Modular game board tile and kit for making a modular game board comprising such tiles
The modular tile system with a base, decoration, and cover module connected by magnets allows quick and stable game board setup with minimal components, addressing setup time, stability, and cost issues in role-playing games.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2025156115
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-05
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-06
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing role-playing game boards are cumbersome to set up, unstable during play, and require numerous interchangeable tiles to change environments, leading to high costs and space requirements.
A modular tile system comprising a rigid base module, interchangeable decoration module, and transparent cover module, connected by magnets for stability and ease of assembly, allowing quick configuration changes without altering terrain topology.
Enables rapid setup of stable game boards with minimal components, facilitating easy environment modifications and reducing the number of required game elements, thus lowering costs and space needs.
Smart Images

Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of board games, in particular paper role-playing games and board games played on a board, and relates more particularly to a modular tile for a game board and to a kit for producing a modular game board comprising such tiles.
[0002] The paper-based role-playing game is played on a board that represents the location of the action. Accessories are added, such as pawns to move around the board, figurines, dice, etc.
[0003] During different role-playing sessions, it is desirable to make different game boards depending on the location of the action, for example a game board representing a river, a game board representing a hill, a game board representing a dwelling, etc.
[0004] It is known to make such game boards from three-dimensional cardboard game pieces that must be constructed before the game begins. For example, French patent FR811899 A describes the production of such game pieces by folding sheets or portions of sheets of paper or thin cardboard colored appropriately so as to give the set piece the desired appearance.
[0005] However, building such game pieces significantly increases the preparation and setup time of the game. In addition, during the game, such game pieces tend to move relative to each other or be unstable, so players must be careful when playing, especially when rolling dice or moving figures on the board, so as not to inadvertently destroy the game board, and thus cause an interruption of the game.
[0006] Game boards are also known, made from interlocking bricks like Lego ® bricks. Such a board has the advantage of being able to be modulated by changing the arrangement of the bricks to represent different game worlds.
[0007] However, during the game, adding or removing certain bricks, for example forming a wall or part of a building, may require dismantling the bricks nested within them. However, during a role-playing session, it is often necessary to modify the built environment. As a result, such a game board presents a difficulty of use during the game.
[0008] It is also known to produce such game boards from a set of tiles, such as the tiles disclosed in US patent application US20060033273 A1. This application describes a game board, in particular a role-playing game board, produced from a plurality of interchangeable rigid tiles having various shapes and dimensions, such as floor tiles, wall tiles, stair tiles, etc., respectively forming part of a floor, a wall, a staircase. These tiles comprise connecting means between tiles making it possible to selectively and removably assemble adjacent tiles and to ensure a substantially rigid configuration of the board. These connecting means may be male and female fixing elements or magnets integrated into the tiles. In order to allow the creation of a more realistic game environment, each tile has an aesthetic or decorative finish, such as a texture or a pattern.This finish is printed or formed onto the tile, so that each tile is made up of a single piece.
[0009] Therefore, the pattern or decoration of each tile is permanent and irremovable. Changing the game environment therefore involves replacing each tile with another tile. Therefore, to be able to offer various worlds or game environments, it is necessary to have a very large number of game elements or tiles, which implies high associated costs and a significant bulk.
[0010] Therefore, the prior art solutions proposed for role-playing game boards still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.
[0011] The present invention aims in particular to enable the production, for a paper role-playing game on a board or a board game, of various three-dimensional game boards from tiles, and to solve the problems indicated above, by proposing an improved tile which is interchangeable quickly and easily, making it possible to produce a stable game board in a reduced time and making it possible to modify the configuration and / or the universe of the game board quickly, easily, at lower cost and with a reduced number of game elements.
[0012] Thus, the present invention relates to a modular tile for a game board, in particular for a paper role-playing game board and a board game board, which tile is characterized by the fact that it comprises: a base module formed by a rigid three-dimensional body comprising a lower support portion and an upper support portion secured to the support portion; a decoration module comprising a visible face having a pattern or decoration and a support face opposite the visible face, the decoration module being configured to removably cover the support portion of the base module, with the support face facing and in contact with the support portion; and a transparent cover module configured to removably fit onto the base module and to cooperate with the entire visible face of the decoration module so as to sandwich the decoration module between the base module and the cover module and to hold the decoration module according to the shape of the support portion.
[0013] It will be easily understood that such a tile makes it possible to replace the decor module with another decor module presenting a different pattern or decor, and therefore to propose a different terrain and a different environment by reusing the same base module and the same cover module, without however modifying the topography of the terrain, such as for example the presence of inclined slopes, vertical elements, stairs, etc., which as such is defined by the support parts of the base modules, the support parts being intended to come into contact with the surface on which the game board will be placed.
[0014] The decor modules will therefore advantageously present various patterns or decors, such as patterns or decors of rivers, paths, vegetation, house floors, etc.
[0015] It is emphasized here that the present invention is not limited to a particular geometric shape of the body of the base module and non-limiting examples will be described in more detail in the description below.
[0016] It is also emphasized that the support face of the decoration module may be in direct or indirect contact with the support part of the base module. In other words, it would be possible to interpose an element, such as for example a protective interlayer sheet, between all or part of the support face of the decoration module and the support part.
[0017] Generally speaking, the support part of the base module defines a plane intended to rest on the surface on which the game board will be placed.
[0018] The support part may for example comprise a side envelope extending generally vertically from the support part and a top which surmounts said side envelope, opposite the support part, and is intended to carry the visible face of the decorative module. The top may for example be formed by an upper wall and the side envelope may for example be formed by flat side walls extending between the upper wall and the plane defined by the support part. This upper wall may comprise one or more panels, parallel to the plane defined by the support wall or inclined relative to it, of various shapes, for example square or rectangular or triangular, flat or rounded, and the side envelope may comprise any number of side walls, in order to have various shapes, in particular a staircase shape, a slope, a rounded corner, a paving stone, etc.
[0019] A support part could also be provided which is, for example, hemispherical.
[0020] Preferably, the base module carries, at least at its support portion, a connecting means for removably connecting said base module to other base modules, which connecting means comprises, for example, at least one magnet arranged in a recess made in the base module.
[0021] Such a magnetic connecting means allows simple, rapid and reliable assembly and separation of several tiles. In other words, such magnetic connecting means allow a game board to be configured in a relatively short time while ensuring a certain rigidity and stability of the board thus produced. In addition, such a connecting means allows tiles to be assembled or separated as many times as desired. Furthermore, the arrangement of each magnet in a recess made in the base module, for example in a region of the support part which will be opposite the support part of the adjacent base module, makes the connecting means invisible and unsuspected once the tiles are assembled.
[0022] Each recess can be a circular section recess receiving a cylindrical magnet.
[0023] Of course, other means of removable connection can be provided instead of magnets, such as clips as described below.
[0024] Preferably, the decor module is formed by a blank of deformable material, in particular paper or cardboard, preferably a blank having a main part and end flaps each extending from a respective side of the main part, each end flap being capable of being folded around a fold line separating it from the main part, the main part and the folded end flaps having the same shape and dimensions as the support part of the base module.
[0025] Such a decorative module is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and easily interchangeable. The material used, paper or cardboard, allows for easy folding.
[0026] The scenery module could be formed by a blank of material printed on both sides, so that each of its two faces has a different pattern or decoration. Thus, the same scenery module could be used to create different game environments.
[0027] The base module could be full.
[0028] However, advantageously, the body of the basic module is a hollow body.
[0029] The support part can thus be formed by a free edge of the base module and the support part of the body of the base module can, for example, accommodate reinforcing ribs.
[0030] According to a particular embodiment, the decor module and the cover module are made of a material that allows light to pass through and at least one region of the support part of the base module is arranged to be capable of allowing light to pass through, and at least one light source is received in the hollow body of the base module and arranged to emit light through said at least one region of the support part of the base module.
[0031] For example, said at least one region of the support portion of the base module is capable of passing light because at least the support portion of the base module is made of a light-transmitting material. Alternatively, for example, said at least one region could be formed by a through-hole provided in the support portion of the base module.
[0032] The or each light source may, for example, be a battery-powered light-emitting diode with an on / off switch, all of which are housed in the hollow body.
[0033] The said material allowing light to pass through could be a transparent or translucent material, for example.
[0034] The use of light source(s) will offer players the possibility, for example, of playing in a dark room to create an eerie, mysterious, horrific, etc. atmosphere, an atmosphere in which the light sources will be able to contribute, while not affecting the players' ability to see the game board, the figurines, etc.
[0035] The body of the basic module is advantageously a single piece, but as a variant it can be formed of several pieces connected to each other, in a detachable manner or not.
[0036] Preferably, the cover module is capable of fitting onto the base module, preferably by elastic deformation fitting.
[0037] This way, the decor module is fully protected while remaining perfectly visible.
[0038] Advantageously, the base module and the cover module are made of plastic.
[0039] Alternatively, the base module could be made of another rigid or semi-rigid material, for example wood or metal.
[0040] The present invention also relates to a kit for producing a modular game board, in particular a paper role-playing game board or a board game board, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of modular tiles as defined above, the set of scenery modules of said plurality of tiles, called the first set of scenery modules, being capable of forming, once the tiles are placed next to each other, a playing surface whose scene is continuous.
[0041] A "continuous scene" means a place where the action takes place and which forms a coherent environment.
[0042] Preferably, the kit further comprises at least one second set of decor modules configured to at least partially replace the first set of decor modules and capable of forming, once the tiles are joined to each other, a playing surface whose scene is different from the scene represented by the first set of decor modules.
[0043] Thus, it will be understood that the production of N different game boards requires having a kit comprising a set of base modules, an associated set of cover modules, and N associated sets of different scenery modules. It is therefore not necessary to have a large number of base modules and associated cover modules for the production of numerous game boards, which is advantageous in terms of costs and space requirements. It is also emphasized that said N associated sets of scenery modules can share the same scenery modules, such that the total number of scenery modules to produce N different game boards can be less than N.
[0044] Advantageously, each set of decor modules comes in the form of a set of flat sheets comprising decor module blanks to be cut and folded.
[0045] The supply of the decor modules in the form of a set of flat sheets makes it possible to produce decor modules of various sizes and shapes and presenting various patterns or decorations with reduced space requirements during transport and marketing of the kit.
[0046] Preferably, the kit further comprises one or more decorative accessories, each accessory comprising a two-dimensional insert portion configured to fit between two adjacent tiles and a protruding portion extending from the insert portion, the protruding portion having a given shape and pattern.
[0047] The protruding part may or may not be three-dimensional. When the protruding part is made of a deformable material, it may be possible for the players to bend it to obtain a three-dimensional shape.
[0048] Preferably, each decorative accessory is made of paper or cardboard.
[0049] For example, the shape and pattern of the protruding part are such that the decorative accessory represents a tree, a fence, a hedge, a rock, etc.
[0050] It is emphasized here that players can also simply place other decorative accessories on the game board, without the latter including an insertion part intended to fit between two adjacent tiles. These other decorative accessories can, for example, also be obtained by folding.
[0051] The kit may further comprise one or more clips, preferably made of plastic, configured to allow mechanical assembly between two base modules. For example, for the production of a solid structure, such as a wall or bridge, the clip has a U-shaped cross-section and the space between the two wings opposite the U is configured to receive two contacting side walls of two base modules assembled in the same plane.
[0052] The kit may further comprise one or more supports, the or each support being capable of supporting a tile above a surface on which said support is intended to be laid.
[0053] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0054] On these drawings: [ Fig. 1 ] is an exploded perspective view from above of a modular tile according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view from below of the base module of the tile of the Figure 1 ; [ Fig. 3 ] is a perspective view of a base module according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig. 4 ] is a perspective view of a base module according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig. 5 ] is a perspective view of a base module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig. 6A ] is a perspective view of a base module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [ Fig. 6B ] is another perspective view of the base module of the Figure 6A , showing its interior; [ Fig. 7 ] is a top perspective view of various decor modules according to the present invention; [ Fig. 8 ] shows a set of sheets of the kit according to the present invention, which comprise at least one set of decoration modules to be cut out; [ Fig. 9A ] shows a first type of tile assembly clip; [ Fig. 9B ] shows a second type of tile assembly clip; [ Fig. 9C ] shows a third type of tile assembly clip; [ Fig. 10A ] shows two tiles joined by a clip of the Figure 9A ; [ Fig. 10B ] shows two tiles joined by a clip of the Figure 9B ; [ Fig. 10C ] shows three tiles assembled by a clip of the Figure 9B and a clip of the Figure 9C ; [ Fig. 11A ] shows a tile holder; [ Fig. 11B ] shows a tile supported by a support of the Figure 11A ; [ Fig. 11C ] shows two supports of the Figure 11A superimposed and on which a tile is mounted; [ Fig. 12 ] shows examples of decorative accessories of the kit according to the present invention; and [ Fig. 13 ] shows an example of a game board made from a kit according to the present invention.
[0055] If we first refer to the Figure 1 , it can be seen that a modular tile 1 is shown there according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tile 1 comprises three separate modules 2, 3, 4 capable of being mounted in a removable manner, namely a base module 2, a decorative module 3 and a cover module 4.
[0056] The base module 2 is intended to be placed on a support, for example a game table, and to support the decor module 3 and the cover module 4.
[0057] The base module 2 is in the form of a three-dimensional body and here is a single piece. For reasons of cost, stability and durability, the base module 2 is preferably made of rigid plastic.
[0058] The body of the base module 2 generally comprises a support part 20, here defining a lower plane, and a support part here formed by an upper wall 21 opposite the plane defined by the support part 20 and flat side walls 22 orthogonal to said plane and extending between said plane and the upper wall 21.
[0059] In the embodiment of the Figures 1 et 2 , the basic module 2 is a hollow body, the upper wall 21 of which comprises a single upper panel of square section and the side walls 22 of which comprise four side panels of rectangular section each extending from one side of the upper panel and orthogonally to it. The support part 20 is therefore formed by the free edge of the four side panels, which all belong to the same plane. The interior space 23 delimited by the side walls 22 and the top wall 21 is provided with a central cylindrical reinforcing rib 24 from which extend four radial planar reinforcing ribs 25. The central rib 24 extends from the inner face of the top panel and each radial rib 25 extends between the inner face of the top panel 21, the central rib 24 and one of the side panels 22. The radial ribs 25 are angularly offset from each other by 90 degrees.
[0060] The base module 2 here carries a removable connecting means 5 to other base modules 2, preferably a magnetic connecting means 5. Such a connecting means allows assembly between several tiles 1 by simply bringing the base modules 2 into contact.
[0061] In the embodiment of the Figures 1 et 2 , this connecting means 5 is carried by the side walls 22 and comprises, for each side wall 22, a pair of magnets 50. Each magnet 50 is arranged in a recess 51 made in said wall 22 and opening onto the outer face of the module 2. On each side panel, the two recesses 51 are located at the two ends of said panel. Each recess 51 has a cylindrical shape, the magnet 50 received in said recess 51 also having a complementary cylindrical shape.
[0062] If we refer to the Figures 3 à 5 , it can be seen that the base module 2 could have other shapes and dimensions. Similarly, the number of magnets 50 as well as their location can vary depending on the configuration of the base module 2. It will be noted that the magnets 50 are omitted on the Figures 3 à 5 to allow visualization of the recesses 51 in which the magnets 50 are received and held.
[0063] For example, the basic module 2 shown in the Figure 3 has a rounded outer corner shape. This module 2 has side walls 22 comprising two side panels each having a right-angled triangular section, orthogonal to each other, and connected to each other by their side opposite the right angle, a support part 20 comprising a single lower panel of right-angled triangular shape extending from the sides adjacent to the right angle of each side panel and whose side opposite the angle is rounded. The upper wall 21 also comprises a single upper panel of rounded and convex shape extending from the side forming the hypotenuse of the side panels to the rounded side of the lower panel. Each side panel has two recesses 51, made in the vicinity of the right angle, and intended to each receive a magnet 50. Recesses 50 receiving magnets 51 can also be provided at the three corners of the lower panel, on the outer face side of the lower panel.
[0064] Alternatively, the basic module 2 shown in the Figure 4 corresponds to half of the basic module 2 shown on the Figures 1 et 2 . This basic half-module therefore has an upper wall 21 comprising a rectangular upper panel, side walls 22 comprising four rectangular side panels and a support part 20 comprising a rectangular lower frame formed by the free edges of the four side panels. This half-module may be hollow and comprise a single reinforcing rib (not visible) extending between the inner faces of the two large side panels and dividing the interior space into two equal parts. Each large side panel comprises two recesses 51 for a pair of magnets 50, while each small side panel comprises only a single recess 51 for a single magnet 50.
[0065] The basic module 2 shown on the Figure 5 has an internal wedge shape. This basic module 2 has a support part 20 comprising a lower panel of square section, side walls 22 comprising two adjacent side panels of rectangular section and two adjacent side panels of triangular section. The upper wall 21 then comprises two triangular upper panels, namely a first upper panel extending from the upper edge of the rectangular side panels and therefore parallel to the lower panel, and a second panel extending from the upper edge of the rectangular side panels and therefore sloping. Each triangular side panel can carry a pair of magnets 50, while the rectangular side panels carry three magnets 50, the recesses 51 being regularly spaced in the vicinity of the upper edge.
[0066] The basic module 2 could have other configurations not shown, for example a slope shape comprising an inclined plane top panel and three side panels including two opposing triangular side panels and a rectangular side panel, or even a staircase shape, or be hemispherical.
[0067] If we now refer to the Figures 6A And 6b, it can be seen that, according to a particular embodiment, the base module 2 has at least one through hole 26 in the upper wall 21 and a light source 27 is received inside the base module 2. The light source 27 may for example be a light-emitting diode 28 positioned so as to emit light through the through hole 26 and powered by a battery (not shown) mounted in a housing 29 fixed to the upper wall 21, on the inside. A switch may advantageously be provided to allow the user to turn the light source 27 on and off.
[0068] To take advantage of the light emitted by the light source 27, the decorative module 3 and the cover module 4 may be made of a material that allows at least part of the light to pass through, such as, for example, a transparent or translucent material.
[0069] It is emphasized here that the basic module 2 with through hole 26 and light source 27 may be of a geometric shape other than that illustrated in the Figures 6A And 6B , and for example of the same shape as those illustrated on the Figures 3 à 5 , or be other forms.
[0070] Likewise, it is also possible to provide several light sources 27 in a single base module 2, possibly with several through holes 26. It is also possible not to provide a through hole 26, but instead to make at least the upper wall 21 of a material that allows at least part of the light to pass through, such as for example a transparent or translucent material.
[0071] Decor module 3 allows you to define the decor of tile 1 and is intended to be placed on base module 2 and to cover it in a removable manner.
[0072] The decoration module 3 here comprises a main part 30 of the same shape and the same size as the upper wall 20 of the base module 2, and end flaps 31 separated from the main part 30 by a fold line 32 and having the same shape and the same size as the side walls 22 of the base module 2. Thus, as can be seen in the Figures 1 And 7 , in the case of a basic module 2 square as shown in the Figures 1 et 2 , the decoration module 3 comprises a main part 30 of square shape and four end flaps 31 of rectangular shape.
[0073] The face of the decoration module 3 intended to come into contact with the outer face of the base module 2, in other words the face directed towards the inside of the decoration module 3, is the support face. The face of the decoration module 3 opposite the support face, in other words the face directed towards the outside of the decoration module 3, is the visible face. The visible face has a pattern or decoration printed, painted, drawn or otherwise represented. These patterns and decorations can be varied, and colored or not. For example, with reference to the Figure 7 , this decoration can represent a type of ground, such as a wooden floor, a green space, a section of path, a section of river, etc., but also a type of wall or roof or any landscape.
[0074] Since the decoration module 3 is interchangeable, it is preferably made of paper or cardboard. In particular, as can be seen in the Figure 8 , the decorative module 3 is formed by a blank of paper or cardboard cut from a sheet 6 comprising several decorative modules 3 to be cut, and folded along the fold lines 32. The support face could also have a pattern or decoration which could be exposed to the outside by folding along the fold lines 32 in a direction opposite to the folding making it possible to direct the visible face towards the outside. It will be noted that the thickness of the decorative module 3 is chosen such that the decorative module 3 does not prevent the magnetic connection between the magnets 50 of adjacent base modules 2.
[0075] The cover module 4 is intended to cover the decoration module 3 in order to allow its removable positioning on the base module 2 and allows the decoration module 3 to be protected while leaving it visible.
[0076] The cover module 4 is made of a transparent material, in particular transparent plastic.
[0077] If we refer again to the Figure 1 , it can be seen that the cover module 4 here comprises an upper wall 40 from each side of which extend flat side walls 41. The shape of the upper wall 40 corresponds to the shape of the main part 30 of the decorative module 3 to be covered. The dimensions of the upper wall 40 correspond to the dimensions of the main part 30 and to the thickness of the end flaps 31. The shape and dimensions of the side walls 41 correspond to those of the end flaps 31 of the decorative module 3 to be covered. Thus, the cover module 4 is capable of covering the entire visible face of the decorative module 3. In the mounted state of the tile 1, the free edge of the side walls 41 is advantageously flush with the lower wall 20 of the associated base module 2 and with the free edge of the associated decorative module 3.
[0078] The cover module 4 is preferably configured such that it is capable of being fitted onto the base module 2, preferably held against the visible face of the decoration module 3 by elastic fitting onto the base module 2. Such elastic fitting is a simple, economical and rapid assembly means. For example, the cover module 4 may comprise a projecting region, such as an inwardly folded edge, capable of fitting after slight deformation thereof into a complementary region of the base module 2.
[0079] Thus, in the assembled state of the tile 1, the decorative module 3 is interposed between the base module 2 and the cover module 4, the base module 2 being completely concealed by the decorative module 3.
[0080] As can be seen on the Figure 13 , the tile 1 according to the present invention is intended to be used for the production of a modular game board 10, such as a role-playing game board. Such a game board 10 is produced from a kit comprising a plurality of modular tiles 1 of various shapes and dimensions and having various patterns or decorations. The tiles 1 can be supplied in the assembled state, namely with the base module 2, the associated decoration module 3 and the associated cover module 4 mounted in a removable manner, or in separate modules 2, 3, 4 to be assembled.
[0081] For the production of a game board 10, for example a game board 10 representing a path in the middle of hills similar to that of the Figure 13 , the tiles 1 should be positioned relative to each other so as to form the desired scene. For example, the tiles 1 whose decor module 3 exhibits a path pattern are placed next to each other, and automatically assemble together by simple contact between the magnets 50 of the adjacent base modules 2. The tiles 1 whose decor module 3 exhibits a hill pattern are placed above the tiles 1 forming the terrain and are oriented so as to create slopes and allow magnetic assembly between the tiles 1 . Once the initial game board 10 is completed, a game session can begin, with players placing their figures 7 on the game board 10 and moving them onto the upper wall 40 of the hood modules 4.
[0082] During the game session, players can easily and quickly modify the appearance of the terrain formed by the game board 10 by removing, adding or moving one or more tiles 1.
[0083] At the end of a game session, the players may wish to modify the scene formed by the game board 10, for example by replacing the scene representing a path in the middle of hills with a scene representing a river. In this case, they simply have to remove the cover module 4 from the desired tile(s) 1, then replace the scenery module 3 with another scenery module 3 of the same shape and dimensions as the scenery module 3 to be replaced, but with a different pattern or decor. Thus, the creation of a new game board 10 representing a completely different scene simply requires having another set of scenery modules 3, the base modules 2 and cover modules 4 of the initial board 10 being reused.
[0084] As can be seen on the Figure 8 , the new set(s) of scenery modules 3 may be provided in the form of a set of flat sheets 6 to be cut and folded. Each sheet 6 comprises several scenery module 3 blanks to be cut, for example six blanks. The players then simply have to cut the blanks, then fold them along the fold lines 32 and position them on the base module 2 of corresponding shapes and dimensions. Advantageously, a terrain change pattern requires the assembly of seven scenery modules 3 having seven different types of patterns. This makes it possible not to give the impression that the patterns follow the grid of the tiles 1 in the case of tiles 1 of square section.
[0085] The kit may further include decorative accessories 8 cut from sheets 6 of paper or cardboard. As can be seen in the Figures 12 And 13, each accessory 8 here has a two-dimensional shape corresponding to that of a landscape element and has a pattern on at least one of its two faces. Such an accessory 8 can represent a tree, a rock, a road sign, a barrier, etc. As can be seen in the Figure 12 , each accessory 8 comprises a two-dimensional insertion portion 80 configured to be inserted between two adjacent tiles 1 and a projecting portion 81 extending from the insertion portion 80. Each accessory 8 is intended to be positioned vertically, in other words, parallel to the side walls of the tiles 1 between which it is inserted. Thus, such decorative accessories 8 make it possible to further improve the visual rendering and the immersion of the players.
[0086] It is emphasized here that the projecting part 81 may be three-dimensional, and if necessary also obtained by folding.
[0087] As can be seen on the Figures 9A , 9B et 9C , the kit may further comprise plastic assembly clips 9, 9', 9" respectively configured to allow assembly between two base modules 2. The clip 9 has a U-shaped cross-section to allow assembly between two base modules 2 juxtaposed and located in the same plane, as illustrated in the Figure 10A . For assembly between two base modules 2 arranged at right angles, as shown in the Figure 10B , the clip 9' may have two U-shaped wings 9'a each capable of pinching, against a main parallelepiped part 9'b, a side wall 22 of the base module 2 from the support part 20 of the module 2. For assembly between three base modules 2 to form a U, for example to create a balcony, as illustrated in the Figure 10C , the tiles 1 forming the wall and the floor can be assembled using a 9' clip, and the tile 1 forming the balcony can be assembled to the tile 1 forming the wall by a 9" clip, which has a 9"a right-angle profile whose free edges are extended by two 9"b elastic returns shaped to each press one of the side walls 22 of a tile 1 against the 9"a right-angle profile.
[0088] As can be seen on the Figure 11A , the kit may further comprise supports 11 each capable of supporting a tile 1, as illustrated in the Figure 11B The height of the supports 11 can be variable and in particular makes it possible to position the upper wall 40 of a tile 1 of square section at the same level as the upper wall 40 of a slope-type tile 1. It is also possible to superimpose several supports 11 on top of each other and mount the tile 1 on the highest support 11, as illustrated in the Figure 11CEach support 11 is configured to cooperate with the support part 20 of the base module 2, and possibly with the reinforcing rib(s) 24, 25 of this module 2.
[0089] To produce various game boards 10, the base modules 2, the cover modules 4, the decorative accessories 8, the supports 11 and the clips 9, 9', 9" of the initial kit can be reused at will. Only the scenery modules 3 need to be changed to produce another scene. Thus, it is sufficient to have a small number of base modules 2 and cover modules 4, and several sets of scenery modules 3, which are compact and inexpensive, to produce several game boards 10.
[0090] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational and non-limiting purposes, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. Modular tile (1) for game board (10), in particular for paper role-playing game board and board game board, which tile (1) is characterized by the fact thatit comprises: - a base module (2) formed by a three-dimensional body comprising a lower support part (20) and an upper support part (21, 22) secured to the support part (20); - a decoration module (3) comprising a visible face having a pattern or decoration and a support face opposite the visible face, the decoration module (3) being configured to removably cover the support part (21, 22) of the base module (2), with the support face facing and in contact with the support part (21, 22); and - a transparent cover module (4) configured to fit removably onto the base module (2) and to cooperate with the entire visible face of the decor module (3) so as to sandwich the decor module (3) between the base module (2) and the cover module (4) and to hold the decor module (3) according to the shape of the support part (21, 22).
2. Modular tile (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the base module (2) carries, at least at its support part (22), a connecting means (5) for removably connecting said base module (2) to other base modules (2), which connecting means (5) comprises, for example, at least one magnet (50) arranged in a recess (51) made in the base module (2).
3. Modular tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that the decoration module (3) is formed by a blank of deformable material, in particular paper or cardboard, preferably a blank having a main part (30) and end flaps (31) each extending from a respective side of the main part (30), each end flap (31) being capable of being folded around a folding line (32) separating it from the main part (30), the folded main part (30) and end flaps (31) having the same shape and dimensions as the support part of the base module (2).
4. Modular tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the body of the basic module (2) is a hollow body.
5. Modular tile (1) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the decor module (3) and the cover module (4) are made of a light-transmitting material and at least one region (26) of the support portion (21, 22) of the base module (2) is arranged to be capable of letting light pass through, and that at least one light source (27) is received in the hollow body of the base module (2) and arranged to emit light through said at least one region (26) of the support portion (21, 22) of the base module (2).
6. Modular tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the cover module (4) is capable of fitting onto the base module (2), preferably by fitting by elastic deformation.
7. Kit for making a modular game board (10), in particular a paper role-playing game board or a board game board, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of modular tiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the set of decorative modules (3) of said plurality of tiles (1), called the first set of decorative modules (3), being capable of forming, once the tiles (1) are placed next to each other, a playing surface whose scene is continuous.
8. Kit according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that it further comprises at least one second set of decor modules (3) configured to at least partially replace the first set of decor modules (3) and capable of forming, once the tiles (1) are placed next to each other, a playing surface whose scene is different from the scene represented by the first set of decor modules (3).
9. Kit according to claim 8, characterized by the fact thateach set of decor modules (3) is in the form of a set of flat sheets (6) comprising decor module blanks to be cut and folded.
10. Kit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by the fact that it further comprises one or more decorative accessories (8), each accessory (8) comprising a two-dimensional insertion portion (80) configured to be inserted between two adjacent tiles (1) and a projecting portion (81) extending from the insertion portion (80), the projecting portion (81) having a given shape and pattern.
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