Modular tiles for playing boards and kits for creating modular playing boards including such tiles

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular tile (1) and a kit for constructing a game board comprising several tiles (1). The tile (1) comprises a rigid, three-dimensional base module (2) including a support portion and a bearing portion (21, 22); a decorative module (3) comprising a visible face displaying a pattern or decoration and a support face opposite the visible face, the decorative module (3) being configured to removably cover the support portion (21, 22), with the support face facing it; and a transparent cover module (4) configured to removably fit onto the base module (2) so as to sandwich the decorative module (3) between the base module (2) and the cover module (4) and to hold it in place according to the shape of the support portion (21, 22). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: MODULAR TILE FOR GAME BOARD AND KIT FOR MAKING A GAME BOARD MODULAR PLAY SET INCLUDING SUCH TILES

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of board games, in particular paper role-playing games and board games, and relates more particularly to a modular tile for a game board and to a kit for making a modular game board comprising such tiles.

[0002] Tabletop role-playing games are played on a board that represents the location of the action. Accessories are added to it, such as pawns to move on the board, figurines, dice, etc.

[0003] During different role-playing sessions, it is desirable to create 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 produce such game boards from three-dimensional cardboard game pieces that must be assembled 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 to give the finished piece the desired appearance.

[0005] However, constructing such game pieces considerably increases the preparation and setup time. Furthermore, during gameplay, such game pieces tend to move relative to one another or be unstable, so players must be careful during the game, especially when rolling dice or moving figures on the board, to avoid inadvertently damaging the game board and thus interrupting the game.

[0006] Game boards made from interlocking bricks of the Lego® type are also known. Such a board has the advantage of being modular, allowing the arrangement of the bricks to represent different game worlds.

[0007] However, during gameplay, adding or removing certain bricks, for example forming a wall or part of a building, may require dismantling the bricks embedded within them. Yet, during a role-playing game session, it is often necessary to modify the constructed environment. Therefore, such a game board presents a difficulty in use during gameplay.

[0008] It is also known to make such game boards from a set of tiles, such as the tiles disclosed in the US patent application US20060033273 A1. This application describes a game board, particularly for role-playing games, made from a plurality of interchangeable rigid tiles of various shapes and sizes, such as floor tiles, wall tiles, stair tiles, etc., forming respectively part of a floor, a wall, and a staircase. These tiles include means for connecting them together, allowing adjacent tiles to be selectively and removably joined and ensuring a substantially rigid configuration of the board. These means for connecting them may be male and female fasteners or magnets integrated into the tiles. To enable the creation of a more realistic gaming environment, each tile has an aesthetic or decorative finish, such as a texture or pattern. This finish is printed or molded onto the tile, so that each tile is made from a single piece.

[0009] Consequently, the pattern or design of each tile is permanent and cannot be changed. Changing the game environment therefore requires replacing each tile with another. As a result, to offer diverse game worlds or environments, a very large number of game elements or tiles are necessary, which entails high associated costs and significant storage space.

[0010] Consequently, 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 creation, for tabletop paper role-playing games or board games, of various three-dimensional game boards from tiles, and to solve the problems indicated above, by proposing an improved tile which is quickly and easily interchangeable, allowing a stable game board to be created in a short time and allowing the configuration and / or universe of the game board to be modified quickly, easily, at lower costs 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 in that it comprises: - a basic module formed by a rigid three-dimensional body comprising a lower support portion and an upper support portion integral with the support portion; - a decorative module comprising a visible face displaying a pattern or decoration and a support face opposite the visible face, the decorative module being configured to removably cover the support portion of the basic module, with the support face facing and in contact with the support portion; and - a transparent hood module configured to fit removably 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 hood module and to hold the decoration module according to the shape of the support part.

[0013] It will be easily understood that such a tile makes it possible to replace the scenery module with another scenery module presenting a different pattern or design, and thus to offer a different terrain and a different environment by reusing the same base module and the same hood module, without however modifying the topography of the terrain, such as the presence of inclined slopes, vertical elements, stairs, etc., which 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 decorative modules will therefore advantageously feature various motifs or decorations, such as motifs or decorations of river, path, vegetation, house floor, etc.

[0015] It is emphasized here that the present invention is not limited to a particular geometric shape of the body of the basic module and non-limiting examples will be described in more detail in the description below.

[0016] It is also noted 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 a protective interlayer sheet, between all or part of the support face of the decoration module and the support part.

[0017] In general, 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 portion may, for example, comprise a side envelope extending generally vertically from the bearing portion and a top that surmounts said side envelope, opposite the bearing portion, and is intended to bear the visible face of the decorative module. The top may, for example, be formed by a top wall, and the side envelope may, for example, be formed by flat side walls extending between the top wall and the plane defined by the bearing portion. This top wall may comprise one or more panels, parallel to the plane defined by the bearing wall or inclined with respect to it, of various shapes, for example, square, rectangular, or triangular, flat or rounded, and the side envelope may comprise any number of side walls, in order to present various shapes, including a stepped shape, a slope, a rounded corner, a block, etc.

[0019] A support part could also be provided which is, for example, hemispherical.

[0020] Preferably, the base module carries, at least at the level of its support part, a linking means for removably connecting said base module to other base modules, which linking means comprises, for example, at least one magnet disposed in a recess made in the base module.

[0021] Such a magnetic fastening means allows for the simple, quick, and reliable assembly and separation of several tiles. In other words, such magnetic fastening means make it possible to configure a game board in a relatively short time while ensuring a certain rigidity and stability of the resulting board. Furthermore, such a fastening means allows tiles to be assembled or separated as many times as desired. Moreover, the placement of each magnet in a recess made in the base module, for example in a region of the support section that will be opposite the support section of the adjacent base module, renders the fastening means invisible and undetectable once the tiles are assembled.

[0022] Each recess can be a circular cross-section recess receiving a cylindrical magnet.

[0023] Of course, other means of removable connection may be provided instead of magnets, such as clips as described below.

[0024] Preferably, the decoration module is formed by a blank of deformable material, in particular paper or cardboard, preferably a blank having a main part and end flaps extending each from a respective side of the main part, each end flap being able to be 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 from a blank of material printed on both sides, such that each of its two faces presents a different pattern or design. Thus, the same scenery module could be used to create different game environments.

[0027] The basic 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 decoration module and the hood module are made of a light-transmitting material and at least one region of the support part of the base module is arranged to be suitable for transmitting light, and at least one light source is received in the hollowed-out body of the base module and arranged to emit light through said at least one region of the support portion of the base module.

[0031] For example, said at least one region of the support portion of the base module is capable of transmitting 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 light source or sources can, for example, be a battery-powered LED with an on / off switch, all these elements being received in the hollowed-out body.

[0033] Said light-transmitting material may 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 unsettling, mysterious, horrific atmosphere, etc., an atmosphere in which the light sources can participate, 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 alternatively it can be formed of several pieces connected to each other, in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0036] Preferably, the hood module is able to fit onto the base module, preferably by elastic deformation fitting.

[0037] Thus, the decoration module is fully protected while being perfectly visible.

[0038] Advantageously, the base module and the hood module are made of plastic material.

[0039] Alternatively, the basic 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 making 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, referred to as the first set of scenery modules, being able to form, once the tiles are joined together, a game surface whose scene is continuous.

[0041] The term "continuous scene" means a location in the action where the game takes place and which forms a coherent environment.

[0042] Preferably, the kit further includes at least a second set of scenery modules configured to at least partially replace the first set of scenery modules and capable of forming, once the tiles are placed side by side, a surface of game whose scene is different from the scene represented by the first set of scenery modules.

[0043] Thus, it will be understood that creating N different game boards requires a kit comprising a set of base modules, a related set of hood modules, and N related sets of different scenery modules. Therefore, a large number of base modules and related hood modules are not necessary for creating numerous game boards, which is advantageous in terms of cost and space. It should also be noted that these N related sets of scenery modules can share the same scenery modules, so that the total number of scenery modules required to create N different game boards can be less than N.

[0044] Advantageously, each set of scenery modules is presented in the form of a set of flat sheets comprising scenery module blanks to be cut out and folded.

[0045] The provision of the decoration modules in the form of a set of flat sheets makes it possible to produce decoration modules of various dimensions and shapes and featuring various patterns or decorations with a reduced bulk during transport and marketing of the kit.

[0046] Preferably, the kit further includes one or more decorative accessories, each accessory comprising a two-dimensional insertion part configured to fit between two adjacent tiles and a protruding part extending from the insertion part, the protruding part 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 provided that it is bent by the players 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 accessory decorative represents a tree, a fence, a hedge, a rock, etc.

[0050] It is emphasized here that players may also simply place other decorative accessories on the game board, without these accessories having an insert part designed to fit between two adjacent tiles. These other decorative accessories may, for example, also be obtained by folding.

[0051] The kit may further include one or more clips, preferably made of plastic, configured to allow mechanical assembly between two basic modules. For example, for the construction of a solid structure, such as a wall or bridge, the clip has a U-shaped cross-section, and the space between the two flanges opposite the U is configured to receive two side panels of two basic modules assembled in the same plane, brought into contact with each other.

[0052] The kit may further include one or more supports, the support or each support being capable of supporting a tile over a surface on which said support is intended to be placed.

[0053] We will now describe particular embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0054] On these drawings:

[0055] [Fig-1] is an exploded perspective top view of a modular tile according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from below of the basic module of the tile of [Fig.1];

[0057] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a basic module according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a basic module according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a basic module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] [Fig.6A] is a perspective view of a basic module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] [Fig.6B] is another perspective view of the basic module of [Fig.6A], showing its interior;

[0062] [Fig.7] is a top perspective view of various decorative modules according to the present invention;

[0063] [Fig.8] shows a set of sheets from the kit according to the present invention, which include at least one set of cut-out decorative modules;

[0064] [Fig.9A] shows a first type of tile assembly clip;

[0065] [Fig.9B] shows a second type of tile assembly clip;

[0066] [Fig.9C] shows a third type of tile assembly clip;

[0067] [Fig.1OA] shows two tiles assembled by a clip of the [Fig.9A];

[0068] [Fig.1OB] shows two tiles assembled by a clip of the [Fig.9B];

[0069] [Fig.1OC] shows three tiles assembled by a clip of the [Fig.9B] and a clip of the [Fig.9C];

[0070] [Fig. 11 A] shows a tile support;

[0071] [Fig. 1 IB] shows a tile supported by a support of the [Fig. 11 A];

[0072] [Fig. 11C] shows two supports of the [Fig. 11A] superimposed and on which is a tile was installed;

[0073] [Fig. 12] shows examples of decorative accessories from the kit according to the present invention; and

[0074] [Fig. 13] shows an example of a game board made from a kit according to the present invention.

[0075] Referring first to [Fig. 1], one can see that a modular tile 1 is shown according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The tile 1 comprises three distinct modules 2, 3, 4 suitable for removable assembly, namely a base module 2, a decorative module 3 and a cover module 4.

[0076] The base module 2 is intended to be placed on a support, for example a game table, and to support the scenery module 3 and the hood module 4.

[0077] The basic module 2 is in the form of a three-dimensional body and here a single piece. For reasons of cost, stability and durability, the basic module 2 is preferably made of rigid plastic.

[0078] The body of the basic module 2 generally comprises a support part 20, defining here a lower plane, and a support part formed here by an upper wall 21 opposite the plane defined by the support part 20 and side walls 22 planar orthogonal to said plane and extending between said plane and the upper wall 21.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the basic module 2 is a hollow body, the upper wall 21 of which comprises a single upper panel with a square cross-section, and the side walls 22 of which comprise four side panels with a rectangular cross-section, each extending from one side of the upper panel and orthogonally to it. The support portion 20 is therefore formed by the free edge of the four side panels, all of which lie in 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 flat 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 25 radial ribs are angularly offset from each other by 90 degrees.

[0080] The base module 2 here carries a removable connecting means 5 for connecting 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.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, this connecting means 5 is supported by the side walls 22 and comprises, for each side wall 22, a pair of magnets 50. Each magnet 50 is disposed in a recess 51 formed 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.

[0082] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, it can be seen that the basic module 2 could have other shapes and dimensions. Similarly, the number of magnets 50 and their location can vary depending on the configuration of the basic module 2. Note that the magnets 50 are omitted in Figures 3 to 5 to allow visualization of the recesses 51 in which the magnets 50 are received and held.

[0083] For example, the basic module 2 shown in [Fig. 3] has a rounded outer corner shape. This module 2 has side walls 22 comprising two side panels, each having a right-angled triangular cross-section, orthogonal to each other and joined by their sides opposite the right angle. A support portion 20 comprises a single lower panel of right-angled triangular shape extending from the sides adjacent to the right angle of each side panel, the side opposite the angle being 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, located near the right angle, each intended to 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 of the lower panel.

[0084] Alternatively, the basic module 2 shown in [Fig. 4] corresponds to half of the basic module 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2. This half-basic module therefore has an upper wall 21 comprising a rectangular top panel, side walls 22 comprising four rectangular side panels, and a support portion 20 comprising a rectangular lower frame formed by the free edges of the four side panels. This half-module may be hollow and have 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 has two recesses 51 for a pair of magnets 50, while each small side panel has only one recess 51 for a single magnet 50.

[0085] The basic module 2 shown in [Fig. 5] has an internal corner shape. This basic module 2 has a support portion 20 comprising a lower panel with a square cross-section, side walls 22 comprising two adjacent side panels with a rectangular cross-section and two adjacent side panels with a triangular cross-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 in slope. 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 near the upper edge.

[0086] The basic module 2 could have other configurations not shown, for example a slope shape comprising an inclined top panel and three side panels including two opposing triangular side panels and one rectangular side panel, or a stair shape, or be hemispherical.

[0087] Referring now to 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.

[0088] To take advantage of the light emitted by the light source 27, the decor module 3 and the hood module 4 may be made of a material that allows at least some light to pass through, such as a transparent or translucent material.

[0089] 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 Figures 6A and 6B, and for example of the same shape as those illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, or be of other shapes.

[0090] Similarly, it is also possible to provide several light sources 27 in a single basic 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 which allows at least some of the light to pass through, such as a transparent or translucent material.

[0091] The decoration module 3 allows the decoration of the tile 1 to be defined and is intended to be placed on the base module 2 and to cover it in a removable manner.

[0092] The decoration module 3 here comprises a main part 30 of the same shape and dimensions 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 dimensions as the side walls 22 of the base module 2. Thus, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 7, in the case of a square base module 2 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the decoration module 3 comprises a main part 30 of square shape and four end flaps 31 of rectangular shape.

[0093] 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 facing inward of the decoration module 3, is the bearing face. The face of the decoration module 3 opposite the bearing face, in other words, the face facing outward of the decoration module 3, is the visible face. The visible face has a printed, painted, drawn, or otherwise represented pattern or decoration. These patterns and decorations can be varied and may or may not be colored. For example, with reference to [Fig. 7], this decoration can represent a type of ground, such as a wooden floor, a planted area, a section of a path, a section of a river, etc., but also a type of wall or roof or any landscape.

[0094] Since the decorative module 3 is interchangeable, it is preferably made of paper or cardboard. In particular, as can be seen in [Fig. 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 out, and folded along the fold lines 32. The supporting face could also have a pattern or decoration that could be exposed to the outside by folding along the fold lines 32 in the opposite direction to the fold, thus directing the visible face outwards. It should 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.

[0095] The hood 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.

[0096] The hood module 4 is made of a transparent material, in particular transparent plastic.

[0097] Referring again to [Fig. 1], it can be seen that the hood module 4 here comprises an upper wall 40 from each side of which extend flat side walls 4L. 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 hood module 4 is suitable for 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.

[0098] The hood module 4 is preferably configured so that it can be fitted onto the base module 2, preferably held against the visible face of the decorative module 3 by elastic interlocking onto the base module 2. Such elastic interlocking is a simple, economical, and quick assembly method. By For example, the hood module 4 may have a protruding region, such as an inwardly folded rim, capable of fitting, after slight deformation, into a complementary region of the base module 2.

[0099] Thus, in the assembled state of tile 1, the decoration module 3 is interposed between the base module 2 and the hood module 4, the base module 2 being totally concealed by the decoration module 3.

[0100] As can be seen in [Fig. 13], the tile 1 according to the present invention is intended for use in constructing a modular game board 10, such as a role-playing game board. Such a game board 10 is made from a kit comprising a plurality of modular tiles 1 of various shapes and sizes and featuring various patterns or designs. The tiles 1 may be supplied pre-assembled, namely with the base module 2, the associated scenery module 3, and the associated cover module 4 removably assembled, or as separate modules 2, 3, and 4 for assembly.

[0101] To create a game board 10, for example a game board 10 representing a path through hills similar to that in [Fig. 13], the tiles 1 must be positioned relative to each other to form the desired scene. For example, tiles 1 whose scenery module 3 displays a path pattern are placed next to each other and automatically snap together by simple contact between the magnets 50 of the adjacent base modules 2. Tiles 1 whose scenery module 3 displays a hill pattern are placed on top of the terrain tiles 1 and oriented to create slopes and allow magnetic snapping between the tiles 1. Once the initial game board 10 is created, a game session can begin, with the players placing their figures 7 on the game board 10 and moving them along the upper wall 40 of the hood modules 4.

[0102] During the game session, players can easily and quickly change the appearance of the terrain formed by the game board 10 by removing, adding or moving one or more tiles 1.

[0103] At the end of a game session, players may wish to modify the scene formed by the game board 10, for example by replacing the scene depicting a path through hills with a scene depicting a river. In this case, they simply need to remove the cover module 4 from the desired tile(s) 1, and then replace the scenery module 3 with another scenery module 3 of the same shape and dimensions as the scenery module 3 being replaced, but with a different pattern or design. Thus, creating a new game board 10 depicting 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.

[0104] As can be seen in [Fig. 8], the new set(s) of scenery modules 3 can be supplied as a set of flat sheets 6 to be cut out and folded. Each sheet 6 comprises several blanks of scenery module 3 to be cut out, for example, six blanks. Players simply cut out the blanks, fold them along the crease 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 with seven different types of patterns. This prevents the patterns from appearing to follow the grid of the tiles 1 in the case of square tiles 1.

[0105] The kit may further include decorative accessories 8 cut from sheets 6 of paper or cardboard. As can be seen in Figures 12 and 13, each accessory 8 has a two-dimensional shape corresponding to that of a landscape element and features a pattern on at least one of its two faces. Such an accessory 8 may represent a tree, a rock, a signpost, a barrier, etc. As can be seen in [Fig. 12], each accessory 8 has a two-dimensional insert portion 80 configured to fit between two adjacent tiles 1 and a protruding portion 81 extending from the insert portion 80. Each accessory 8 is intended to be positioned vertically, that is, parallel to the side walls of the tiles 1 between which it is inserted. Thus, such decorative accessories 8 further enhance the visual appeal and player immersion.

[0106] It is emphasized here that the protruding part 81 may be in three dimensions, if necessary also obtained by folding.

[0107] As can be seen in Figures 9A, 9B and 9C, the kit may further include plastic assembly clips 9, 9', 9" respectively, configured to allow assembly between two base modules 2. Clip 9 has a U-shaped cross-section to allow assembly between two juxtaposed base modules 2 located in the same plane, as illustrated in [Fig. 1OA]. For assembly between two base modules 2 arranged at right angles, as illustrated in [Fig. 1OB], clip 9' may have two U-shaped wings 9'a adapted to clamp, each against a main parallelepiped portion 9'b, a lateral wall 22 of the base module 2 from the support portion 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 [Fig.[lOC], the tiles 1 forming the wall and the floor can be assembled using a clip 9', and the tile 1 forming the balcony can be assembled to the tile 1 forming the wall by a clip 9", which has a right angle profile 9"a whose free edges are extended by two elastic returns 9"b shaped to press each one of the lateral walls 22 of a tile 1 against the right angle profile 9"a. .

[0108] As can be seen in [Fig. 11 A], the kit may further include supports 11, each capable of supporting a tile 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 11 B]. The height of the supports 11 can be variable and allows, in particular, the upper face 40 of a square tile 1 to be positioned at the same level as the upper face 40 of a sloped tile 1. Several supports 11 can also be stacked one on top of the other, and the tile 1 mounted on the highest support 11, as illustrated in [Fig. 11 IC]. Each support 11 is configured to cooperate with the bearing portion 20 of the base module 2, and optionally with the reinforcing rib(s) 24, 25 of this module 2.

[0109] For the construction of various game boards 10, the base modules 2, hood modules 4, decorative accessories 8, supports 11, and clips 9, 9', 9" from the initial kit can be reused at will. Only the scenery modules 3 need to be changed to create a different scene. Thus, only a small number of base modules 2 and hood modules 4, and several sets of scenery modules 3, which are compact and inexpensive, are needed to create several game boards 10.

[0110] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Modular tile (1) for a game board (10), in particular for a tabletop role-playing game board and a board game board, which tile (1) comprises: - a base module (2) formed by a three-dimensional body having a lower support part (20) and an upper support part (21, 22) integral with 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 hood module (4) configured to fit removably onto the base module (2) and to cooperate with the entire visible face of the decoration module (3) so as to sandwich the decoration module (3) between the base module (2) and the hood module (4) and to hold the decoration module (3) in the shape of the support portion (21, 22), characterized in that the decoration module (3) is formed by a blank of deformable material, in particular paper or cardboard, preferably a blank having a main portion (30) and end flaps (31) each extending from a respective side of the main portion (30), each end flap (31) being capable of being folded around a fold line (32) separating it from the main portion (30), the folded main portion (30) and end flaps (31) having the same shape and dimensions as the support portion of the basic module (2).;

2. Modular tile (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base module (2) carries, at least at the level of its support part (22), a linking means (5) for removably linking said base module (2) to other base modules (2), which linking means (5) comprises, for example, at least one magnet (50) disposed in a recess (51) made in the base module (2).

3. Modular tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the body of the basic module (2) is a hollow body.

4. Modular tile (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the decor module (3) and the hood module (4) are made of light-transmitting material and at least one region (26) of the support part (21, 22) of the base module (2) is arranged to be capable of transmitting light, and 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 part (21, 22) of the base module (2).

5. Modular tile (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hood module (4) is able to fit onto the base module (2), preferably by elastic deformation fitting.

6. Kit for making a modular game board (10), in particular a paper role-playing game board or a board game board, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of modular tiles (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the set of scenery modules (3) of said plurality of tiles (1), referred to as the first set of scenery modules (3), being capable of forming, once the tiles (1) are joined together, a game surface whose scene is continuous.

7. Kit according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least one second set of scenery modules (3) configured to at least partially replace the first set of scenery modules (3) and capable of forming, once the tiles (1) are joined together, a playing surface whose scene is different from the scene represented by the first set of scenery modules (3). Kit according to claim 7, characterized in that each set of scenery modules (3) is in the form of a set of flat sheets (6) comprising scenery module blanks to be cut and folded.

9. Kit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises one or more decorative accessories (8), each accessory (8) having a two-dimensional insert portion (80) configured to fit between two adjacent tiles (1) and a projecting portion (81) extending from the part insertion (80), the protruding part (81) having a given shape and pattern.

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