MODULAR STAND AND SUPPORT APPARATUS FOR GROUPING AND DISPLAYING ITEMS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/542,681, which was filed Oct. 6, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to display systems for arranging and displaying items, and, more particularly, relates to a modular stand and support apparatus for grouping, arranging, and displaying items at different heights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are often situations in which people would like to display a collection or group of items. For example, collectors often enjoy displaying items they have collected for their own enjoyment of those items, as well as for others to see and enjoy. Similarly, merchants find that displaying items they have for sale will increase interest in those items among in-store customers, and allow potential buyers to visually inspect the items, as well as the display system, which is also sometimes sold as the customers may be collectors who would like to display items they have collected. There are many types of displays, including shelves, stands, pedestals, and so on, for individually displaying items. However, some items are part of a collection or ensemble of items, and are preferably displayed together. This is true for action figures, for example, which are articulable figurines in the image of characters from various media such as comic books, graphic novels, movies, television shows, games, books, and so on.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a modular system for displaying items that includes a first foundation having at least two cells. Each cell is defined by a wall surrounding the cell that also defines an internal region of the cell. The wall has an external surface, and each of the cells and the wall around each cell can be the same size. At least two of the cells define a bay between contiguous sides of the two cells. The system also includes a second foundation having at least one cell that is the same size as the cells of the first foundation and is defined by a wall surrounding the cell. The wall surrounding each cell of the second foundation has a height that is a same height as a height of the wall around each of the cells of the first foundation. The modular system also includes a plurality of risers. Each one of the plurality of risers has an extension at a bottom of the riser that is shaped and sized in correspondence with the internal region of each cell, and the body of each one of the risers has an external size and shape matching the external surface of the walls of the cells. Each one of plurality of risers has a top that includes a recess that is identical in size and shape to the internal region of the cells. The modular system also includes a stand base that is sized and shaped to fit into the recess at the top of the risers, and includes a feature to hold an item to be displayed on the stand base.

In accordance with a further feature, the feature to hold the item to be displayed is configured to hold a foot of a figure.

In accordance with a further feature, the feature comprises opposing portions that extend upward from the stand base and arc toward each other.

In accordance with a further feature, the feature to hold the item to be displayed comprises an arm that extends from the stand base and is configured to hold the item above the stand base.

In accordance with a further feature, the arm is articulable.

In accordance with a further feature, the arm terminates at an upper end in a pair of opposing grasping members that are configured to hold a figure at a waist of the figure.

In accordance with a further feature, the arm is configured to hold the figure above the stand base such that the figure is not in contact with the stand base.

In accordance with a further feature, each of the cells in the first foundation and the second foundation have a regular hexagonal shape.

In accordance with a further feature, there is further includes a bottom cover that is configured to fit over an extension at a bottom of a riser of the plurality of risers to conceal the extension.

In accordance with some embodiments of the inventive disclosure, there is provided a modular system for displaying items that includes a first foundation having at least two cells. Each cell is defined by a wall surrounding the cell and the wall defines an internal region of the cell. The wall has an external surface, and the wall around each cell is the same size. There is a bay defined between contiguous sides of at least two of the cells. The modular system further includes a second foundation having a plurality of cells. Each cell of the second foundation being the same size as the cells of the first foundation, and is defined by a wall surrounding the cell. The wall surrounding each cell of the second foundation has a height that is a same as that of the wall around each of the cells of the first foundation. In the first foundation and the second foundation, walls that are common between two adjacent cells have a thickness that is twice that of walls that are not common to any other cell. The modular system also includes a plurality of risers. Each one of the risers includes an extension at a bottom of the riser that is shaped and sized in correspondence with the internal region of each cell. A body of each one of the risers has an external size and shape matching the external surface of the walls of the cells, and each one of the risers has a top that includes a recess that is identical in size and shape to the internal region of the cells. Each one of the risers is disposed in a respective one of the cells in either the first foundation or the second foundation. There modular system further includes a plurality of stand bases. Each one of the stand bases is sized and shaped to fit into the recess at the top of the risers, and has a feature to hold an item to be displayed on the stand base.

In accordance with a further feature, in at least one of the plurality of cells in either the first foundation or the second foundation there are at least two risers stacked vertically in the at least one cell.

In accordance with a further feature, the feature to hold the item to be displayed is configured to hold a foot of a figure.

In accordance with a further feature, the feature comprises opposing portions that extend upward from the stand base and arc toward each other.

In accordance with a further feature, the feature to hold the item to be displayed comprises an arm that extends from the stand base and is configured to hold the item above the stand base.

In accordance with a further feature, the arm is articulable.

In accordance with a further feature, the arm terminates at an upper end in a pair of opposing grasping members that are configured to hold a figure at a waist of the figure.

In accordance with a further feature, the arm is configured to hold the figure above the stand base such that the figure is not in contact with the stand base.

In accordance with a further feature, each of the cells in the first foundation and the second foundation have a regular hexagonal shape.

In accordance with a further feature, there is further include a bottom cover that is configured to fit over an extension at a bottom of a riser of the plurality of risers to conceal the extension.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a modular stand and support apparatus for grouping and displaying items, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.

“In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the article being referenced. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z” shall be understood to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z, unless stated otherwise. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply, for example, that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. The drawings show the likeness of figures that may be subject to copyright, and no claim of ownership is made to these figures or their likeness by the inventor(s). These likenesses are shown only as examples of popularly bought, collected, and displayed figures to underscore the utility of the disclosed and claimed invention.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first foundation for an item display system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second foundation for an item display system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view showing how the first and second foundations can be interfaced together, with the first and second foundations separated, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a top plan view showing how the first and second foundations can be interfaced together, with the first and second foundations together, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3C is a top plan view showing how the first foundation can also double as a second foundation that can be mated with another first foundation, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing how the first and second foundations can be mixed and interfaced together, with the foundations shown separated, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a front and top perspective view of a first foundation, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of an intermating pedestal riser for use with a foundation, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the intermating pedestal riser of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a bottom plan view of the intermating pedestal riser of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the intermating pedestal riser of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of stacked pedestal risers on which a stand base is to be placed, and which will hold a figure upright, with the stand base and pedestal risers shown separated, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows the figure of FIG. 7, and the stand base, placed into the recess at the top of the stacked pedestal risers, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows an articulating arm for holding a figure in the air in a pedestal riser, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary display of an ensemble of figures displayed on a display system, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows a bottom cover for a pedestal riser when a pedestal riser or stack of pedestal risers are used alone to display an item, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

The inventive modular system provides a stand and support apparatus for displaying and grouping items provides for a foundation system to arrange a plurality of items at cell locations in each of the foundation portions. The items can be elevated using interconnecting, stacking bases that fit into ach cell location, allowing a user to display different items at different elevations within the group of items, as may be desired. The bases can also provide features for holding items displayed on the base in the upright position, to ensure they do not fall over. There can also be features that hold an item over the base to simulate the item being in flight or levitating above the base. The modularity of the system allows a user to expand the collection of items being displayed in a near infinite variety arrangements, and gives the user the freedom to decide how to display the items.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first foundation 100 for an item display system, in accordance with some embodiments. The foundation 100 is intended to sit on a level surface, such as a table or a shelf, and acts provides a foundation onto which additional elements of the system can be added. In addition, the first foundation 100 is intended to mate with a second foundation 200 in a way that allows them to be easily moved together, even though they are not joined together, as will be explained. The first foundation 100 includes three cells 102A, 102B, and 102C, and can include additional cells such as cell 102D. Each of the cells 102A-C has the shape of a regular hexagon, meaning each side of the hexagon has the same length. Although not readily apparent in this view, each cell 102A-C is bounded by a uniform wall 106 around a hexagonal space 104, which is the same size in each of the cells 102A-C. Cells 102A-C are arranged so as to create a bay 108, which is an area bounded on three sides 110A, 110B, and 110C, each of which are common with a different one of cells 102A-C. Side 110A is common with cell 102A, side 110B is common with cell 102B, and side 110C is common with cell 102C. In essence, the bay 108 is half of a hexagon, and is formed by the particular arrangement of cells 102A-C in which cells 102A-B share a common side 112, and cells 102B-C share a common side 114. Side 114 is neither opposite side 112 across cell 102B, nor adjacent to side 112 such that cells 102A and 102C do not share any common sides. The bay 108 is sized to receive half of a cell of another foundation, which can be one or more cells in size, and will be of the same outer dimension as cells 102A-C.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a second foundation 200 for an item display system, in accordance with some embodiments. Whereas the first foundation 100 includes at least three cells 102A-C, the second foundation 200 includes at least one cell, of the same size/shape as the cells of the first foundation, that can mate into the bay 108. By “mate” it is meant that each of the three sides 110A-C will be against corresponding sides of the mating cell of the second foundation 200. In the present example the second foundation includes three cells 202A, 202, B, and 202C, and can include additional cells as indicated by cell 202D. Each of the cells 202A-C (and any others) are bounded by a wall 206 around a hexagonal space 204. The foundation 200 includes at least one cell that can mate into the bay 108 of the first foundation. For example, cell 202B can mate into the bay 108 with side 214A corresponding to side 110A, side 214B of cell 202B corresponding to side 110B, and side 214C of cell 202B corresponding to side 110C. In the present example, the second foundation comprises three cells together is a general triangle arrangement where cell 202A has a common side 208 with cell 202B, and a common side 212 with cell 202C; cell 202B and cell 202C also share a common side 210. Thus, each of the three cells 202A-C have a common side with each of the other two cells, and as shown, each of the cells 202A-C could mate into the bay 108 of the first foundation 100 as they each have half of their respective hexagonal perimeters extending outward from the foundation 200 so that there are three contiguous sides that can mate against the sides 110A-C of the bay 108. It is further contemplated that the space between two contiguous sides of adjacent cells can be considered to be a bay. For example, side 216 of cell 202B is contiguous with side 218 of cell 202C. The contiguous sides of any two adjacent cells will always define an inward-extending triangular region. Of course, these two sides 216, 218 can mate with two sides of a single cell of another foundation. Thus, a bay can have two or three contiguous sides. Therefore, in a system of two foundations, one must have at least two hexagonal cells and the other must have at least one hexagonal cell, in foundations that use hexagonal cells

The mating aspect of the foundations allows foundations to be moved together, such as, for example, when a collection of items displayed on the foundations is being moved across a surface, and ensures alignment of the items being displayed. In addition, it allows for the addition of other foundations—third, fourth, fifth, etc.—as the collection of items being displayed grows. In order to create a bay for mating, such as bay 108, or an inward triangular region, there must be at least two cells in the first foundation. The second foundation can include any number of cells as long as at least one of them has the same number of contiguous sides as the bay that are exposed so that they can mate into the bay of the first foundation. FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4 show examples of mating foundations. In addition, there can be a wide variety of foundation shapes with different numbers of cells to accommodate various sized collections of items to be displayed, including foundation with small number of cells that can be added to existing collections, allowing a person or business to incrementally grow a display, or reduce as desired.

FIG. 3A is a top plan view showing how the first and second foundations can be interfaced together, with the first and second foundations separated, in accordance with some embodiments. In this arrangement the exemplary first foundation 100 of FIG. 1 including three cells is mated with the exemplary second foundation 200 of FIG. 2 also including three cells. The three cells of the first foundation 100 define a bay of three contiguous sides 110A-C which mate correspondingly with sides 214A-C of the second foundation 200. In FIG. 3B the first and second foundations are show interfaced or mated together. In FIG. 3C it is shown how two foundations formed in the shape of the exemplary first foundation 100 can be mated together, each of the two foundations both defining a bay of three contiguous sides, and each having a cell that has three contiguous sides exposed and thus available to mate into the bay of the other foundation. FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing how the first and second foundations can be mixed and interfaced/mated together, with the foundations shown separated, in accordance with some embodiments. In particular there are two foundations in the configuration of exemplary foundation 100, and one foundation in the configuration of exemplary foundation 200 that can be mated together into a foundation system. In addition, when these three foundations are mated as indicated, a new bay will be formed by sides 402A, 402B, and 402C, each of which are from a different cell. Thus, a bay can be formed by the mating of two foundations to further expand the foundation system, if so desired.

FIG. 5 is a front and top perspective view of a first foundation 100, in accordance with some embodiments. The foundation 100 is substantially the same as is shown in FIG. 1, for example, and includes cell wall 106 around the hexagonal space of the cell 102. The wall 106 thus defines an outer or external surface 508 and an inner surface 506 that surrounds the internal region or space of the cell 102, and has a height 502 and thickness 504. The height 502 can be uniform for all cells in a given foundation, although it is contemplated that cells within a given foundation can vary in height, and different foundations can have cells of different heights. In general, the thickness 504 of all sides that are not common with another cell, such as side 505, have a uniform thickness. Sides that are shared between two cells and common to both adjacent cells, such as side 510 have a thickness that is twice that of 504, at least at the level where the two cells are co-terminal in terms of height. If two cells that have a common side have different heights, than the double thickness only applies up to the height of the shorter of the two cells, and above that, the side of the taller cell with have a thickness equal to 504. The double thickness of common walls such as side 510 compared to side 505, is required to accommodate bases that are stacked into adjacent cells such as cells 102B, 102C because, as will be shown, the bases extend outward, over the sides of the cells.

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of an intermating pedestal riser 600 for use with a foundation, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the intermating pedestal riser of FIG. 6A, FIG. 6C is a bottom plan view of the intermating pedestal riser of FIG. 6A, and FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the intermating pedestal riser of FIG. 6A. The riser 600 is configured to fit or mate into a cell of a foundation, and is thus hexagonally shaped. Each riser 600 include a riser body 602, a lower extension 604, and a top recess 608 that can be identical is size and shape to the cells of the foundation. The outer dimensions, or external size of the riser body 602 match that of the outer surface 508 of a cell of a foundation. The lower extension 604 can be hexagonally shaped to fit into a cell, along the inner surface 506 of the wall 106 of a cell. The height 618 of the extension 604 is less than the height 502 of the wall to ensure that the bottom of the extension 604 does not reach the surface on which the foundation is resting. Because the extension 604 is configured to fit into the cell and the body 602 is configured to share the outer dimensions of the cell, there is a shoulder 606 created between the body 602 and the extension 604. The shoulder 606 will rest on the top of a cell wall 106, or on the wall 616 at the top of another riser. The recess 608 can be sized to be the same as the interior of a cell of a foundation, and/or the extension 604, and is thus hexagonally shaped and has a depth 614 that can be equal to or greater than the height 618 of the extension. This allows risers 600 to be stacked, while maintaining a continuous vertical side from the bottom of the foundation to the top of the wall 616 of the uppermost riser in a stack, giving the appearance of one continuous riser, even through there can be more than one riser in the stack. Thus, the shoulder 606 has a width 610 that is about equal to the thickness 504 of a single wall of a cell. As a result, the outer surface of the extension 604 will fit against the inner surface 506 of the wall of the cell into which the riser 600 is placed, and the outer surface of the riser body 602 will be co-extensive with the outer surface 508 of the cell in which the riser is placed. The intent is that the cell hold the riser 600 securely, but without undue friction making it difficult to insert the riser into a cell, or remove a riser from a cell. Friction between the inner surface 506 of the cell and the outer surface of the extension 604 should be minimal, but the size of the extension 604 should also prevent the riser from turning within the cell when inserted into a cell. The external dimensions, in the horizontal direction, of the riser is common from riser to riser because the cell sizes are common among all cells. The height of the risers may vary from riser to riser, but because the risers can be stacked, the risers can likewise have a common height as well. The term “common” as used herein means the dimension being referenced is the same among similar elements of the display system; a common riser height, for example, means the risers all have the same height.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of stacked pedestal risers on which a stand base is to be placed, and which will hold a figure upright, with the stand base and pedestal risers shown separated, in accordance with some embodiments. The stack of risers includes a first riser 600A which has its extension (e.g. 604) inserted into the top recess (e.g. 608) of a second riser 600B. The extension 604B of the second riser 600B can be inserted into a cell 606 of a foundation. Likewise, a stand base 702 is sized to fit into the recess 608A without undue friction between the stand base 702 and the wall around the recess 608A to allow easy insertion and removal of the stand base into and from the recess 608A, but not with so much tolerance that the stand base 702 can move substantially in the recess 608A. Accordingly, the stand base 702 is hexagonally shaped like the recess 608A.

The stand base 702 is configured to hold an item, such as a FIG. 704. In this case an action figure. An action figure is, generally, an articulable figure whose features (head, arms, legs) can be positioned and posed. In a first embodiment, the stand base 702 is configured to hold the FIG. 704 at a foot 708 of the FIG. 704. The stand base 702 includes a pair of opposing features 705, 706 which rise up from the top surface of the stand base and then curve or arc toward each other. This creates a small “tunnel” into which the foot 708 of the FIG. 704 can be inserted. The features 705, 706, as well as the stand base 702, can be made of a resilient material such that the features 705, 706 can flex outward slightly in response to the foot 708 being inserted between the features 705, 706. As a result, an inward force will be exerted by the features 705, 706 against the outside of the foot 708, thereby retaining the foot 708 by friction against the features 705, 706, and thereby holding the FIG. 704 stably on the stand base 702. The stand base 702 can be inserted into the recess 608A of the first riser 600A, or into the recess of the second riser 600B, or directly into the cell 606 of the foundation, and will fit the same in each as they will all have the same dimensions. FIG. 8 shows the FIG. 704 and the stand base 702, placed into the recess 608A at the top of the stacked pedestal risers 600A, 600B

FIG. 9 shows an articulating arm for holding a figure in the air in a pedestal riser, in accordance with some embodiments. As an alternative to the stand base 702 which holds a figure by a foot of the figure, an alternative stand base 902 is likewise configured to fit into the recess (e.g. 608) of a riser 600, or into a cell in a foundation. The stand base 902, however, supports an arm 904 that in turn supports a figure such as FIG. 920. The arm 904 can hold the FIG. 920 suspend in the air, rather than having the feet of the FIG. 920 on a surface, in order to give the appearance of the FIG. 920 levitating or flying. Accordingly, the arm 904 can be made of a transparent material or a very dark material in order to reduce its visual effect on the display of the FIG. 920. In the present example, the arm 904 is an articulating arm that includes a base joint 908 at the stand base 902, a first arm section 906, a second joint 910, a second arm section 912, a third joint 914, a fourth arm section 916, a fourth joint 918, and opposing grasping members 919 that extend partially around the waist of the FIG. 920 to hold the FIG. 920. As can be seen, the FIG. 920 is separated by a gap 922 over the stand base 902, such that the FIG. 920 is not in contact with the stand base 902, giving the appearance of the figure levitating or flying. Each of the joints 908, 910, 914, 918 allow the arm sections 906, 912, 916, and the grasping members 919 to move relative to each other to allow the figure to be placed into various positions. The grasping members 919 can be resilient opposing member that extend from joint 918 and which are deflected outward from other when the FIG. 920 is inserted between them. In some embodiments the FIG. 920 can be provided with a hole in a backside of the FIG. 920, into which is peg portion at the end of the arm (instead of grasping members) can be inserted to hold the figure in the desired manner.

FIG. 10 shows an exemplary display 1000 of an ensemble of figures displayed on a display system, in accordance with some embodiments. For example, FIG. 1002 is shown on two stacker risers 600, and held in place by a stand base 702, which holds the figure by a foot of the figure. FIG. 1004 is shown in an apparent mid-air position, being held above its riser by a stand base 902 that includes a support arm 904. The display system includes two foundations 100, 200. In general, figures in the front of the display 1000 are shown on a single riser 600, whereas the figures in the back of the display 1000 are shown on stacked risers (two or more risers in a stack). Each of the figures is supported on a stand base 702 or 902 that is inserted into the corresponding riser's top recess (e.g. 608).

FIG. 11 shows a bottom cover 1102 for a pedestal riser 600 when a pedestal riser 600 or stack of pedestal risers are used alone to display an item. In 1100A the bottom cover 1102 is shown separated from the riser 600, and in 1100B the riser 600 is shown inserted into the bottom cover 1102. The bottom cover 1102 is essentially a single cell foundation, and can be mated into a bay (e.g. 108) of another foundation, or it can be used for the display of a single item on riser 600. When used on an individually displayed item, the bottom cover 1102 conceals the extension (e.g. 604) at the bottom of the riser 600. When used in conjunction with another foundation, the bottom cover 1102 ensures a proper fit and alignment of the riser with the other risers in the system.

A display system for displaying items, individually or as a collection, has been disclosed that provides the benefit of facilitating easy expansion of the system to accommodate additional items to be displayed together with existing items. The foundations are keyed to mate with each other in order to facilitate easily moving an entire collection across a surface if needed. The disclosed risers allow a user to adjust the height at which an item is displayed so that items being displayed can be displayed at different heights. The disclosed stand bases allow items to be retained directly on the stand base, or elevated above, or even to the side of the stand base on which the item is supported. These inventive features allow a user to adjust the display of items to their preferences while holding the items securely, and to reposition the times as desired

The claims appended hereto are meant to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.