GB2032785A - Securing models to surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

One or more models e.g. soldiers 10 are mounted on one or more support surfaces by means of the interaction of hooks 12 with a fabric. Groups of models can thus conveniently be moved around as units, without reducing the ability to vary the composition of the units when desired, which is particularly useful in wargaming. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to models The invention relates to models, and particularly to models for use in wargaming such as models of military personnel and equipment.

During wargaming, very large numbers of models such as model soldiers are arranged on a playing surface in any desired number of groups and configurations. This can be a time consuming exercise and during the course of the game the soldiers may need to be moved about and rearranged, which can be even more time consuming. The model soldiers are frequently very small and a considerable amount of manual dexterity, our a lot of patience, is required to arrange them neatly in the desired groups and configurations and to rearrange the groups and configurations as necessary.

I have realised that the handling of such models during wargaming would be much simpler and more convenient if the models could be secured together into groups, so that each group can be moved about as a unit, and can also be stored as a unit between games. However I have also realised that it would be unsatisfactory for the models to be permanently secured together, since users of the model may wish to remove certain models from a group, or add other models, at the beginning of a game or during the course of a game. Furthermore, they may wish to make up different sizes of groups for different games.

The invention provides a model having a plurality of small hooks on its underside such that when the model is pressed on to a fabric or a fabric-coated surface, the model releasably adheres to the surface.

The invention enables any desired number of models to be releasably secured in a group to a piece of fabric or fabric-coated surface of any desired size, in any desired configuration. Models can be removed or added as desired, the configuration can be changed as desired, and when it is desired to move the group of models, the group can be moved around or stored as a single unit.

The underside of the model may be provided with a hooked pile such as is used in a Velcro (Registered Trade Marks fastener.

The invention includes a model and a support surface, the model being releasably mounted on the support surface by the interengagement of a plurality of small hooks with a fabric. For example the model may be releasably mounted on the support surface by means of a Velcro fastener.

There may be a plurality of models each releasably mounted on the same support surface, so that the plurality of models can be moved about as a single unit.

A plurality of support surfaces may be provided, each for use in supporting a group of models.

The or each support surface may be such that it can be cut to any desired shape, e.g. using scissors.

The or each support surface may be fabric-coated, the hooks being provided on the or each model.

Preferably the or each model comprises a model soldier or other member of military personnel, or an item of military equipment, e.g. a cannon, tank or other armament.

By way of example, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of model soldier according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a group of soldiers mounted on a playing surface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The model soldier shown in Figure 1 comprises a plastics moulding comprising a figure portion 10 and a rigid rectangular base 11. Secured to the underside of the base 11 by means of adhesive is a layer of material having a hooked pile 12. When the model is pressed downwardly on to a fabric or a fabric-coated surface, the hooked pile grips the fabric in the manner of a Velcro fastener, so that the model is securely held in position, but can readily be removed when desired.

As shown in Figure 2, the use of the material having hooked pile 12 enables groups of similar models to be mounted on a fabric-coated support surface 13.

The surface 13 shown in Figure 2 is of sufficient size to accommodate twelve of the models shown in Figure 1, although for the sake of clarity only six are actually shown attached in Figure 2, and for four of these models, only the bases 11 are shown.

It will be appreciated that since the model soldiers can be secured together in groups which can be moved or stored as a single unit, the initial setting up of an army of soldiers, and re-deployment of the army during a wargame, is greatly simplified.

Groups of any desired size and configuration can be built up, but the sizes and configurations can be changed if desired by removing models from the support surface and re-positioning them.

A plurality of support surfaces may be provided of different shapes and sizes. Alternatively or in addition the support surfaces may be such that they can be cut to any desired size and shape, for example using scissors. Each support surface may comprise a relatively rigid support member such as a sheet of cardboard or thin plastics material, at least the upper surface of the support member being fabric-coated.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For instance in the group of models secured to a support surface as shown in Figure 2, the upper surface of the support surface 13 may be provided with the hooks, the undersides of the bases 11 of the models being fabric-coated.

A further advantage of models according to the invention is that when the models are assembled into groups, and are subsequently moved about or stored as groups, the amount of handling received by each individual model is reduced. The models are therefore less prone to damage. Such models are frequently painted and the models will be less vulnerable to having paint rubbed off. Existing models receive much handling, and are usually held by the head, and the paint on the head is particularly prone to being rubbed off.

Claims (10)

1. A model having a plurality of small hooks on its underside such that when the model is pressed onto a fabric or a fabric-coated surface, the model releasably adheres to the surface.

2. A model as claimed in Claim 1, in which the underside of the model is provided with a hooked pile such as is used in a Velcro fastener.

3. A model and a support surface, the model being releasably mounted on the support surface by the interengagement of a plurality of small hooks with a fabric.

4. A model as claimed in Claim 3, in which the model is releasably mounted on the support surface by means of a Velcro fastener.

5. A model as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, in combination with one or more other models each releasably mounted on the same support surface, so that the models can be moved about as a single unit.

6. A model as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 5, in which a plurality of support surfaces, each for use in supporting a group of models.

7. A model as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 6, in which the or each support surface is such that it can be cut to any desired shape.

8. A model as claimed in any one of Claims 3 to 7, in which the or each support surface is fabric-coated, the hooks being provided in the or each model.

9. A model as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the or each model comprises a model soldier or other member of military personnel, or an item of military equipment, e.g. a cannon, tank or other armament.

10. A model constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.