Display case for trading card

Abstract

A display case for displaying a trading card. The case comprises an enclosure, having a base and at least one side wall. A platform is rotatably connected to the base and a stand is held by the platform and configured to hold a trading card in a vertical orientation. The platform is configured to rotate the stand thereby to present the trading card, held by the stand.

Description

[0001] DISPLAY CASE FOR TRADING CARD

[0002] This invention relates to a display case and in particular a display box for exhibiting trading cards. This invention has been developed primarily for the display of sports based trading cards but is not limited to such.

[0003] Sports trading cards usually feature a picture of a sportsperson. These are collectible items with the value varying depending on the scarcity of a particular card. The value may also fluctuate depending on the demand of a particular card. Globally, the sports trading card market is highly lucrative with the value of some cards being considerable. As such, collectors not only focus on acquiring these valuable items, but also seek appropriate ways to store and display them. The display of these cards is important, as it preserves their condition and allows collectors to showcase their rare and most valued possessions. There are limited solutions for the display of trading cards. The most common product on the market comprises a solid clear plastic sleeve designed to provide protection to the card. The sleeve may protect the card from dirt, dust or handling. Additionally basic plastic stands that simply hold a card in a generally vertical (upright) orientation are available. Existing products for displaying cards fail optimally to exhibit the cards whilst also providing protection thereto. Plastic sleeves restrict the visual appeal of the card, making it difficult for collectors to appreciate the card detail or rarity, whereas simple stands offer no physical protection. The ability to display trading cards in a way that reflect the value of the card has not been fully appreciated by existing products.

[0004] It is a principal aim of the present invention to provide a trading card display case which seeks to address at least some of the problems associated with existing display products discussed above.

[0005] According to this invention, there is provided a display case for displaying a trading card, the case comprising: an enclosure, having a base and at least one side wall; a platform rotatably connected to the base; and a stand held by the platform and configured to hold a trading card in a vertical orientation; wherein the platform is configured to rotate the stand thereby to present the trading card held by the stand.As will be appreciated, embodiments of the present invention provide a display case capable of showcasing trading cards in a manner that reflects their value and significance, while also providing improved protection against external threats that could potentially damage the cards.

[0006] It should be appreciated that cards to be displayed in the case of the present invention are generally flat. They are also commonly rectangular in shape, although other shapes are available. The word “vertical”, as used herein with reference to the position of a displayed card, should be interpreted to mean substantially upstanding - i.e. at an incline from the horizontal plane.

[0007] The enclosure preferably, at least partly, surrounds the stand to provide an element of protection for a trading card. An enclosure with at least one side wall can help to provide a barrier, shielding the card from external contaminants such as dirt and dust. The enclosure may completely surround the stand. This can help to provide enhanced protection against contaminants while the card is on display. In this case, at least part of the enclosure is preferably formed from a transparent material, thus facilitating viewing of a card held therein.

[0008] Preferably, the enclosure also includes a top. The top may fully seal the enclosure, thus completely enclosing the stand and the card held within the display case. This can help to provide enhanced protection to the card. The top may be removably attached to the enclosure to allow ease of access to the card when needed. The shape and / or size of the enclosure top may correspond to that of the enclosure base. The base may be quadrilateral in shape, for example a square or rectangle. For instance, if the base is square, the enclosure top may also be square. This can help to ensure proper alignment with the display case dimensions to provide a secure fit for the enclosure top. In this configuration, preferably the enclosure comprises at least three side walls extending vertically from three sides of the quadrilateral base. The enclosure may comprise a side wall extending vertically from each side of the quadrilateral base.

[0009] The base of the display case may be configured with a surface decoration. This decoration may extend to cover the platform attached to the base, so that the entire visible base and platform surface is covered. Surface decoration may be interchangeable. Surface decoration may be removably provided, so that auser can easily change or replace the surface decoration as and when desired. Surface decoration may correspond to the type of trading card being displayed. This customisation option can allow the user to personalise the display case according to the subject matter of the trading card. For example, where the trading card relates to the sport of football (sometimes referred to as soccer), the surface decoration may comprise artificial grass. Similarly, where the trading card relates to the sport of volleyball, the surface decoration may comprise sand or a sand substitute. The type and quality of the surface decoration may vary depending upon the topic of the trading card and also depending upon the value of the trading cards to be displayed and / or cost of the display case to be purchased.

[0010] Where the enclosure completely surrounds the stand, the case may be configured with a removable wall to enable access to the stand for securing a trading card thereto. Attachment means may be provided for securing the removable wall to the rest of the enclosure. The attachment means may be any conventional means. For example, clips or a recess may be provided on the enclosure for sliding engagement with the sides of the removable wall. Attachment means may be provided on the removable wall and / or the corresponding sections of the enclosure to which the removable wall is secured. In a particularly preferred arrangement, magnets may be provided to secure the removable wall to the enclosure. The use of magnets provides a secure attachment means which is non-obtrusive and which provided a seamless, convenient method for securing and removal. Preferably, the removable wall is configured to connect to the enclosure so as to provide a flush connection with the side walls, base and top (where provided). This can help to provide a seamless attachment of the removable side wall to the enclosure, to provide a display case that is compact and has improved aesthetics. An indent may be provided on the removable side wall to help a user to remove and reattach the wall to the rest of the enclosure.

[0011] The display case may allow more than one trading card to be displayed simultaneously. The display case may comprise more than one stand held by the platform, with each stand being configured to hold a separate trading card.Alternatively or additionally, the or each stand may be configured to hold more than one trading card. The stands may be custom isable / interchangeable so that the user of the display case can select a particular stand depending upon the card or cards to be displayed. In this way, the stand or stands may be configured removably to be held by the platform. The stand / stands may be removably secured to the platform or adapted for simple placement thereon. This can allow a user to remove the stand as needed. This may help with positioning a card in the stand before returning it to the platform for display. This may also help with maintaining the stand in good condition, reflecting the value of the card being held. The ability to remove the stand from the platform can allow it to be cleaned between uses or replaced if it becomes damaged or faulty. Each stand may comprise a range of card holding means, such as clips, a frame, easel-style supports, or channels, all configured to hold the card in a vertical orientation.

[0012] In embodiments, the platform may be connected to the base via attachment means. For example, a central pivot point around which the platform can rotate may be provided. This can allow the platform to rotate freely while remaining securely connected to the base. The platform may be connected flush with the base, or it may be provided on top of the base. The platform is preferably powered by a motor to rotate.

[0013] The display case may be configured to allow an image to be displayed on at least one of the walls. The side wall may receive the image to provide a background for the display case. For example, an image of a football player or backdrop (such as a football stadium) may be provided if the subject matter of the card relates to the sport of football. An image may be displayed on more than one of the enclosure walls. For example, two side walls may display an image. At least one side wall will preferably remain image-free and transparent for viewing of the card held therein.

[0014] The image to be displayed may be fixed on a wall. This may be achieved by printing of the image on the wall or by securing the image to the wall with a suitable fixing means.

[0015] Alternatively, the image may be removably held on the wall and thus interchangeable to allow a customisable image to be displayed and therebyreflect the subject matter of the card being showcased. The wall displaying the customisable image may include a slot for the image to be inserted. Preferably the removable wall is configured to receive the image. In this embodiment, the image may be inserted into a slot on the removeable side wall, allowing it to be displayed as a background for the display case. Alternatively, a non-removable side wall may be configured to receive the image. In some embodiments, more than one side wall may comprise a slot, enabling images to be displayed on more than one side wall of the display case. A range of images may be available. The image may be provided on suitable material, for example paper, card, foil, or acrylic. These images may be provided on bespoke planar plates designed to fit seamlessly in a slot of the wall. Where provided, the slot may be configured at the top or side of the removable side wall. The slot may be wide enough to accommodate the image or image plate, but narrow enough to securely hold it in place. An indent may be provided for ease of access to the image for removal. The indent may be provided along one of the edges of the wall configured to display an image. This can help to provide a user with a comfortable grip, making it easier to remove, and securely position the image.

[0016] Alternatively, the planar plate may comprise a side wall, having the image provided thereon, and configured to connect to the other side walls (for example via magnets).

[0017] The display case may include at least one light feature to illuminate a card displayed therein in order to showcase its detail. More than one light feature may be provided. The light feature may be LED lights. Alternatively, the light feature may comprise infrared, UV or fluorescent light. The lights may comprise different colours and / or may change colour. The user may choose the light feature colour based on the trading card. For example, if the card represents a sports player from a team with a distinctive team or country flag colour, the colour can be chosen to match or complement this.

[0018] The light feature may be fixed in position or may be adjustable to allow a user to change the orientation of the light to achieve optimal illumination of the trading card being displayed. The display case may be provided with a switch to control the lighting therein. The control of the lighting may be wireless control.Power will be required to facilitate rotation of the platform. Where lighting is provided, power will also be required for this. Consequently, the display case may be connected to a power source for the provision of power to the light feature and / or rotatable platform. The display case may include a mains connection for the provision of power. In this embodiment, at least one power inlet may also be provided on the display case for this connection. A range of power inlets and corresponding connectors may be available. The power inlet may comprise a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type port, configured to receive a corresponding connector to the mains electricity. This port may comprise a USB Type A, B or C. Other suitable power inlets may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, the display case may be configured to receive a portable power source, such as a replaceable battery. More than one replaceable battery may be required. This configuration can allow for portability, enabling simple transport and convenient adjustment to the orientation of the case to be made by a user. The display case may be provided with a switch to control the power thereto. More than one switch may be provided. The switch may control the power of the light and / or rotatable platform. In some configurations, there may be a separate switch for controlling the power of the light and for the rotatable platform. The switch may comprise any type of switch. For example, a slide switch, push button, toggle switch, singlepole single throw (SPST) switch may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, control of the power may be wireless control. The power may be controlled remotely rather than by operating a physical switch. This can help to provide convenience, as well as preserve the condition of the display case by minimising direct contact, keeping the enclosure walls clean and free from handling marks. Lighting and / or rotation settings of the rotatable platform may be controllable via the use of a remote control. For example, light colour or rotation speed may be controllable.

[0019] The display case may be configured to connect to further like display cases in a “modular daisy chain” fashion. Alternatively, the display cases may be stacked on top of one another to form a cohesive unit. The case may be physically and / or electrically connected to at least one other display case of the present invention in an adjacent fashion for example, on one side or both sides.In this way, mains power may be provided to all connected display cases via a single mains connector.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display case system, the system comprising: one or more display cases as described herein in any aspect or embodiment; wherein each case of the system is electrically connected in a modular configuration.

[0021] As will be appreciated, the display system can allow a user to create a customisable display arrangement by adding or removing individual display cases, depending on their needs, as well as the type and number of trading cards to be showcased.

[0022] In embodiments, the display cases of the system may be connected to one another like display case using various connection means such as attachment cables or linking conductors, ensuring seamless integration and power distribution throughout the system. Power may be supplied to each individual display case. Alternatively, all display cases in the system may share a single power source. Mains power may be provided to all connected display cases through a single mains connector. This configuration is beneficial, as it can reduce the number of connectors needed, which enhances the system’s aesthetics, whilst also reducing the risk of accidental disconnection from the mains.

[0023] In embodiments, each display case of the display case system may comprise the same or different light colour. The light colour of an individual display case may be adjusted individually or synchronised with the colours of other display cases of the system. This can allow a user to select and customise the lighting to reflect the type of trading cards displayed, enhancing the overall visual presentation of the system.

[0024] While primarily discussed herein in terms of a display case for trading cards, the features or the display case disclosed herein are applicable to other types of collectible items, including any collectible item that can be displayed, such as stamps, model cars, or figurines.By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective front view of an enclosure of a display case of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of an enclosure of a display case of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a display case of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is a detailed view of the inside of the display case of Figure 3;

[0029] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of display case of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembled display case of Figure 5;

[0031] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a trading card stand of the present invention; and

[0032] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the stand of Figure 7.

[0033] Figure 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of display case 10 for displaying a trading card 38. A second embodiment of display case is shown in Figure 6. In each case, the display case 10 comprises an enclosure 12, which is cuboid in shape. The enclosure 12 comprises a square base 16 and four side walls 14 which each extend vertically upwards from the base 16. Each of the side walls 14 in this embodiment are identical in shape and size. The side walls 14 are transparent to allow viewing of the contents of the display case 10 therein. The enclosure 12 further comprises a top 20, which completely seals the enclosure 12 from potential external threats. The enclosure top 20 corresponds to the shape and size of the base 16 (i.e. is also square).

[0034] A rotatable platform 18 is connected to the base 16 and is configured to hold at least one stand 36 for displaying a card 38 (visible in Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8). The platform 18 in these embodiments is circular. The platform 18 is shown to sit flush with the base 16 of the enclosure 12. Figures 1 , 2, 5 and 6 also show that one of the side walls 14 of the enclosure 12 is a removable wall, configured to enable access to stand 36. The removable wall 24 may serve as the sole access point to the stand 36. This removable wall 24 is connected anddisconnected from the rest of the display case 10 via an attachment means. In this embodiment, the attachment means comprises magnets 22.

[0035] Figures 1 and 2 show two magnets 22 provided on the enclosure base 16, at the corners corresponding to the connection point of the removable wall 24. A further two magnets 22 are provided in the same manner on the enclosure top 20. Corresponding magnets 22 are provided on each corner of the removeable wall 24. This provides a secure yet removeable connection between the removable side wall 24 and the rest of the display case 10. The use of magnets 22 also provides a discreet and non-obtrusive attachment means.

[0036] Magnets may be hidden within the frame so that they are not visible such as in the enclosure of Figures 5 and 6. The removable wall 24 is shown to be seamlessly attached to the enclosure 12, aligning flush with adjacent side walls 14, enclosure base 16 and enclosure top 20. This provides a display case 10 which is compact and aesthetically sleek.

[0037] The enclosure of Figures 1 and 2 further comprises a slot 26. In this embodiment, the slot 26 is configured on the removable side wall 24. The slot 26 is configured along the side of the removable side wall 24. In other embodiments, the slot 26 may be configured on a different side wall 14. This slot 26 is configured to receive an image or images 44 that can be displayed to provide a background image for the display case 10 (not shown in Figures 1 and 2). The slot 26 provides a gap large enough to receive an image 42, yet narrow enough to hold this image 42 in place so that it remains flat and wrinkle-free.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 2, this shows the removeable side wall 24. The wall 24 comprises an indent 28 configured to provide a user with a more convenient means for handling the removable side wall 24 and / or providing access to an image 42 being received by the slot 26 (where provided). This indent 28 comprises a small recess, large enough for a user to be able to grip the wall 24, making it easier to remove, reattach and securely position with the rest of the enclosure 12. The indent 28 is configured along the top side of the removable side wall 24, adjacent to the top 20 of the enclosure 12. In other embodiments, an indent 28 may be provided on a non-removable side wall 14 of the enclosure 12 or may not be provided at all, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.The display case 10 further comprises a power inlet 30 and two switches 32. The power inlet 30 and switches 32 are configured on the external surface of the enclosure base 16. The power inlet 30 is configured to connect to mains electricity, supplying power to additional components of the display case that require it. The power inlet 30 comprises a USB Type port configured to receive a corresponding connector to mains electricity. In alternative embodiments, other suitable power inlets 30 may be provided. The two switches 32 are configured on either side of the power inlet 30. The switches 32 in this embodiment are shown to be identical, circular, push button switches. In other embodiments, a different switch 32 may be provided. Each of the two switches 32 is configured to control the power supply to the additional components that require it. In this embodiment, the two switches 32 control the power supply to separate components. In alternative embodiments, there may be provided a single “master switch” 32 to control all additional components that require power.

[0039] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the display case 10 further comprises a stand 36 and trading card 38 held by the stand 36. In Figure 3, the stand 36 is configured to hold three cards, whereas Figure 4 shows a display case 10 with the stand 36 holding only a single card. Each stand 36 is configured to hold one or more trading card 38 in a vertical orientation. In these embodiments, the enclosure 12 completely surrounds the stand 36 to provide enhanced protection to the trading card 38. The stand 36 is held by the platform 18, which in use, rotates the stand 36 to present the trading card 38 that is held therein.

[0040] The stand 36 is shown in Figures 7 and 8. This stand is configured to display three distinct trading cards in an upright (generally vertical) orientation. As best seen in Figure 8, each stand comprises a base portion 45 to which is removably attached three holding members 46. Each holding member comprises a lip 47 against which a trading card can be held.

[0041] The platform 18 requires power to rotate. This power supply is provided when the display case 10 is connected to mains electricity via the power inlet 30 provided on the case 10 (visible in Figure 2). The power supply is controlled by operating the corresponding switch 32 for the platform, which is also provided on the case 10 (visible in Figure 2). Platform 18 rotation settings, such as rotationspeed or direction, may be further controlled by use of a remote control. In Figures 3 and 4, the stand 36 is removably held on top of the platform 18 by simple placement thereon. This allows the stand 36 to be interchangeable. However, in other embodiments, the stand 36 may be permanently secured to the platform 18. The stand 36 comprises an easel-style support (three holding members 46) that holds the card 38 in a vertical orientation. In alternative embodiments, the stand 36 may comprise various different holding means such as clips, frames or channels.

[0042] The enclosure base 16 is configured with a surface decoration 34 resembling artificial grass to reflect the subject matter of the trading card 38 held inside of the display case 10. Since the trading card 38 depicts a football player and relates to the sport of football, the surface decoration 34 has been chosen to demonstrate this. The platform 18 is also configured with the same surface decoration 34. The surface decoration 34 covers the entire visible surface of the display case base 16 and platform 18. The theme of the trading card 38 being displayed is further reflected through the provision of a backdrop image 42 that is displayed on one of the enclosure side walls 14. In other embodiments, an image 42 may be displayed on more than one of the side walls 14. In this embodiment, the image 42 is displayed on the removable side wall 24. The image 42 is provided on a bespoke plate designed to fit seamlessly into the slot 26 provided (shown in Figures 1 and 2). The slot 26 provides a gap large enough to receive an image 42, yet narrow enough to hold this image 42 in place. The case 10 further comprises an indent 28 (shown in Figure 2) for ease of access and / or removal of the image 42.

[0043] The display case 10 also comprises light features 40. These light features 40 comprise LED adjustable spotlights, which can be oriented accordingly to offer optimal illumination of the trading card 38. One light feature 40 is provided in each corner of the display case 10, providing a total of eight light features 40 in this embodiment. In other embodiments, there may be more or less light features 40 provided. All of the light features 40 in Figures 3 and 4 are illuminated in the same colour. The power supply to the light features 40 is provided when the display case 10 is connected to mains electricity via the power inlet 30 providedon the case 10 (shown in Figure 2). The power supply is controlled by operating the corresponding switch 32 for the light features 40, which is also provided on the case 10 (shown in Figure 2). The light feature settings, such as light colour, may be further controlled by use of a remote control.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A display case for displaying a trading card, the case comprising:an enclosure, having a base and at least one side wall;a platform rotatably connected to the base; anda stand held by the platform and configured to hold a trading card in a vertical orientation;wherein the platform is configured to rotate the stand thereby to present the trading card, held by the stand.

2. A display case as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the enclosure at least partly surrounds the stand to provide an element of protection for a trading card.

3. A display case as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part of the enclosure is formed from a transparent material to facilitate viewing of a card held therein.

4. A display case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure comprises a top.

5. A display case as claimed in claim 4, wherein the enclosure top corresponds to the shape and / or size of the base.

6. A display case as claimed in claim 5, wherein the enclosure base is quadrilateral.

7. A display case as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one side wall of the enclosure extends vertically from each side of the quadrilateral base.

8. A display case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure base is configured with a surface decoration.

9. A display case as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surface decoration is interchangeable.

10. A display case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure is configured with a removeable wall to enable access to the stand for securing a trading card thereto.

11. A display case as claimed in claim 10, wherein attachment means is provided for securing the removeable wall to the rest of the enclosure.

12. A display case as claimed in claim 11, wherein the attachment means comprises one or more magnets.

13. A display case as claimed in claim 12, wherein the removeable wall is configured to connect to the enclosure so as to provide a flush connection with the side walls, base and top (where provided).

14. A display case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stand is removably held by the platform so that it is interchangeable.

15. A display case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the case may be configured to allow an image to be displayed on at least one of the walls.

16. A display case as claimed in claim 15, wherein the image to be displayed is interchangeably fixed to the enclosure side wall.

17. A display case as claimed in any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the side wall displaying the image comprises a slot for the image to be inserted.

18. A display case as claimed in any one of claims 17, wherein the side wall displaying the image is the removable side wall.

19. A display case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an indent is provided on the at least one side wall for ease of access.

20. A display case as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the case comprises at least one light feature to illuminate a card displayed therein.

21. A display case as claimed in claim 20, wherein the at least one light feature comprises LED.

22. A display case as claimed in any one of claims 20 or 21 , wherein the case is connected to a power source for the provision of power to the at least one light feature and / or rotatable platform.

23. A display case as claimed in claim 22, wherein the case comprises at least one switch to control the at least one light and / or rotatable platform.

24. A display case as claimed, wherein the case is connected to at least one other display case as claimed in any one of claims 1 -23.

25. A display case system, the system comprising:one or more display cases as claimed in any one of claims 1-23; wherein each case of the system is connected in a modular configuration.

Images