Wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system

Abstract

A wall mounted, jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system configured to be attached to a wall and having a working mode and a storage mode, where in the working mode a working surface folds out from the wall providing a puzzle maker with a. working surface onto which a jigsaw puzzle may be assembled, end In the storage mode a securing member is placed onto the working surface and secured thereto, retaining the jigsaw puzzle pieces in their desired positions between the securing member and the working surface while the working surface is folded up into the storage system.

Description

WALL MOUNTED JIGSAW PUZZLE WORK SURFACE AND STORAGE SYSTEM;BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The activity of assembling Jigsaw puzzles has become an increasingly popular pastime in recent years as cite of the few activities that can be done alone or with others as an activity able to unite different generations, However, many homes no longer have the traditional working space for assembling jigsaw puzzles, namely, vacant formal dining room tables. Indeed, it is rare for the modem home to have any large, vacant flat working space to use for the assembly of jigsaw puzzles, other than, perhaps, a section of floor, In addition to the difficulties in finding a work space for the immediate assembly of jigsaw puzzles, there is also the temporal factor: that is, jigsaw puzzles, and especially larger or mote complex jigsaw pUZzk®, are rarely able to be completely assembled Ift one sitting* meaning that whatever wonk space has been found must be occupied by the partially assembled jigsaw puzzle for potentially lengthy periods of time, until the jigsaw puzzle has been completed or abandoned. The alternative is to move the incomplete jigsaw puzzle between assembly sessions, but that presupposes that there is another location that can accommodate fete Work, and also introduces the risk that the movement of the ^complete puzzle htay result fo accidental disassembly of some or even all of the jigsaw puzzle. Moreover, just the act of having to move a partially completed jigsaw puzzle at the end of one assembly session and then retrieving it before beginning the next assembly session increases the inconvenience of the activity and greatly detracts from the enjoyment of assembling the jigsaw puzzle.

[0002] For those who are fortunate enough to have dedicated work spades that can remain occupied by a partially assembled jigsaw puzzle for an ongoing period of time, the above described difficulties dp not apply , Rut for all others, then: is a need for a means of Obtaining a work spacefor assembling jigsaw puzzles and which are available for the period of time that is required to completely assembfe the jigsaw pur zlv.->, This need is especially dire in smaller living spates, such as studio apartments, where space is at a premium and dedicated jigsaw pu^fe assembly spaces are mt practical

[0003] Puzzle storage devices are known in the art, but these devices only address the problem of moving a partially assembled jigsaw puzzle between assembly sessions., A work space is still needed, and the transference of a partially completed jigsaw puzzle to a puzzle storage device and then from the puzzle storage device back to a work, space is time consuming and risks accidental disassembly, it also diminishes the likelihood of spontaneously engaging in assembly activi ty, or of short assembly sessions, because of the start up and take down time reqairemems.

[0004] It is therefore shown that there is a need for a spacewaviug jigsaw puzzle work station that can be readily accessed to provide a puzzle assembly work space when an assembly session is desired, and quickly put out of the way when the assembly session is completed. Moreover, there is a need for a jigsaw puzzle work station that ean quickly secure, an incompletejigsaw puzzle and safely store it sway with ail puzzle pieces secured in the locations where they were last placed, and just as quickly allow retrieval pf the Incomplete jigsaw puzzle with all pieces In the exact positions where they were previously placed,

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spaeswuving Jigsaw puzzle work station that is mountable to a wall.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a space-saving j igs w puzzle work station that comprises a fold out working surface suitable for assembling a jigsaw puzzle thereon.

[0007] h is w.t a hirthri object of the pte<nt math u tu piovtde .< puzzle work station that provides a securing means for securing jigsaw puzzle pieces opta the working surface once an assembly session is completed. so that the working surface can be .folded out of the way without disrupting the pheumeni of t he jigsaw puzzle pieces.

[0008] it is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a space-saving jigsaw puzzle workstation that ia aesthetically pleasing,

[0009] it is funbet object of the prccvta invention to prov ide n spaee-sas :ng jigeru puzzle work station that serves as a display device for a finished jigsaw puzzle,.

[0010] Other objects of the present invention Will be readily apparent from the deseriptiitti that follows.SU MMARY OF THE INEVENTION

[0011] The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of the present invention takes its inspiration from the so-called Murphy Bed” which is a space saying bed that folds Up against a Wall When it is ndt being used. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a wail mounted fame that when not in use is stored vertically against a wall out of the way, but when jigsaw puzzle assembly activity is desired a working surface folds away from the wall and provides a horizontal work space for jigsaw puzzle assembly, In addition to the frame, there is a working surface and a securing member. Ths working surface provides a convenient surface upon which to assemble a jigsaw puzzle. The securing member is placed onto the partially completed jigsaw puzzle when the assembly session is terminated, retaining the puzzle pieces in place and ready for storage. The Seutafog member has a compressible surfoce that faces the jigsaw puzzle pieces, arid when the securing member is placed onto the working surface and secured thereto, the compressible surface exerts a force against the jigsaw puzzle pieces so that movement of the working surface will not dislodge the jigsaw puzzle pieces from the posftions where they were last placed. The working surface can then be folded up and out of the way. The action of unlblding the working surface and removing the securing member from foe jigsaw puzzle pieces takes mere seconds, and the action nifrecm hig the jigsaw nuzzle pieces with tire sceurmg member and folding the working surface out of the way similarly takes mere seconds.:As a result, sponirmcous assembly sessions are encouraged, In addition to Its practicality, the wall mounted: jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of the present utvemion may be crafted m the manner of fine cabinetry, thereby providing m aesthetically pleasing addition to any living space.

[0012] I'hc piesetJt invention may also be used a5 adisphay dev ice nira p^riialK complexed or completed jigsaw puolw Depending cm the ccmfigiiratiom the jigsaw puzzle may be visible even when the working surface is folded up and out of the way. This can be achieved by having a transparent surface onto which: the jigsaw puzzle may be placed, ■with the jigsaw puzzle visible through this transparent surface.

[0013] ft is to he understood that the foregoing and fbllowing description of fee hwenfem is immided to be illustrative and exemplary rather than restrictive of the invention as claimed. These and other aspects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those Edited in the art after review of the entire specific atiem, accompanying Ogurea, and claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFigure 1. depicts a perspective view of eae embodiment of the ihvendon, whereby the frame comprises an upper frame and a feWr tram©, and further depicting the device in wcfrktag mode.

[0015] Figure TA depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of the invention, with the device depicted in storage mode. Portions of tlw fewer frame are shown in ghost line,[][6{ Figure 2B depicts a side plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure i with the device depicted transitioning from storage mode to working mode

[0017] Figure 3 depicts a side plan view of the embodiment of the invemkn shown mFigure 1, showing two separate means :fe retaining the device in working mode.|0018| Figure 4 depicts a perspective view of an alternative embodiment: of the invemfem whereby the frame does not comprise to upper frame, and further depicting the device in working mode and the securing member transitioning between working mode and storage mode,

[0019] Figure 5 depicts a pempcefee \ icw ofoneembs’diruentofthe working surfece, with a partially completed jigsaw pugde thereon as well as unassembled j igsaw puzzle pieces. Figure 6 depicts a front plan view of one embodiment of the lower frame, the working surface, and the Securing member, showing the securing member being placed onio the v,otl> tec s,nf,\ c u\i ,jp top ,'t the jigsaw pur '!c pucev and ilk wooing red to henvmaeed mm the lower frame.(0021] Figure 7 A depicts a perspective top view Of one embodiment of the securing, member{0022] Figure 7B depicts a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of the securing, member shown m Figure 7B.DETAILED DESCRIPTION DF I HE INVENTION[00231 In one embodiment, the wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system 1 of the present invention comprises a fame 1.00, a worki ng surface 200 j and a securing member 300. The feme 100 is comprised of a tower frame 120 and an attachment member 180. The frame 100 is configured to be secured to a wall 20 by the atachment member 180. The lower fame 120 is configured to support the working surface 200, The ■working surface 200 is cmt'gme i u» wippot one re him pg-rav. p rerfr pn <es ! ? < he IUJMW ptwle prtesw !1mav K either to the form of an incomplete jigsaw puzzle 10 or In the fimn of a completed j igsaw puzzle 10). The securing member 300 is configured to be placed onto the working sufaee 200.[0024|!he frame 100 has a storage mode arid a working mode. When the frame >00 is hi storage mode, the lower frame 120 is oriented substantially vertically. (See Figure 2A.) When the frame 100 is in working mode, the lower frame 120 is oriented substantially horizontally at a substantially ninety degree angle to the wall 20. (See Figure 3.) The frame 100 may also be neither to working mode nor storage nrad& but rather to transition fiw one mode to the other mode. (See Figure 2B. )|M251 'The securing member 300 is a tobstamiaOy rigid, sfibstafaally planar member configured to be placed onto the working surface 200 to secure one or more jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 to the working Surface 200 when ths frame 100 is in storage mode. The securing member 300 also secures one or more jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 to the worki ng surface 200 when foe frame 100 is in transition between storage mode and working mode. When the frame 100 Is in working mode, the securing member 300 is configured to be removable from the working surface 200, thereby uncovering any jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 that may have been placed thereon. Additionally,removing the securing member 300 from the working surface 200 allows jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 be placed onto and removed from the working surface 200,{0026] In one embodiment, the frame 100 Is further comprised of an upper frame 110. I lie upper frame 110 may be comprised of a pair of lateral sides i 12, a top side 1 M, and a bottom side 116, with the four sides of the upper frame 110 ferming a substantially rectangular structure having an interior space 118. (See Figure I ,) The upper frame i 10 may also have a back pand, where the back panel closes off the rectangular structure of the upper frame 110 and is oriented against the wail 20, The a pair of lateral sides 112, the tup side 114, the bottom side I 1& and the optional back panel may all be constructed from hardwood in the frwmet of fine finished cabinetry. Other materials: may also be used for these elements, such as metal, plastics, composites, and other mok'iials h.o nig ■mbstanlkd rigtom and Jumlnluv l(IO27| The upper frame 1 10 reconfigured to be secured to the wall 20 by the attachment member 180, See Figures 2A and 28,) Tbs attachment member 180 may be comprised of fasteners, such as nails or screws, which are placed through the upper frame 11.0 and into the wall 20, Alternatively, the attachment member 180 may comprise typical picture frame hanging: hardware as Is kno wn in the m.|0028j The lower frame 120 is pivotally attached to the upper frame 110 by a pivotal: attachment mechanism 140. (See Figure 4,) Tire pivotal attachment mechanism 140 may be comput'd of pivot ’astoucr pawsme through aligned aperture"- in the upper frame * hi and h’nci frame 120. Ih a preferred embodiments the pivotal attachment mechanism 140 comprises a frame hinge mechanism 142 that is beared within the interior space 118 of the upper frame 110 proximate to the bottom side 1 16 of the upper frame 1 Ito, (See Figure 1.) The frame hinge mechanism 142:may be a pair of lateral hinges . In another embodiment, the feme hinge mechanism 142 may be one or more piano hinges. In other embodiments, the frame hinge mechanism 142 may be different pivoting mecharfenis as are known in the art.|W29| The fewer frame 120 may be dimensioned such that when the feme 100 is in storage mode at least a portion of the lower frame 120 is located within the imeriox space 11 S of the upper feme 110. In some embodiment^, the lower feme 120 is dimensioned such that when the frame 100 is in storage mode the entirely of the lower feme 120 is located within the Interior space 1 1.8 of the upper feme U0< In alternative embodiments, the lower feme 1'20 is only partially retained within the- interior space 118 of the upper frame 110 when the feme 100 is in storage mode. (See Figure 2 A.) In the preferred embodiment, the lower frame 120 is reetangular. The l<iwer feme 120 may be partially or entirely retained within the inferior space 118 of the upper feme lit) by one or more retaining devices 130. Tfe retaining device HO may be aMch, a clasp, a hocksa hook arid loop fastener, a magnet: a chafe a cord, a rotating flange, any combination of one or more of the feregofeg, or any other devise or mechanism known in the an that is capable of retaining the lower frame 120 within the interior space 118 of the upper frame I Ml.[00301 The lower feme 120 may be retained: in a substantially horwntal orientation (thereby placing the feme 100 into working mode) by any number of means, In one embodiment utilizing a feme hinge mechanism 142, ths frame hinge mechanism 1.42 itself is configured to retain the lower frame 120 in a substantially horizontal orientation. This embodiment requires the feme hinge mechanism 142 to be very sturdy, and thus lateral hinges may be preferable to piano hinges. In another embodiment, at least a portion Of the bottom side 116 of the upper feme 1 10 extends outwardly in relation to thedateral sides 112 of the upper frame 110, This creates a shelf upon which a portion of the lower feme 120 rests when the feme 100 is in working mode. In yetanother embodiment the upper frame 110 may comprise one or more stop members 150, Each said stop member 150 is located on the bottom side I 16 of the upper frame 110 and extends outwardly therefrom, At least a portion of the lower frame 120 then rests on at least a portion of the one or more stop members 150 when the frame 100 is in working mode, In yet another embodiment, the stop members 150 may be pivoting, where they pivoted out from the bottom side 116 of the upper frame 100 only when it is desired to place the frame 10(1 into working mode, and when the frame 100 is not in working mode the stop members 150 may be pivoted So that they are located in their entirety below the bottom side 116 of the frame 100. (See Figure 3 ,) In yet another embodiment, the upper frame 11(1 comprises a cord 16:0 or light chain having a fixed length. One end of the cord 160 or chain is attached to one of the lateral sides 112 of the upper frame 110, and the other end of the cord 166 or chain U attached id a corresponding side of the lower frame 120. When the frame I'dU is not in ^Diking mode, the core: loti oi chum is SFKI, and when the huine 100 is in working mode the cord 160 or chain is extended to its bill length, thereby preventing the lower frame 120 from pivoting to an orientation beyond the horizontah (See Figure I) A second cord 160 or chain may be located on the opposite side of the ihtme 100 as the first cord 160 or chain, adding stability to the frame 100. In yet another embodiment, the upper frame fit) comprises an extendable slider 170. The extendable slider t ?0 has a first component and a second component, with the first component having a longitudinal notch and the second component having a projection configured to lit wi thin and slide along the slot of the first Component. One end of one of the components of the slider 170 is pivotally aitachsd to one of the lateral sides 112 m the appti frame 1 lu uxi one end ot die oiliv cnmpma'J of the didc; 1 fri ;s pivotal.} attached to a corresponding side of ths lo wer frame 120. When the franie 100 is not in working mode the piopxtion of the second comptmsut of the sliik-r 170 is located within the slot of the firstFlcomponent of the slider 170 at a» intermediate location such that the slider 170 is hot folly extended, and when the frame 100 Is in working mode the projection of the second component of the slider 170 is located at an ex treme end of the slot of the first component of the slider 170 such that: the -hder 170 is folly extended, thereby preventing the lower feme 120 from pivoting to an orientation. beyond the horizoniah A secund slider 170 may he located on the opposite side of the feme 100 ax the first slider 170. adding stability to the fame 100. Io yet other embodiments, cmrihinations of the foregoing means may be used, for example, the shelf formed by the bottom side 1 16 of the tipper frame 1 10 in combination with a pair of cords 160, Other rrteans for retaining the lower fame 120 in a horizontal orientation when the frame 100 is in working mode arg also contemplated by this invention,(0031 ] The lower feme 120 may have various coniigiiraiions, In one embodiment, the lower fame I 20 is sifostotiuliy platter and comprises a perimeter 122 and an interior portion 124 circumscnbed by the perimeter 122. The perimeter 122 may be defined by a pair of lateral sides and a frani side and a back side. In this ewfoodiment, the lower fame 120 is substantially rectangular, The sides of the lower feme 120 made be constructed of ths same materials as the upper frame i 10. (See Figure 14(0032] In one embodiment of the lower fame 120. the lower fame 120 comprises a base panel 126 located within its interior 124. The base panel 126 may be opaque, and made of the same materials as the sides of the lower foame 120, or it may be made of different materials. In one embodimettl, the base panel 126 is transparent. Where the base panel 120 is transparent, -an image may be placed upon it, foee down, so that the image: can be viewed through the transparent base panel 120 when the frame 100 is in storage mode. Alternatively, a completed jigsaw puzzle 10 may be placed face down on the transparent base panel 126, allowing M fo be viewed when the 1:2fame 100 is in storage mode. In some embodiments, the base panel 126 of the lower .frame 120 is removable front the lo wer fame 120, In, this embodfaent, tee fahovablc base panel 126 of the lower fame 120 acts as tee working surface 200 of the device 1. In another embodiment, a w icmowtolc base p awl I2o acte ,w the wmkmg ^mfacc fan[0033i hi yet another embodiment of the lower fame i 20, the Interior of the lower fame 120 has an opening- 127 in its botom. (See Figure 4.) That !§, there is- no base panel 126 located within the lower fame 12(1. In this embodiment, there may be an interior peripheral ledge 123 Within the lower fame 120 that extends onto the interior 124 of the lo wer fame 120. (See Figure 4.) The ledge 123 must be wide enough to sufficiently support the working surface 2(10 when the working snt&ce 200 is placed into the lower fame 120 within the interior 124 of the lower fame 120, The ledge 123 may be contiimous or diacontinuous.[Ihl34| In preferred embpdiments. the working Surface 200 U removable fam the tower fame 120, In these embodiments^ the working surface may comprise one m more peripheral handles 202 to fecilltate its removal fam the lower fame 120, (See Figure fa Alternately, the working surface 200 may comprise one pr mote peripheral notetes 204 to i.mlitate its removal fam the lower fame 120, (See Figure 5.)[(H)35| The working surface may be opaque, and made of the same materials as ilte sides of the hmet fame 120. or it ns?} be mace ot uifawm material-. lu auutbw eniheduncm tee working surface 200 is transparent. A transpareiit working surface 200 could be used in eonjunetfou with a transparent base panel 126. or where there is m base panel 120 and the interior of the lower fame 120 is opened, to allow for the display of a jigsaw puzzle 10. A completedjigsaw puzzle 10 may be placed face down on the transpareut working; surface 200, allowing it to be viewed when the frame 100 is in storage mode.|0036| Th® securing member 300 is asubstanttoHy rigid member that is dimensioned to fit emirate within the interior space H§ of the upper frame HO when the frame 100 is in storage mode. The securing member 300 may be attached to the upper frame HO by a securing hinge mechanism 310. The seeming hinge mechanism.310 may be a pair of hinges or one or mure piano hinges, or any other hinge mechanism known in the art. (See Figures 7 A and 7B<) In one embodiment, the securing hinge mechanism 310 may be located within the interior space US of the upper frame I 10 proximate to the botom side 1 lb of the upper frame 1 10, and it may be attached to mfr or both of the lateral sides of the upper frame 1 10, Alternatively, the securing hinge mechanism 310 may be atached to the optional back panel of the upper frame 1 10. In yet another embodiment, the securing hinge mechanism 310 may be attached to the lower frame 120, at a localion proximate to the pivotal atachment mechanism 140 ataching the lower frame 120 to the upper frame 110. In all of the foregoing embodiments, the securing member 300 is hingcdly attached to the frame 100, and is pivoted io cover or uncover the work surihee 200 and any jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 thereon. (See Figure 4.) In these embodiments, the securing member 300 may be partially or entirely retained within the interior space 118 of the Upper frame HO by one or mote retention devices. The retention device may bn a lately a clasp. a book, a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a chain, a eord, a rotating flange, any combination <af one or more of die foregoing, or any other device or mechanism known in the art that is capable of retaining the securing member 300 within the interior space 118 of the tipper frame 110, In embodiments where the lower frame 120 is atached directly io the wall 20, the hinged securing member 300 may be retained against the wall 20 by one or more retention devices as described herein.

[0037] In other embodiments, the securing member 300 is ftflly removable from the hams 100* (See Figure 0.) It may be placed onto the work surface 200 to cover or uncover the work surface 2Q0 and any Jigsaw pui^le pieces 1'2 thereon, and may be removed from the work surface 200.[(Hi38| to all embodiments, whether the securing member 300 is pivotally attached to the frame 100 or removable from the frame 100* the securing: member 300 must be able to be secured to the work surface 200, In one embodiment, where a .securing hinge mechanism 310 Is used, the lower frame 120 comprises a pair of pivoting, flanges 128, with each of the pivoting flange 128 being located on the lower Mm 120 at a location distal from the securing hinge mechanism 310. (See Figure 6.) The pivoting flanges 128 are tocated cm opposite sides of the tower frame 120 fem each other. Each pivoting flange 128 is configured to extend, -when pivoted, into the mfertor pvrh.cn 12-s{*i toe lower irame 120 .red mer the seumrg member 300 when the recutmg membcf 300 is placed onto working surface 200 wi thin the tower frame I 20. As such, each of the pair of pivoting flanges 128 presses down on the $ec-utiug:member 300 to firmly press the securing 'member 300 against the working surkteC 20u and any jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 located thereon. Each pivoting flange 128 can also be pivoted away from the securing member 300, thereby permitting the securing member 300 to be removed from the working surface 200 and any jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 located thereon. In one embudimeni* the pivoting flanges 128 are located on a top edge of the lower frame 120, In another embodiment, the pivoting flanges 128 are located on the outer member 302 of the securing member 300 and pivot to fit within horizontal grooves 129 tonned into the lateral sides of ths lower frame, (See Figure 4t sue also figure 7A), In embodiments where no securing hinge mechanism 310 is used, and th® securing member 300 is fully removable from the frame 100, a plurality of pivoting flanges 128 may be found on the lowerfeme 120, confi gured ax described above, and dispersed aboiit the perimeter of the lower feme 120; alternatively, a plurality of pivoting flanges 128 may be feund on the outer member 302 of the securing member 300, with corresponding grooves 129 located on the fewer frame 120. hi other embodiments, clamps dr other securing devices may be used to hold the securing member 300 firmly against the work surface 200.

[0039] In the pretertkd embodiment. the wwirnu. nmmber 3uo comprises a sufeantlalh rigid outer member 302 attached to a compressible iiiner layer 304. (See Figures 6, 7 A, and 7B.) The inner layer 304 is oriented towards the working surface 200 when the securing member 300 is placed thereon. When the feme 100 is in storage mode or when the feme 100 is in transition between storage mode and working mode, the Inner layer 304 of the securing member 360 is in contact with the working surface 200 and the one or more jigsaw pipsde pieces 12 placed onto the working surface 200. The outer member 302 of the .securing member 300 may be made of the same materials as the lower feme 120, or fem different materials. The inner layer 364 of the securing member 300 may be made of a compressible feam or plastic nuiferial. In one embodiment.: the inner layer 304 is removable and replaceable. hx the preferred embodiment, the inner layer 304 is air permeable, so that the placement of the securing member 300 onto the working surface 200 does not create undue air turbulence that might otherwise move the jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 fem their desired positions This air permeability may be a characteristic of the ns ueiuu from which tnc inner laser 304 w mace, or u may be the rc.Mih of h.n urn channcN im ued into the inner layer 304. In the most preferred embodimem, the securing member 300 turther comprises a non-stick contact layer 306 that is atached to the inner layer 304 of the securing member 300 on the surface- of the inner layer 304 opposite the outer member 302 of the securing member 300. (See Figure 7B.) The contact layer 306 of the securing member 300 is In contactwith the iigrow puzzle pieces 12 when the securing member 3UO is placed onto the woiking ■surface. The contact layer 306' acts to reduce the incidence of jigsaw puzzle pieces 12 sticking to the securing member 300 when the securing member 300 is removed from the working surface 200. The contact layer 306 may be made of a thin plastic film material or a fine mesh netting material, or other materials that have the property of minimizing attraction of the jigsaw puzzle pieces 12. In one embodiment, the contact layer 306 is removable and replaceable,:[0040[ In cmbfemwuU where the trame fe) dmre not u'uipiise an uppm invar, 1 U) the attachment member ISO of the frame 100 hmgedly attaches the lower feme 120 directly to the wall 20. (bee Figure 4.) In these embodiments, the attachment member 180 is the pivotal attachment mechanism .142, as described above. The pivotal attachment mechanism 142 may be attached to wadi studs by fewnera such ay screws or nails. The lower frame 120 Is held against the wall 20:wlren the frame 100 is in storage mode by the retaining device 130, as described above.[00411yet other embodiraents of the invention, the frame 100 may include one or more lighting devices located within the interior space I W of the upper frame 110, The cw or more lighting devices can be any appropriate lighting fixtures known in the art. including battery operated lighting, lighting connected to an external power supply, colored lighting, L.E.D. lighting, or any other known and useful lighting. The rise of lighting devices within the frame allows for the work surface 200 to be properly illuminated when the frame 100 is in working mode, regardless of the existing ambient light.[00421 These and other embodiments are contemplated by the present invention. While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, modifications can be made and other embpdiments may be devised without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A wall mounted jigsaw pu^le work mface and storage system, wd system comprising a frame, a working surface. and a seeurmg member.Wherein the frame is comprised of a fewer frame and an attachment member, the frame is configured to be secured to a wail by the attachment member, the fewer frame is configured to support the working surface, and die frame has a storage mode and a working mode, whereby when the frame is in storage mode the lower frame is oriented wibstamiaily verficaliy, and when the. frame Is in working mode the fewer frame is oriented substantially horizcmtallyt the working surface is a substantially rigid, substantially planar member configured to be placed onm the lower frame and is further configured to support one or more jigsaw puzzle pieces, said jigsaw: puzzle pieces forming either an incomplete jigsaw puzzle or a complied jigsaw puzzle: and the securing member is configured to be placed onto the working surface to secure the one or more jigsaw puzzle pieces to the working surface when the frame is m storage mode and when the frame is in transition between storage mode and working mode, and the securing member is further configured to be removable from the working surface when the frame is in working mode.

2. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 1. wherein the frame is further comprised of an upper frame, wherein the upper frame is configured to be secured to the wall by the attachment member, and Hie lower frame is p i votally attached to the upper frame by a pivotal attachment mechanisng1 The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 2, wherein the upper frame is comprised of a pair of lateral sides, a top side, and a bottom side, with the four sides of the upper frame forming a substantially rectangular structure having an interior space, and the tower frame is dimensioned such that when the frame is in storage mode at feast a portion of the lower frame is located within the interior space of the upper frame.4, The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the lower frame is retained wit hin the interior space of the upper frame wiR'it tlw frame w m Murage nufev b\ u K <>i more retuuwg desnxw 5. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 3, wherein the pivotal attachment mechanism attaching the lower frame to the upper frame is a frame hinge mechanism that is located within the interior space of the upper frame pwjdmate to the botom side of the upper frame.

6. I'lw W-T mounted iigsau pu' / le work sudaec and stouue -Sstem ut Jann T wherein the frame hinge mechanism retains the fewer frame in a substantially horizontal orientation when tile frame is in working mode.

7. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim L wherein the fewer frame is substantially planar and comprises a perimeter and an Interior portfen circumscribed by said perimeter.The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 7fwherein the lower frame further comprises a base panel located within the interior of the lower frame, said base panel configured to support tbs working surface when the working surface is placed onto the lower frame within the interior of the tower frame.

9. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim ifr wherein the base panel of the lower frame is opaque.

10. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim wherein the base panel of the lower frame is transparent.

11. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 8, wherein the base panel of the tower frame is removable from the lower frame.12, The wall mountedjigsaw puzzle work surface -and storage system of claimwherein the Interior of the tower frame is opened,IT The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 12, wherein the tower frame has an interior peripheral ledge which, extends Into the interior of the lower frame sufficiently to provide a support for the working surface when the working surface is placed into the tower frame within the interior of the -low frame.

14. The wail mounted j igsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim I , whetem the w&frig surface is removable fens the lower frame.

15. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzfe work surf tee and storage system of claim L wherein the working surface is transparent16. The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage sy stem of claim •§, whettin the securing member is a substantially rigid member atached to the upper frame by a Securing hinge mechanism that is kteited within the interior space of the upper frame proximate to the bottom side of the upper flame, whereby the securing member is dimcasioned to fit entirely within the interior space of ths upper flante.

17. The: wall mounted jigsaw puzzle wofk surface and storage system, of claim 2, wherein the securing member is a substantially rigid member atached to the lower feme by a sect's ng hinge mechanism that is located proximate to an end of the lower frame that is proximate to the pivotal attachment mechanism of the lower fame io the upper frame.1 S . The mil trtuun tod j igsaw puzzi e work surfee and storage ay stem of claim 17 > wherein the lower fame further comprises a pair of pivoting flanges, with each said pivoting flange located on a top edge of the perimeter of the lower flame distal from the location of the securing hinge mechanism and on opposite sides of the lower flame fam each other, and with each pivoting farnw comigured to extend into the mleiioi pottum of the kn-i IKUIIC and over tin wcurrng member when the securing member is placed onto working surface within the lower flanw, suchthat each of the said plurality of pivoting flanges presses the securing member firmly against the working surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces located thereon, and with each piloting iLmge ui?them ,vnlgmed to he msomd uwto nom the '-ecuitug member thereby permiting tlte Securing member to be removed ftoni the wiring surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces located: thereon.Ifl The wall mounted jigsaw purfe worksurface and storage system of claim 17, wherein the securing member -further comprises a pair of pivoting flanges, with each said pivoting flange located on an upper surface of the securing member distal from the location of the securing hinge mechanism and mi opposite sides of th© securing member -from each ether, and with each pivoting flange configured to extend into a cojtespouding groove fbtned into th© perimeter of the lower flattie when the securing member is placed unto working surface within the lower frame, such that each of the said plurality of pivoting flanges presses the Securing member firmly against the working surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces located thereon, and with each pi voting flange torther configured to be pivoted away hum the perimeter of the lower flame permitting the securing member to be removed from the working surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces located thereon.2(1, The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim U wherein the securing member is a substantially rigid member removably attached to the lowerffatmi.21 , The wall momited jigsaw pools work surface anti storage system of claim 20, wherein the lower frame ftirther comprises a plurality of pivoiing flanges, with each said pivoting flange located oil a top edge of the perimeter of the tower frame arid Configured to ex tend into the interior portion of the lower frame and over the securing member when the securing member is placed onw working surfece within the tower frame, such that each of the said plurality of pivoting flanges presses: the securing member firmly against the working surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces located thereon, and with each pivoting flange further configured to be pi voted away from the securing member thereby permiting the securing member to be removed front the working surface and any jigsawpuzzle pieces heated thereon.22, The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work. surface and storage system of claim 20, wherein the securing member further comprises a plurality of pivoting flanges, with each said pivoting flange located on the periphery of an upper surface of the securing member, and with each pivoting flange configured to extend into a corresponding groove formed into the perimeter of the lower frame ■when the securing member is placed onto working surface within ths lower frame, such that each of ths said plurality of pivoting flanges presses the securing member firmly against the working surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces .located thereon, and with each pivoting: flange birther configured to be pivoted away from the perimeter of the lower frame permitting the securing member to be removed from the working surface and any jigsaw puzzle pieces located thereon.23 ■ The waif mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 1. wherein the securing member h a substantially rigid member remocably attached to the working surface.

24. Tlie wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim I wherein the securing. member comprises a substantially rigid outer member attached to a compressible inner layer, with the inner layer oriented towards the working surface when the securing member is placed thereon, whereby the irtner layer of the securing member is in contact with ths one or mo» jigsaw puzzle pieces placed onto the working surface when the fame is in storage mode and when the fame is in fataifaa between storage mode and uuikmg mode,23. The wail mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 24, wherein the inner layer of the securi ng member is air permeable.26, The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surface and storage system of claim 24. wherein the securing member further comprises a nomstiek. contact layer that is attached to the inner layer of the securing member on a surface of the inner layer opposite the outer member of the securing member, whereby the contact layer of the securing member i s in contact wi th the one or mu re j igsaw puzzle pieces that may be located on the working surface when the securing member is placed onio the work, surface.27, The wall mounted jigsaw puzzle work surtece and storage system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member of the frame is a pivotal atachment mechanism, wherein the lower frame is pivotally attached to the wall by the pivotal attachment mechtaism.

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