Ball display case

Abstract

A base assembly for a ball display case includes a base configured to support the display case on a surface. A pedestal is supported by the base and configured to support the ball in the display case. The pedestal includes a platform for seating the ball in the display case. The platform includes a spring configured to yield when contacted by the ball in the display case.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A base assembly for a ball display case, the assembly comprising:
 a base configured to support the display case on a surface; and   a pedestal supported by the base and configured to support a ball in the display case, the pedestal including a platform for seating the ball in the display case, the platform including a spring configured to yield when contacted by the ball in the display case, the spring comprising a plurality of spring members extending horizontally from an outer edge margin of the platform.   
     
     
         2 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein each spring member includes a generally horizontally extending first portion, a second portion bent downward from the first portion, and a third portion bent slightly upward from the second portion. 
     
     
         3 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein each spring member projects downward from a base portion prior to supporting the ball in the display case. 
     
     
         4 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the pedestal is integrally formed with the base. 
     
     
         5 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the spring members comprise elongate projections. 
     
     
         6 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 5  wherein each spring member extends from a base portion of the spring member at the outer edge margin of the platform to a free end of the spring member. 
     
     
         7 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the free ends form a center opening in the platform. 
     
     
         8 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 6  wherein the spring members taper from the base portion to the free end. 
     
     
         9 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the platform is generally circular, the spring members being circumferentially spaced around the platform. 
     
     
         10 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 9  wherein a spacing between the spring members forms gaps separating the spring members from immediately adjacent spring members. 
     
     
         11 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the spring members comprise bent finger projections. 
     
     
         12 . A base assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the spring members comprise flat finger projections. 
     
     
         13 . A ball display case comprising:
 a base configured to support the display case on a surface;   a pedestal supported by the base and configured to support a ball in the display case, the pedestal including a platform for seating the ball in the display case, the platform including a spring configured to yield when contacted by the ball in the display case;   a cover supported by the base for covering the ball in the display case; and   a separator disposed on an underside of the cover at a top of the cover to prevent the ball from directly contacting the cover.   
     
     
         14 . A display case as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the separator prevents at least a portion of a reflection of the ball from being projected onto the cover. 
     
     
         15 . A display case as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the pedestal is integrally formed with the base. 
     
     
         16 . A display case as set forth in  claim 13  wherein the spring comprises a plurality of spring members extending horizontally prior to supporting the ball in the ball display case. 
     
     
         17 . A display case as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the spring members comprise elongate projections extending from an outer edge margin of the platform. 
     
     
         18 . A display case as set forth in  claim 17  wherein each spring member extends from a base portion of the spring member at the outer edge margin of the platform to a free end of the spring member. 
     
     
         19 . A display case as set forth in  claim 18  wherein the free ends form a center opening in the platform. 
     
     
         20 . A display case as set forth in  claim 18  wherein the spring members taper from the base portion to the free end.