths by attaching the second plate-shaped case member upside down to the first plate-shaped case member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The card case of Patent Document 1 makes it possible to store cards of different thicknesses. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-334035 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the card case described in Patent Document 1, although the depth of the recess can be varied, the thickness of the trading card does not necessarily match the depth of the hollow portion, and if there is a large mismatch, the trading card may collide with the inside of the case inside the hollow portion, damaging the surface or corners of the trading card, or the trading card may become warped inside the hollow portion.Furthermore, while the card case described in Patent Document 1 can store trading cards on their own, it is not designed to store trading cards inserted in a protective bag.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a case and frame for trading cards that can prevent damage to trading cards that are not in protective bags as well as trading cards that are in protective bags, and can properly store them without impairing their aesthetic appeal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a trading card case that is approximately rectangular and allows the interior to be seen, the trading card case comprising: a first member having a convex portion located inside the peripheral portion; a second member that can be overlaid on the first member and fixed to the first member; and a mid-plate that can be placed in an area between the first member and the second member on the opposite side of the peripheral portion of the convex portion; a first storage area that can accommodate a first item sandwiched and held between the mid-plate and the first member can be formed in an area between the first member and the mid-plate on the opposite side of the peripheral portion of the convex portion; and a trading card case that can form a second storage area that can be brought into contact with a flat surface formed by the upper surface of the convex portion and the surface of the mid-plate between the second member and the mid-plate and can accommodate a second item sandwiched and held between the flat surface and the second member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The trading card case and frame of the present invention can prevent damage to trading cards that are not in protective bags as well as trading cards that are in protective bags, and can provide a trading card case and frame that can be stored appropriately without impairing their aesthetic appeal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 2. (a) is a schematic diagram of the AA cross section in FIG. 1, and (b) is a schematic diagram of the BB cross section in FIG. [Figure 4] 1A is a schematic diagram of a center plate according to this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a trading card. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a case in which a trading card is housed in a trading card case according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a case in which a trading card inserted in a protective bag is housed in a trading card case according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 5. (a) is a schematic diagram of the CC cross section of FIG. 5, and (b) is a schematic diagram of the DD cross section of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a frame according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Overview of Trading Card Case 1> The trading card case 1 according to this embodiment is a case capable of housing both a trading card and a protective bag containing the trading card (hereinafter, trading cards may be referred to as "cards"). Conventional cases are designed to house individual cards, i.e., "naked" cards. However, a card inserted into a protective bag cannot be housed because the protective bag is too large to fit within the case's storage area. Forcing a card into the protective bag would cause the protective bag to bend, potentially damaging the card itself. Therefore, a conceivable case is one in which a predetermined storage area is provided between the bottom and the lid using a bottom portion of the case and a lid-fitted bottom portion. A protrusion corresponding to the outer dimensions of a card in a naked state is provided along the periphery of the bottom portion on the lid side of the bottom portion, allowing the card to be stored inside the protrusion, and a card inserted into the protective bag to be stored on the protrusion. However, in such a case, when a card inserted into the protective bag is placed on the protrusion, a hollow area is created between the card inserted into the protective bag and the bottom surface, potentially causing the card to bend and be damaged.

[0011] Therefore, the inventors have come up with the technical idea that, in order to prevent bending, warping, and damage to cards housed in a case, it is effective to use a hard plate material that is equal to or larger than the size of the card and protective bag, and to support the card (and / or the card inserted in the protective bag) with the plate material, or to sandwich the card (and / or the card inserted in the protective bag) between the plate material and the bottom or lid, or to maintain a state in which the plate material is in contact with the card (and / or the card inserted in the protective bag). The present invention is based on this technical idea.

[0012] That is, the trading card case 1 according to this embodiment includes a first member 10, a second member 20 that is overlapped with the first member 10 to define an internal storage area, and a mid-plate 30 that is placed between the first member 10 and the second member 20. The first member 10 has a convex portion on its main surface that is located inside the periphery of the main surface and is capable of contacting the edges of the card and the mid-plate 30. The dimensions of the area inside the convex portion of the first member 10 are sufficient to accommodate at least the card and the mid-plate 30, and the internal dimensions of the first member 10 and the second member 20 are sufficient to accommodate a protective bag. Because the first member 10 has a convex portion, a protective bag of a size that does not fit within the area inside the convex portion may be present. Such a protective bag can be accommodated between the mid-plate 30 and the second member 20, as described below. The first member 10, the second member 20, and the mid-plate 30 are all made of a transparent, hard material to allow the interior of the trading card case 1 to be seen when the case is assembled.

[0013] Here, an overview will be given of the case where a card is stored by itself and the case where a card inserted in a protective bag is stored.

[0014] <Outline of storing a single card> First, a card is placed inside a protrusion provided on the first member 10. Here, multiple protrusions are provided on the main surface of the first member 10 according to the outer dimensions of the card, and the card is held in a storage area inside the protrusions. The height of the protrusions from the main surface of the first member 10 is set to be equal to or greater than the thickness of the card. Then, with the card held on the main surface of the first member 10 in the storage area inside the protrusions, the card is sandwiched between the main surface and the middle plate 30. The dimensions of the middle plate 30 are also set so that the card can be placed (fit) in the storage area inside the protrusions. Therefore, the card is held in the storage area inside the protrusions, sandwiched between the main surface of the first member 10 and the middle plate 30. Next, the second member 20 is placed on the first member 10 in this state, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 are fixed together, thereby storing the card in the trading card case 1.

[0015] <Overview of storing cards inserted in a protective bag> First, the middle plate 30 is placed in the storage area inside the convex portion provided on the first member 10. As described above, multiple convex portions are provided on the main surface of the first member 10, and the dimensions of the middle plate 30 are also set so that it can be placed in the storage area inside the convex portion, so the middle plate 30 is placed inside the storage area inside the convex portion. Here, the thickness of the middle plate 30 is formed to match the height of the convex portion, and a flat surface or flat area is formed by the surface of the middle plate 30 opposite the main surface side of the first member 10 and the top surface of the convex portion (if there is a small gap between the top surface of the convex portion and the surface of the mid plate 30, the area combining the top surface of the convex portion and the surface of the mid plate 30 is the flat area). Then, with the middle plate 30 placed in the storage area inside the convex portion on the main surface of the first member 10, a card inserted in a protective bag is placed on the flat surface, and the second member 20 is placed on top of the first member 10 to secure the first member 10 and the second member 20 together. As a result, the card inserted into the protective bag is held in the storage area between the flat surface and the second member 20, sandwiched between the flat surface and the second member 20. This allows the trading card case 1 to store the card inserted into the protective bag.

[0016] In this way, the trading card case 1 according to this embodiment functions to sandwich the card when storing a single card, and functions to form a flat surface by connecting with the upper surface of the convex portion when storing a card inserted in a protective bag, thereby enabling the storage of both a single card and a card inserted in a protective bag. Furthermore, with the trading card case 1, a single card is sandwiched between the main surface of the first member 10 and the middle plate 30, and a card inserted in a protective bag is sandwiched between the flat surface and the second member 20, preventing the card from shifting, bending, warping, etc., within the trading card case 1. Therefore, the trading card case 1 allows proper storage of cards, not only single cards but also cards stored in protective bags, without damaging their aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, whether storing a card alone or a card inserted in a protective bag, the first member 10, the second member 20, and the middle plate 30 are used simultaneously, so disadvantages such as losing the middle plate 30 can be prevented even if the storage area changes depending on the usage mode.

[0017] <Details of Trading Card Case 1> Fig. 1 shows an outline of the structure of a first member according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 shows an outline of the structure of a second member according to this embodiment. Fig. 3(a) shows an outline of the AA cross section of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3(b) shows an outline of the BB cross section of Fig. 2. Fig. 4(a) shows an outline of the midplate according to this embodiment, and Fig. 4(b) shows an outline of an example trading card.

[0018] The trading card case 1 is made of a material that allows the interior to be seen, and has a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The trading card case 1 includes a first member 10 that is generally rectangular in a plan view, a second member 20 that is generally rectangular in a plan view and can be placed on and fixed to the first member 10, and a middle plate 30 that is disposed between the first member 10 and the second member 20 to divide the hollow space inside the trading card case 1 and form two storage areas that can store items.

[0019] [Details of the first member 10] The first member 10 has a first main surface 100 having an approximately rectangular shape, a convex portion provided inside a peripheral portion 130 of the first main surface 100, a side wall portion provided along the peripheral portion 130, and a first fixing portion 110 provided on the convex portion.

[0020] (Protrusions: first protrusion 102 and second protrusion 104) Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 3(a), the first member 10 has a first convex portion 102 provided along one of a pair of opposing peripheral portions 130 (e.g., a pair of long sides) of the first main surface 100 at a position a predetermined distance inward (toward the center of the first main surface 100) from the one peripheral portion 130, and a second convex portion 104 provided along the other peripheral portion of the pair of opposing peripheral portions 130 (e.g., a pair of short sides) of the first main surface 100 at a position a predetermined distance inward (toward the center of the first main surface 100) from the other peripheral portion.

[0021] The first protrusion 102 and the second protrusion 104 are configured to have lengths equal to or less than the lengths of the long and short sides of the first main surface 100, respectively. The first protrusion 102 and the second protrusion 104 are configured to have a height equal to or greater than the thickness of the card to be accommodated (i.e., the distance from the first main surface 100 to the top surface of each protrusion (e.g., the top surface 103 of the first protrusion 102) is equal to or greater than the thickness of the card). The second protrusion 104 is configured to include a first fixing portion 110 on its side surface (e.g., outer side surface) that is used for fixing to the second member 20. When the second fixing portion 210 described below is a claw-shaped member, the first fixing portion 110 may be a recess into which the second fixing portion 210 can be inserted. Alternatively, the second fixing portion 210 may be a recess and the first fixing portion 110 may be a claw-shaped member. The first fixing portion 110 may be provided on the first protrusion 102, or may be provided on both the first protrusion 102 and the second protrusion 104. Furthermore, a plurality of first fixing portions 110 may be provided.

[0022] 1, the first convex portion 102 and the second convex portion 104 are located near the respective peripheral edges 130, but the convex portions may be provided on a portion of the peripheral edge 130 as long as the card and / or a card inserted in the protective bag can be held on the center side of the first main surface 100. For example, the convex portions may be provided on two peripheral edges 130 of the first main surface 100, that is, the convex portions may be provided on at least a portion of the peripheral edges 130 on at least two of the four sides of the first member 10. Examples of such configurations include the following patterns.

[0023] (1) A configuration in which only a pair of first protrusions 102 or only a pair of second protrusions 104 is provided. (2) A configuration in which the first protrusion 102 of one peripheral edge portion 130 and the second protrusion 104 of the other peripheral edge portion 130 are provided at a distance from each other. (3) A configuration in which the first protrusion 102 of one peripheral portion 130 and the second protrusion 104 of another peripheral portion 130 are provided in a connected manner (a configuration in which an L-shaped protrusion is provided at the vertex of the first main surface 100 in a plan view).

[0024] 1, the first protrusions 102 and the second protrusions 104 are each configured to have a rectangular shape (rectangular shape) in a plan view, but the first protrusions 102 and the second protrusions 104 may be configured to have other shapes. For example, the first protrusions 102 may be configured from a group of protrusion structures such as a plurality of linear, rectangular, or dot-like structures, or may be configured to have a wave-like shape in a plan view. The same applies to the second protrusions 104.

[0025] The width of the first convex portion 102 in a plan view may be different from the width of the second convex portion 104 in a plan view. For example, the width of the second convex portion 104 (i.e., the convex portion provided along the short side of the first main surface 100) may be wider or narrower than the width of the first convex portion 102 (i.e., the convex portion provided along the long side of the first main surface 100).

[0026] (Side wall portions of the first member 10: first side wall portion 106 and second side wall portion 108) The first member 10 has one or more first side wall portions 106 on the first member side that are provided along one peripheral edge portion 130 (i.e., the edge portion of the long side of the first main surface 100) and on the outside of the first convex portion 102 (the side in the direction away from the center of the first main surface 100) and extend in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface 100, and one or more second side wall portions 108 on the first member side that are provided along the other peripheral edge portion 130 (i.e., the edge portion of the short side of the first main surface 100) and on the outside of the second convex portion 104 (the side in the direction away from the center of the first main surface 100) and extend in the direction perpendicular to the first main surface 100. The side wall portions of the first member 10 are provided at positions that alternate with the side wall portions of the second member 20 when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are overlapped.

[0027] The first side wall portion 106 and the second side wall portion 108 are configured to have lengths equal to or less than the lengths of the long and short sides of the first main surface 100, respectively. The first side wall portion 106 and the second side wall portion 108 are configured to have heights equal to or greater than the heights of the first convex portion 102 and the second convex portion 104. For example, the second side wall portion 108 is configured to have a height greater than the height of the second convex portion 104. On the other hand, when a plurality of first side wall portions 106 are provided, it is preferable that the height of at least one first side wall portion 106 be approximately the same as the height of the first convex portion 102. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, three first side wall portions 106 are provided on one peripheral edge portion 130. In this case, the height of the first side wall 106 located between the two first side wall portions 106 located on the vertex side of the first main surface 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "central first side wall portion 106") is made lower than the height of the other two first side wall portions 106. This makes it possible to provide a gap between the upper surface of the central first side wall portion 106 and the second member 20 when the first member 10 and the second member 20 are overlapped, and makes it easier to separate the first member 10 and the second member 20 again after the first member 10 and the second member 20 are fixed together.

[0028] 1, multiple first side walls 106 and multiple second side walls 108 are present along the periphery 130, but the number and arrangement of the first side walls 106 and the second side walls 108 can be changed as appropriate, as long as most of the sides of the trading card case 1 are sealed by fitting with the side walls of the second member 20. For example, if the second member 20 has a side wall that seals the position corresponding to the first side wall 106, the first member 10 does not need to have the first side wall 106. The same applies to the second side wall 108.

[0029] (Example of dimensions of the first member 10) The dimensions of each part of the first member 10 can be set appropriately depending on the dimensions of the cards to be accommodated and the cards inserted into the protective pouch. As an example, the first member 10 may have the following dimensions. First main surface 100: Long side length 95 mm, short side length 69 mm, thickness 1.5 mm First convex portion 102: height 1 mm, width in plan view 1 mm, length in plan view 85 mm Second convex portion 104: height 1 mm, width in plan view 1.5 mm, length in plan view 60 mm First side wall portion 106 (side wall portion extending from the apex of the first main surface 100): length 10 mm, width in plan view 1 mm, height from the first main surface 100 2.3 mm First side wall portion 106 (portion near the center of the long side of first main surface 100): length 20 mm, width in plan view 1 mm, height from first main surface 100 1 mm Second side wall portion 108 (side wall portion extending from the apex of the first main surface 100): length 19.5 mm, width in plan view 1 mm, height from the first main surface 100 2.3 mm Therefore, the dimensions of the accommodation area on the center side of the first main surface 100 of each protrusion are 90 mm×65 mm.

[0030] [Details of the second member 20] The second member 20 has a substantially rectangular second main surface 200, a side wall portion provided along a peripheral edge portion 230 of the second main surface 200, and a second fixing portion 210 provided on the side wall portion.

[0031] (Side wall portions of the second member 20: first side wall portion 202 and second side wall portion 204) Specifically, the second member 20 has one or more first side wall portions 202 on the second member 20 side that are arranged along one of a pair of opposing peripheral portions 230 (e.g., a pair of long sides) of the second main surface 200 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the second main surface 200 as shown in Figure 3(b), and one or more second side wall portions 204 on the second member 20 side that are arranged along the other of the pair of opposing peripheral portions 230 (e.g., a pair of short sides) of the second main surface 200 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the second main surface 200, and have a second fixing portion 210 on their inner side that can be fixed to the first fixing portion 110.

[0032] The first side wall portion 202 and the second side wall portion 204 are configured to have lengths equal to or less than the lengths of the long and short sides of the second main surface 200. Furthermore, the first side wall portion 202 and the second side wall portion 204 are configured to have a height such that the upper surface of each side wall portion contacts the first main surface 100 when overlapped with the first member 10.

[0033] 2, multiple first side walls 202 and multiple second side walls 204 are present along the periphery 230, but the number and arrangement of the first side walls 202 and second side walls 204 can be changed as appropriate, as long as most of the sides of the trading card case 1 are sealed by fitting with the side walls of the first member 10. For example, if the first member 10 has a side wall that seals a position corresponding to the first side wall 202, the second member 20 does not need to have a first side wall 202. The same applies to the second side wall 204.

[0034] (Second fixed part 210) The second fixing portion 210 is fitted into the first fixing portion 110 of the first member 10, thereby fixing the second member 20 to the first member 10. The second fixing portion 210 may be, for example, a claw-shaped member having a curved surface with a predetermined curvature at its tip. In this case, the first fixing portion 110 has a recessed shape into which the claw-shaped member fits. The arrangement of the fixing portions is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, a plurality of first fixing portions 110 and second fixing portions 210 may be provided on the second convex portion 104 and the second side wall portion 204, or one or more first fixing portions 110 may be provided on the first convex portion 102 and one or more second fixing portions 210 corresponding to these first fixing portions 110 may be provided on the first side wall portion 202.

[0035] (Example of dimensions of the second member 20) The dimensions of each part of the second member 20 can be set appropriately depending on the dimensions of the cards to be accommodated and the cards inserted into the protective pouch. As an example, the second member 20 may have the following dimensions. Second main surface 200: Long side length 95 mm, short side length 69 mm, thickness 1.5 mm Each first side wall portion 202 (long side portion of the second main surface 200): length 27.5 mm, width in plan view 1 mm, height from the second main surface 200 2.3 mm, spacing between the first side wall portions 202 20 mm (the central first side wall portion 106 of the first member 10 is fitted between the first side wall portions 202) Second side wall portion 204: length 30 mm, width in plan view 1 mm, height from second main surface 200 2.3 mm Therefore, the dimensions of the area on the center side of the second main surface 200 of each side wall portion are 93 mm x 67 mm.

[0036] [Middle plate 30] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the mid-plate 30 is configured to have a predetermined shape that fits between the first member 10 and the second member 20 and inside the convex portion of the first member 10. In other words, the mid-plate 30 can be disposed in the region between the first member 10 and the second member 20, opposite the peripheral edge 130 of the convex portion of the first member 10, and has a substantially rectangular shape. Furthermore, each vertex of the mid-plate 30 may be formed into an arc shape with a predetermined curvature.

[0037] (Example of dimensions for middle plate 30) The dimensions of the middle plate 30 can be set appropriately depending on the dimensions of the cards housed in the trading card case 1 and the cards inserted into the protective bag. As an example, the middle plate 30 is formed to have dimensions of 90 mm x 65 mm.

[0038] (Materials of the first member 10, the second member 20, and the middle plate 30) The materials constituting the first member 10, the second member 20, and the mid-plate 30 are not particularly limited as long as they have sufficient optical transparency to allow the cards stored inside to be visible when the trading card case 1 is constructed from these members, and also have a predetermined strength. Examples of such resin materials include plastic resins with a predetermined strength and optical transparency, i.e., transparent resin materials. Examples of such resin materials include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, cycloolefin resin, polyester resin, polystyrene resin, and acrylic-styrene resin. The resin materials may contain various additives, such as moisture absorbers, reinforcing agents, colorants, flame retardants, antioxidants, anti-aging agents, and UV absorbers, as needed. For example, the first member 10 and the second member can be made of polycarbonate, and the mid-plate 30 can be made of polyethylene terephthalate.

[0039] (Modification of the method for fixing the first member 10 and the second member 20) In this embodiment, a method for fixing the first member 10 and the second member 20 using the first fixing portion 110 and the second fixing portion 210 has been described. However, the method for fixing the first member 10 and the second member 20 is not limited to the fixing method of this embodiment, as long as it is a method that can appropriately maintain the overlapping state of both members. For example, the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be fixed by providing a hinge between one peripheral edge portion of the first member 10 and one peripheral edge portion of the second member 20, or by providing predetermined grooves on a pair of peripheral edges of the first member 10 and protruding portions corresponding to the predetermined grooves on a pair of peripheral edges of the second member 20, and sliding the protruding portions of the second member 20 into the grooves of the first member 10 to insert them into the grooves.

[0040] [Trading Card 7] As shown in FIG. 4(b), the trading card 7 is a generally rectangular card with an image of a person, character, or the like on its surface. While there are no particular limitations on the type or dimensions of the trading card 7, the dimensions of the trading card 7 are, for example, 63 mm x 88 mm. While there are no particular limitations on the type or dimensions of the protective bag into which the trading card 7 is inserted, the dimensions of the protective bag may be, for example, 66 mm x 92 mm. Protective bags smaller or larger than these dimensions may also be used. Various dimensions can be used for the protective bag, and in this case, the dimensions of the first member 10, the second member 20, and / or the middle plate 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "each member") and the dimensions of the components of each member can be changed appropriately depending on the dimensions of the protective bag.

[0041] <How to store in trading card case 1> Fig. 5 shows an overview of the case where a trading card is stored in a trading card case according to this embodiment, and Fig. 6 shows an overview of the case where a trading card inserted in a protective bag is stored in a trading card case according to this embodiment. Also, Fig. 7(a) shows an overview of the CC cross section of Fig. 5, and Fig. 7(b) shows an overview of the DD cross section of Fig. 6.

[0042] In this embodiment, a first item 3 and a second item 5 are used as items to be stored in the trading card case 1. There are no particular limitations on the first item 3 and the second item 5 as long as they are both card-shaped, but this embodiment will be described using the following example.

[0043] Item 1 3: Trading card alone or a protective bag with a trading card inserted Second item 5: an item formed by inserting first item 3 into a predetermined protective bag, or an item having a size equal to or larger than first item 3 and formed from a protective bag into which a trading card has been inserted. The trading cards have a front side with a predetermined character or the like printed on it and a back side.

[0044] First, when the middle plate 30 is placed between the first member 10 and the second member 20, and the second member 20 is overlapped on the first member 10 with the first main surface 100 and the second main surface 200 facing each other, that is, when the members are overlapped with their longitudinal directions aligned, the first side wall portion 202 on the second member 20 is fitted between one or more first side wall portions 106 on the first member 10, and the second side wall portion 204 on the second member 20 is fitted between one or more second side wall portions 108 on the first member 10, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this case, the first member 10 and the second member 20 are fixed to each other by the first fixing portion 110 and the second fixing portion 210. Then, a surface 400 (see FIG. 3(b)) of one or more first side wall portions 202 on the second member 20 side facing inward of the trading card case 1 comes into contact with or is close to at least a portion of a surface 150 (see FIG. 3(a)) of the first protrusion 102 facing outward of the case, and a surface of one or more second side wall portions 204 on the second member 20 side facing inward of the trading card case 1 comes into contact with or is close to at least a portion of a surface of the second protrusion 104 facing outward of the trading card case 1. Note that the side walls of the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be configured so that the first side wall portion 106 on the first member 10 side is fitted between the one or more first side wall portions 202 on the second member 20 side, and the second side wall portion 108 on the first member 10 side is fitted between the one or more second side wall portions 204 on the second member 20 side.

[0045] In this case, a first storage area 120 capable of storing a first item 3 sandwiched and held between the mid-plate 30 and the first main surface 100 of the first member 10 can be formed in an area between the first member 10 and the mid-plate 30, on the side opposite to the peripheral edge 130 of each convex portion (first convex portion 102 and second convex portion 104) (see FIG. 7(a)). That is, a first item 3 on the first main surface 100 that is equal to or smaller than the outer dimensions defined by the first convex portion 102 and / or second convex portion 104 (note that the thickness of the first item 3 is equal to or smaller than the height of the first convex portion 102 and second convex portion 104) can be stored in the first storage area 120 inside the first convex portion 102 and / or second convex portion 104.

[0046] Furthermore, a second storage area 220 can be formed between the second member 20 and the middle plate 30, in which a second item 5 can be held between the flat surface 300 and the second main surface 200 of the second member 20 by contacting the flat surface 300 formed by the upper surfaces of each convex portion (first convex portion 102 and second convex portion 104) and the surface of the middle plate 30 (see Figure 7(b)). That is, a second item 5 (note that the thickness of the second item 5 is less than the distance from the surface of the first convex portion 102 and / or second convex portion 104 opposite the first main surface 100 side to the surface of the second main surface 200) having an outer dimension equal to or smaller than that defined by the first side wall portion 202 on the second member 20 side and / or the second side wall portion 204 on the second member 20 side between the second member 20 and the first member 10 can be stored in the second storage area 220 inside the first side wall portion 202 on the second member 20 side and / or the second side wall portion 204 on the second member 20 side (see Figure 7(b)).

[0047] [Example of storing item 1 3] An example of storing a first item 3 in a trading card case 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 7(a).

[0048] First, the first item 3 is placed in the first storage area 120 inside the protrusion of the first member 10. Here, the vertical dimension (L in FIG. 1) and horizontal dimension (W in FIG. 1) of the inside of the protrusion, i.e., the first storage area 120, are equal to or greater than the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the first item 3 and the middle plate 30. The dimensions of the first storage area 120 may be the same as the dimensions of the first item 3 and the middle plate 30. However, if they are exactly the same, it will be difficult to remove the first item 3 and / or the middle plate 30 once they have been placed in the first storage area 120. Therefore, the dimensions of the first storage area 120 may have a predetermined clearance with respect to the dimensions of the first item 3 and / or the middle plate 30. The clearance may be 0.1 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, 1.5 mm or less, 1.3 mm or less, or 1.0 mm or less.

[0049] Next, with the first item 3 placed in the first storage area 120, the first item 3 is sandwiched between the first main surface 100 and the middle plate 30. The dimensions of the middle plate 30 are also set so that it can be placed in the first storage area 120. Therefore, in the first storage area 120, the first item 3 is maintained sandwiched between the first main surface 100 and the middle plate 30. Next, the second member 20 is placed on top of the first member 10 in this state, and the first member 10 and the second member 20 are fixed together. This allows the first item 3 to be stored in the trading card case 1. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the first item 3 is sandwiched between the first member 10 and the middle plate 30 and stored in the trading card case 1.

[0050] Here, when storing the first item 3 in the first storage area 120, it is preferable to face the surface of the first item 3 in the direction opposite to the midplate 30, i.e., toward the first member 10 (in FIG. 5, the dotted line indicates that the surface of the first item 3 faces the first member 10). With this arrangement, the surface of the first item 3 becomes visible from the outside only through the first main surface 100 of the first member 10. If the surface of the first item 3 faces the midplate 30, this surface must be visible through the midplate 30 and the second main surface 200 of the second member 20, which may slightly reduce visibility. However, from the perspective of preventing the surface of the first item 3 from being sunburned, the first item 3 may be stored with the surface facing the midplate 30.

[0051] [Example of storing the second item 5] 6 and 7(b), an example of storing a second item 5 in the trading card case 1 will be described. The second item 5 is, for example, a protective bag 9 with a trading card 7 inserted therein.

[0052] First, the mid plate 30 is placed in the first storage area 120 inside the convex portion of the first component 10. As described above, the dimensions of the mid plate 30 are also adjusted so that it can be placed in the first storage area 120, and the mid plate 30 is placed in the first storage area 120. The thickness of the mid plate 30 is adjusted to match the height of each convex portion, and a flat surface or flat area is formed by the surface 32 of the mid plate 30 opposite the first main surface 100 and the top surfaces of the convex portions (e.g., the top surface 103 of the first convex portion 102). The area between this flat surface 300 and the second main surface 200 and surrounded by the side walls of the second component 20 forms the second storage area 220. The second item 5 is placed on the flat surface 300, and the second component 20 is then placed on the first component 10 to secure the first component 10 and the second component 20 together. This allows the second item 5 to be placed in the second storage area 220 of the trading card case 1. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the second item 5 is housed in the trading card case 1 sandwiched between the flat surface 300 formed by the first member 10 and the middle plate 30 and the second member 20.

[0053] When storing the second item 5 in the second storage area 220, it is preferable to face the surface of the second item 5 in the direction opposite to the mid-plate 30, i.e., toward the second member 20. This arrangement makes the surface of the second item 5 visible from the outside only through the second main surface 200 of the second member 20. If the surface of the second item 5 were to face the mid-plate 30, this surface would have to be viewed through the protective bag 9 and the first main surface 100 of the mid-plate 30 and first member 10, which may reduce visibility somewhat. However, from the perspective of preventing the surface of the second item 5 from being sunburned, the second item 5 may be stored with its surface facing the mid-plate 30.

[0054] In the above example, the first item 3 is stored in the first storage area 120, and the second item 5 is stored in the second storage area 220. However, the first item 3 may be stored in the first storage area 120, and the second item 5 may be stored in the second storage area 220. In addition, the first storage area 120 may store a trading card alone as the first item 3, or may store a trading card inserted in a specified protective bag as long as the size of the first storage area 120 is equal to or smaller than the size of the first storage area 120.

[0055] <Outline of the frame 50 that holds trading card cases> FIG. 8 shows an outline of a frame according to this embodiment.

[0056] The trading card case 1 can be attached to and held in a predetermined frame 50. The frame 50 may be configured with a stand (not shown) that can be placed on a flat surface or a wall-hanging member (not shown) that can be hung on a wall or the like. There are no particular limitations on the shape or material of the frame 50, as long as it can hold the trading card case 1 and the surface of the trading card case 1 can be seen from the outside. By holding the trading card case 1 in the frame 50, the frame 50 can be placed in various locations, allowing the user to view the items inside the trading card case 1 in various locations.

[0057] [Effects of the embodiment] The trading card case 1 according to this embodiment has a predetermined protrusion on the first member 10, and when fixed to the second member 20, a mid-plate 30 is disposed between the first member 10 and the second member 20. When a first item 3 is stored between the first member 10 and the mid-plate 30, it can be sandwiched between the mid-plate 30 and the first member. When a second item 5 is stored between the second member 20 and the mid-plate 30, the inside of the protrusion is filled with the mid-plate 30, and the second item 5 can be sandwiched between the second member 20 and the mid-plate 30. As a result, the trading card case 1 can prevent warping or damage to either the first item 3 or the second item 5, which has dimensions different from those of the first item 3, within the trading card case 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the trading card case 1 has a predetermined protrusion on the first member 10, and when fixed to the second member 20, the middle plate 30 is disposed between the first member 10 and the second member 20. This allows a first storage area 120 to be formed between the first member 10 and the middle plate 30, and a second storage area 220 with a capacity different from that of the first storage area 120 to be formed between the second member 20 and the middle plate 30. This allows the same trading card case 1 to store items of different sizes individually or simultaneously. Therefore, a user can store a second item 5, which is a desired trading card placed in a desired protective bag, in the second storage area 220 of the trading card case 1 for viewing, or store a desired trading card as the first item 3 in the first storage area 120 for viewing. In other words, the same trading card case 1 can be used to store various types of trading cards and / or trading cards inserted in protective bags.

[0059] Furthermore, trading card case 1 has a predetermined protrusion on first member 10, so when storing an item such as a card in the storage area, it is easy to align the center of the item with the center of the main surface. Therefore, when storing an item such as a card in trading card case 1, it is easy to achieve an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of the item.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the invention according to the claims is not limited to the above-described embodiments. It should be noted that not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention.

[0061] The trading card case according to this embodiment can also be referred to in the following appended claims, which should not be confused with the claims. (Additional note 1) A trading card case that is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from above and allows the interior to be seen, The trading card case is a first member (bottom member) having a protrusion provided at a position a predetermined distance inward from at least a pair of peripheral edge portions of the first member; a second member (lid member) that is overlaid on the first member and fixed to the first member, has a side wall portion that contacts the first member outside the protrusion, and forms a storage area between the first member and the second member; a middle plate having a predetermined shape that is located between the first member and the second member and is located inside the protrusion; Equipped with The storage area is divided by the intermediate plate to have a first storage area on the first member side and a second storage area on the second member side, When a first item having a predetermined shape that fits inside the convex portion is placed in the first storage area, the first item can be held and stored in the first storage area by overlapping the first member and the second member with the first item sandwiched between the first member and the middle plate, A trading card case in which the middle plate is placed in the first storage area, brought into contact with the flat surface formed by the upper surface of the convex portion and the middle plate, and a second item of a predetermined shape that fits inside the side wall portion is placed on top of the middle plate, and the first member and the second member are overlapped, thereby holding and storing the second item in the second storage area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 trading card case 3 1st article 5 Second article 7. Trading Cards 9 Protective bag 10 First member 20 Second member 30 Middle Plate 32 Surface 50 frames 100 First main surface 102 First convex part 103 Top surface 104 Second convex part 106 First side wall 108 Second side wall 110 1st fixed part 120 Containment Area 1 130 Periphery 150 surface 200 Second main surface 202 first side wall 204 Second side wall 210 Second fixed part 220 Second Containment Area 230 Periphery 300 flat surface 400 surface

Claims

1. A roughly rectangular trading card case whose interior is visible, The trading card case is a first member having a protrusion provided inside a peripheral edge portion; a second member that is overlapped with the first member and can be fixed to the first member; a middle plate that can be disposed in a region between the first member and the second member and inside the protrusion; Equipped with a first storage area capable of storing a first article sandwiched and held between the mid-plate and the first member can be formed in an area between the first member and the mid-plate and inside the convex portion, A trading card case that can form a second storage area that can be brought into contact with a flat surface formed between the second member and the middle plate and consisting of the upper surface of the convex portion and the surface of the middle plate, and that can store a second item that is held between the flat surface and the second member.

2. the first item is a trading card or a protective bag containing a trading card; 2. The trading card case according to claim 1, wherein the second item is formed by inserting the first item into a predetermined protective bag.

3. the first item is a trading card or a protective bag containing a trading card; 2. The trading card case of claim 1, wherein the second item is a protective bag having a size equal to or larger than the first item and into which the trading card is inserted.

4. The first member has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, 2. The trading card case according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is provided on at least a portion of the periphery of at least two of the four sides of the first member.

5. When the first item is stored in the first storage area, the surface of the first item is directed in a direction opposite to the middle plate side, so that the surface of the first item can be seen through the first member; A trading card case as described in claim 1, wherein when the second item is stored in the second storage area, the surface of the second item is faced in the direction opposite to the middle plate, so that the surface of the second item can be seen through the second member.

6. A frame capable of holding the trading card case according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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