Abstract:
A three dimensional visual element is provided which includes a decal or other device to simulate a crack or break within the wall on which the visual elements is mounted. The visual element also includes a functional feature, such as a light, shelf support, electronic device, or the like, so that the visual element also provides some utility. In one example, a three dimensional representation of a soccer ball is provided wherein the soccer ball is surrounded by a clear plastic decal having a cracking so as to represent cracks within the wall on which the device is mounted. Within the shell of the soccer ball in this exemplary embodiment, are lighting elements which allow the device to be used as a nightlight.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to visual display items, and more particularly, to three dimensional, visual display elements which are adapted to be mounted to the surface of a wall. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various products are known for mounting onto the surface of a wall which provide distinctive visual elements. These include, for example, posters, prints, pictures and the like, but can also include products such as life-sized pictures of sports figures, celebrities, fictional characters. However, unlike shelving units or the like, these visual elements are two dimensional, and typically lie flat on the wall. 
         [0003]    Other two dimensional elements are known which provide a representation of three dimensional figures which appear to be coming out of the wall. As an example, Shutterstock Images (www.Shutterstock.com—Image No. 29804344) provides a print of a baseball surrounded by a “cracking” pattern which appears to be a baseball which has impacted, and cracked, the surface of a wall. 
         [0004]    While this provides a distinctive visual appearance, it is merely a two dimensional image. 
         [0005]    Light fixtures are known that project from a wall, but these do not include other visual elements. 
         [0006]    Other products are known which simulate a three dimensional representation of a product coming through a glass window. Examples of these are half golf balls, or baseballs, adapted to be affixed to a glass surface, and which includes a cracked or crazed decal which provides a cracked appearance to the glass. 
         [0007]    However, these products do not provide any real functional utility, and provide only a limited 2 or 3 dimensional visual element. 
         [0008]    To overcome these difficulties, it would be advantageous to provide a three dimensional visual element suitable to be affixed to a wall surface, which provides an improved visual effect, while preferably also providing a functional utility. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    One exemplary implementation of a three dimensional, visual display element of the present invention, is a portion of a sport ball, and preferably a half soccer ball which is adapted to be mounted onto the surface of a wall. The soccer ball representation is optionally, but preferably surrounded by a clear decal or other device such as a plate or disc, which is preferably affixed to the wall, and represents or simulates cracking or breaking of the wall in order to represent that the ball has impacted the wall, or is coming through or out of the wall. 
         [0010]    In a further preferred feature of the present embodiment, the soccer ball (or other device) includes a light fixture, which can be turned on so as to provide lighting, or to act as a night light, or other lighting device. The light can be directly powered using a household power outlet, by use of battery power, or by use of a power adapter with an optional battery. 
         [0011]    Where the device includes an electrical component, it is preferred that it also feature a controller that will automatically control the electrical component. As an example, for a night light function, these control features could include a light sensor to turn a night light on and off, timers to limit the time the night light is on, and the like. 
         [0012]    A second exemplary implementation of a three dimensional, visual display element of the present invention, is a representation of a device or object (such as a car, or the like), an action figure, “superhero” or other fictional figure having a part, such as a body part, which at least partially extends away from the wall, and which can incorporate a shelving unit, at the end of an arm, for example. Other features might include a support for an electronic device such as a computer, computer monitor, radio, MP3 player, DVD or CD player, telephone, television, smoke detector, or the like. 
         [0013]    In any case, the present invention provides a three dimensional, visual display element which can be mounted onto the surface of a wall, and which preferably includes a decal or other device that simulates cracking or breaking of the wall surface so as to create the appearance of a product crashing though, or impacting onto the wall. 
         [0014]    Additionally, the present invention also provides a three dimensional, visual display element which preferably incorporates at least one functional feature, including, for example, a light, a shelf, hanger or hook, or which incorporates a product, or a support for a product, such as an electronic device, including, for example, a clock, phone, smart phone, PDA&#39;s, radio, speakers, music player including an MP3, tape or CD player, a computer device, such as a computerized gaming system, or an accessory therefor, a DVD player, a television, smoke detector, computer monitor, or the like. In this manner, the three dimensional, visual element not only provides a distinctive visual display, but also incorporates a (multi-)functional utility. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, in a most preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a three dimensional, visual display element which comprises: (i) a visual element that is adapted to be mounted onto the surface of a wall; (ii) a decal or other device that simulates cracking or breaking of the wall surface; and (iii) additionally a functional device or feature. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The visual element can be any suitable element that the user desires to display on the wall. Examples of the visual element can include sports equipment (e.g. baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, hockey pucks, footballs, frisbees, or the like), nature themed products (e.g. rock outcroppings, tree limbs, or the like), sport figures, celebrities, fictional characters, and the like. The visual element preferably provides a representation of an actual device, but also can be an abstract visual element. The portion of the visual element that protrudes away from the wall is typically stationary, but might be moveable. For example, a fictional character&#39;s arm which protrudes from the wall, might be movable from one position to another. 
         [0017]    The decal or other device for simulating cracking or breaking of the wall, can be a solid disc or plate, but more preferably is provided by a clear, flexible plastic film having a mild adhesive for temporary attachment to the wall, without causing damage to the wall itself, or any existing wall covering. The cracking or breaking design can be printed on to the disc, plate or flexible plastic film, and typically, the disc, plate or plastic film will be provided around the outside of the visual element. 
         [0018]    For a round visual element (such as a soccer ball), the disc, plate or plastic film may have a generally circular shape, but for other visual elements, the shape and size of the disc, plate, or plastic film shape can change to match the shape and size of the visual elements. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the visual element is “life sized” so as to be essentially the same size as the actual device. For example, a soccer ball light would preferably have a soccer ball shell which is the regulation size of a soccer ball. 
         [0020]    The visual element can be manufactured from any suitable material depending on its intended use. These materials include wood, cardboard, paper, ceramics, metal or the like. Most preferably though, the visual elements are made from plastic materials which can be formed into the appropriate shape using any suitable technique. These techniques might include blow moulding, injection moulding, vacuum forming, or the like. 
         [0021]    Combinations of various material might also be used, and the visual elements can be painted, or otherwise coloured in order to provide realistic visual representations. When used as a light or nightlight, plastics are particularly preferred, particularly when all or part of the plastic material of the element is transluscent. 
         [0022]    The visual element can be attached to the wall using any suitable devices, including glue or other adhesives, screws, bolts, nails, wire, or any other suitable devices or materials. The attachment devices can be essentially permanent devices, or can be temporary such as in the case of the attachment of a seasonal product (for example). 
         [0023]    The functional feature is typically the incorporation of a light, to act as a light or nightlight, or a shelf or other holding device, such as a hook, hanger, basket, pocket, box or the like, or can incorporate various devices directly into the visual element itself, such as those electronic devices previously mentioned. In the case of a lighted product, the light can be any suitable light, including lights such as incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, compact fluorescent lights, LED lights or the like, which can be powered using household wiring, or through the use of replaceable or rechargeable batteries. The lighted product might also include multiple lighting elements, or may include multi-coloured light elements or features. 
         [0024]    Where necessary, the function feature can include direct control of features such as volume, channel, displays, or power on/off functions, but remote control of any or all of these functional features using suitable wireless technologies might also be incorporated. Additionally, the functional feature or device can include other devices such as light or motion sensors, to control its functions. 
         [0025]    The visual element is typically a standard image. However, the image might also be personalized for the particular user. This might include design elements from the user (e.g. the user&#39;s photographs), or information such as licence plate numbers, for the like, or can include stickers or decals for the user to customize the visual elements. The stickers or decals might also be changeable to suit the user&#39;s wishes. 
         [0026]    Further, while the present invention is preferable adapted to be attached to a wall, it might also be modified so as to be attached to a floor, or even more preferably, a ceiling of a room. Additionally, the device might also be attached to devices such as furniture such as doors, windows, desks, cabinets, dressers, tabletops, or the like. 
         [0027]    Additionally, other secondary visual elements can be included to add to the impact of the first visual elements. For example foam bricks or boards might be included in the area around the first visual element, in order to enhance the impression of the device coming out of the wall. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]    Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a soccer ball light showing a representation of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the soccer ball light of  FIG. 1 , showing additional details; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a fictional character representation, which includes a shelf and an electronic device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements. 
         [0033]    It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1  a soccer ball light  10  according to the present invention is shown. The soccer ball shell  12  is manufactured from a semi-circular, translucent plastic material. The soccer ball shell  12  is of regulation size for a soccer ball, and is coloured black and white so as to appear authentic. However, any suitable colour scheme or design might be used. 
         [0035]    Soccer ball shell  12  is mounted onto wall  14 , and around the perimeter of shell  12  is a decal  16  printed onto a clear, flexible, plastic film  18  which represents a series of cracks within the wall. In practice, decal  16  would preferably be applied to the wall first, and then shell  12  would be mounted approximately in the centre of film  18 . 
         [0036]    In  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that shell  12  protrudes from wall  14 , and is held onto wall  14  by attachment of ring  30 . Housed within shell  12  is a battery  20  which is connected to a series of LED light elements  22 . A wireless sensor switch  24  is provided which is operated by a remote control (not shown), or a motion sensor (not shown) so as to turn LED light elements  22  on or off, as desired. Sensor switch  24  also includes a timer element which automatically turns LED lights elements  22  off after a set period of time (e.g. 60 minutes). 
         [0037]    A standard light switch might also be used in place of the wireless sensor switch. 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 3 , a representation of a fictional character  40  is shown which includes portions of character  40  protruding from the wall  14 , surrounded by decal  16 A, on a film  18 A, which decal shows cracks and breaks within wall  14 . The head and upper torso  44  and one hand  46  of character  40  extend from wall  14 . Located with the palm of hand  46  is a shelf  48  adapted to hold an MP3 player, and wiring is provided within arm  46  to connect it to a multi-functional clock, radio, MP3 player  50  located on head  44 . 
         [0039]    A finger  52  extends from hand  46 , and can be used as a hook for hanging clothing or the like. 
         [0040]    Around the outside of decal film  18 A, other secondary visual elements in the nature of plastic brick representations might also be add to suggest that bricks have, or are, in the process of falling out of the wall. 
         [0041]    Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a three dimensional visual display element, which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0042]    Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 
         [0043]    Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. 
         [0044]    Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element. 
         [0045]    Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively. 
         [0046]    Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.