CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/876,459, filed September 11, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a display for toy building elements, and more particularly to a display that provides a base for building elements and that can be mounted to a wall to display the toy building elements.

[0003] Interlocking toy building elements, often referred to as bricks or blocks, have long been available, for example, under the brand name LEGO® or MEGAB LOCKS®. These building elements are colorful interlocking plastic block elements or other shapes that can be assembled and connected in many ways to construct a variety of objects such as vehicles, buildings, animals, and other such structures. The constructed object may be taken apart and used again to make another object. Toy building elements are highly regarded for fostering children's creative play.

[0004] Further, on occasion, a child or parent may want to keep one of their creations and save it, either as a memento or as a piece of art for display or to highlight a child' s taste and further to use it to decorate a room. This may include displaying a structure and further allows the child to create scenery around the structure, which can then be adjusted as desired to create a different effect. While current building element structures are self-sustaining, meaning that the overall assembly can support itself and can be stable when laid on a flat surface and therefore could stay in its configuration for a long period of time. For kids to display their creations, however, a lot of real estate is required, e.g. the top of desk, a table, etc., which does not tend to lead to a long lasting display as this real estate may also be needed to accommodate multiple other toys and devices, for example, and alarm clock, bank, etc. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A display is provided that offers one or more surfaces to allow building elements to be mounted to the display and support the elements for continuous display. The display may be configured as a wall mountable display so that the display may be mounted to a wall and further removed to change or update the display and then be reattached without damaging the wall. Also, the three dimensional aspects of the display can be leveraged and left on the top of a chest, drawer, table, or other structure. Lastly, the display offers a stable structure for children to move their work around without damaging it.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a means to support and anchor a building element support structure onto a wall by providing a flat surface, such as horizontal or vertical surface, on which a building element model or creation can be anchored to it, which can then be attached to a wall or to a support anchored to the wall.

[0007] In one form, a building element support structure has a horizontal member and a vertical member connected together.

[0008] In another form, a building element support structure is formed from a horizontal surface and a vertical surface, with each of the surfaces having a building element anchoring structure.

[0009] In one aspect, a top part on the vertical surface can be configured to display the name or brand of what is built on the support structure.

[0010] In another aspect, a front vertical part or horizontal part also can display a brand or name of the building element structure.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the horizontal surface includes at least two rows of anchoring projections to allow building of scenery or complex elements made out of building elements.

[0012] In another aspect, the horizontal and vertical surfaces can be made as one piece using common processes such as plastic injection, thermoforming, blow molding, etc. [0013] In yet another aspect, the horizontal and vertical surfaces can be made using multiple pieces assembled non-permanently together.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, the horizontal and vertical surfaces can be made using multiple building element structure assembled together by the end user as part of the scenery or complex structure creation or modeling.

[0015] In another embodiment, a wall display for displaying toy building elements is provided. The display includes a support having a rear mounting surface, a vertical display area, and a horizontal display area. The rear mounting surface has a connector for attaching the display to a wall or a wall mount, which is mounted to a wall or another structure. The vertical display area is supported by the support and includes a front display surface. The horizontal display area is supported by the support and includes a horizontal display surface. Optionally, the vertical and/or horizontal display surfaces may include a plurality of projections that cooperate with complementary building elements, such that building elements may be mounted to at least one of the display surfaces.

[0016] In one aspect, a display cabinet for displaying toy building elements is provided. The display cabinet includes a vertical display area, a horizontal display area, and a storage area. The display cabinet includes a rear mounting surface with a connector for mounting the display cabinet to a wall or other structure, which is mounted to a wall.

Optionally, the vertical and/or horizontal display areas may be each adapted to receive a plate with a plurality of projections that cooperate with complementary building elements, such that building elements may be mounted to at least one of the display areas.

[0017] In any of the above, the display or display cabinet may include a drawer or a door, such as a hinged or sliding door, which can be opened to provide access to storage area.

[0018] In any of the above, the display or display cabinet may include a handle, for example, which is built into the support or cabinet. The handle may be fixed or may comprise a retractable handle. [0019] In any of the above, the support may be in the form of a frame. For example, the frame may form a handle, such as a built-in for retractable carrying handle.

[0020] In another aspect, the rear mounting surface includes a bracket configured to retain the handle, the bracket and handle configured to have complementary shapes and profiles for mounting the handle and support to the bracket and rear mounting surface. The bracket may include a lip to aid in retaining the handle to the bracket.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the rear mounting surface is provided a mounting plate, which remains attached to the wall or other structure when the support is removed, revealing an image, message, indicia and/or symbol on a front face of the rear mounting plate. In this aspect, the rear mounting plate provides as aesthetically pleasing surface that is visible on the wall or other structure while the display is removed.

[0022] According to yet another embodiment, a method of arranging a collection of toys or toy building elements includes providing a toy mounting surface, arranging the toys or toy building elements on the toy mounting surface, and removably mounting the toy mounting surface on a support structure, such as a wall or other support structure to store the arrangement of toys or toy elements and then once removed to allow transport of the arrangement of toys or toy elements.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment, a method of displaying a building element structure formed from a plurality of building elements. The method includes arranging a vertical display area, and arranging a horizontal display area in relation to the vertical display area. The method further includes providing a plurality of anchor points at the vertical display area or the horizontal display area.

[0024] In another aspect of the method, the providing includes providing a plurality of anchor points at the vertical display area and the horizontal display area. The method may further include providing storage for a plurality of building elements near one of the display areas, and may include providing storage below the horizontal display area. [0025] According to yet another embodiment, a method of displaying a building element structure from a plurality of building elements. The method includes arranging a display area on a display and providing a plurality of anchor points at the display area.

Forming a three dimensional arrangement with the building elements at the display area. Further comprising forming a mount at the display for removable mounting the display to a wall or other support structure. Thus, the method enables a user to easily transport the building element creation during construction and/or after it has been completed.

[0026] Before the various embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of a display according to one embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the display;

[0029] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view, illustrating the display with an optional handle in a first position, and an optional drawer in a first position; [0030] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the display, illustrating the display with the handle in a second position, and the drawer in a second position;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the display, illustrating the handle and drawer in first and second positions;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the display, illustrating the handle and drawer in first and second positions;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a front view of the display;

[0034] FIG. 7 is a side view of the display;

[0035] FIG. 8 is a top view of the display;

[0036] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view, illustrating the display with a front display surface removed;

[0037] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view, illustrating the display with the front display surface and horizontal display surface removed;

[0038] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a display according to another embodiment;

[0039] Fig. 12 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the display of Fig. 11 ; and

[0040] Fig. 13 an exploded front perspective view of the display of Fig. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the numeral 10 generally designates a display. As will be more fully described below, display 10 is configured to provide one or more display areas for mounting toys or modular toy building elements, such as LEGO® building elements, and optionally may incorporate a storage area, such as a drawer, to form a display cabinet, and/ or a handle to facilitate handling or transport. Display 10 may also incorporate one or more display panels for displaying information, such as a name or the like, for promotional purposes.

[0042] As best seen in FIG. 1, display 10 includes a support 12 with a vertical display area 16 and a horizontal display area 20. The support 12 further includes a rear mounting surface 14 for removable mounting display 10 to a wall or other support structure. Display area 16 may include or be configured to receive a front vertical display surface 18. Similarly, display area 20 may include or be configured to receive a horizontal display surface 22. In the illustrated embodiment, both display surfaces 18 and 22 are formed by plates that are fixedly secured to support 12 (e.g. by fasteners or an adhesive or the like), with each plate having a plurality of mounting structures, such as projections or nubs, which provide anchor points to allow building elements, such as LEGO® building elements, to be mounted to display 10. Thus, vertical and horizontal display areas 16, 20 are configured to allow toys or toy building elements, such as LEGO® building elements, to be mounted to display 10 and arranged as desired to create a scene, a structure, or other arrangement so it can be saved and mounted, for example to a wall or another surface, including a horizontal or vertical surface, such as a refrigerator.

[0043] Display area 20 may be below display area 16 or may be located above display area 16. Further, display area 20 may be positioned adjacent a lower edge of the vertical display area 16 so that together they from an L-shaped display area.

[0044] In this manner, display 10 can be used to display a child's creation in their room or other rooms, including the kitchen. Optionally, display 10 may also include a base, such as described below, which provides stability to the display when the display is placed on a horizontal surface 10 so that a child (or other user) can build their creation while it is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary support 12 is shown as having a substantially L-shaped configuration, which may be molded as a single unitary member or may be assembled from multiple members. However, it is contemplated that other stylized perimeters or shapes may be utilized. The support 12 is formed of rigid material that is capable of supporting weight and forces that the display 10 may be subjected to. Plastic, metal, wood, or any other suitable material is contemplated. Further a portion, portions, or all of the support may be assembled from building element components.

[0046] Optionally, support 12 may include left and right vertical side rails 24 that terminate in substantially horizontal support arms 26, with the left and right side rails 24 and support arms 26 being substantially mirror-image. Support arms 26 may form a base for the display, as noted above, so that display 10 can be placed and rest on a horizontal surface. Vertical side rails 24 may straddle the vertical display area 16 and thereby form a frame around the display area or may wrap over the vertical edges of the vertical display area 16 to provide additional support. Similarly, support arms 26 may straddle the horizontal display area 20 and thereby form a frame around the display area or may wrap over the horizontal edges of the display area 20 to provide additional support.

[0047] Support 12 optionally includes an integral rear member or members that form the rear mounting surface 14. For example, the rear member may be a plate that extends between the side rails 24. Additionally, the rear mounting surface 14 may include at least one connector 28 to facilitate attaching the display 10 to a wall or other structure (not shown). For example, the connector 28 may comprise a key-hole shaped opening so that someone can simply align the larger portion of the opening over a nail or the like and then push the display towards the wall and then release so that the nail is then captured in the smaller, upper end of the opening. Alternately, a projecting connector may be provided, such as an inverted hook-shaped connector, to facilitate hanging of the display, for example, on a wall mounted structure, such as a plate, or a wire or on other conventional mounting devices.

[0048] The front display surface 18, as noted, may include a plate with a plurality of projections, which extends between the side rails 24 and is disposed at the vertical display area. As noted above, the front display surface 18 may be secured to the display 10 by any suitable means that is both secure and aesthetically pleasing. For example, the front display surface 18 may be adhered on the rear surface thereof to the rear mounting surface 14.

Alternatively, the front display surface 18 may be either fixedly or removably retained in undercuts or channels formed or positioned on the inwardly facing sides of the side rails 24. Further, the front display surface may be integrally formed, such as by molding, with support 12.

[0049] The horizontal display surface 22 may also be formed by a plate with a plurality of projections that extends between the support arms 26. For example, the plate forming display surface 22 may have at least two rows of projections, at least three rows of projections, or more. Similarly, horizontal display surface 22 may be secured to the display 10 by any suitable means that is both secure and aesthetically pleasing. For example, the horizontal display surface 22 may be retained in undercuts or channels formed or positioned on the inwardly facing sides of the support arms 26. Further, the horizontal display surface may be integrally formed, such as by molding, with support 12.

[0050] In one embodiment, the support 12 may also include a support shelf 27 that also extends between the support arms 26 (FIG. 10). The support shelf 27 may be integrally formed with the support 12, or may be mechanically affixed by any suitable means. In the embodiment in which the support 12 includes the support shelf 27, the horizontal display surface 22 may be adhered thereto or may be supported above shelf 27 to form a storage space, as described below.

[0051] As noted, each of the front and horizontal display surfaces 18, 22 may include a plurality of projections 30 that are configured to mate with complementary plastic building elements (not shown). The projections 30 are rounded plastic nubs arranged in parallel rows and are compatible with building sets such as LEGO® building elements, MEGABLOCKS® building elements, or the like. Alternately, as noted, display areas 16, 20 may be configured to allow building element plates to be mounted to the display areas. For example, display areas 16, 20 may incorporate discrete building elements secured to them and onto which the building elements plates or sheets may then be attached to form the display surfaces 18, 22.

A plurality of building elements may then be mounted to both the front and horizontal display surfaces 18, 22 to build toy structures during play. Upon completion of either playing or the toy structure, the project may be left mounted to the front and horizontal display surfaces 18, 22 for display. Alternatively, the projections 30 may be formed in the vertical and horizontal display areas 16, 20, therefore eliminating the need for separate building elements plates or sheets.

[0052] Furthermore, as noted, the display 10 may be configured as a display cabinet and include a storage area, for example, provided by a slidable drawer 32 or a door, such as a sliding (sideways) or hinged door. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer 32 is mounted beneath the horizontal display area 20. Further, the drawer 32 may be positioned below the horizontal display surface 22 and above support shelf 27, if included. It is contemplated that a plurality of building elements may be stored in the drawer 32.

[0053] In another embodiment, the display 10 may include a handle 34 for carrying the display 10. The handle may be fixed or movable (FIG, 3B). In the illustrated

embodiment, handle 34 includes a transverse member 36 that forms a bight portion and two legs 38. The legs 38 may be received in openings within an upper portion of the side rails 24. As noted, the handle may be moveable. For example, the handles may be slidable in the openings so they can be moved between a retracted position (FIG 3A) and a deployed position (FIG. 3B). The handle 34 may be retained in position within the side rails 24 by any suitable means, such as detent mechanisms. When the handle 34 is in the extended second position, the display 10 may be carried by the handle 34. In the retracted position, the handle 34 may form a top portion of the support 12, and optionally enclose an upper edge of the front display surface 18 so that the handle can form an extension of the side rails 24.

Optionally, the handle may also form part of the design.

[0054] As stated above, the rear mounting surface 14 includes at least one connector

28 for attaching the display 10 to a wall or other structure (not shown). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the connector is in the form of one or more key-hole shaped openings

28. When using openings 28, the display 10 may be mounted substantially flush on a flat surface in a manner that is easily understood by those having still in the art. As noted, the opening 28 may mount display 10 on a nail or a special receiving anchor mounted to the wall. [0055] In one embodiment, the rear mounting surface 14 includes a plurality of raised contact surfaces 40. In the illustrated example, the rear mounting surface 14 includes four raised contact surfaces 40 positioned near each of the four corners of the rear mounting surface 14. Of course, more or fewer raised contact surfaces may be included, and may be located at different positions on the rear mounting surface 14. In addition, the raised contact surfaces 40 may have a rubber or felt bumpers 42 affixed thereto, for preventing marring of the wall or other structure to which the display 10 is mounted. Alternatively, the raised contact surfaces 40 may have magnets for mounting the display 10 to a magnetic surface.

[0056] In another embodiment, the horizontal display area of the display 10 further includes a bottom surface 44. The bottom surface 44 may simply be the lower surface of the side arms 26, the drawer 32, or the bottom surface of shelf 27, or may be a separate member. For example, the bottom surface 44 may be a generally planar member that extends between the support arms 26, and is positioned below the drawer 32. In either case, the display 10 is able to be placed on, and supported by, the bottom surface 44 on a horizontal surface so that display 10 is sufficiently stable to allow building elements to be mounted onto the various building element surfaces of display. Accordingly, the display 10 may be either hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface, such as a table, and in either case is supported with sufficient stability to allow building elements to be mounted to display 10.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the display 10 may include LED lighting for illuminating the display 10.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the number 110 designates another embodiment of the display. Display 110 similarly includes a support 112 and a rear mounting plate 114 having a mounting surface. The support 112 includes a vertical display area 116 and a horizontal display area 120. Display area 116 may include or be configured to receive a front vertical display surface 118. Similarly, display area 120 may include or be configured to receive a horizontal display surface 122. For further details of the display areas 116 and 120 reference is made to the embodiments described above. As discussed above, the projections 130 may be formed in the vertical and horizontal display surfaces 118 and 122, or directly on the vertical and horizontal display areas 116, 120.

[0059] As discussed above with respect to the prior embodiment, the mounting surface of the rear mounting plate 114 includes at least one connector for attaching the display 110 to a wall or other structure (not shown). Various forms of connectors may be used for mounting the rear mounting plate 114 to a wall, including the commercially available Command Strips™ sold by 3M, conventional screws, and other means for fastening the rear mounting plate 114 to the wall.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, when the display 110 is attached to a wall or other structure, the support 112 portion of the display 110 may be separated from the rear mounting plate 114, which remains attached to the wall. That is to say that the support 112 portion of the display 110 is removably mounted to the rear mounting plate 114, which is attached to the wall. Further, the support 112 includes a fixed handle 134 that defines an opening 160. The handle 134 is adapted to fit over a bracket 150 that is formed on a front face 154 of the rear mounting plate 114. The bracket 150 includes a plate 156 and a substantially horizontally-extending base 158, with the plate 156 disposed at a distal end of the base 158. The plate 156 is sized so that it is larger than the base 158 in at least one direction to thereby form a flange 152 or a partial flange at the distal end of the base 158.

[0061] The handle 134 and bracket 150 are configured to have complementary shapes, sizes, and profiles so that the handle 134 may fit over and be retained by the bracket

150. Accordingly, the plate 156 is commensurately sized with the opening 160 of the handle

134 so that the plate can pass through the opening and further optionally lie generally flush with the outer surface of handle 134 and also vertical display surface 118. When mounted on bracket 150, flange 152 may help to retain the handle 134 onto the bracket 150 by allowing at least a portion of the handle 134 to rest on base 158. This mounting configuration allows the bracket 150 to better support the weight of the support 112 due to the width of the bracket

150. Further, this arrangement avoids blind anchoring of the support 112 to the rear mounting plate 114.

[0062] Inserting the handle 134 onto the bracket 150 may require a press-fit or a slight interference fit between the handle opening 160 and the flange 152. In the installed position, the opening 160 is supported by the base 158, and the flange 152 complements the contour of the opening 160, providing an aesthetically pleasing interface between the components. Optionally, the plate 156 or a portion such as the outer perimeter may be formed of a semi- flexible material for easier installation. For example, plate 156 may have a compressible lip, for example, formed from foam. In this manner, when handle 134 is pushed onto the bracket 150, the outer perimeter of plate 156 will compress or deflect and allow the handle 134 to move on to base 152, but then plate 156 will return to its pre-compressed state or pre- deflected configuration so that plate will optionally fill in the handle opening 160 and hide any gap.

[0063] In another embodiment, the front face 154 of the rear mounting surface 114 includes an image, message, indicia, and/or a symbol. When the support 112 is removed from the rear mounting plate 114, the image is revealed, thereby creating a visually appealing display to be seen when the support 112 is removed.

[0064] In another embodiment, the rear mounting plate 114 may include a small bucket (not shown) to form a storage area, permanently or detachably, attached for storing a plurality of toys, toy building elements or related tools.

[0065] In yet another embodiment, the display 110 may include LED lighting. It is contemplated that LEDs may be included in the bracket 150 for illuminating the display 110.

[0066] In any of the above, the mounting surfaces may be provided by surfaces other than those with projections so that other types or toys or building elements may be mounted to the display.

[0067] The display 10, 110 described herein offers a unique solution to the problem of what to do with the building elements once the project is completed. Also, in addition or alternatively, the display can be used to decorate a room, including in a manner to display an individual's preference for a brand, like a poster. Using the display 10, 110 enables the child, or adult, to work on the toy building structure, and then display the finished project. The display 10, 110 can be mounted to a wall, or placed upon a table or other structure for displaying the building elements project. When the child wishes to continue with the project, or start another one, the display 10, 110 can simply be moved to a location where it is accessible for play. The display 10, 110 also presents a unique ability to move the constructed building block structure without breaking it, due at least in part to the rigidity of the display 10, 110 as well as the convenience of including a handle.

[0068] While several forms of the inventions have been shown and described, the above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert but which can be used independently and/ or combined with other features. The present invention is not limited to only those

embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. For example, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Additionally, directional terms used in the specification, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer" and "outwardly," are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific

orientation(s).

[0069] Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.