Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the display and transport of war gaming models, and more specifically a modular display system having interchangeable display and design panels to present and configure gaming figurines for competition and exhibition.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/593,646 filed Feb. 1, 2012 entitled Interchangeable Modular Display and Carrying System which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the display and transport of war gaming models, and more specifically to a modular display system having interchangeable display and design panels to present and configure gaming figurines for competition and exhibition. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The general class of role playing games encompasses a wide genre of character driven games wherein players interact via proxy characters. One variety of role playing games are miniature model “skirmish” games in which players control competing/cooperative factions with the individual members of each faction represented by miniature models which interact on a game board providing a character interaction area having terrain or other diagrammatic features thereon. 
     Within the dynamics of the skirmish game, there may be a requirement that the models be positioned at specific locations to be displayed. Additionally, the miniature models may be intricately designed and painted with realistic, humanistic features or be phantasmagorical creations with limbs, body parts, weapons or other extensions that may be easily broken if not protected. The present invention is a game display board for such miniature models. 
     OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a modular display and carrying system that provides for positioning miniature models on a board and safely transporting them as required. 
     An object of the present invention is having an interchangeable display panel system that affixes to one or more handles to maintain the position of one or more miniature models and provide for transportation of the system while maintaining the position of each model. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide interchangeable panels of terrain or diagrammatic images for display and exhibition of miniature models. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide snap fit handles that integrate and interlock with the interchangeable panels. 
     Another object of the invention is the installation and removal of one or more handles without disrupting the position of each model within the playing surface of the display panel. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide multiple concentric shapes molded within one or more display panel designs to accommodate and secure miniature models having bases of various dimensions. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a magnetic sheet of various image designs that affix to the display panel to decorate and identify the system, or to present terrain or architectural structures within the context of a skirmish game. 
     A still further object of the invention is multiple grooves within the snap fit handles and struts along each edge of the interchangeable panel to provide a secure rigid connection of the handles to the interchangeable panels to maintain a level alignment and prevent folding or bending of the panel. 
     These and other features, advantages and improvements according to this invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Several embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of a prior art of a modular display board for display of miniature models; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system having a concentric shape design panel; 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the further embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system having a concentric shape design panel; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of an embodiment a left and right handles of an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system; 
         FIG. 5A  is an elevation view of the interior side of an embodiment of the handle in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system; 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of an embodiment of the handle in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system; 
         FIG. 5C  is an elevation view of the exterior side of an embodiment of the handle in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the interlocking struts along the edge of the interchangeable panel in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display panel. 
         FIG. 7A  is a left side view of an embodiment of the interchangeable panel in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display panel. 
         FIG. 7B  is a top view of an embodiment of the interchangeable panel in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display panel. 
         FIG. 7C  is a right side view of an embodiment of the interchangeable panel in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display panel. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the interchangeable panel and handle in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the interchangeable panel and handle in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system showing the placement of models into the concentric shapes of the display panel. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system showing the placement of models into the concentric shapes of the display panel. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an interchangeable display panel and carrying system of an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system and a variable terrain sheet that adheres to the display using magnets; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system with a first embodiment of a variable terrain design sheet; and 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system with a further embodiment of a variable terrain design sheet. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The prior art of  FIG. 1  shows a modular display board  1  disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. D653,707 to Filip having a one or more display panels  2  that are mated along a center line  3  and placed within a frame  4 . The frame may have a cutout  5  on one or more sides to serve as a handle to support the display while carrying. The upper surface  6  is configured with an embossed terrain  7  to provide for the placement of miniature models  8  and  9  within a diagrammatic scene. During skirmish games the models, miniatures or game pieces are positioned in a specific location within a coordinate system and are directed towards a single model or group of models to determine distance, power, vulnerability or other characteristics that define the outcome of competitive battles within the parameters of the game. Tactical moves, skirmishes and battles may take several hours or days to complete and a requirement of mobility may be required over such long periods of time. 
     Importantly, in moving one or more game display boards or panels, the location of one or more game pieces in relation to all other game pieces is critical to maintain, in order to pause and resume the game at a precise point in time. Additionally the exhibition of a set of game pieces to show the strength of a competitor prior or during a match or simply a display for aesthetic value may be required to be transported to move the pieces to a game board, panel or field of play. 
     The present invention as shown in  FIG. 2  discloses an interchangeable display system  10  that secures the positions of models on a display panel  12  that is easily transportable using preformed handles  14 . In a first embodiment, the display panel  12  may be rectangular in shape with a lengthened side  13  and a shortened side  15  for the attachment of the handle  15 . In further embodiments, the display panel may be triangular, circular or of any shape with the handles  14  positioned appropriately to accommodate the skill and diagrammatic requirements of a particular skirmish game or other competition. The display panel  12  has an upper surface  17  that may be embossed with a terrain  19 , or be detailed with colorful images or designs  21 . In further embodiments, intricate patterns, floor plans, three dimensional structures or other features may be affixed to the display panel  12 . The display panel  12  and sides may be decorated with team names, logos or other information. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A  the panel  12  may have a first series of single level concentric shapes  16  and multi-level concentric shapes  23  to accommodate the different sizes of the bases  18  of various miniature models  8 . In a first embodiment, the circular design shape mates with the model base  18  to keep the model  8  from slipping across the board during play or transportation. The multi-level concentric shapes  23  provide a multi-tier  25  to provide for models of various sizes to fit within the same position depending upon the game parameters and needs of the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the interchangeable modular display and carrying system includes the display panel  12  and one or more handles  14  to support and transport the system. The shortened side  15  of the display panel  12  has a first edge  27  that extends out from the panel  12  to extend over a handle support  29  that provides a series of grooves  22  that interlock with the panel  12  as described herein. 
     The handles  14  as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are ergonomically shaped with a rounded portion  24  that is easily cupped by the palm of the hand and or the thumbs of the user to hold and carry the display system  10  in a stable manner. A wide opening  26  is provided to easily fit a user&#39;s hand through the opening and lift the system  10  without disrupting or knocking over the models or objects within the display. The opening  26  is formed from two lateral extensions  33  that angularly extend from the base  35  of the handle  14 . The extensions  33  are formed in an upper curve that has a front portion  37  that creates the smooth rounded upper surface  24  and a rear portion  39  that supports the palm of a hand along the lower surface  41  of the handle  14 . Rounded edges  43  may be formed where the lateral extensions  33  curve, extend parallel to the base  35  and meet to form the handle  14 . The rear surface  45  of this parallel extension may also be rounded. 
     An inner section  47  of the base  35  of the handle  14  may be level with the handle support  29  or be slightly raised to more easily balance a display panel  12  filled with model figurines  8  and  9 . The series of grooves  22  within the handle support  29  may be evenly spaced with a flat surface  49  formed between each groove to support the display panel  12 . Between the base inner section  47  and the handle support  29  a lip or channel  51  may be formed that in a first embodiment may mate with an opposing lip or channel  53  formed on the display panel  12  as shown in  FIG. 6 . When the panel  12  and handle pieces  14  are interlocked, the edge  55  of the shortened side  15  of the panel  12  and the outer edge  59  of the panel struts  57  abut a rear flat surface  61  of the handle support  29 . An inner surface  63  of the panel  12  abuts the front surface  65  of the handle support  29 . 
     An elevation view showing the interior of the handle is shown in  FIG. 5A . The grooves or slots  22  within the handle support  29  extend a distance d from the handle support surface  49  which is approximately ½ to ¾ of the height h of the support  29 . Importantly, a plurality of grooves  22  are formed within the handle support  29  each at a limited distance w apart from one another. The plurality of grooves  22  mate with the plurality of struts  57  that are formed on the display panel  12 . By minimizing the distance w between each groove  22  and mating strut  57 , support for the display is strengthened and any deflection, twisting, or bending of the panel  12  is minimized even under substantial loads from multiple metallic or other heavier material models or figurines located on the game board surface  17 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the channel  51  within the handle support  29  extends a distance m that is substantially ½ or ¾ of the total height h of the handle support  29  to properly secure the lip  53  of panel  12  within the channel  51 . The curved rear edge  45  of the handle and rounded upper portion  24  is also shown. The rear view of the handle  14  shown in  FIG. 5C  displays the wide opening  26  for a hand to easily slip through properly grasp the upper rounded portion  24  and securely grip the handle  14  to properly support a fully loaded display panel  12 . 
     A portion of the display panel  12  is shown  FIG. 6  with the plurality of struts positioned along the shortened side  15  of the panel  12 . As described herein, the distance m between each strut is comparable to the distance m between the handle grooves  22  to minimize any rotation or twisting of the panel  12  under a load. A series of smaller concentric shapes  16  and larger multi-level concentric shapes  23  each with multi-tiers  25  are also shown on the surface  17  of the panel  12 . As shown in the side views of  FIGS. 7A and 7C  and the top view of  FIG. 7B , the multi-tiers  25  are cut into the panel  12  at different diameters and depths to create a series of shelves for a base  18  of a model  8  or  9  to be placed within and secure the model to the panel thereby restricting movement and reducing the risk of the model toppling over. Any number and design of shapes may be formed within the top surface  17  of the panel  12  to accommodate the base and support designs of various model figurines. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8A , the panel struts  57  align with the handle support  29  and interlock the display panel  12  and handle  14  with the short distances between the struts  57  and grooves  22  to provide superior support strength and prevent the display panel from bending or twisting under heavy loads. Importantly, in an embodiment of the interchangeable modular carrying system, a single handle may be installed or removed by sliding the handle into place and then supporting the display panel on the handle without disrupting the location of the models within the playing surface of the display panel. As shown in  FIG. 8B , a model  9  is positioned within a concentric shape  16  that matches the base  18  of the model  9 . A model  8  with a smaller base  18  may be positioned in the smaller concentric shape  16  as shown. The concentric shape is dimensioned with a minimal tolerance between the base  18  and the concentric shape  16  or  23  to secure the model in the position with a releasable frictional fit to prevent disruption of the position of the model during game play and in transport of the interchangeable modular display and carrying system. 
     A collection of models of different configurations positioned within the concentric shapes is shown in  FIG. 9 . As an example, the panel  12  may be configured to accept models of miniature toys from 25 mm to 28 mm designed for table top wargames or be able to accept much larger based models within a multitier  67  that surrounds a number of other concentric shapes. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the interchangeable panel  72  may be of any format shape  72  that accommodates the base  74  of the model  79  with the interchangeable modular system  10  providing for the modular attachment of the square shape format panel  72  to the handle  14  to interlock with the panel  72  and provide structural support for gameplay and transport. As described herein, the handle  14  attaches to the modular panel  72  by providing a series of slots or grooves  22  dimensioned to mate with a series of struts  57  on the panel  72 . Based on the dimensions and types of models used fewer struts  57  may be provided on the panel  72  and be mated with less than the total number of grooves  22 . Each groove  22  aligns and interlocks the panel  72  to the handle  14  providing support translaterally across the panel to prevent folding or bending of the panel  12  thereby securing each model in an upright position. The grid design of display panel  72  may be used to match the shape of square tokens or other playing pieces that are specific to a particular game or activity. Other uniform designs may be used or one or more mixed and matched designs with each configuration of panel  12  interlocking with the handles  14  to provide an interchangeable display system  10  that can be supported and carried from one gaming location to another without disruption of the models and or pieces on the panel  12 . 
     The panel  12  and handles  14  may be made of any sturdy composite such as plastic, polycarbonates, ceramics or metals depending upon the size requirements of the playing field and other game parameters and considerations. In a further embodiment, the panel  82  may have one or more rare earth or other magnets  80  affixed to or secured within the panel  82  to provide a magnetic surface for the attachment of metal or magnetic based miniature models. The magnets  80  may further be positioned at locations along the edge or across the interior of the panel as shown in  FIG. 11 . Design pattern sheets  84  that match the panel configurations may provide textured surface  86  or scenes, terrain or architecture within the context of the game dynamic. The design pattern sheets  84  may be formed from metal or magnetic sheets that have one or more printed images and that may be placed over the display panel  82 . The design pattern sheet  84  may also have cut outs to provide for aligning the design pattern with the concentric shapes  16  and  23  of the panel  82 , providing for a miniature model to be inserted through the affixed design pattern sheet  84  and be inserted in the appropriate shape. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the design pattern sheet  84  lays flat and is secured on the panel  82  using the magnets  80 . The magnets  80  also provide for the design pattern sheet  84  to be easily removed and replaced with another design pattern sheet  88  having a differently patterned surface  90  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The pattern surfaces may display an artistic work of a scene or terrain, a logo, a team name, or a pattern such as wood grain, metal and or other colorful design. 
     While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.