Abstract:
There is disclosed a modular display system for use in displaying memoribilia associated with various tales or stories both fictional and non-fictional. The modular display system generally includes a base member and an environmental member mounted on the base member. The environmental member represents the environment and time frame within which the story or tale takes place. One or more removable display members are provided to exhibit various pieces of memoribilia pertaining to the subject tale or story.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/351,973 filed on Jun. 7, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to modular display systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to modular and expandable display systems for displaying memorabilia associated with specific tales, stories, events and/or characters both fictional and nonfictional. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    As people become interested in people, places and events occurring throughout history or become enamored with stories and tales appearing in books and movies both fictional and non-fictional they like to acquire and display memorabilia associated with or representative of those historical events, stories and tales for the enjoyment or education of themselves and others. Over time, the amount of materials acquired and used in these displays can increase or change. 
         [0006]    As one becomes more involved in the historical tale or more modern novel or movie, new or additional materials relating thereto may become available or discovered. This can occur from the discovery of additional historical information such as news stories or new information found through manual or interne research, etc. New memorabilia may be marketed to promote the novel or movie. Thus, one may wish to increase the amount of items being displayed. 
         [0007]    Additionally, when dealing with movies or novels, sequels are often created introducing new elements such as characters or items used such as, for example cars, boats etc. Thus, one may wish to substitute, expand or change the elements being displayed. Further, the environments within which the tale takes place can change. For example, the settings within which the tale takes place can change from one to another such as from one room or building to another, from one town or city to another or even from one planet to another. Therefore, one may wish to change the environments being displayed as the tale progresses or to capture a particular moment in time. 
         [0008]    During the course of the owners displaying the items, the owner may wish to keep certain items set up and ready to be added and/or removed from the display depending on what the owner wishes to display and the audience the owner wishes to display to. 
         [0009]    Therefore, a need exists for a display system which is capable of being expanded as new elements become available or are discovered. Further, there exists a need for a modular display system capable of changing as new environments, characters and/or elements are created or changed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    There is provided a modular display system including a base member, an environmental member provided on the base member and depicting a theme and at least one display member removably attached to the base member. The environmental member is also removably attached to the base member and includes a wall and a shelf projecting from the wall. 
         [0011]    The wall of the environmental member has varying height sections and at least one opening through which the display member can be viewed. In one embodiment, the wall has an alcove for receipt of figurines or other memoribilia. 
         [0012]    The shelf of the environmental member includes an indicia plate to indicate the name of the tale being represented. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the at least one display member includes a shelf. In another embodiment, the at least one display member is a box. In still another embodiment, the at least on display member includes upper and lower display modules. In a still further embodiment, the at least one display member includes a banner. In yet another embodiment, the at least one display member includes a rotary table. 
         [0014]    The environmental member further includes a sensor to actuate various actions provided in the modular display system. The sensor may be a motion sensor, a heat sensor, a light sensor or other known type of sensor. 
         [0015]    There is also provided a modular display system for displaying memoribilia associated with a tale and including a base member and at least one display member removably attached to the base member. An environmental member is provided on the base member and depicts a medevil theme. The environmental member includes a forward shelf depicting a moat and a wall member including a draw bridge positioned over the moat. The wall member additionally includes at least one tower. In this embodiment, the environmental member and the at least one display member include stone wall facia. 
         [0016]    The modular display system further includes a figurine removably mounted on the environmental member and depicting a medevil character associated with the tale. 
         [0017]    There is further provided a method of displaying memoribilia associated with a tale. The method includes providing a base member and an environmental member provided on the base member and depicting a theme related to the tale. The method further includes providing at least one display member removably attached to the base member and positioning at least one element associated with the tale within the at least one display member. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Various embodiments of the presently disclosed modular display system are disclosed herein with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a modular display system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the modular display system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of another embodiment of a modular display system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed modular display systems will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate one embodiment of a thematic shelf or modular display system  10 . Modular displays system  10  is provided to exhibit various memorabilia associated with specific stories, tales and/or characters. Modular display system  10  serves as a background or backdrop for or against which the tale or story occurred and/or within which the character(s) performed, lived or operated. Modular display system  10  may be attached to a wall W, as described hereinbelow, or may be free standing. 
         [0024]    Modular display system  10  generally includes a base member  12 , a thematic representation or environmental member  14  and display members  16  removably mounted on base member  12 . Environmental member  14  may be formed integrally with base member  12  or may be detachable. An inscription or name plate  18  is provided on environmental member  14  and indicates generally the title of the tale or story or name of a character(s)  20  being displayed. As used herein, the term “character  20 ” refers to one or more specific characters and/or elements of the specific story or tale being told and represented. 
         [0025]    Environmental member  14  is provided to generally illustrate the environment within which character  20  is described or depicted in order to better allow a viewer to understand character  20 . For example, environmental member  14  allows a viewer to better appreciate the nature of the environment and time frame within which the story or tale takes place. Environmental member  14  may include, but is not limited to, medieval, ancient or modern cities, forested, urban or suburban landscapes, maritime or extraterrestrial environments, and the like, etc. and may have facia, as described in more detail hereinbelow, to give the proper “feel” to the setting. Environmental member  14  generally includes a forward shelf  22  and a wall section  24  extending upwardly from forward shelf  22 . 
         [0026]    Name plate  18  is removably provided on a forward edge  26  of forward shelf  22  and is attached by various known means such as, for example, magnetic, removable adhesive, etc. An upper surface  24  of forward shelf  22  serves as a level surface for displaying character  20 . Wall section  24  may have a constant or varying height sections, such as, first and second height sections  28  and  30 . One or more uprights, such as uprights  32  and  34  may be provided along wall section  24  to depict various environmental elements, such as, for example, towers, trees, buildings, masts, etc. 
         [0027]    Additionally, wall section  24  may include one or more openings  36  and  38  through which display members  16  can be viewed and one or more alcoves  40  within which character  20  can be displayed. Environmental member  14  may also include various sensors  42  to activate various visual, motion and/or auditory effects included in modular display system  10 . Sensors  42  may include sensors such as, for example, heat, motion, light, sound, etc. type sensors. This enables the various effects of modular display system  10  to be activated as an owner or viewer of modular display system  10  approaches it or a room light switch is turned on and off to illuminate modular display system  10 . For example, when sensor  42  is a heat sensor, the approach of an owner, such as a child, will be detected and operational components of modular display system will be automatically activated to the delight of the child. 
         [0028]    It should be noted that, while the main components of modular display system  10  are illustrated as being generally rectangular, other shapes are contemplated, such as, for example, oval, circular, sinusoidal, etc. to provide other types of three dimensional viewing of the displayed items. 
         [0029]    Display members  16  may include first, second and third display members,  44 ,  46  and  48 , respectively, attached to base member  12 . Display members  44 ,  46  and  48  are removably attached to respective longitudinally extending tracks  50 ,  52  and  54  formed in base member  12 . It should be noted that modular display system  10  can include more or less than three display members  16  and that display members  16  may be removably attached to base member  12  by other means, such as, for example, posts and holes, hook and loop fasteners, etc. 
         [0030]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2 , first, second and third display members  44 ,  46  and  48  include respective tabs  56 ,  58  and  60  which are received in tracks  50 ,  52  and  54  of base member  12 . Alternatively, display members  44 ,  46  and  48  may be positioned in the same or alternating tracks  50 ,  52  and  54  to achieve visual effects of varying depth. First display member  44  includes an upright wall section  62  having a peaked roof  64  and display shelves  66  and  68  projecting from wall section  62 . Display shelves  66  and  68  provide surfaces for displaying character  20  or other matter associated with the general theme of modular display system  10 . First display member  44  may also include a picture frame  70  for receipt of pictures or scenes specific to character  20  or general to the overall theme. 
         [0031]    Second display member  46  includes a shadow box enclosure  72  having a back wall  74  and a peaked roof  76 . Enlarged figurines of character  20  can be removably displayed within shadow box enclosure  72 . Alternatively, back wall  74  may be formed from a cork board like material to temporally support pictures, press releases, etc. associated to the theme or subject matter of modular display system  10 . A flag or pennant  78  may be provided on peaked roof  76  to display a title, time frame, geographic location, etc. of modular display system  10 . 
         [0032]    Third display member  48  is itself formed from removably attached modules such as upper and lower modules  80  and  82 . Upper module  80  includes a connecting display wall  84  and first and second cylindrical members  86  and  88 . First and second cylindrical members  86  and  88  include respective conical roofs  90  and  92 . A banner  94  may be supported between conical roofs  90  and  92  by poles  96  and  98 . Similar to back wall  72  of second display module  46 , connecting wall  84  can be used to display memorabilia associated with modular display system  10 . Likewise, banner  94  can present items, such as logos, titles, etc. 
         [0033]    Lower module  82  of third display member  48  includes a back wall  100  and a rectangular display shelf  102  projecting from back wall  100  for receipt of character  20 . Additionally, a rotary table  104  is provided on or within display shelf  102 . Rotary table  104  is provided to display figurines of character  20  and allow character  20  to be viewed from all sides. Rotary table  104  may be manually rotated or may be turned by a motor (not shown) activated by sensor  42 . Upper module  80  includes pins  106  and  108  which are removably received in respective holes  110  and  112  formed in back wall  100  of lower module  82 . Other structure such as, for example, tabs and slots, hook and loop fasteners, etc. may be utilized to attach upper and lower modules  80  and  82 , respectively. As shown, tab  60  projects downwardly from back wall  100  of lower module  82  to engage track  54  in base member  12 . 
         [0034]    As noted hereinabove, environmental member  14  may be removably connected to base member  12 . Pins  114  are provided to engage a series of longitudinally extending holes  116  formed in base member  12 . Environmental member  14  includes series of similarly oriented longitudinally extending upper and lower holes  118  and  120  to allow environmental member to be attached to base member in two different positions. When pins  114  are positioned in upper holes  118 , environmental member  14  is suspended in a low position ( FIG. 1 ) relative to base member  12  so as to allow a direct view of display members  16 . When pins  114  are positioned in lower holes  120 , environmental member  14  is in a raised position relative to base member  12 . This raised position can be desirable in situations where the viewer is directed to look at display members  16  through openings  36  and  38  in order to achieve a more three dimensional view of items displayed in display members  16 . 
         [0035]    Modular display system  10  additionally includes a hanging picture plate  122  for displaying an image of the “star” of the tale or story or of character  20 . Picture plate  122  includes a face  124  for receipt of the image and a frame  126  surrounding face  124 . Face  124  can be formed of a material allowing easy removal and exchange of the image. Picture plate  122  includes a hanger  128  which is removably attached to a hanger  130  extending from base member  12 . Hanger  128  can be attached to hanger  130  by various methods, such as, for example, magnetic attachment, static attachment, hook and loop fastener, etc. 
         [0036]    Base member  12  is attached to wall W by providing holes  132  in base member  12  and hanging base member on pins  134  inserted into wall W. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is disclosed a specific theme embodiment of a modular display system  150  embodying a medieval theme for displaying memorabilia associated with such historically well known medieval characters  152  as King Arthur, Richard the Lion Heart, Robin Hood, Dracula, fantasy characters, etc. Modular display system  150  generally includes a base member  154 , an environmental member  156  and display members  158 . It should be noted that the various components of modular display system  150  are substantially similar to those of modular display system  10  above and that the following description is directed to specific environmental adaptations of those components. 
         [0038]    Environmental member  156  includes a forward shelf  160  and a wall member  162 . Forward shelf  160  resembles a dry or water filled moat and wall member  162  has an opening  164  with a drawbridge  166  extending over the moat. Drawbridge  166  is attached to wall member  162  by cables  168  and can be raised and lowered manually or by motor (not shown). Wall member  162  has a plurality of uprights or towers  170 ,  172 ,  174  and  176  as would any respectable medieval castle. A sensor  178  is provided in forward shelf  160  to actuate drawbridge  166  as well as other motion, light and audible components. 
         [0039]    In order to get a realistic medieval feel, environmental member  156  is provided with a stone wall facia  180  about at least some of its outer surfaces. 
         [0040]    In this embodiment, environmental member  156  includes tabs  182  which are removable received within tab slots  184  formed in base member  154 . 
         [0041]    Display members  158  include first, second and third display members  186 ,  188  and  190  substantially similar to first, second and third display members  44 ,  46  and  48  described hereinabove with respect to modular display system  10 . Tabs  192 ,  194  and  196  extending from respective first, second and third display members  186 ,  188  and  190  are removably received in a longitudinal track  198  formed in base member  154 . 
         [0042]    To further provide a medieval “feel”, surfaces resembling thatch material  200  are provided on peaked roofs  202  and  204  of first and second display members  186  and  188 . Similarly, stone facia representations  206  are provided on various other surfaces, such as, for example, display shelves  208  and  210  of first and third display members  186  and  190 , respectively. 
         [0043]    Third display member  190  includes upper and lower display modules  212  and  214  similar to display modules  80  and  82  described hereinabove. Lower display module  214  may include a rotary table  216  for displaying character  152 . Upper display module  212  includes a tab  218  which is removably received in slot  220  formed in lower display module  214 . 
         [0044]    In this embodiment, third display member  190  includes a third or side display module  222  having a back wall  224  and a display shelf  226 . Side display module  222  is removably attached to lower display module  214  by a tab  228  extending from side display module  222  which is received in a slot  230  formed in lower display module  214 . Similar to other components described herein, side display module  222  has a stone facia  206  over some surfaces. While not specifically shown, side display module  222  may include swing doors to provide a cuckoo clock type presentation of memorabilia. 
         [0045]    Similar to modular display system  10  described hereinabove, modular display system  150  includes holes  232  formed in base member  154  to hang modular display system  150  on pins  234  inserted into wall W. 
         [0046]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the various display members may be attached to the base or each other by other methods, such as, for example, pins, hook and loop fastener, etc. Further, the disclosed display devices may include video. Additionally, other environmental factors may be provided, such as, for example, water or wind motion, etc. Still further, more or less or other types of display members may be provided including, for example, hollow or see through members, cylindrical members, etc. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.