Game Play Area System

Abstract

The game play area system comprises a play mat including a middle section. The play mat comprises a first side section rotatably coupled to the middle section, allowing the first side section to fold over the middle section, the first side section comprising at least one closure magnet. The play mat comprises a second side section rotatably coupled to the middle section opposite the first side section, allowing the second side section to fold over the middle section and the first side section. The second side section may comprise at least one mat magnet. The at least one mat magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the first side section is folded over the middle section and while the second side section is folded over the middle section and the first side section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to containment systems and playable surfaces, particularly for cards, such as playing cards, and dice. [Background technology]

[0002] In card games, such as "Magic: The Gathering" or Pokemon, players play their cards against each other in a game of combat and strategy. Often, players use a playmat to place their cards on. These playmats allow the cards to slide more easily than a surface such as a table top, and can help protect the cards from anything that may be on the table the player is sitting on. For this reason, many playmats include some type of slideable cloth top and some type of rubber bottom to prevent the playmat from sliding on the surface it is placed on.

[0003] Often these games include multiple components in addition to cards. Some games use tokens, counters, or dice. Each of these individual components is carried separately by the user in addition to the playmat that the user must also carry. Especially in a tournament setting, a player may find himself moving his kit (i.e., playmat, deck box, dice box) multiple times in a short period of time as he competes with multiple other people in multiple locations. Solutions that have been provided to facilitate the transportation of all of this gear are minimal at best, and current solutions in the prior art are problematic, and these problems are discussed more thoroughly in this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes systems and techniques for facilitating transportation of a generic game play area system. The system may include separate sub-components that may be used in combination or separately based on the needs of the user.

[0005] In some examples, the game play area system comprises a play mat. According to some examples, the play mat comprises a middle section. The play mat may comprise a first side section rotatably coupled to the middle section, allowing the first side section to be folded over the middle section, the first side section comprising at least one closure magnet. In some examples, the play mat comprises a second side section rotatably coupled to the middle section opposite the first side section, allowing the second side section to be folded over the middle section and the first side section. According to some examples, the second side section comprises at least one mat magnet. The at least one mat magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the first side section is folded over the middle section and while the second side section is folded over the middle section and the first side section. In some examples, when the play mat is in the open position, the play mat comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface.

[0006] According to some examples, the width of the second side section is less than the width of the middle section and the first side section.

[0007] The game play area system may include a folding deck box sized to hold at least one playing card. In some examples, the folding deck box includes a bottom wall. According to some examples, the folding deck box includes a left side wall coupled to the bottom wall, the left side wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. The folding deck box may include a right side wall coupled to the bottom wall, the right side wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the right side wall being opposite the left side wall. In some examples, the folding deck box includes a rear wall coupled to the bottom, left side, and right side walls, the rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom, left side, and right side walls. According to some examples, the folding deck box includes at least one rear magnet disposed within the rear wall, the at least one rear magnet configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding at least one mat magnet. The folding deck box may include a front wall coupled to the bottom, left side, and right side walls, the front wall being partially perpendicular to the bottom, left side, and right side walls, the front wall being opposite the rear wall.

[0008] In some examples, the folding deck box comprises a flap. The flap may comprise a bottom portion rotatably coupled to the rear wall. According to some examples, the flap comprises a top portion rotatably coupled to the rear portion. The flap may comprise a front portion rotatably coupled to the top portion. In some examples, the flap comprises a bottom portion rotatably coupled to the front portion opposite the top portion.

[0009] According to some examples, the folding deck box includes at least one flap magnet disposed within the bottom portion. The folding deck box may include at least one bottom magnet disposed within the bottom wall in an amount equal to the at least one flap magnet, each at least one flap magnet configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding at least one bottom magnet.

[0010] In some examples, the front portion of the flap comprises a feature selected from the group consisting of a window, optical translucency, optical transparency, and optical opacity.

[0011] According to some examples, the game play area system comprises a two-piece deck box sized to hold at least one playing card. The two-piece deck box may comprise a top section. In some examples, the top section comprises a top wall. According to some examples, the top section comprises a top section front wall coupled to the top wall, the top section front wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall. The top section may comprise a top section rear wall coupled to the top wall, the rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall, and the top section rear wall being substantially parallel to the top section front wall. In some examples, the top section comprises a first top section side wall coupled to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall, the first top section side wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall. According to some examples, the top section comprises a second top section sidewall coupled to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall, the second top section sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall, and the second top section sidewall being substantially parallel to the first top section sidewall.

[0012] The at least one top magnet may be disposed within a wall selected from the group consisting of the top section front wall, the top section rear wall, the first top section sidewall, and the second top section sidewall. In some examples, the at least one top magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the at least one mat magnet.

[0013] According to some examples, the two-piece deck box comprises a bottom section. The bottom section may comprise a bottom wall. In some examples, the bottom section comprises a bottom section front wall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall. According to some examples, the bottom section comprises a bottom section rear wall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, and the bottom section rear wall being substantially parallel to the bottom section front wall. The bottom section may comprise a first bottom section side wall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, the first bottom section side wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall. In some examples, the bottom section comprises a second bottom section sidewall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, the second bottom section sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, and the second bottom section sidewall being substantially parallel to the first bottom section sidewall.

[0014] According to some examples, the at least one bottom magnet is disposed within a wall selected from the group consisting of the bottom section front wall, the bottom section rear wall, the first bottom section sidewall, and the second bottom section sidewall. The at least one bottom magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to the at least one mat magnet.

[0015] In some examples, the top section is configured to removably couple to the bottom section. According to some examples, the bottom section front wall further comprises a bottom section forward inset lip. The bottom section rear wall may further comprise a bottom section rear inset lip. In some examples, the first bottom section sidewall further comprises a first bottom section side inset lip. According to some examples, the second bottom section sidewall further comprises a second bottom section side inset lip.

[0016] The top section front wall may be configured to receive the bottom section forward inset lip. In some examples, the top section rear wall is configured to receive the bottom section aft inset lip. According to some examples, a first top section sidewall is configured to receive the first bottom section inset lip. A second top section sidewall may be configured to receive the second bottom section inset lip.

[0017] In some examples, an inset lip selected from the group consisting of the bottom section front inset lip, the bottom section rear inset lip, the first bottom section side inset lip, and the second bottom section side inset lip further comprises a male snap fastener. According to some examples, a wall selected from the top section front wall, the top section rear wall, the first top section side wall, and the second top section side wall further comprises a female snap fastener configured to receive the male snap fastener at a corresponding location.

[0018] The game playing area system may include a dice box sized to hold at least one die. In some examples, the dice box includes an inner compartment. According to some examples, the inner compartment includes an inner bottom wall. The inner compartment may include an inner front wall coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall. In some examples, the inner compartment includes an inner rear wall coupled to the inner bottom wall opposite the inner front wall, the inner rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall. According to some examples, the inner compartment includes a first inner sidewall coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall, the first inner sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall. The inner compartment may include a second inner sidewall coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall opposite the first inner sidewall, and the inner rear wall opposite the first inner sidewall, the second inner sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall.

[0019] In some examples, the dice box comprises an outer compartment sized to hold the inner compartment. According to some examples, the outer compartment comprises an outer bottom wall. The outer bottom wall may comprise at least one outer bottom magnet disposed within the outer bottom wall, the at least one outer bottom magnet configured to couple to the at least one mat magnet. In some examples, the outer compartment comprises a first outer sidewall coupled to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall, the first outer sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall. According to some examples, the outer compartment comprises a second outer sidewall coupled to the outer bottom wall opposite the first outer sidewall and the outer rear wall opposite the first outer sidewall, the second outer sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall. The outer compartment may comprise an outer top wall coupled to an outer rear wall opposite the outer bottom wall, a first outer sidewall opposite the outer bottom wall, and a second outer sidewall opposite the outer bottom wall, the outer top wall being substantially perpendicular to the outer rear wall, the first outer sidewall, and the second outer sidewall.

[0020] In some examples, the inner bottom wall further comprises at least one inner bottom magnet configured to magnetically couple to the at least one outer bottom magnet. According to some examples, the outer top wall further comprises at least one outer top magnet configured to magnetically couple to the at least one mat magnet.

[0021] The dice box may further comprise at least one insert configured to slide within the inner compartment, the at least one insert configured to divide the space of the inner compartment into at least two separate spaces.

[0022] In some examples, the bottom surface comprises a rubber-type backer configured to prevent the play mat from sliding off the surface. According to some examples, the top surface comprises a cloth-type surface configured to facilitate sliding of an object across the top surface.

[0023] The at least one mat magnet may cover at least a portion of an edge of the second side section. In some examples, the at least one closure magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the first side section.

[0024] Additional disclosures of alternative game play area systems are also included. In some examples, the game play area system includes a play mat. According to some examples, the play mat includes a first section including at least one closure magnet. The play mat may include a second section rotatably coupled to the first section, allowing the second section to be folded over the first section, the second section including at least one mat magnet. In some examples, the at least one mat magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the second section is folded over the first section. According to some examples, when the play mat is in the open position, the play mat includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface.

[0025] The at least one mat magnet may cover at least a portion of an edge of the first section. In some examples, the at least one closure magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the second section.

[0026] Another additional disclosure of another game play area system is also included. In some examples, the game play area system comprises a play mat. According to some examples, the play mat comprises a first section. The play mat may comprise a second section rotatably coupled to the first section, allowing the second section to be folded onto the first section. In some examples, the play mat comprises a third section rotatably coupled to the second section, allowing the third section to be folded onto the second section. According to some examples, the play mat comprises a fourth section rotatably coupled to the third section, allowing the fourth section to be folded onto the third section. A section selected from the group consisting of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section may comprise at least one closure magnet. In some examples, a section selected from the group consisting of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section may comprise at least one mat magnet. According to some examples, the section comprising at least one closure magnet and the section comprising at least one mat magnet are different. The at least one mat magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section are in the folded configuration. In some examples, when the play mat is in the open position, the play mat comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface.

[0027] According to some examples, the at least one mat magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the mat section. The at least one closure magnet may cover at least a portion of an edge of the closure section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary game play area system including a play mat, a two-piece deck box, and a dice box. [Diagram 2] 1A-1D show top views of play mats according to some examples. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 4A] The exemplary play mat of FIG. 3 is shown in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4A illustrates the exemplary play mat in a top view in a fully folded state. [Figure 4C] 4B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 4B in a further folded state. [Figure 5A] The exemplary play mat of FIG. 4C is shown in a perspective view in a fully folded state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows a top view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. [Figure 5C] 5B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. [Figure 6A] An exemplary two-piece deck box is shown in a perspective view in an open configuration. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6A shows an exemplary two-piece deck box in perspective view along with playing cards. [Figure 6C] 6B illustrates a rear view of the exemplary two-piece deck box of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a two-piece deck box in another open configuration. [Figure 7B] The two-piece deck box of FIG. 7A is shown in perspective view along with playing cards. [Figure 8A] An exemplary two-piece deck box is shown in a perspective view in a closed configuration. [Figure 8B] 8B illustrates a rear view of the exemplary two-piece deck box of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary two-piece deck box magnetically coupled to an exemplary play mat. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an exemplary dice box in a perspective view in a closed configuration. [Figure 10B]1 illustrates another exemplary dice box in a perspective view in a closed configuration; [Figure 11A] An exemplary dice box is shown in a perspective view in an open configuration. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11A shows an exemplary dice box in perspective view along with the dice. [Figure 11C] 11B illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary dice box of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates an exemplary dice box in perspective view with an inner compartment magnetically coupled to an outer compartment from the outside. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12A shows an exemplary dice box in perspective view along with the dice. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary dice box magnetically coupled to an exemplary play mat. [Figure 14A] An exemplary folding deck box is shown in a perspective view in a fully open configuration. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14A shows an exemplary folding deck box in perspective view with cards. [Figure 15A] 1 illustrates an exemplary folding deck box in a perspective view during the closing process. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15A shows an exemplary folding deck box in perspective view with cards. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an exemplary folding deck box in a perspective view while fully closed. [Figure 17A] An exemplary folding deck box is shown in a perspective view with the bottom portion of the flap separated from the folding deck box 50. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17A illustrates an example folding deck box in a bottom view without the flaps present. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17A illustrates an example folding deck box in a bottom view with a flap coupled to the folding deck box. [Figure 18] 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary folding deck box. [Figure 19]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary folding deck box magnetically coupled to an exemplary play mat. [Figure 20A] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B illustrates the exemplary play mat of FIG. 20A in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 21A] FIG. 20A illustrates the exemplary play mat in a top view in a fully folded state. [Figure 21B] 20B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 20A. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B illustrates the exemplary play mat of FIG. 22A in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 23A] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B illustrates the exemplary play mat of FIG. 23A in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 24A] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 24B] FIG. 24B illustrates the exemplary play mat of FIG. 24A in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 25A] 22A, 23A, or 24A is shown in a top view in a fully folded state. [Figure 25B] 22B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 22A. [Figure 25C] 23B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 23A. [Figure 25D] 24B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 24A. [Figure 26A] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 26B] FIG. 26B illustrates the exemplary play mat of FIG. 26A in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 27A] FIG. 26A shows the exemplary play mat in a top view in a fully folded state. [Figure 27B] 26B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 26A. [Figure 28A] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary play mat. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B illustrates the exemplary play mat of FIG. 28A in a perspective view in a partially folded state. [Figure 29A] FIG. 28A shows the exemplary play mat in a top view in a fully folded state. [Figure 29B] 28B shows a cross-sectional front view of the exemplary play mat of FIG. 28A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Card game playmats are essentially large mouse pads, and have been around for a very long time. These playmats in the prior art tend to have a neoprene backing and a polyester top surface, and are transported or stored by either rolling up the mat and transporting it as is, or by placing the rolled up playmat in a tube. This is cumbersome and difficult when players need to move between tables frequently, such as in a tournament type setting. While variations in the appearance of playmats, such as with licensed artwork, are common in the playmat field, there have been no significant improvements in the construction of the playmat itself.

[0030] Throughout this disclosure, multiple variations of magnets are illustrated and presented. It is understood that other materials having magnetic properties, such as steel, may be used so long as one magnet is present. For example, in some examples, the play mat 20 is shown and described as having at least one mat magnet 314, and the two-piece deck box is shown and described as having at least one magnet 624. The invention described herein would remain fully functional if the at least one magnet 624 were replaced with a similarly sized piece of steel. However, it is further understood that any magnets that are simply replaced with a different material having magnetic properties will create a weaker magnetic coupling than the magnets used throughout the invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary game play area system 10 including a play mat 20, a two-piece deck box 30, and a dice box 40. The play mat 20 is described in more detail in FIGS. 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 20A, 20B, 21, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, and 25. The two-piece deck box 30 is described in more detail in FIGS. 6, 7, 8A, 8B, and 9. The dice box 40 is described in more detail in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12, and 13. A folding deck box 50 is not shown in FIG. 1, but may also be included in the game play area system 10. The folding deck box is described in more detail in Figures 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16, 17A, 17B, 18, and 19.

[0032] In general, the game play area system 10 features a number of magnets disposed throughout the separate elements of the play mat 20, the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50. These magnets allow for a modular construction and allow each of these separate elements to be coupled to one another. Thus, when the game play area system 10 is placed together such that every element is magnetically coupled to at least one other element, the entire game play area system 10 can be easily transported between locations with reduced risk of the separate elements being accidentally dropped or left behind.

[0033] 2 shows a top view of an exemplary play mat 20. As can be seen from this front view, the play mat, when laid out flat, includes a top surface 202. The top surface 202 may include a cloth-type surface 204. The cloth-type surface 204 facilitates the sliding of cards across the surface.

[0034] Exemplary dimensions of the open play mat 20 include a width of about 610 millimeters and a height of about 350 millimeters. Some games require a larger playing surface, so larger variations may be included without adjusting the height. An example of such a variation, perhaps referred to as a "wide" or "XL" play mat 20, has a width of about 800 millimeters and a height of about 350 millimeters.

[0035] Additionally, there may be play mats 20 that can be played by multiple people at once. A "two player" play mat 20 may be approximately 610 millimeters wide (similar to the exemplary standard play mat 20 described above) and anywhere between approximately 610 millimeters and approximately 750 millimeters high. This height allows multiple players to play simultaneously without interfering with each other.

[0036] It should be understood that throughout this disclosure, any play mat 20 disclosed may have any of these dimensions, or any dimensions not specifically detailed above, without affecting the performance of the play mat 20.

[0037] 3 shows a bottom view of an exemplary play mat 20a having a three-panel construction. The back view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20a is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20a from slipping during use.

[0038] The three panels of the play mat 20a are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate portions. The three panels of the play mat 20a can include a middle section 306, a first side section 308 adjacent to the middle section 306, and a second side section 310 adjacent to the middle section 306 along an edge opposite the edge of the first side section 308.

[0039] The first side section 308 may include at least one closure magnet 312 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the first side section 308. Similarly, the second side section 310 may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is again shown as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the second side section 310. Eight closure magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in FIG. 3 as well as in FIGS. 4A-5B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly eight, nor the number of closure magnets 312 need not match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one or as many as can reasonably fit within the first and second side sections 308, 310 without interfering with each other. Although not shown, in some examples, a magnetic strip may be present in place of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0040] As will be described below in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20a and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These separate sections are for ease of coupling to other separate components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two and may include only one separate section or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20a.

[0041] Additionally, while the second side section 310 is shown as being shorter in width than the middle section 306 and the first side section 308, this is not strictly necessary. Also, while the middle section 306 and the first side section 308 are shown as being approximately equal in width, this may not be the case. The size of each panel may vary so long as the play mat 20a is still able to close on itself. For example, the dimensions of the first side section 308 and the second side section 310 may be reversed or altered.

[0042] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show the exemplary play mat 20a folded for storage or transport. Figures 4A and 4C show perspective views, and Figure 4B shows a top view. These views are all from the top surface 202, but the boundaries of the separate panels (i.e., the middle section 306, the first side section 308, and the second side section 310) have been drawn to make it easier to visualize the folding process. 4A shows the first side section 308 folded over the middle section 306. The first side section 308 and the second side section 310 are hingedly connected to the middle section 306. This connection may be achieved through the inherent flexibility of the material covering each of these sections or may be achieved via mechanical means such as an actual hinge.

[0043] FIG. 4B shows the play mat 20a after the first side section 308 has completed folding over the middle section 306. As can be seen in this figure, the at least one closure magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 are adjacent to each other while in this position. Although not shown, the area between the second side section 310 and the middle section 306 (or the first side section 308 in this figure) may be larger than the previously shown area between the middle section 306 and the first side section 308. This is to compensate for the now greater thickness represented by the stacking of the first side section 308 and the middle section 306 when the second side section 310 is folded over these panels (FIG. 4C). FIG. 4C shows the second side section 310 folded over the first side section 308 (and the middle section 306 which is now below the first side section 308).

[0044] FIG. 5A shows the exemplary play mat 20a of FIGS. 4A-4C in a perspective view in a fully folded state, and FIG. 5B shows a top view thereof. As previously described, the at least one closing magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned, and in the fully closed position, they secure the second side section 310 to the first side section 308. This may prevent the play mat 20a from opening without an external influence. This also allows magnets, which will be described in further figures, to be magnetically coupled to the second side section 310 via the at least one mat magnet 314 (such as those present in the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the play mat 20a while in the closed configuration, which shows that the at least one mat magnet 314 and the at least one closing magnet 312 are closely adjacent to each other. The thicknesses of the middle section 306, the first side section 308, and the second side section 310 have been exaggerated to show the play mat 20a in a folded configuration.

[0045] Conventional two-piece deck boxes are generally provided in one of two form factors: a straight horizontal cut or a diagonal cut. A straight horizontal cut requires the user to open the deck box by applying a direct upward force, while a diagonal cut allows the user to use leverage to easily open the deck box. Diagonal cuts have the disadvantage of easily opening accidentally, such as after a drop. The figures and descriptions herein describe an asymmetrical chevron cut, which combines the advantages of the horizontal and diagonal cuts while mitigating the disadvantages. However, it is understood that either type of cut can work in this disclosure.

[0046] 6A and 6B show an exemplary two-piece deck box 30 in perspective views in an open configuration. According to FIG. 6A, the two-piece deck box 30 includes a top section 602 and a bottom section 604. Arrow 622 indicates the direction of movement when the top section 602 is lowered over the bottom section 604 to close the two-piece deck box 30. It should be understood that this movement may be reversed and the bottom section 604 may be raised into the top section 602 to close the two-piece deck box 30. FIG. 6B shows the two-piece deck box 30 of FIG. 6A with a playing card 60.

[0047] The bottom section 604 may include peripheral inset lips, including a bottom section forward inset lip 606, a bottom section aft inset lip 608, a first bottom section side inset lip 610, and a second bottom section side inset lip 612. The peripheral inset lips may be configured to slide within an opening in the bottom of the top section 602.

[0048] The first bottom section side inset lip 610 describes two male snap fasteners 614. Similarly, there may be two female snap fasteners 616 in the first top section 808 (FIGS. 8A and 8B), shown as hidden lines to indicate that the female snap fasteners 616 are inside the first top section 808. When the peripheral inset lip is inserted into the bottom opening of the top section 602, the male snap fasteners 614 can engage with the female snap fasteners 616 to prevent the top section 602 and bottom section 604 from separating without external influence.

[0049] Although the male snap fasteners 614 are shown on the first bottom section inset lip 610, it should be understood that these male snap fasteners 614 may be present on any portion of the peripheral inset lip, including the bottom section forward inset lip 606, the bottom section aft inset lip 608, the second bottom section inset lip 612, or any combination thereof. Also, although only two male snap fasteners 614 are shown in FIG. 6A, it should be understood that in a two-piece deck box 30 there may be only one male snap fastener 614 or the maximum number of male snap fasteners 614 that are desired and can fit along the peripheral inset lip.

[0050] Similarly, while the female snap fasteners 616 are shown on the first top section side 808, it should be understood that these female snap fasteners 616 may be present on any portion of the bottom of the top section 602, including the top section front wall 804, the top section rear wall 806, the second top section side 810 (FIGS. 8A and 8B), or any combination thereof. Also, while only two female snap fasteners 616 are shown in FIG. 6A, it should be understood that in a two-piece deck box 30, there may be only one female snap fastener 616 or the maximum number of female snap fasteners 616 that are desired and can fit along the bottom perimeter of the top section 602.

[0051] While a user will likely desire an equal number of male snap fasteners 614 as female snap fasteners 616, this is not strictly necessary and there may be variation between the number of male snap fasteners 614 and the number of female snap fasteners 616. Also, although male snap fasteners 614 have been described as being present on the bottom section 604 and female snap fasteners 616 have been described as being present on the top section 602, these snap fasteners may be interchanged, i.e., female snap fasteners may be present on the bottom section 604 and male snap fasteners 614 may be present on the top section 602. The entire disclosure regarding FIG. 6A also applies to this example interchanged snap fastener arrangement.

[0052] Figure 6C shows a rear view of the example two-piece deck box 30 of Figure 6A as it may be seen in the open position. Again, arrow 622 indicates the direction of movement when the top section 602 is lowered onto the bottom section 604 to close the two-piece deck box 30. It should be understood that this movement may be reversed and the bottom section 604 may be raised into the top section 602 to close the two-piece deck box 30.

[0053] As seen in FIG. 6C, at least one top magnet 618 may be present along the top section rear wall 806 (FIG. 8B). The at least one top magnet 618 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one top magnet 618 is integrated into or disposed within the top section rear wall 806. Although two top magnets 618 are shown, there may be only one top magnet 618 or there may be as many top magnets 618 as desired by the user and that can fit on the surface of the top section 602. Additionally, while at least one top magnet 618 is shown as being on the top section rear wall 806, this arrangement is not strictly necessary and at least one top magnet 618 may be present on the top wall 802, the top section front wall 804, the first top section side 808, the second top section side 810 (FIGS. 8A and 8B), or any combination thereof as desired by the user.

[0054] Similarly, at least one bottom magnet 620 may be present along the bottom section rear wall 816. The at least one bottom magnet 620 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one bottom magnet 620 is integrated into or disposed within the bottom portion 1508. Although two bottom magnets 620 are shown, there may be only one bottom magnet 620 or as many bottom magnets 620 as desired by the user and can fit on the surface of the bottom section 604. Additionally, while the at least one bottom magnet 620 is shown as being on the bottom section rear wall 816, this arrangement is not strictly necessary and the at least one bottom magnet 620 may be present on the bottom wall 812, the bottom section front wall 814, the first bottom section side 818, the second bottom section side 820 (FIGS. 8A and 8B), or any combination thereof as desired by the user. The at least one top magnet 618 and the at least one bottom magnet 620 are shown as equal numbers, although this is not strictly necessary and variations can be used as desired by the user. Although not shown, in some examples a magnetic strip may be present in place of or in addition to the individual magnets.

[0055] A traditional two-piece deck box would result in two separate components being tracked while in the open configuration. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, at least one magnet 624 may be present on the top section 602 and the bottom section 604. While at least one magnet 624 may be used to attach the two-piece deck box 30 to the play mat 20, as shown, the top section 602 may be magnetically coupled to the bottom section 604, thus allowing the two-piece deck box to sit neater while in this open configuration.

[0056] 7A and 7B show the two-piece deck box 30 in a side view in an open configuration. The top section 602 and the bottom section 604 may be positioned such that the top section rear wall 806 and the bottom section rear wall 816 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) are adjacent to one another. In some configurations of magnets, at least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 may interact with one another to hold the top section 602 and the bottom section 604 together while in this open configuration. This is shown as a hidden line to indicate that at least one magnet 624 may be positioned when the two-piece deck box 30 is in this configuration. FIG. 7B shows the two-piece deck box of FIG. 7A with a playing card 60 inside both the top section 602 and the bottom section 604. The two-piece deck box 30 is sized such that a playing card may be held in either section while in the open configuration. At least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 may also interact with at least one mat magnet 314 as shown and described in FIG.

[0057] The at least one magnet 624 may also be used to magnetically couple one two-piece deck box 30 to an additional two-piece deck box 30. In the field of playing cards, it is common to have "decks" that are designed to be played against one another. The at least one magnet 624 allows these two two-piece deck boxes to remain neatly coupled together.

[0058] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary two-piece deck box in a perspective view and FIG. 8B illustrates it in a rear view in a closed configuration. As can be seen in these figures, the top section 602 may comprise a top wall 802, a top section front wall 804 extending substantially perpendicular to the top wall 802, and a top section rear wall 806 extending substantially perpendicular to the top wall 802 along an edge opposite an edge of the top section front wall 804. The top section 602 may also include a first top section side 808 extending substantially perpendicular to the top wall 802, the top section front wall 804, and the top section rear wall 806. The first top section side 808 may close a space formed between the top section front wall 804 and the top section rear wall 806 on the side on which it resides. Additionally, top section 602 may include a second top section side 810 extending substantially perpendicular to top wall 802, top section front wall 804, and top section rear wall 806. Second top section side 810 may close a space formed between top section front wall 804 and top section rear wall 806 on the side on which it resides. These five walls form a cavity into which items, such as playing cards, may be placed.

[0059] Also shown in these figures is the bottom section 604, which may include a bottom wall 812, a bottom section front wall 814 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 812, and a bottom section rear wall 816 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 812 along an edge opposite the edge of the bottom section front wall 814. The bottom section 604 may also include a first bottom section side 818 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 812, the bottom section front wall 814, and the bottom section rear wall 816. The first bottom section side 818 may close a space formed between the bottom section front wall 814 and the bottom section rear wall 816 on the side on which it resides. Additionally, the bottom section 604 may include a second bottom section side 820 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 812, the bottom section front wall 814, and the bottom section rear wall 816. The second bottom section side 820 may close the space formed on the side it resides on between the bottom section front wall 814 and the bottom section rear wall 816. These five walls form a cavity into which items, such as playing cards, may be placed.

[0060] As shown in both Figures 8A and 8B, when the top section 602 is lowered over the bottom section 604, the two-piece deck box 30 creates a completely sealed container for storing or transporting items such as playing cards. The container does not need to be completely sealed, as it may include windows or cutouts for design purposes without affecting the purpose or capabilities of the two-piece deck box 30.

[0061] 6C and 8B, at least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 are shown as being integral with or disposed within the top section rear wall 806 and bottom section rear wall 816, respectively, although this is not strictly necessary. Magnets may also be present on the surfaces of the top section rear wall 806 and bottom section rear wall 816 without affecting the functionality of the two-piece deck box 30.

[0062] The top section front wall 804 may be thinner than the other walls of the two-piece deck box 20 and / or may have a glossy finish as opposed to a traditional matte finish, thereby creating a window that allows a user to view the cards within the two-piece deck box 30 and more quickly identify the card decks therein.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary two-piece deck box 30 in a perspective view magnetically coupled to an exemplary play mat 20 to form a two-component game play area system 10. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the play mat 20 includes two separate docking areas. The bottom docking area is exposed to show the mat magnets 314 contained within the play mat 20 in a hidden circle. The other docking area is covered by the two-piece deck box 30, and at least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 are magnetically coupled to the mat magnets 314 at this location. This allows for easy transportation of both the play mat 20 and the two-piece deck box 30, yet still leaves room for additional components to dock to the play mat 20. As previously mentioned, the inclusion of only two separate docking areas is not intended to be limiting, and any number of separate docking areas that may be stored on the play mat 20 may be present within the game play area system 10.

[0064] Typically, a separate dice box is not part of a standard system for carrying card game components. More deluxe deck boxes sometimes include compartments intended for dice, but these compartments vary in size and are therefore not necessarily compatible between different deck boxes. This can make it difficult to ensure that a player has all the components required for the particular game they are going to play unless they create a specific deck box that contains the dice needed for each game they play. The present disclosure solves this problem by isolating the dice in a dice box 20 that is separate from and can be magnetically coupled to any of the other components of the game play area system 10.

[0065] 10A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary dice box 40a in a closed configuration. As shown, the dice box 40a may include an inner compartment 1002 that is slidably coupled to or slidably engaged with an outer compartment 1004. The outer compartment 1004 may be a hollow rectangle or a generally rectangular prism. The walls of this outer compartment 1004 as shown include an outer bottom wall 1006 and an outer top wall 1008 opposite and substantially parallel to the outer bottom wall 1006.

[0066] The outer compartment 1004 may include a first outer sidewall 1010 extending substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008. The first outer sidewall 1010 may be coupled to and close a space existing between the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008. The outer compartment 1004 may also include a second outer sidewall 1012 extending substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008, the second outer sidewall 1012 facing and substantially parallel to the first outer sidewall 1010. The second outer sidewall 1012 may be coupled to and close a space existing between the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008. The outer compartment 1004 may be sized to receive the inner compartment 1002.

[0067] FIG. 10B illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary dice box 40b in a closed configuration. The dice box 40b is generally similar to the dice box 40a of FIG. 10A and includes an inner compartment 1002 that may be slidably coupled to or slidably engaged with an outer compartment 1004. However, the dice box 40b includes at least one outer top magnet 1014 integral with an outer top wall 1008. The at least one outer top magnet 1014 may be coupled to at least one inner bottom magnet 1114, as shown in FIG. 11C, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B. The at least one outer top magnet 1014 may also be coupled to at least one mat magnet 314, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0068] At least one outer top magnet 1014 is shown as being integral with or disposed within the outer top wall 1008, although this is not strictly necessary. The outer top magnet 1014 may also be present on a surface of the outer top wall 1008 without affecting the function of the dice box 40b.

[0069] Four outer top magnets 1014 are shown in FIG. 10B. However, the number of outer top magnets 1014 need not be exactly four. There may be any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the inner section 1002 to the outer section 1004 (as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B) or the outer section 1004 to the play mat 20. This may be only one outer top magnet 1014 or the maximum number of outer top magnets 1014 that can reasonably be accommodated on the outer top wall 1008. Although not shown, in some examples, a magnetic strip may be present instead of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0070] In the example dice box 40b having at least one outer top magnet 1014, at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 (as illustrated in FIG. 11C) may be magnetically coupled or magnetically engaged to the at least one outer top magnet 1014 in order to stack multiple dice boxes 40. Note that a dice box 40a as illustrated in FIG. 10A may be magnetically coupled to a dice box 40b as illustrated in FIG. 10B. A dice box 40a as illustrated in FIG. 10B may also be magnetically coupled to another dice box 40b.

[0071] 11A and 11B show perspective views of an exemplary dice box 40 in an open configuration. Stated another way, FIG. 11A shows the exemplary dice box 40 with the inner compartment 1002 disengaged from the outer compartment 1004, allowing a better view of the inner compartment 1002. The dice box 40 may be either the dice box 40a of FIG. 10A or the dice box 40b of FIG. 10B.

[0072] The inner compartment 1002 may include an inner bottom wall 1102. An inner front wall 1104 and an inner rear wall 1106 may be substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall 1102.

[0073] The inner compartment 1002 may also include a first inner sidewall 1108 extending substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall 1102, the inner front wall 1104, and the inner rear wall 1106. The first inner sidewall 1108 may be coupled to and close a space existing between the inner front wall 1104 and the inner rear wall 1106. The inner compartment 1002 may also include a second inner sidewall 1110 extending substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall 1102, the inner front wall 1104, and the inner rear wall 1106. The second inner sidewall 1110 may be opposite and substantially parallel to the first inner sidewall 1108. The second inner sidewall 1110 may be coupled to and close a space existing between the inner front wall 1104 and the inner rear wall 1106.

[0074] As shown in hidden lines, the outer bottom wall 1006 may include at least one outer bottom magnet 1112. This is the case for any dice box 40, including dice box 40a of FIG. 10A and dice box 40b of FIG. 10B. Also shown in FIG. 11A are hidden lines showing at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 along the inner bottom wall 1102. When the inner compartment 1002 is slidably engaged with the outer compartment 1004, the at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may engage with the at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 to maintain the inner compartment 1002 in a substantially fixed position with the outer compartment 1004. As examined in FIG. 13, either the at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 and / or the at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may magnetically engage with the play mat 20.

[0075] The inner compartment 1002 as shown forms an open-top box that may receive objects such as dice 70. FIG. 11B shows the dice box 40 of FIG. 11A with several dice 70 inside the inner compartment 1002. The inner compartment 1002 may be sized to be insertable into the outer compartment 1004. Arrows 622 are provided to indicate the direction of movement as the inner compartment 1002 is inserted into the outer compartment 1004. It should be understood that the movement of movement may occur from either side of the outer compartment 1004, as the outer compartment 1004 does not have a wall on either side into which the inner compartment 1002 is inserted. It should also be understood that the movement of movement may be reversed to remove the inner compartment 1002 from the outer compartment 1004.

[0076] 11C illustrates the example dice box of FIG. 11A in a bottom view. As shown, the inner compartment 1002 includes at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 within its inner bottom wall 1102. The at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 is integral with or disposed within the inner bottom wall 1102. Similarly, the outer compartment 1004 includes at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 within its outer bottom wall 1006 as shown. The at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 is integral with or disposed within the outer bottom wall 1006.

[0077] While the dice box is closed, the at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may be magnetically coupled to the at least one outer bottom magnet 1112. This may prevent the inner compartment 1002 from moving relative to the outer compartment 1004, facilitating the transport of objects within the dice box 40 while reducing the risk of anything falling out. The at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 may magnetically couple the dice box 40 to the play mat 20, as shown in FIG. 13. Although not shown, at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 in a similar position to the at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 may magnetically couple the inner compartment 1002 of the dice box 40 to the play mat 20.

[0078] At least one outer bottom magnet 1112 and at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 are described as being integral with or disposed within the outer bottom wall 1006 and inner bottom wall 1102, respectively, although this is not strictly necessary. Magnets may also be present on the surfaces of the outer bottom wall 1006 and inner bottom wall 1102 without affecting the function of the dice box 40.

[0079] Four outer bottom magnets 1112 and four inner bottom magnets 1114 are shown in FIG. 11C. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly four, nor does the number of outer bottom magnets 1112 have to match the number of inner bottom magnets 1114. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the inner compartment 1002 to the outer compartment 1004, or the outer compartment 1004 to the play mat 20, or the inner compartment 1002 to the play mat 20, can be provided based on the needs of the user. The number of magnets can be as few as one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit on the outer bottom wall 1006 and the inner bottom wall 1102. Although not shown, in some examples, a magnetic strip may be present instead of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0080] Any of the magnets described herein, including the at least one exterior top magnet 1014, the at least one exterior bottom magnet 1112, and the at least one interior bottom magnet 1114, may be magnetically coupled to magnets present on additional dice boxes 40, or two-piece deck boxes 30, or folding deck boxes 50. In examples where the dice box 40 includes at least one exterior top magnet 1014 and at least one exterior bottom magnet 1112, additional dice boxes 40, two-piece deck boxes 30, and / or folding deck boxes 50 may be present on either side of the dice box 40, allowing for easier transportation of multiple components. Further, in those examples in which the dice box 40 includes at least one exterior top magnet 1014 and at least one exterior bottom magnet 1112, the dice box 40 may be magnetically coupled to the play mat 20 while at the same time another dice box 40, two-piece deck box 30, or folding deck box 50 can be magnetically coupled to the opposite side of the dice box 40.

[0081] 12A shows a perspective view of an exemplary dice box 40 having an inner compartment 1002 magnetically coupled from the outside to an outer compartment 1004. The dice box 40 may be either the dice box 40a of FIG. 10A or the dice box 40b of FIG. 10B.

[0082] At least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may interact with at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 from the outer surface to allow access to the contents of the inner compartment 1002. In an example including at least one top outer magnet 1014, at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may be coupled to at least one top outer magnet 1014 from the outer surface. Although not shown, it should be understood that at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may also be coupled to at least one outer bottom magnet from the outer surface, thus forming the configuration shown in Figures 12A and 12B without the presence of at least one top outer magnet. Figure 12B shows the example dice box 40 of Figure 12A in a perspective view with dice 70.

[0083] In both Figures 12A and 12B, there is an insert 1202. The insert 1202 may allow a user to compartmentalize the dice box 40. As shown in Figure 12B, the insert 1202 may be used to separate different types of dice 70.

[0084] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary dice box 40 in a perspective view magnetically coupled to an exemplary play mat 20 to form a two-component game play area system 10. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the play mat 20 includes two separate docking areas. The bottom docking area is exposed to show the mat magnets 314 contained within the play mat 20 in a hidden circle. The other docking area is covered by the dice box 40, and either the at least one outer top magnet 1014 or the at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 is magnetically coupled to the mat magnets 314 at this location. This allows for easy transportation of both the play mat 20 and the dice box 40, yet still leaves room for additional components to dock to the play mat 20. As previously mentioned, the inclusion of only two separate docking areas is not intended to be limiting, and any number of separate docking areas that may be stored on the play mat 20 may be present within the game play area system 10.

[0085] Prior art folding deck boxes include a magnetic closure along the front of the deck box. This means that the magnets provide retention against shear forces to keep the deck box closed. Some prior art solutions include a mechanical cleat feature that assists the magnets in keeping the deck box closed. The present invention places the magnets at the bottom of the folding deck box 50, allowing for magnetic retention by tension rather than shear forces, thus reducing the risk of the folding deck box 50 opening during an accidental impact such as a drop. Additionally, the cover may be recessed into the molded shell such that during an impact, forces are applied to the shell, preventing any impact from traveling into the cover or magnet. Prior art folding deck boxes have covers that rise up to rest on the top lip of the folding deck box walls. As such, when that area lands, the cover takes the brunt of the impact, often resulting in the deck box opening unintentionally.

[0086] 14A and 14B show an exemplary folding deck box 50 in a perspective view in a fully open configuration. FIG. 14A shows an empty folding deck box 50, and FIG. 14B shows the folding deck box 50 containing playing cards 60. As shown in FIG. 14A and 14B, the folding deck box 50 may include a bottom wall 1402. A left side wall 1404 may extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 1402. A right side wall 1406 may also extend substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 1402, and the right side wall 1406 may be coupled to the bottom wall 1402 along an edge opposite an edge of the left side wall 1404.

[0087] The folding deck box 50 may include a rear wall 1408 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 1402, the left side wall 1404, and the right side wall 1406. The rear wall 1408 may be coupled to and close a space existing between the left side wall 1404 and the right side wall 1406. The folding deck box 50 may also include a front wall 1410 extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 1402, the left side wall 1404, and the right side wall 1406. The front wall 1410 may be coupled to the bottom wall 1402 along an edge opposite an edge of the rear wall 1408. The front wall 1410 may be coupled to and close a space existing between the left side wall 1404 and the right side wall 1406.

[0088] In some examples, the folding deck box 50 includes a flap 1412. When the flap 1412 is folded away from the folding deck box 50 (i.e., not covering the folding deck box 50), the flap 1412 may reside behind the rear wall 1408. In this configuration, at least one flap magnet 1704 may magnetically couple the flap 1412 to at least one rear magnet 1802 to keep the flap 1412 out of the way while proximate the folding deck box 50 and taking up a smaller footprint when in its open configuration. The flap 1412 is described in more detail in Figures 15A, 15B, and 17A.

[0089] According to some examples, the rear wall 1408 includes a finger slot 1414. The finger slot 1414 can be seen as a small notch from the top of the rear wall 1408 to approximately the center of the rear wall 1408, although this location is not strictly necessary. The finger slot 1414 allows a user to easily remove a playing card 60 (as seen in FIG. 14B ) from the folding deck box 50. The finger slot 1414 may be sized to accommodate the finger sizes of the majority of users.

[0090] Prior art folding deck boxes generally use an opaque cover that relies on external technology to identify the card deck contained within the folding deck box. In accordance with the present disclosure, a solution to this problem includes a front wall 1410 with a front wall window 1416 through which the forward playing card 60 can be viewed. This is beneficial as it allows a user to view the frontmost playing card 60 without having to open the folding deck box 50 or rely on external artwork. This front wall window 1416 can also be useful for displaying playing cards 60 that the user wishes to promote to others in the vicinity while the folding deck box 50 is in a closed configuration. The front wall window 1416 can be viewed as a rectangular cutout from the front wall 1410 and is much larger in size than the finger slots 1414 as previously described. The front wall window 1416 allows a user to view the artwork on the playing cards 60, or at least the front-most playing card 60 in the folded deck box 50, without removing the playing cards 60 from the folded deck box 50. An example of how the artwork on the playing cards 60 lines up with the front wall window 1416 can be seen in Figure 14A. The front wall window 1416 may also be sized and positioned to align with a front partial window 1510 in the flap 1412 (see Figures 15A, 15B, 16, and 17A).

[0091] Figures 15A and 15B show an exemplary folding deck box in a perspective view during the closing process: Figure 15A shows an empty folding deck box 50, and Figure 15B shows the folding deck box 50 containing playing cards 60. The walls of the folding deck box 50 are the same as those described in Figures 14A and 14B, but Figures 15A and 15B show the flap 1412 in more detail.

[0092] In some examples, the flap 1412 includes a rear portion 1502 rotatably coupled to an exterior of the rear wall 1408. The rear portion 1502 may rotate about a join line between the rear portion 1502 and the rear wall 1408. According to some examples, the flap 1412 includes a top portion 1504 rotatably coupled to the rear portion 1502. The top portion 1504 may rotate about a join line between the top portion 1504 and the rear portion 1502.

[0093] Additionally or alternatively, the flap 1412 may include a front portion 1506 rotatably coupled to the top portion 1504. The front portion 1506 may rotate about a join line between the front portion 1506 and the top portion 1504. In some embodiments, the flap 1412 includes a bottom portion 1508 rotatably coupled to the front portion 1506. The bottom portion 1508 may rotate about a join line between the bottom portion 1508 and the front portion 1506.

[0094] In some examples, the front portion 1506 includes a front portion window 1510. The front portion window 1510 may be at least partially aligned with a front wall window 1416 of the front wall 1410 of the folded deck box 50. The front portion window 1510 allows a user to view the playing cards 60, or artwork on at least the forward-most playing cards 60 within the folded deck box 50, while the folded deck box is in the closed configuration (FIG. 16).

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, the bottom portion 1508 may include at least one flap magnet 1704 for magnetically coupling to the bottom wall 1402 of the folding deck box 50. This is explored in more detail in Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C.

[0096] 16 shows an exemplary folding deck box 50 in a perspective view while fully closed. FIG. 16 makes it clearer that the front partial window 1510 aligns with the front wall window 1416 while in the closed configuration, thus allowing a user to view the artwork on the forward-most playing card 60 while the folding deck box 50 is closed.

[0097] 17A illustrates an example folding deck box 50 in a perspective view with the bottom portion 1508 of the flap 1412 separated from the folding deck box 50. As seen in FIG 17A, the bottom portion 1508 of the flap 1412 may include at least one flap magnet 1704. The at least one flap magnet 1704 is shown as a hidden line because the at least one flap magnet 1704 may be integral with or disposed within the bottom portion 1508 of the flap.

[0098] Similarly, the bottom wall 1402 of the folding deck box 50 may include at least one bottom magnet 1702. The at least one bottom magnet 1702 is not visible through the bottom portion 1508 of the flap 1412, but is seen in more detail in FIG. 17B. At least one flap magnet 1704 is positioned and configured to magnetically engage or magnetically couple to the at least one bottom magnet 1702.

[0099] 17B and 17C show bottom views of the example folding deck box 50 of FIG. 17A. FIG. 17B shows a bottom view without the flap 1412 present, and FIG. 17C shows a bottom view with the flap 1412 coupled to the bottom wall 1402.

[0100] 17B shows at least one bottom magnet 1702 that may be provided in the bottom wall 1402 of the folding deck box 50. The at least one bottom magnet 1702 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one bottom magnet 1702 is integrated into or disposed within the bottom wall 1402.

[0101] 17C illustrates at least one flap magnet 1704 that may be present in the bottom portion 1508 of the flap 1412. The at least one flap magnet 1704 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one flap magnet 1704 is integrated into or disposed within the bottom portion 1508.

[0102] Although the at least one bottom magnet 1702 and the at least one flap magnet 1704 have been described and shown as being integral with or disposed within the bottom wall 1402 and bottom portion 1508, respectively, this is not strictly necessary. Magnets may also be present on a surface of the bottom wall 1402 or bottom portion 1508 without affecting the functionality of the folding deck box 50.

[0103] Two flap magnets 1704 and two bottom magnets 1702 are shown in Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly two, nor does the number of flap magnets 1704 have to match the number of bottom magnets 1702. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the bottom portion 1508 of the flap 1412 to the bottom wall 1402 of the folding deck box 50 may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one, or as many as can reasonably fit on the bottom portion 1508 of the flap 1412 and the bottom wall 1402 of the folding deck box 50. Although not shown, in some examples, a magnetic strip may be present in place of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0104] 18 shows a rear view of an exemplary folding deck box 50. The rear view includes a finger slot 1414. In some examples, including the one shown in FIG. 18, a front wall window 1416 may be present so that the front wall 1410 cannot be seen through the finger slot 1414 in this view.

[0105] As shown, the rear wall 1408 may include at least one rear magnet 1802. The at least one rear magnet 1802 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the at least one rear magnet 1802 is integral to or disposed within the rear wall 1408. Although the at least one rear magnet 1802 is shown as being integral to or disposed within the rear wall 1408, this is not strictly necessary. The rear magnet 1802 may also be present on a surface of the rear wall 1408 without affecting the functionality of the folding deck box 50.

[0106] Four rear magnets 1802 are shown in FIG. 18. However, the number of rear magnets 1802 does not have to be exactly four. There may be any number of rear magnets 1802 sufficient to magnetically couple the folding deck box 50 to the play mat 20. There may be only one rear magnet 1802 or the maximum number of rear magnets 1802 that can reasonably fit on the rear wall 1408. Furthermore, at least one rear magnet 1802 may be so positioned to allow for magnetic coupling with any magnets present on the two-piece deck box 30 and / or the dice box 40.

[0107] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary folding deck box 50 in a perspective view magnetically coupled to an exemplary play mat 20 to form a two-component game play area system 10. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the play mat 20 includes two separate docking areas. The bottom docking area is exposed to reveal a mat magnet 314 contained within the play mat 20 in a hidden circle. The other docking area is covered by the folding deck box 50, and one of the at least one rear magnet 1802 is magnetically coupled to the mat magnet 314 at this location. This allows for easy transportation of both the play mat 20 and the folding deck box 50, yet still leaves room for additional components to dock to the play mat 20. As previously mentioned, the inclusion of only two separate docking areas is not intended to be limiting, and any number of separate docking areas that may be stored on the play mat 20 may be present within the game play area system 10.

[0108] Figures 20A, 20B, and 21 show an exemplary play mat 20b having two panels or sections. Specifically, Figure 20A shows the exemplary play mat 20b in a back view, Figure 20B shows the exemplary play mat 20b of Figure 20A in a perspective view in a partially folded state, and Figure 21A shows the exemplary play mat 20b of Figure 20A in a front view in a fully folded state. The front view of the play mat 20b may be very similar to the play mat 20 of Figure 2, and therefore this view will not be reproduced here.

[0109] 20A shows a back view of an exemplary play mat 20b having a two-panel construction. The back view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20b is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20b from slipping during use.

[0110] The two panels of the play mat 20b are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate portions. The two panels of the play mat 20b may include a first section 2002 and a second section 2004 adjacent to the first section 2002.

[0111] The first section 2002 may include at least one closure magnet 312 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the first section 2002. Similarly, the second section 2004 may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is again shown as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the second section 2004. Eight closure magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 20A and 20B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly eight, nor do the number of closure magnets 312 need to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one or as many as can reasonably fit within the first section 2002 and the second section 2004 without interfering with one another. Although not shown, in some examples magnetic strips may be present in place of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0112] As previously discussed in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on either side (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into distinct sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20b and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These distinct sections are for ease of coupling with other distinct components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two and may include only one distinct section or the maximum number of distinct sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20b.

[0113] FIG 20B shows an exemplary play mat 20b in a perspective view folded for storage or transport. This view is from the front, but the boundary between the first section 2002 and the second section 2004 as seen from the back is drawn to make it easier to visualize the folding process. FIG 20B shows the first section 2002 folded over the second section 2004.

[0114] FIG. 21A shows a top view of the play mat 20b after folding has been completed. FIG. 21B shows a cross-sectional view of the play mat 20b with the thickness of the first section 2002 and the second section 2004 exaggerated in order to show the play mat 20b in the folded configuration. In this view, the at least one closing magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned and in this fully closed configuration, they secure the first section 2002 to the second section 2004. This may prevent the play mat 20b from opening without external influence. This also exposes the at least one mat magnet 314 present in the second section 2004 to the outside, which allows the aforementioned magnets from the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50 to magnetically couple to this second section 2004. Due to the nature of a two-panel system with exposed magnets in either section, the at least one closure magnet 312 may function similarly to the at least one mat magnet 314 in the sense that the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50 may be magnetically coupled to the first section 2002 through the at least one closure magnet 312, if so desired.

[0115] Figures 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, and 25 show an example play mat 20 having four panels or sections. Specifically, Figures 22A and 22B show an example play mat 20c, Figures 23A and 23B show an example play mat 20d, and Figures 24A and 24B show an example play mat 20e. Figure 25A is a closed configuration of the four-panel play mat 20 and may show play mat 20c, play mat 20d, or play mat 20e, since all of these play mats 20 may look the same when closed.

[0116] 22A shows a back view of an exemplary play mat 20c having this four-panel construction. The back view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20c is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20c from slipping during use. The front view of the play mat 20c may be very similar to the play mat 20 of FIG. 2, and therefore this view will not be reproduced here.

[0117] The four panels of the play mat 20c are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate pieces. The four panels of the play mat 20c may include a first section 2202a, a second section 2204a adjacent to the first section 2202a, a third section 2206a adjacent to the second section 2204a along an opposite edge to the edge of the first section 2202a, and a fourth section 2208a adjacent to the third section 2206a along an opposite edge to the edge of the second section 2204a.

[0118] The first section 2202a may include at least one closure magnet 312 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the first section 2202a. Similarly, the fourth section 2208a may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is again shown as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the fourth section 2208a. Eight closure magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly eight, nor do the number of closure magnets 312 need to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one or as many as can reasonably fit within the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a without interfering with each other. Although not shown, in some examples, a magnetic strip may be present in place of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0119] As previously discussed in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20c and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These separate sections are for ease of coupling to other separate components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two and may include only one separate section or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20c.

[0120] 22B shows an exemplary play mat 20c in a perspective view folded for storage or transport, from the front, with the boundaries between the first section 2202a and the second section 2204a, the second section 2204a and the third section 2206a, and the third section 2206a and the fourth section 2208a depicted to make it easier to visualize the folding process.

[0121] As seen in FIG. 22B, the first section 2202a may be folded over the second section 2204a, and the fourth section 2208a may be folded over the third section 2206a, such that the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a are adjacent to each other. From this position, or at about the same time as the previous folding, the second section 2204a and the third section 2206a are folded over each other, and the at least one closure magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 are brought closer to each other and thus magnetically coupled or magnetically engaged. This keeps the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a in position relative to each other, thus keeping the play mat 20c closed in the configuration shown in FIG. 25A.

[0122] 22A shows a back view of an exemplary play mat 20c having this four-panel construction. The back view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20c is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20c from slipping during use. The front view of the play mat 20c may be very similar to the play mat 20 of FIG. 2, and therefore this view will not be reproduced here.

[0123] The four panels of the play mat 20c are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate pieces. The four panels of the play mat 20c may include a first section 2202a, a second section 2204a adjacent to the first section 2202a, a third section 2206a adjacent to the second section 2204a along an opposite edge to the edge of the first section 2202a, and a fourth section 2208a adjacent to the third section 2206a along an opposite edge to the edge of the second section 2204a.

[0124] The first section 2202a may include at least one closure magnet 312 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the first section 2202a. Similarly, the fourth section 2208a may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is again shown as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the fourth section 2208a. Eight closure magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly eight, nor do the number of closure magnets 312 need to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one or as many as can reasonably fit within the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a without interfering with each other. Although not shown, in some examples, a magnetic strip may be present in place of or in addition to individual magnets.

[0125] As previously discussed in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20c and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These separate sections are for ease of coupling to other separate components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two and may include only one separate section or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20c.

[0126] 23B shows an exemplary play mat 20d in a perspective view folded for storage or transport, from the front, with the boundaries between the first section 2202b and the second section 2204b, the second section 2204b and the third section 2206b, and the third section 2206b and the fourth section 2208b depicted to make it easier to visualize the folding process.

[0127] As seen in FIG. 23B, the first section 2202b may be folded over the second section 2204b, the second section 2204b may be folded over the third section 2206b, and the third section 2206b may be folded over the fourth section 2208b, so as to position the fourth section 2208b on top of the second section 2204b.

[0128] Because the fourth section 2208b is now on top of or planarly adjacent to the second section 2204b, the at least one closure magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 may magnetically couple or engage with one another. This keeps the second section 2204b and the fourth section 2208b in position relative to one another, thus keeping the play mat 20d closed in the configuration shown in FIG. 25A.

[0129] 24A shows a back view of an exemplary play mat 20e having another similar four-panel construction. The back view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20e is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20e from slipping during use. The front view of the play mat 20e may be very similar to the play mat 20 of FIG. 2, and therefore this view is not reproduced here.

[0130] The four panels of the play mat 20e are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate pieces. The four panels of the play mat 20e may include a first section 2202c, a second section 2204c adjacent to the first section 2202c, a third section 2206c adjacent to the second section 2204c along an opposite edge to the edge of the first section 2202c, and a fourth section 2208c adjacent to the third section 2206c along an opposite edge to the edge of the second section 2204c.

[0131] The first section 2202c may include at least one mat magnet 314 in its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the first section 2202c. The second section 2202c may include at least one closure magnet 312 in its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the second section 2202c. The third section 2206c may include at least one mat magnet 314 in its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the third section 2206c. Similarly, the fourth section 2208c may include at least one closure magnet 312 in its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the fourth section 2208c. Sixteen closure magnets 213 and sixteen mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 24A and 24B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly sixteen, nor do the number of closure magnets 312 need to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one, or as many as can reasonably fit within the first section 2202c, the second section 2204c, the third section 2206c, and the fourth section 2208c.

[0132] As previously discussed in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20e and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These separate sections are for ease of coupling to other separate components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two and may include only one separate section or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20e.

[0133] 24B shows an exemplary play mat 20e in a perspective view folded for storage or transport, from the front, with the boundaries between the first section 2202c and the second section 2204c, the second section 2204c and the third section 2206c, and the third section 2206c and the fourth section 2208c depicted to make it easier to visualize the folding process.

[0134] 24B, the first section 2202c may be folded onto the second section 2204c. This folding action brings the at least one mat magnet 314 in the first section 2202c closer to the at least one closure magnet 312 in the second section 2204c, thus magnetically coupling or engaging the first section 2202c to the second section 2204c. This causes the first section 2202c and the second section 2204c to remain in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0135] Similarly, the fourth section 2208c may be folded onto the third section 2206c. This folding action brings the at least one closure magnet 312 in the fourth section 2208c closer to the at least one mat magnet 314 in the third section 2206c, thus magnetically coupling or engaging the fourth section 2208c to the third section 2206c. This causes the fourth section 2208c and the third section 2206c to remain in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0136] The second section 2204c may be folded over the third section 2206c in a direction opposite to the aforementioned fold. This folding action brings at least one closure magnet 312 in the second section 2204c closer to at least one mat magnet 314 in the third section 2206c, thus magnetically coupling or engaging the second section 2204c to the third section 2206c. This causes the second section 2204c and the third section 2206c to remain in position relative to each other. Once all sections are held in place by magnetic coupling or engagement, the play mat 20e may remain closed in the configuration shown in FIG. 25A.

[0137] Figure 25A shows the exemplary play mat 20c of Figure 22A, the exemplary play mat 20d of Figure 23A, or the exemplary play mat 20e of Figure 24A in a top view in a fully folded state. In this view, the at least one closure magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned (see Figures 25B, 25C, and 25D), and in this fully closed configuration, the section (or in the case of Figures 24A and 24B, at least one section) containing the at least one closure magnet 312 is secured to the section (or in the case of Figures 24A and 24B, again at least one section) containing the at least one mat magnet 314. This may prevent the play mat 20c, play mat 20d, or play mat 20e from opening without external influence. In the case of play mats 20d and 20e, this exposes at least one mat magnet 314 to the outside, thereby allowing the aforementioned magnets from the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50 to magnetically couple to the section containing the at least one mat magnet 314.

[0138] Figures 25B, 25C, and 25D show cross-sectional views of the play mat 20. Specifically, Figure 25B shows a play mat 20c in which the thicknesses of the first section 2202a, the second section 2204a, the third section 2206a, and the fourth section 2208a are exaggerated to show the play mat 20a in a folded configuration. Figure 25C shows a play mat 20d in which the thicknesses of the first section 2202b, the second section 2204b, the third section 2206b, and the fourth section 2208b are exaggerated to show the play mat 20a in a folded configuration. Figure 25D shows a play mat 20e in which the thicknesses of the first section 2202c, the second section 2204c, the third section 2206c, and the fourth section 2208c are exaggerated to show the play mat 20a in a folded configuration.

[0139] FIG. 26A shows a rear view of an exemplary play mat 20f having a similar structure to the play mat 20a of FIGS. 1-5C. A notable difference between the play mat 20f and the play mat 20a is the location of the at least one closure magnet 312. Whereas the at least one closure magnet in the play mat 20a is on the first side section 308, the at least one closure magnet present in the play mat 20f is on the middle section. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20f is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20f from slipping during use. The front view of the play mat 20f may be very similar to the play mat 20 of FIG. 2, and therefore this view is not reproduced here.

[0140] The three panels of the play mat 20f are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate portions. The three panels of the play mat 20f may include a middle section 2602, a first side section 2604 adjacent to the middle section 2602, and a second side section 2606 adjacent to the middle section 2602 along an edge opposite the edge of the first side section 2604.

[0141] The middle section 2602 may include at least one closure magnet 312 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the middle section 2602. The second side section 2606 may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the second side section 2606. Eight closure magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly eight, nor do the number of closure magnets 312 need to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one or as many as can reasonably fit within the middle section 2602 and the second side section 2606.

[0142] As previously discussed in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20f and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These separate sections are for ease of coupling to other separate components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two and may include only one separate section or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20f.

[0143] FIG. 26B shows an exemplary play mat 20f in a perspective view in a folded state for storage or transport. As seen in FIG. 26B, the first side section 2604 may be folded over the middle section 2602 before the second side section 2606 is folded over the top of both the middle section 2602 and the first side section 2604. In this example, the magnet is strong enough so that the extra layer of play mat does not interfere with the magnetic coupling of the middle section 2602 and the second side section 2606. Once all sections are held in place by the magnetic coupling or magnetic engagement, the play mat 20f may remain closed in the configuration shown in FIG. 27A.

[0144] FIG. 27A shows a top view of the play mat 20f after folding is completed. FIG. 27B shows a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary play mat of the play mat 20f, in which the thicknesses of the middle section 2602, the first side section 2604 and the second side section 2606 are exaggerated for the purpose of showing the play mat 20f in its folded configuration. In this view, the at least one closure magnet 312 and the at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned, and in this fully closed configuration, they secure the second side section 2606 to the middle section 2602. This may prevent the play mat 20f from opening without an external influence. This also exposes the at least one mat magnet 314 present in the second side section 2606 to the outside, which allows the aforementioned magnets from the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40 and the folding deck box 50 to magnetically couple to this second side section 2606. Due to the nature of the presented play mat 20f having exposed magnets on any section, the at least one closure magnet 312 may function in the same manner as the at least one mat magnet 314, in the sense that the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50 may be magnetically coupled to the middle section 2602 through these at least one closure magnet 312, if so desired.

[0145] 28A shows a rear view of an exemplary play mat 20g. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as it would appear when the play mat 20f is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may include a rubber molded surface 304. This rubber molded surface 304 helps prevent the play mat 20g from slipping during use. The front view of the play mat 20f may be very similar to the play mat 20 of FIG. 2, and therefore this view will not be reproduced here.

[0146] The three panels of the play mat 20g are visible on the bottom surface 302 because the top surface 202 is constructed to provide a smooth playing surface without visible separation between the separate pieces. The three panels of the play mat 20g may include a middle section 2802, a first side section 2804 adjacent to the middle section 2802, and a second side section 2806 adjacent to the middle section 2802 along an edge opposite the edge of the first side section 2604.

[0147] The middle section 2802 may include at least one closure magnet 312 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the closure magnet 312 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the middle section 2802. Unlike the previous examples of the three-panel play mat 20 (20a and 20f), the middle section 2802 may include at least one closure magnet near either edge adjacent the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 to allow for magnetic coupling to both of these panels. The first side section 2804 may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is shown as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet 314 is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the first side section 2804. Similarly, the second side section 2806 may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that the mat magnet is not flush with or exposed from the surface of the second side section 2806. Sixteen closure magnets 312 and sixteen mat magnets 314 are shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B. However, the number of magnets present need not be exactly sixteen, nor do the number of closure magnets 312 need to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the game play area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be as few as one or as many as can reasonably fit within the middle section 2802, the first side section 2804, and the second side section 2806.

[0148] As previously discussed in Figures 9, 13 and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections, one section of four magnets near the top edge of the play mat 20g and one section of four magnets near the bottom edge. These separate sections are for ease of coupling to other separate components of the game play area system 10 (i.e., the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50). However, the number of sections need not be limited to two (e.g., four such sections in the middle section 2802 of Figures 28A and 28B), and may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the confines of the play mat 20g.

[0149] FIG. 28B shows an exemplary play mat 20g in a perspective view in a folded state for storage or transport. As seen in FIG. 28B, the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 may both be folded over the middle section 2802 without interfering with each other. In this example, the order of the folds is not important. Once all sections are held in place by magnetic coupling or magnetic engagement, the play mat 20g may remain closed in the configuration shown in FIG. 28A.

[0150] FIG. 29A shows a top view of the play mat 20g after folding has been completed. FIG. 29B shows a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary play mat 20g, with the thicknesses of the middle section 2802, the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 exaggerated for purposes of showing the play mat 20g in its folded configuration. In this view, at least one closure magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned along both sides of the middle section 2802. In this fully closed configuration, the magnets secure the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 to the middle section 2802. This may prevent the play mat 20g from opening without an external influence. This also exposes the at least one mat magnet 314 present in the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 to the outside, thereby allowing the aforementioned magnets from the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50 to magnetically couple to the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806. Since the play mat 20g has exposed magnets in either section while closed, the at least one closure magnet 312 may function in the same manner as the at least one mat magnet 314, in the sense that the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50 may be magnetically coupled to the middle section 2802 through the at least one closure magnet 312, if so desired.

[0151] Throughout the foregoing disclosure, in instances where at least one closure magnet 312 is not specifically described as being magnetically coupleable to the two-piece deck box 30, the dice box 40, and the folding deck box 50, it should be understood that such magnetic coupling may still be possible using stronger magnets.

[0152] (interpretation) The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, some methods, events, states, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular order, and the blocks, steps, or states associated therewith may be performed in other orders as appropriate. For example, the tasks or events described may be performed in orders other than those specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. Example tasks or events may be performed in serial, parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than as described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

[0153] Conditional language used herein, such as "can," "could," "could be," "might," "for example," and the like, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, but that other embodiments do not include them, unless otherwise specified or understood within the context in which it is used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that the features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required by one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether or not those features, elements, and / or steps should be included or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without author input or prompting. Terms such as "comprises," "includes," "having," and the like, are synonymous and are used in an inclusive, non-limiting manner and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, etc. Additionally, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in an exclusive sense), e.g., when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctions such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, are understood differently with the context in which they are generally used to convey that an item, term, etc., can be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctives are not generally intended to imply that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z, respectively, be present.

[0154] The term "and / or" means that "and" applies to some embodiments and "or" applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and / or C can be substituted for A, B, and C in one sentence and A, B, or C in another sentence. A, B, and / or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can include only A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments include A, B, and C. The term "and / or" is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

[0155] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Thus, nothing in the above description should be construed as implying that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. In fact, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made in the form of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 10 - Game Play Area System 20 - Playmat 20a-Playmat 20b-Playmat 20c-Playmat 20d-Playmat 20e-Playmat 20f-Playmat 20g-Playmat 30 - Two-Piece Deck Box 40 - Dice Box 40a-Dice Box 40b-Dice Box 50 - Folding Deck Box 60 - Gaming cards 70 - Dice 202 -Top surface 204 - Cloth type surface 302 - Bottom 304 - Rubber backer 306 - Mid Section 308 - First Side Section 310 - Second Side Section 312 - at least one closing magnet 314 - At least one matte magnet 602 - Top Section 604 - Bottom Section 606 - Bottom section forward inset lip 608 - Bottom section rear inset lip 610 - First bottom section side inset lip 612 - Second bottom section side inset lip 614 - Male snap fastener 616 - Female Snap Fastener 618 - at least one top magnet 620 - At least one bottom magnet 622 - Arrow 624 - At least one magnet 802 - Top wall 804 - Top Section Front Wall 806 - Top Section Back Wall 808 - First Top Section Side 810 - Second top section side 812 - Bottom wall 814 - Bottom Section Front Wall 816 - Bottom Section Back Wall 818 - First bottom section sidewall 820 - Second bottom section sidewall 1002 - Inner compartment 1004 - Outer compartment 1006 - Outer bottom wall 1008 - Outer top wall 1010 - First outer sidewall 1012 - Second outer sidewall 1014 - at least one outer top magnet 1102 -Inner bottom wall 1104 - medial anterior wall 1106 - medial posterior wall 1108 - First inner sidewall 1110 - Second inner sidewall 1112 - at least one outer bottom magnet 1114 - at least one inner bottom magnet 1202 - Insert 1402 - Bottom wall 1404 - Left side wall 1406 - Right side wall 1408 - Back wall 1410 - front wall 1412 - Flap 1414 - Finger Slot 1416 - Front wall window 1502 - Posterior part 1504 - Top part 1506 - Anterior part 1508 - Bottom part 1510 - Front partial window 1702 - At least one bottom magnet 1704 - At least one flap magnet 1802 - Rear Magnet 2002 - First Section 2004 - Second Section 2202 - First Section 2202a - First Section 2202b - First Section 2202c - First Section 2204 - Second Section 2204a - Second Section 2204b - Second Section 2204c-Second Section 2206 - Third Section 2206a - Third Section 2206b - Third Section 2206c-Third Section 2208 - Fourth Section 2208a-Fourth Section 2208b - Fourth Section 2208c-Fourth Section 2602 - Mid Section 2604 - First Side Section 2606 - Second side section 2802 - Mid Section 2804 - First Side Section 2806 - Second side section

Claims

1. 1. A game play area system comprising a play mat, the play mat comprising: The middle section, a first side section rotatably coupled to the middle section, the first side section enabling the first side section to be folded onto the middle section, the first side section including at least one closure magnet; a second side section rotatably coupled to the middle section opposite the first side section, the second side section enabling the second side section to be folded over the middle section and the first side section; Equipped with the second side section comprises at least one matte magnet; the at least one mat magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the first side section is folded over the middle section and while the second side section is folded over the middle section and the first side section; A game play area system, wherein the play mat comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface when the play mat is in an open position.

2. The game playing area system of claim 1 , wherein the second side section has a width less than a width of the middle section and the first side section.

3. 10. The game play area system of claim 1, further comprising a folding deck box sized to hold at least one playing card, said folding deck box comprising: The bottom wall and a left side wall coupled to the bottom wall and substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall; a right side wall coupled to the bottom wall, the right side wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall and opposite the left side wall; a rear wall coupled to the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall, the rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall; at least one rear magnet disposed within the rear wall, the at least one rear magnet configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding at least one mat magnet; a front wall coupled to the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall, the front wall being partially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall, the front wall being opposite the rear wall; A flap, a rear portion rotatably coupled to the rear wall; a top portion rotatably coupled to the rear portion; a front portion rotatably coupled to the top portion; a bottom portion rotatably coupled to the front portion; and A game play area system comprising:

4. The folding deck box comprises: at least one flap magnet disposed within the bottom portion; at least one bottom magnet disposed within the bottom wall in an amount equal to the at least one flap magnet, each at least one flap magnet being configured to magnetically couple to a corresponding at least one bottom magnet; The game play area system of claim 3 further comprising:

5. 4. The game play area system of claim 3, wherein the front portion of the flap comprises a feature selected from the group consisting of a window, optical translucency, optical transparency, and optical opacity.

6. 10. The game play area system of claim 1, further comprising a two-piece deck box sized to hold at least one playing card, said two-piece deck box comprising: A top section, The top wall and a top section front wall coupled to the top wall, the top section front wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall; a top section rear wall coupled to the top wall, the rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall and substantially parallel to the top section front wall; a first top section sidewall coupled to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall, the first top section sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall; a second top section sidewall coupled to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall, the second top section sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall and substantially parallel to the first top section sidewall; Equipped with at least one top magnet is disposed within a wall selected from the group consisting of the top section front wall, the top section rear wall, the first top section sidewall, and the second top section sidewall; a top section, the at least one top magnet configured to magnetically couple to at least one mat magnet; A bottom section, The bottom wall and a bottom section front wall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall being substantially perpendicular to the top wall; a bottom section rear wall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall and substantially parallel to the bottom section front wall; a first bottom section sidewall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, the first bottom section sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall; a second bottom section sidewall coupled to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, the second bottom section sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall and substantially parallel to the first bottom section sidewall; Equipped with at least one bottom magnet is disposed within a wall selected from the group consisting of the bottom section front wall, the bottom section rear wall, the first bottom section sidewall, and the second bottom section sidewall; a bottom section, the at least one bottom magnet configured to magnetically couple to at least one mat magnet; A game play area system comprising:

7. The game play area system of claim 6 , wherein the top section is configured to be removably coupled to the bottom section.

8. the bottom section front wall further comprises a bottom section forward inset lip; the bottom section rear wall further comprises a bottom section rear inset lip; the first bottom section sidewall further comprising a first bottom section side inset lip; 7. The game play area system of claim 6, wherein the second bottom section sidewall further comprises a second bottom section side inset lip.

9. the top section front wall is configured to receive the bottom section forward inset lip; the top section rear wall is configured to receive the bottom section rear inset lip; the first top section sidewall is configured to receive the first bottom section inset lip; 9. The game play area system of claim 8, wherein the second top section sidewall is configured to receive the second bottom section inset lip.

10. an inset lip selected from the group consisting of the bottom section front inset lip, the bottom section rear inset lip, the first bottom section side inset lip, and the second bottom section side inset lip further comprises a male snap fastener; 10. The game play area system of claim 9, wherein a wall selected from the top section front wall, the top section rear wall, the first top section sidewall, and the second top section sidewall further comprises female snap fasteners configured to receive the male snap fasteners in corresponding locations.

11. 10. The game play area system of claim 1 further comprising a dice box sized to hold at least one die, the dice box comprising: An inner compartment, An inner bottom wall; an inner front wall coupled to the inner bottom wall and substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall; an inner rear wall coupled to the inner bottom wall opposite the inner front wall and substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall; a first inner sidewall coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall and substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall; a second inner sidewall coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall opposite the first inner sidewall, and the inner rear wall opposite the first inner sidewall, the second inner sidewall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall; an inner compartment comprising: an outer compartment sized to hold the inner compartment, An outer bottom wall; at least one exterior bottom magnet disposed within the exterior bottom wall and configured to couple to at least one mat magnet; a first outer sidewall coupled to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall and substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall; a second outer sidewall coupled to the outer bottom wall opposite the first outer sidewall and to the outer rear wall opposite the first outer sidewall and substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall; an outer top wall coupled to the outer rear wall opposite the outer bottom wall, the first outer sidewall opposite the outer bottom wall, and the second outer sidewall opposite the outer bottom wall, the outer top wall being substantially perpendicular to the outer rear wall, the first outer sidewall, and the second outer sidewall; an outer section comprising: A game play area system comprising:

12. 12. The game play area system of claim 11, wherein the interior bottom wall further comprises at least one interior bottom magnet configured to magnetically couple to the at least one exterior bottom magnet.

13. 13. The game playing area system of claim 12, wherein the outer top wall further comprises at least one outer top magnet configured to magnetically couple to the at least one mat magnet.

14. 10. The game playing system of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises a rubber backer configured to prevent the play mat from sliding off a surface.

15. The game playing system of claim 1 , wherein the top surface comprises a cloth-type surface configured to facilitate sliding of an object across the top surface.

16. the at least one mat magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the second side section; The game playing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one closure magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the first side section.

17. 1. A game play area system comprising a play mat, the play mat comprising: a first section comprising at least one closure magnet; a second section rotatably coupled to the first section, allowing the second section to be folded onto the first section, the second section comprising at least one mat magnet; Equipped with At least one mat magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the second section is folded over the first section.

18. the at least one matte magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the second section; The game playing system of claim 17 , wherein the at least one closure magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the first section.

19. 1. A game play area system comprising a play mat, the play mat comprising: The first section, a second section rotatably coupled to the first section, the second section enabling the second section to be folded onto the first section; a third section rotatably coupled to the second section, the third section enabling the third section to be folded onto the second section; and a fourth section rotatably coupled to the third section, the fourth section enabling the fourth section to be folded onto the third section; and Equipped with a closure section selected from the group consisting of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section, comprising at least one closure magnet; a mat section selected from the group consisting of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section, comprising at least one mat magnet; The closing section and the mat section are different, The at least one mat magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closure magnet while the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section are in a folded configuration.

20. the at least one mat magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the mat section; The game playing system of claim 19 , wherein the at least one closure magnet covers at least a portion of an edge of the closure section.

Images