The present invention relates to a modular display stand for showcasing multiple collectibles, including but not limited to comics, cards, graded comics, books, and other items. Traditional display stands often lack flexibility in size adjustment, stability, and efficient storage options. The proposed modular display stand addresses these limitations by incorporating magnetic connectors, hinged legs, wiper blades, and foldable wings to enhance versatility, stability, and space efficiency.
U.S. patent application U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,085B1 Richard Stewart Freeman published 2004. A self-standing display device for providing a viewer with a printed image which can be easily removed from any print medium such as a magazine or book, simply folded and placed on self-standing long-term display. The self-standing display may have support panels with a straight or flat base in which case it forms a stationery display, or it may have side support panels with a curved bottom edge in which case it forms a display which can be rocked back and forth to enhance the display of animated or other specialized images.
But this prior art has a lot of limitations like limited Stability. While the device may provide self-standing capability, particularly with support panels with a straight or flat base, it lacks stability compared to the mounting method of the superior stand. Limited longevity. The repeated folding and unfolding of the printed image for placement on the self-standing display could lead to wear and tear over time, diminishing the quality and longevity of the image. Additionally, the self-standing display itself may degrade with prolonged use, particularly if made from less durable materials. While the self-standing display device offers convenience in terms of portability and ease of placement, it also occupies significant space on surfaces such as desks, shelves, or countertops. This could be a disadvantage in environments where space is limited or where clutter needs to be minimized.
The superior stand consists of several key components, including a base unit, one or more extension units, hinged legs, adjustable wings, and wiper blades. The base unit serves as the foundational element of the stand and is equipped with magnetic connectors designed to attach extension units. This magnetic connection system allows for easy customization of the stand's size according to the user's collection.
The hinged legs play a crucial role in providing support to the bottom base of the stand, thereby ensuring stability on various surfaces. Additionally, these legs are designed to fold inward, facilitating compact storage when the stand is not in use. The adjustable wings are another integral feature of the stand, capable of folding out to accommodate larger items and folding in to conserve space when displaying smaller items. This versatility in display options enhances the stand's functionality.
Furthermore, wiper blades positioned towards the top of the stand serve to assist in the upright display of books, preventing them from slouching or falling over. This innovative feature significantly improves the visibility and presentation of the displayed items, ensuring they are showcased in optimal condition.
The modular display stand is constructed from durable materials such as plastic. The base unit comprises a flat surface with magnetic connectors embedded along its edges. Extension units are identical in design to the base unit and can be attached or detached via the magnetic connectors to adjust the length of the stand. Hinged legs are attached to the underside of the base unit, providing support and stability. The legs feature hinges that allow them to fold inward when not in use, minimizing the footprint of the stand for storage purposes. Wiper blades are integrated into the top portion of the stand, consisting of flexible materials such as rubber or silicone. These blades serve to gently press against the spine of books or other upright items, ensuring they remain in an upright position and enhancing their visibility on the display stand. Foldable wings are located on either side of the stand and can be extended or retracted to accommodate the size of the displayed collectibles. When not in use, the wings can be folded inward to reduce the overall width of the stand, optimizing space utilization.
Versatile Sizing: The modular design allows for easy adjustment of the stand's length to accommodate various collections.
Stability: Hinged legs provide sturdy support to the base unit, ensuring the stand remains upright even when displaying heavier items.
Enhanced Visibility: Wiper blades help maintain the upright position of books and other items, improving their visibility and presentation.
Space Efficiency: Foldable wings and legs enable compact storage when the stand is not in use, saving space for the user.
In conclusion, the proposed modular display stand offers a practical solution for showcasing collectibles of different sizes while addressing the challenges of stability and space efficiency commonly encountered with traditional display stands.
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