Display case

Abstract

A display case for a work of art includes a base cabinet defining a compartment. A deck assembly is supported by the base cabinet. The deck assembly includes a display deck configured to receive the work of art. The display deck is spaced from the base cabinet. A preserving material is contained in and concealed by the base cabinet. The preserving material is in communication with an air flowing about the deck assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A display case for a work of art comprising:
 a base cabinet defining a compartment; and   a deck assembly supported by the base cabinet, the deck assembly including a display deck configured to receive the work of art, the display deck spaced from the base cabinet.   
     
     
         2 . The display case of  claim 1 , further comprising a preserving material contained in and concealed by the base cabinet, the preserving material in communication with an air flowing about the deck assembly, wherein the preserving material is a desiccant. 
     
     
         3 . The display case of  claim 1 , wherein a tray is disposed intermediate the base cabinet and the deck assembly and includes a lower portion defining a chamber, and wherein the lower portion is received in the compartment of the base cabinet. 
     
     
         4 . The display case of  claim 3 , wherein the tray is formed from a powder coated aluminum. 
     
     
         5 . The display case of  claim 3 , wherein the tray includes an upper portion disposed intermediate an upper end of the base cabinet and the deck assembly, the tray directly supporting the deck assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The display case of  claim 3 , wherein the tray includes a removable door providing access to the chamber of the lower portion thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The display case of  claim 3 , wherein the base cabinet includes a shelf dividing the compartment thereof into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, wherein the lower portion of the tray is received in the upper compartment, and wherein a gap is formed between the lower portion of the tray and the shelf. 
     
     
         8 . The display case of  claim 1 , wherein the base cabinet includes a sidewall and a removable panel formed in the sidewall providing access to the compartment. 
     
     
         9 . The display case of  claim 1 , further comprising a vitrine covering the display assembly and the work of art. 
     
     
         10 . The display case of  claim 1 , wherein the deck assembly includes a frame enveloping the display deck, and wherein a portion of an outer surface of the deck assembly is angled with respect to the display deck. 
     
     
         11 . The display deck of  claim 10 , wherein the frame is formed from a powder coated steel. 
     
     
         12 . A display case for a work of art comprising:
 a base cabinet defining a compartment;   a tray received on the base cabinet, the tray defining a chamber;   a deck assembly supported by the tray and configured to support the work of art; and   a vitrine supported by the tray and enclosing the deck assembly and the work of art, the vitrine cooperating with the tray to form a display enclosure in fluid communication with the chamber of the tray.   
     
     
         13 . The display case of  claim 12 , wherein the deck assembly includes a display deck configured for supporting the work of art and a frame enveloping and supporting the display deck. 
     
     
         14 . The display case of  claim 13 , wherein a gap is formed intermediate the tray and the frame of the deck assembly, and wherein air flows between the display enclosure and the chamber of the tray via the gap. 
     
     
         15 . The display case of  claim 13 , wherein a portion of the frame includes an outer surface angled with respect to the display deck, the outer surface receiving a label thereon. 
     
     
         16 . The display case of  claim 13 , wherein the deck assembly further includes a plurality of legs supporting the deck assembly on the tray. 
     
     
         17 . The display case of  claim 12 , wherein the tray includes an upper rim extending outwardly therefrom, and wherein the rim supporting and engaging the deck assembly and the vitrine. 
     
     
         18 . The display case of  claim 12 , wherein the base cabinet includes a sidewall and a removable panel coupled to the sidewall, the removable panel providing access to the compartment of the base cabinet. 
     
     
         19 . The display case of  claim 12 , wherein the base cabinet, the tray, and the deck assembly are formed from materials passing an Oddy test. 
     
     
         20 . A display case for a work of art comprising:
 a tray defining a chamber, the tray including a sidewall, a rim extending outwardly from the sidewall, and an opening formed in the sidewall of the tray;   a deck assembly supported by the rim of the tray and configured to support the work of art, the deck assembly including a frame enveloping and supporting a display deck;   a vitrine supported by the rim of the tray and enclosing the deck assembly and the work of art, the vitrine cooperating with the tray to form a display enclosure in fluid communication with the chamber of the tray; and   a preserving material disposed in the chamber of the tray.