Patent Grant
9084483
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to display cases and systems and, more particularly, to modular display cases, a display system, and an elevator system particularly adapted for displaying and moving display cases.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is often desirable to store and move collectibles for display. A variety of structures are known for this purpose. For example, shelves may be mounted on support braces connected to a wall. Bookcase type structures, i.e., floor-supported structures having multiple shelves, are also known. So that the items placed on the supporting structure are visible, these structures typically either have an open side or a glass front.
These displays have significant drawbacks. First and foremost, the displays are typically of a fixed size. The user may be forced to purchase a display that is much larger than necessary to store the desired elements. Further, if the user then obtains additional elements which exceed the number that may be held by the display, no mechanism is provided for enlarging the display short of obtaining another entire display. Also, these displays are usually arranged for use in displaying a wide variety of items. The shelves are normally thus flat surfaced for allowing the user to place any number of items thereon.
One item that hobbyists wish to commonly store and display are model trains. Typical storage units are ineffective for use in displaying model trains. First, the train components are wheeled, and readily roll about the flat shelving of typical displays. As a result, the train elements may hit and damage one another or roll from the display onto the ground or the like. In addition, because train components are usually all about the same size, if one component is placed behind another, it will not be visible. Also, it is often desirable to display an entire “train” or assembled train components. This assembly is often longer than most displays are arranged to handle. Finally, it is often desirable to move an entire train or individual train cars for display at different portions of a train display.
A display case may be summarized as including a body having a first end and a second end, and a cavity extending through the body from the first end to the second end. The cavity is configured to receive at least one display item therein, such as a model train. A first end cap is attached to the first end and includes an attachment device removably attachable to an attachment device of an adjoining display case. A second end cap is attached to the second end and includes an attachment device removably attachable to an attachment device of an adjoining display case. The end caps may be configured to provide electrical continuity between metal tracks in each of the display cases and to adjoining display cases.
A display system includes a plurality of display cases. The display cases have different lengths and are attachable to any one of the other display cases. The display system may have an elevator system having at least one elevator device configured to move the display cases.
A display system is operable between an expanded state and a collapsed state. The display system has at least three connection members extending from a central region of the system. The display system has a track attached to distal ends of the at least three connection members. The at least three connection members and the track are collectively collapsible from the expanded state to the collapsed state.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with model trains and other items, including but not limited to controllers, train cars, engines, locomotives, carriages, shuttles, rockets, turbines, jets, shuttles, slot cars, any moving light or matter, and track switching have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.” The foregoing applies equally to the words “including” and “having.”
Reference throughout this description to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The display case 100 further includes a left cap 120a and a right cap 120b removably attached at opposing ends of the case 100. The left cap 120a includes a pair of attachment devices 122 and the right cap 120b includes a pair of attachment devices 124. The attachment devices 122, 124 are shown as female and male attachment devices, respectively. This enables adjacent display cases to be coupled together in a slideably interlocking fashion (see
The display case 100 includes a base panel 126, a track member 128, and tracks 130. The base panel 126 supports the track member 128, which further supports tracks 130 (three tracks shown). The track member proximate the left cap 120a is positioned flush relative to the outer surface of the left cap 120a, which thereby positions the tracks 130 in an abutting relationship against tracks of an adjoining display case. The direct attachment between the adjoining tracks is preferably an electrical coupling so that electricity may be delivered to the train, for example, for lighting or movement if the displayed train component is an engine, locomotive, or other powered vehicle, or other items as further discussed above. The same configuration exists on the opposing side of the display case so that a plurality of display cases and respective tracks may be joined together to provide a continuous track over which a train may travel. Those of skill in the art will understand in light of the present disclosure that various alternative track mating configurations may be used or combined with the tracks shown in
In some aspects, an electrical connector 131 is positioned through a lower portion of the left cap 120a. The electrical connector 131 is coupled to a switch 133 that is operable to move the electrical connector 131 between an engaged state and a disengaged state to electrically couple tracks 130 with tracks of adjoining display cases at areas below the tracks. This eliminates the need to have small connection devices directly connecting the tracks, as with typical track connection systems. Alternatively, the switch 133 can be used to assist in guiding the attachment of an additional display case to the left end of the display case 100.
The display system 300 includes corner display cases 310a, 310b (collectively 310) positioned adjacent the ceiling 301. The corner display cases 310 are removably attached to a wall by support brackets 312. The display case 308 is removably attached to corner display case 310b and is removably attached to the ceiling 301 by a support bracket 314.
The elevator device 302 may include any number of components configured to raise and lower display cases 308 into a desired position.
A circular display system 320 is shown in the room 306 and includes a plurality of display cases 308.
Electrical connection members 413 extend from respective end caps 408a, 408b and are operable to electrically connect tracks together, as previously discussed. The display case 400 includes support brackets 414a, 414b that each include a means to removably attach the display case 400 to support members 416a, 416b, which are secured to a wall. Thus, a user can vertically lift or lower the display case 400 over the support members 416a, 416b to quickly remove or attach the display case 400 to a wall. Advantageously, the members are hidden from view. A display panel 420 is attached to a front viewable portion of the display case 400.
The display case 600 further includes a left tunnel member 620a and a right tunnel member 620b removably attached at opposing ends of the case 600. The tunnel members 620a, 620b may be removably attached to inner walls of the body 602 and within a cavity 622 defined by the body 602. The tunnel members 620a, 620b each have an opening 624a, 624b, respectively, through which a model train may pass, for example.
The display case 600 includes four male attachment devices 626 configured to receive female attachment devices on an adjoining display case, as further discussed in this disclosure.
In some embodiments, an adapter plate includes an opening and is positionable between adjoining display cases to allow mating between horizontal and vertical connections members of said display cases. This provides a system to adjoin a display case on a ceiling with a display case on a wall, for example, having connection members of different orientation. The adapter plate could be used on bridges, platforms, tunnels, or with the elevator system.
It will be appreciated that the display cases may be positioned at alternative positions and orientations, such as at an angle from horizontal, or completely vertical, for instance.
It will be appreciated that the display cases discussed herein could be used to display sports memorabilia, animated and non-animated characters, dolls, stamps, coins, and other collectibles.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the display case is made from extruded plastic and has a back drop with a scenic image and having electronics, such as lights, in an upper corner of the display case to illuminate the display case. The back drop may be removable and replaced with a different back drop. The windows may slide into place from ends of the display case, or they may hinge, snap, plug in to the front, back, bottom, or sides of the display case.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an accordion member is coupled between display cases. The accordion member may be used to position adjoining display cases at a different axis (or axes) relative to each other, and/or to allow adjustability of the space between display cases.
The display cases may be of varying lengths in order to customize a display system. A slider coupling can be positioned between adjoining display cases to allow for axial sliding movement of said display cases through an inner cavity of the slider coupling. As such, the display cases may have grooves to slide through the slider coupling.
In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the display case includes a mounting system for mounting the display case to a structure, such as a wall. A wall mount can be fastened to a wall and can include a pair of mushroom snaps. A back plate can be fastened to a display case and can include a pair of openings to receive a portion of the mushroom snaps. The back plate can include a pair of quick release buttons operable to attach and remove the display case from the wall mount. Thus, a user can simply actuate the quick release buttons to disengage the display case from the wall mount. Accordingly, display cases are interchangeable to the wall mount.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical connection system is coupleable to a display case below a track. The electrical connection system can have a slideable switch in a housing below the track. The slideable switch is operable to electrically couple tracks of adjoining display cases. The slideable switch is operable to receive either a male or female connection device of an adjoining display case so that adjoining display cases are flush against each other at respective ends of the cases. If a male connection is inserted into the switch, a female connection device is used and the slideable switch is at a first position. If a female connection is inserted into the switch, the slideable switch is moved inwardly of the housing and a male connection device shown on page 10 is used and the slideable switch is therefore in a second position. The slidability of the switch and the use of the connection members allows a male or female connection of an adjoining display case. The electrical connection system may be used when joining a track of a display case with a track not in a display case. The electrical connection system may be used between any tracks not in display cases.
The display case can be an enlarged display case having a bridge and a full display of an outdoor environment. The enlarged display case may include openings and attachment portions on opposing ends for attachment to a modular display cases and systems.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a circular display system may be coupled to a tree or tree stand. In one example, a display system includes a variety of features that are operable to move the display system between a collapsible state and an expandable state. For instance, hinges are provided that a configured so that as a base member is lifted vertically toward a center of the system, the track system folds downwardly and inwardly. In this fashion, the display system is reconfigurable to a collapsible state. Other examples of the circular display systems are provided as shown.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a rail system has a track member attached to a ceiling with attachment devices and includes a support surface over which a model vehicle travels. The model vehicle includes wheels that correspond to the support surface so that the model vehicle may freely travel. The attachment devices are positioned adjacent the support surface so that the model vehicle freely travels along the track member. The model vehicle may include a motor, and it may be coupled to a motorized vehicle therebelow, such as a plane or other prop vehicle. The model vehicle includes a coupling portion to attach to adjoining model vehicles. The rail system is attachable to any number of mounting structures, such as wall, floors, curtains, overhead tracks, and the like.
Alternatively, a layered display system is provided that includes a plurality of images on transparent panels. The panels can overly each other to show a complete display image that may be inserted into a back panel of a display case and illuminated with lights, such as LEDs attached to the display case. A back drop image can be attached to a display case such that the image extends between and onto components, such as between the back drop and over the tunnel components.
The ceiling mount assembly 742 includes a mounting bracket 750 coupled to a mounting plate 758. The ceiling mount assembly 742 further includes latches 752a, 752b that are fixed to the display case 700 and are configured to attach to the mounting bracket 750. The latch 752a includes a spring 754 that assists in attaching the latch 752a to the mounting bracket 750. The latch 752b is substantially identical to the latch 752a.
The wall mount assembly 744 includes a mounting bracket 748 coupled to the mounting plate 749. The wall mount assembly 744 further includes a latch member 746a coupled to a left end of the wall mount bracket 748 and a latch member 746b coupled to the right end of the wall mount bracket 748.
While
To attach the ceiling mounting latch 752a to the ceiling mounting bracket 750, the hook portion 766 is hooked over a compatible lip 757 of the ceiling mounting bracket 750. The opposite end of the ceiling mounting latch is then brought upward and the pin 762 is pressed against the lip portion 759 of the mounting bracket 750. Do to the slanted tip of the pint 762, the pin 762 slides toward the spring allowing the lip 759 to pass below the pin, at which point the pin is resiliently forced back to a rest position by the spring 754. The ceiling mounting latch 752a is then securely fixed to and suspended from the ceiling mounting bracket 750. In this way the display case, which is fixed to the ceiling latch 752a, can be suspended from the ceiling for storage or display purposes. The ceiling mounting latch 752a can be detached from the mounting bracket 750 by manually pressing in the pin 762 to release the ceiling mounting latch from the lip 759. Though not show, the ceiling mounting latch 752b is substantially identical to the ceiling mounting latch 752a and would be attached at the same time and in the same manner as the ceiling mounting latch 752a in order to suspend the display case 700 from the ceiling mounting bracket 750.
Similar to the ceiling mounting latch 752a, the wall mounting latches 746a, 746b each include a hook portion substantially similar to the hook portion 766 of the ceiling mounting latch 752a. The hook portions of the mounting latches 746a, 746b can be hooked over a compatible lip of the wall mounting bracket 748 in order to attach the display case 700 to the wall mounting bracket 748 for display or storage.
The display case joiner assembly 870 is configured to connect two display cases together. The display cases can be similar to those described previously except that they each include indentations on the end caps that will accommodate the attachment protrusions 872 of the joiner assembly 870. Thus, when two display cases are to be coupled together, two of the attachment protrusions 872 are coupled to the compatible indentations on a first display case. The other two attachment protrusions 872 are then coupled to the compatible indentations on the second display case. When the display case joiner assembly is connected to two display cases, the tracks 830 of the display case joiner assembly 870 align with the tracks of the display cases forming continuous tracks between the first and second display cases.
Though not illustrated in
Those of skill in the art will recognize, in light of the present disclosure, that the joiner assembly 870 can made in many other configurations such as having indentations instead of protrusions 872, a combination of indentations and protrusions, latches, or any other suitable configurations for coupling two display cases together. All such other configurations fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
It will be appreciated that the various aspects of the present disclosure could be used with any scale of model railroad system.
The display cases and other aspects of the present disclosure can be made from any suitable materials such extruded plastic, other types of plastic, suitable metals or metal alloys, suitable wood such as cherry, oak, etc. Those of skill in the art will recognize in light of the present disclosure that many other materials can be used for the components described in the present disclosure. All such other materials fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
This patent application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/782,192, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1020557 | Hunter | Mar 1912 | A |
| 1124345 | Smith | Jan 1915 | A |
| 2175145 | Davison | Oct 1939 | A |
| 2279945 | Hoffman | Apr 1942 | A |
| 3563624 | Stice | Feb 1971 | A |
| 3851936 | Muller | Dec 1974 | A |
| 5445552 | Hine | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5733021 | O'Neill et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
| 5924778 | TenBrink | Jul 1999 | A |
| 7789470 | McCabe | Sep 2010 | B2 |
| 20010036070 | Compagnucci | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140265754 A1 | Sep 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61782192 | Mar 2013 | US |
