Gameplay 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

[0004] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates particularly to card and die containment systems and playable surfaces, such as gaming cards.

Background Art

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

[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 needs to carry. Particularly in tournament settings, players may feel like they are moving their kits (i.e., playmats, deck boxes, dice boxes) multiple times in a short period as they compete with multiple other people in multiple locations. The solutions provided to facilitate the transport of all of this gear are at best minimal, and the current solutions in the prior art are problematic, and the present disclosure further examines those problems in more depth.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes systems and technologies for facilitating the transport of general gameplay area systems. The systems may include separate subcomponents that are used in combination or separately, depending on the user's needs.

[0005] In some examples, the game play area system includes a playmat. According to some examples, the playmat includes a middle section. The playmat may also include a first side section rotatably coupled to the middle section, allowing the first side section to be folded over the middle section, and the first side section includes at least one closing magnet. In some examples, the playmat includes a second side section rotatably coupled to the middle section on the opposite side of 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 includes at least one mat magnet. At least one mat magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to at least one closing 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 playmat is in the open position, the playmat includes a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface.

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

[0007] The game play area system may include a foldable deck box sized to hold at least one play card. In some examples, the foldable deck box includes a bottom wall. According to some examples, the foldable deck box includes a left wall bonded to the bottom wall, the left wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. The foldable deck box may also include a right wall bonded to the bottom wall, the right wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, and the right wall being opposite to the left wall. In some examples, the foldable deck box includes a rear wall bonded to the bottom wall, left wall, and right wall, the rear wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, left wall, and right wall. According to some examples, the foldable deck box includes at least one rear magnet located within the rear wall, the at least one rear magnet being configured to magnetically bond to at least one corresponding mat magnet. The foldable deck box may also include a front wall bonded to the bottom wall, left wall, and right wall, the front wall being partially perpendicular to the bottom wall, left wall, and right wall, and the front wall being opposite to the rear wall.

[0008] In some examples, the folding deck box includes a flap. The flap may have a bottom portion rotatably coupled to the rear wall. According to some examples, the flap includes a top portion rotatably coupled to the rear portion. The flap may have a front portion rotatably coupled to the top portion. In some examples, the flap includes a bottom portion rotatably coupled to the front portion on the opposite side of the top portion.

[0009] According to some examples, a folding deck box comprises at least one flap magnet located within the bottom portion. The folding deck box may also comprise at least one bottom magnet located within the bottom wall in an equal quantity to the at least one flap magnet, and each at least one flap magnet is configured to magnetically couple to the corresponding at least one bottom magnet.

[0010] In some examples, the front portion of the flap has features selected from the group consisting of windows, optical transmittance, optical transparency, and optical opacity.

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

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

[0013] In some examples, a 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. In 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 side wall joined to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, the second bottom section side wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the bottom section front wall, and the bottom section rear wall, and the second bottom section side wall being substantially parallel to the first bottom section side wall.

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

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

[0016] The front wall of the top section may be configured to receive the front inset lip of the bottom section. In some examples, the rear wall of the top section is configured to receive the rear inset lip of the bottom section. According to some examples, the side wall of the first top section is configured to receive the first inset lip of the bottom section. The side wall of the second top section may be configured to receive the second inset lip of the bottom section.

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

[0018] The gameplay 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 also include an inner front wall connected 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 connected 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 side wall connected to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall, the first inner side wall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall. The inner compartment may also include a second inner side wall connected to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall opposite the first inner side wall, and the inner rear wall opposite the first inner side wall, the second inner side wall being substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall.

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

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

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

[0022] In some examples, the bottom surface features a rubber-type backing configured to prevent the playmat from sliding off the surface. In some examples, the top surface features a cloth-type surface configured to facilitate the sliding of objects across the top surface.

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

[0024] This also includes additional disclosures of other gameplay area systems. In some examples, the gameplay area system comprises a playmat. According to some examples, the playmat comprises a first section having at least one closing magnet. The playmat may also comprise a second section rotatably coupled to the first section, allowing the second section to be folded over the first section, and the second section having at least one mat magnet. In some examples, at least one mat magnet is configured to magnetically couple to at least one closing magnet while the second section is folded over the first section. According to some examples, when the playmat is in the open position, the playmat comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface.

[0025] At least one mat magnet may cover at least a portion of the edge of the first section. In some examples, at least one closing magnet covers at least a portion of the 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 includes a play mat. According to some examples, the play mat includes a first section. The play mat may include 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 includes 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 includes 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 include at least one closed 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 include at least one mat magnet. According to some examples, the section including at least one closed magnet and the section including at least one mat magnet are different. The at least one mat magnet may be configured to magnetically couple to the at least one closed magnet while the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section are in a folded configuration. In some examples, when the play mat is in an open position, the play mat includes 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 the edge of the mat section. The at least one closed magnet may cover at least a portion of the edge of the closed section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an exemplary game play area system including a play mat, a two-piece deck box, and a dice box is shown. [Figure 2] Shows a top view of a playmat according to some examples. [Figure 3] Shows a bottom view of an exemplary playmat. [Figure 4A] Shows the exemplary playmat of FIG. 3 in a perspective view of a partially folded state. [Figure 4B] Shows the exemplary playmat of FIG. 4A in a top view of a fully folded state. [Figure 4C] Shows the exemplary playmat of FIG. 4B in a perspective view of a further folded state. [Figure 5A] Shows the exemplary playmat of FIG. 4C in a perspective view of a fully folded state. [Figure 5B] Shows a top view of an exemplary playmat of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] Shows a front cross-sectional view of the exemplary playmat of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] Shows an exemplary two-piece deck box in a perspective view of an open configuration. [Figure 6B] Shows the exemplary two-piece deck box of FIG. 6A in a perspective view together with playing cards. [Figure 6C] Shows a rear view of the exemplary two-piece deck box of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] Shows the two-piece deck box in a perspective view of another open configuration. [Figure 7B] Shows the two-piece deck box of FIG. 7A in a perspective view together with playing cards. [Figure 8A] Shows an exemplary two-piece deck box in a perspective view of a closed configuration. [Figure 8B] Shows a rear view of the exemplary two-piece deck box of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] Shows an exemplary two-piece deck box in a perspective view of a state magnetically coupled to an exemplary playmat. [Figure 10A] Shows an exemplary dice box in a perspective view of a closed configuration. [Figure 10B]Another exemplary die box is shown in a perspective view in a closed configuration. [Figure 11A] An example of a die box is shown in an open-configuration perspective view. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A shows an exemplary die box, along with the dice, in a perspective view. [Figure 11C] Figure 11A shows an exemplary die box in a bottom view. [Figure 12A] An exemplary die box is shown in a perspective view, along with an inner compartment that is magnetically coupled to the outer compartment from the outside. [Figure 12B] Figure 12A shows an exemplary die box along with the dice in a perspective view. [Figure 13] An example dice box is shown in a perspective view, magnetically attached to an example playmat. [Figure 14A] An exemplary folding deck box is shown in a perspective view in a fully open configuration. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A shows an exemplary folding deck box, along with the cards, in a perspective view. [Figure 15A] An exemplary folding deck box is shown in a perspective view of the closing process. [Figure 15B] Figure 15A shows an exemplary folding deck box, along with the cards, in a perspective view. [Figure 16] An exemplary folding deck box is shown in a perspective view while fully closed. [Figure 17A] An example of a folding deck box is shown in a perspective view with the bottom flap separated from the folding deck box 50. [Figure 17B] Figure 17A shows an exemplary folding deck box, with the flap not present, in a bottom view. [Figure 17C] Figure 17A shows an exemplary folding deck box, with the flap attached to the folding deck box in a bottom view. [Figure 18] A rear view of a similar folding deck box is shown. [Figure 19]An exemplary folding deck box is shown in a perspective view, magnetically attached to an exemplary playmat. [Figure 20A] An example of a playmat's back view is shown. [Figure 20B] Figure 20A shows an example playmat in a partially folded state in a perspective view. [Figure 21A] Figure 20A shows an example playmat in a top view in its folded state. [Figure 21B] Figure 20A shows a cross-sectional front view of an example playmat. [Figure 22A] An example of a playmat's back view is shown. [Figure 22B] Figure 22A shows an example playmat in a partially folded state in a perspective view. [Figure 23A] An example of a playmat's back view is shown. [Figure 23B] Figure 23A shows an example playmat in a partially folded state in a perspective view. [Figure 24A] An example of a playmat's back view is shown. [Figure 24B] Figure 24A shows an example playmat in a partially folded state in a perspective view. [Figure 25A] Figures 22A, 23A, or 24A show an exemplary playmat in a top view in its folded state. [Figure 25B] Figure 22A shows a cross-sectional front view of an example playmat. [Figure 25C] Figure 23A shows a cross-sectional front view of an example playmat. [Figure 25D] Figure 24A shows a cross-sectional front view of an exemplary playmat. [Figure 26A] An example of a playmat's back view is shown. [Figure 26B] Figure 26A shows an example playmat in a partially folded state in a perspective view. [Figure 27A] Figure 26A shows an example playmat in a top view in its folded state. [Figure 27B] Figure 26A shows a cross-sectional front view of an example playmat. [Figure 28A] An example of a playmat's back view is shown. [Figure 28B] Figure 28A shows an example playmat in a partially folded state in a perspective view. [Figure 29A] Figure 28A shows an example playmat in a top view in its folded state. [Figure 29B] Figure 28A shows a cross-sectional front view of an example playmat. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Card game playmats are essentially large mousepads, and they have been in use for a very long time. Traditional playmats tend to have a neoprene support and a polyester top, and are transported or stored either rolled up and carried as is, or rolled up and placed in a tube. This is cumbersome and becomes difficult when players need to move frequently between tables, such as in tournament-type settings. While variations in the appearance of playmats, such as licensed artwork, are common in the field, there have been no significant improvements to the structure of the playmats themselves.

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

[0031] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary game play area system 10, including a playmat 20, a two-piece deck box 30, and a dice box 40. The playmat 20 is described in more detail in Figures 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 Figures 6, 7, 8A, 8B, and 9. The dice box 40 is described in more detail in Figures 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12, and 13. A folding deck box 50 is not shown in Figure 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] Generally, the game play area system 10 features multiple magnets arranged through independent elements of a play mat 20, a two-piece deck box 30, a dice box 40, and a folding deck box 50. These magnets enable a modular configuration, allowing each of these independent elements to be connected to one another. Therefore, when the game play area system 10 is arranged together such that all elements are magnetically connected to at least one other element, the entire game play area system 10 can be easily transported between locations, reducing the risk of independent elements being accidentally dropped or misplaced.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a top view of an exemplary playmat 20. As can be seen from this front view, the playmat includes a top surface 202 when laid flat. This top surface 202 may have a cloth-like surface 204. This cloth-like surface 204 makes it easy for cards to slide across the surface.

[0034] Exemplary dimensions for the Open Playmat 20 are approximately 610 mm wide and 350 mm high. Since some games require a larger playing surface, larger variations may be included without adjusting the height. An example of such a variation, perhaps called the "Wide" or "XL" Playmat 20, is approximately 800 mm wide and 350 mm high.

[0035] Furthermore, there is the possibility of a playmat 20 that can be played by multiple people at once. A "two-player" playmat 20 may have a width of approximately 610 millimeters (similar to the standard playmat 20 exemplified above) and a height somewhere between approximately 610 millimeters and approximately 750 millimeters. This height allows multiple players to play simultaneously without interfering with each other.

[0036] Through this disclosure, it should be understood that any playmat 20 disclosed may have any of these dimensions, or any other dimensions not specifically described above, without affecting the performance of the playmat 20.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of an exemplary playmat 20a having a three-panel structure. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when the playmat 20a is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps prevent the playmat 20a from slipping during use.

[0038] The three panels of the playmat 20a are visible on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The three panels of the playmat 20a may 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 the opposite edge of the first side section 308.

[0039] The first side section 308 may include at least one closing magnet 312 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar 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 presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the second side section 310. Eight closing magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in Figure 3 and in Figures 4A to 5B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly eight, and the number of closing magnets 312 does not have to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the gameplay area system 10 together may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the first side section 308 and the second side section 310 without interfering with each other. Although not shown, in some examples, magnetic strips may be present instead of, or in addition to, the individual magnets.

[0040] As will be described later in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20a and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These separate sections are intended to facilitate connection 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 is not limited to two; it may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20a.

[0041] Furthermore, although the second side section 310 is shown to be narrower than the intermediate section 306 and the first side section 308, this is not strictly necessary. Also, although the intermediate section 306 and the first side section 308 are shown to be approximately equal in width, this is not necessarily the case in reality. The size of each panel may vary, as long as the playmat 20a can still close itself. For example, the dimensions of the first side section 308 and the second side section 310 may be reversed or changed.

[0042] Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C show an exemplary playmat 20a in a folded state for storage or transport. Figures 4A and 4C show perspective views, and Figure 4B shows a top view. All of these figures are viewed 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) are drawn to facilitate visualization of the folding process. Figure 4A shows the first side section 308 folded over the intermediate section 306. The first side section 308 and the second side section 310 are hinged to the intermediate section 306. This connection may be achieved through the inherent flexibility of the material covering each of these sections, or through mechanical means such as actual hinges.

[0043] Figure 4B shows the playmat 20a after the first side section 308 has completed folding over the middle section 306. As can be seen from this figure, at least one closing magnet 312 and 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 larger 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 (Figure 4C). Figure 4C shows the second side section 310 folded over the first side section 308 (and the middle section 306 now beneath the first side section 308).

[0044] Figure 5A shows an exemplary playmat 20a of Figures 4A-4C in a perspective view in the fully folded state, and Figure 5B shows a top view thereof. As previously mentioned, at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned and, in the fully closed position, they fix the second side section 310 to the first side section 308. This may prevent the playmat 20a from opening without external influence. This also allows magnets, as described in further figures, to be magnetically coupled to the second side section 310 via 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). Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the playmat 20a in the closed configuration, which shows that at least one mat magnet 314 and 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 are exaggerated for the purpose of showing the playmat 20a in a folded configuration.

[0045] Conventional two-piece deck boxes are generally offered 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 direct upward force, while a diagonal cut allows the user to easily open the deck box using leverage. A diagonal cut has the disadvantage of being easily opened accidentally, such as after a fall. The figures and descriptions herein illustrate an asymmetric chevron cut, which combines the advantages of both horizontal and diagonal cuts while mitigating the disadvantages. However, it is understood that any type of cut may function in this disclosure.

[0046] Figures 6A and 6B show an exemplary two-piece deck box 30 in an open perspective view. According to Figure 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 lowering the top section 602 over the bottom section 604 to close the two-piece deck box 30. It should be noted 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. Figure 6B shows the two-piece deck box 30 of Figure 6A with a set of game cards 60.

[0047] The bottom section 604 may include a peripheral inset lip comprising a front bottom section inset lip 606, a rear bottom section inset lip 608, a first bottom section side inset lip 610, and a second bottom section side inset lip 612. This peripheral inset lip may be configured to slide within the bottom opening of the top section 602.

[0048] The first bottom section side inset lip 610 describes two male snap fasteners 614. Similarly, the first top section 808 (Figures 8A and 8B) may have two female snap fasteners 616, which are shown as hidden lines to indicate that these female snap fasteners 616 are located 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 engage with the female snap fasteners 616 to prevent the top section 602 and the bottom section 604 from separating without external influence.

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

[0050] Similarly, although 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 part of the lower part of the top section 602, including the top section front wall 804, the top section rear wall 806, the second top section side 810 (Figures 8A and 8B), or any combination thereof. Also, although only two female snap fasteners 616 are shown in Figure 6A, it should be understood that the two-piece deck box 30 may have only one female snap fastener 616, or the maximum number of female snap fasteners 616 desired and that can fit around the bottom perimeter of the top section 602.

[0051] While users are likely to desire the same 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 female snap fasteners 616. Furthermore, although the male snap fasteners 614 are described as being located on the bottom section 604 and the female snap fasteners 616 on the top section 602, these snap fasteners may be interchangeable; that is, the female snap fasteners may be located on the bottom section 604, or the male snap fasteners 614 may be located on the top section 602. The entire disclosure in Figure 6A also applies to this interchangeable snap fastener arrangement example.

[0052] Figure 6C shows a rear view of the exemplary two-piece deck box 30 of Figure 6A, as seen in the open position. Here again, arrow 622 indicates the direction of movement when closing the two-piece deck box 30 by lowering the top section 602 onto the bottom section 604. It should be understood that this movement may also be reversed, and the two-piece deck box 30 may be closed by raising the bottom section 604 into the top section 602.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6C, at least one top magnet 618 may be located along the rear wall 806 of the top section (Figure 8B). The at least one top magnet 618 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that at least one top magnet 618 is integrated with or located within the rear wall 806 of the top section. Although two top magnets 618 are shown, only one top magnet 618 may be present, or there may be the maximum number of top magnets 618 that can fit on the surface of the top section 602 as desired by the user. Furthermore, although at least one top magnet 618 is shown on the rear wall 806 of the top section, this arrangement is not strictly required, and at least one top magnet 618 may be located on the top wall 802, the front wall 804 of the top section, the first top section side 808, the second top section side 810 (Figures 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 rear wall 816 of the bottom section. At least one bottom magnet 620 is shown as a hidden line to indicate that at least one bottom magnet 620 is integrated with or located within the bottom portion 1508. Although two bottom magnets 620 are shown, only one bottom magnet 620 may be present, or there may be as many bottom magnets 620 as desired by the user and that can fit on the surface of the bottom section 604. Furthermore, although at least one bottom magnet 620 is shown on the rear wall 816 of the bottom section, this arrangement is not strictly required, and at least one bottom magnet 620 may be located on the bottom wall 812, the front wall 814 of the bottom section, the first bottom section side 818, the second bottom section side 820 (Figures 8A and 8B), or any combination thereof as desired by the user. At least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 are shown as equal numbers, but this is not strictly necessary, and variations can be used as desired by the user. Although not shown, in some examples, magnetic strips may be present instead of, or in addition to, the individual magnets.

[0055] Conventional two-piece deck boxes result in tracking two separate components while in an 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. At least one magnet 624 may be used to attach the two-piece deck box 30 to the playmat 20, but as shown, the top section 602 may be magnetically coupled to the bottom section 604, thus allowing the two-piece deck box to sit more neatly while in this open configuration.

[0056] Figures 7A and 7B show a two-piece deck box 30 in an open side view. The top section 602 and the bottom section 604 may be positioned such that the rear wall 806 of the top section and the rear wall 816 of the bottom section (Figures 8A and 8B) are adjacent to each other. In some configurations of the magnets, at least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 may interact with each other to hold the top section 602 and the bottom section 604 together while in this open configuration. This is shown as a hidden line indicating that at least one magnet 624 may be positioned when the two-piece deck box 30 is in this configuration. Figure 7B shows the two-piece deck box of Figure 7A with game cards 60 inside both the top section 602 and the bottom section 604. The two-piece deck box 30 is sized so that game cards can be held in either part 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 illustrated and described in Figure 9.

[0057] At least one magnet 624 may also be used to magnetically connect 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” designed to be played against each other. At least one magnet 624 makes it possible to keep these two two-piece deck boxes neatly connected to each other.

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

[0059] These figures also show a bottom section 604, which may include a bottom wall 812, a bottom section front wall 814 extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom wall 812, and a bottom section rear wall 816 extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom wall 812 along the opposite edge of the bottom section front wall 814. The bottom section 604 may also include a first bottom section side 818 extending substantially perpendicularly 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 off the space formed between the bottom section front wall 814 and the bottom section rear wall 816 on the side in which it exists. Furthermore, the bottom section 604 may include a second bottom section side 820 extending substantially perpendicularly 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 off the space formed between the bottom section front wall 814 and the bottom section rear wall 816 on the side in which it exists. These five walls form a cavity in which items such as game cards may be placed.

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

[0061] In both Figures 6C and 8B, at least one top magnet 618 and at least one bottom magnet 620 are shown to be integrated with or located within the top section rear wall 806 and the bottom section rear wall 816, respectively, but this is not strictly necessary. The magnets may also be located on the surfaces of the top section rear wall 806 and the 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 conventional matte finish. This allows for the creation of a window, enabling the user to see the cards inside the two-piece deck box 30 and more quickly identify the card deck within.

[0063] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an exemplary two-piece deck box 30 magnetically coupled to an exemplary playmat 20, forming a two-component game play area system 10. As can be seen from Figure 9, the playmat 20 includes two separate docking areas. The bottom docking area is exposed, and a hidden circle shows the mat magnet 314 contained within the playmat 20. 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 magnet 314 in this position. This facilitates the transport of both the playmat 20 and the two-piece deck box 30, while still leaving room for additional components to dock to the playmat 20. As noted above, including only two separate docking areas is not intended to be limiting, and any number of separate docking areas that can be accommodated on the playmat 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 always compatible between different deck boxes. This can make it difficult to ensure that a player has all the components required for a particular game they intend to play, unless a specific deck box is created containing the dice needed for each game a player plays. This disclosure solves this problem by isolating the dice in a dice box 20 that is independent of any of the other components of the game play area system 10 and can be magnetically coupled to it.

[0065] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of an exemplary die box 40a in a closed configuration. As shown, the die 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 substantially rectangular prism. The walls of this outer compartment 1004 as shown include an outer bottom wall 1006 and an outer top wall 1008 that is opposite the outer bottom wall 1006 and substantially parallel to it.

[0066] The outer compartment 1004 may include a first outer side wall 1010 extending substantially perpendicularly to the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008. The first outer side wall 1010 may be closed by coupling to the space between the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008. The outer compartment 1004 may also include a second outer side wall 1012 extending substantially perpendicularly to the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008, the second outer side wall 1012 facing the first outer side wall 1010 and substantially parallel to it. The second outer side wall 1012 may be closed by coupling to the space between the outer bottom wall 1006 and the outer top wall 1008. The outer compartment 1004 may be sized to accommodate the inner compartment 1002.

[0067] Figure 10B shows a perspective view of another exemplary die box 40b in a closed configuration. Die box 40b is substantially the same as die box 40a in Figure 10A and includes an inner compartment 1002 which can be slidably coupled to or slidably engaged with an outer compartment 1004. However, die box 40b includes at least one outer top magnet 1014 integrated with the 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 Figures 11C, 12A, and 12B. The at least one outer top magnet 1014 may also be coupled to at least one mat magnet 314, as shown in Figure 13.

[0068] At least one outer top magnet 1014 is shown to be integrated with or located within the outer top wall 1008, but this is not strictly required. The outer top magnet 1014 may also be located on the surface of the outer top wall 1008 without affecting the function of the die box 40b.

[0069] Four outer top magnets 1014 are shown in Figure 10B. However, the number of outer top magnets 1014 does not have to be exactly four. There may be any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically connect the inner compartment 1002 to the outer compartment 1004 (as shown in Figures 12A and 12B), or the outer compartment 1004 to the playmat 20. This could be just one outer top magnet 1014, or the maximum number of outer top magnets 1014 that can be reasonably accommodated on the outer top wall 1008. Although not shown, in some examples, magnetic strips may be present instead of, or in addition to, the individual magnets.

[0070] In an exemplary die box 40b having at least one outer top magnet 1014, at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 (as described in Figure 11C) may be magnetically coupled or engaged with at least one outer top magnet 1014 for stacking multiple die boxes 40. Note that a die box 40a as described in Figure 10A may be magnetically coupled to a die box 40b as described in Figure 10B. A die box 40a as described in Figure 10B may also be magnetically coupled to another die box 40b.

[0071] Figures 11A and 11B show an exemplary die box 40 in an open perspective view. In other words, Figure 11A shows an exemplary die box 40 with the inner compartment 1002 disengaged from the outer compartment 1004, allowing a better view of the inner compartment 1002. The die box 40 may be either die box 40a in Figure 10A or die box 40b in Figure 10B.

[0072] The inner compartment 1002 may include an inner bottom wall 1102. The inner front wall 1104 and the 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 side wall 1108 extending substantially perpendicularly to the inner bottom wall 1102, the inner front wall 1104, and the inner rear wall 1106. The first inner side wall 1108 may be closed by coupling to the space between the inner front wall 1104 and the inner rear wall 1106. The inner compartment 1002 may also include a second inner side wall 1110 extending substantially perpendicularly to the inner bottom wall 1102, the inner front wall 1104, and the inner rear wall 1106. The second inner side wall 1110 may be opposite to the first inner side wall 1108 and substantially parallel to it. The second inner side wall 1110 may be closed by coupling to the space between the inner front wall 1104 and the inner rear wall 1106.

[0074] As shown by the hidden lines, the outer bottom wall 1006 may include at least one outer bottom magnet 1112. This is the case for any die box 40, including die box 40a in Figure 10A and die box 40b in Figure 10B. Figure 11A also shows hidden lines indicating 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, at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may engage with at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 to hold the inner compartment 1002 substantially in place relative to the outer compartment 1004. As examined in Figure 13, either at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 and / or at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may magnetically engage with the playmat 20.

[0075] The inner compartment 1002, as illustrated, forms an open-top box capable of receiving objects such as dies 70. Figure 11B shows the die box 40 of Figure 11A with several dies 70 inside the inner compartment 1002. The inner compartment 1002 may be sized to be insertable into the outer compartment 1004. Arrow 622 is provided to indicate the direction of movement when the inner compartment 1002 is inserted into the outer compartment 1004. It should be understood that since the outer compartment 1004 has no wall on either side into which the inner compartment 1002 is inserted, the movement can originate from either side of the outer compartment 1004. It should also be understood that the movement can be reversed to remove the inner compartment 1002 from the outer compartment 1004.

[0076] Figure 11C shows a bottom view of the exemplary die box of Figure 11A. 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 it is integrated with or located 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 it is integrated with or located within the outer bottom wall 1006.

[0077] While the dice box is closed, at least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may be magnetically coupled to at least one outer bottom magnet 1112. This prevents 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. At least one outer bottom magnet 1112 may magnetically couple the dice box 40 to the playmat 20, as shown in Figure 13. Although not shown, at least one inner bottom magnet 1114, located 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 playmat 20.

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

[0079] Four outer bottom magnets 1112 and four inner bottom magnets 1114 are shown in Figure 11C. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly four, and the number of outer bottom magnets 1112 does not have to match the number of inner bottom magnets 1114. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically connect the inner compartment 1002 to the outer compartment 1004, or the outer compartment 1004 to the playmat 20, or the inner compartment 1002 to the playmat 20, can be provided based on the user's needs. The number of magnets may be just 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, magnetic strips may be present instead of or in addition to the individual magnets.

[0080] Any of the magnets described herein, including at least one outer top magnet 1014, at least one outer bottom magnet 1112, and at least one inner bottom magnet 1114, may be magnetically coupled to magnets present on an additional die box 40, or a two-piece deck box 30 or a folding deck box 50. In an example where the die box 40 includes at least one outer top magnet 1014 and at least one outer bottom magnet 1112, the additional die box 40, two-piece deck box 30, and / or folding deck box 50 may be present on either side of the die box 40, thereby enabling easier transport of multiple components. Furthermore, in these examples where the dice box 40 includes at least one outer top magnet 1014 and at least one outer bottom magnet 1112, the dice box 40 may be magnetically attached to the playmat 20, and at the same time, another dice box 40, a two-piece deck box 30, or a folding deck box 50 may be magnetically attached to the opposite side of the dice box 40.

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

[0082] At least one inner bottom magnet 1114 may interact with at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 from the outer surface, allowing 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 can 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 can also be coupled to at least one outer bottom magnet from the outer surface, and thus, without the presence of at least one top outer magnet, the configuration shown in Figures 12A and 12B can be formed. Figure 12B is a perspective view of the exemplary die box 40 of Figure 12A, together with the dies 70.

[0083] In both Figure 12A and Figure 12B, insert 1202 is present. Insert 1202 may allow the user to partition the die box 40. As shown in Figure 12B, insert 1202 may be used to separate different types of dies 70.

[0084] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing an exemplary dice box 40 magnetically coupled to an exemplary playmat 20, forming a two-component game play area system 10. As can be seen from Figure 13, the playmat 20 includes two separate docking areas. The bottom docking area is exposed, and a hidden circle shows the mat magnet 314 contained within the playmat 20. The other docking area is covered by the dice box 40, and either at least one outer top magnet 1014 or at least one outer bottom magnet 1112 is magnetically coupled to the mat magnet 314 at this position. This facilitates the transport of both the playmat 20 and the dice box 40, while still leaving room for additional components to dock to the playmat 20. As noted above, including only two separate docking areas is not intended to be limiting, and any number of separate docking areas that can be accommodated on the playmat 20 may be present within the game play area system 10.

[0085] Conventional folding deck boxes include a magnetic closure along the front of the deck box. This means that magnets provide retention against shear forces to keep the deck box closed. Some conventional solutions include a mechanical cleat feature that helps magnets keep the deck box closed. The present invention places magnets at the bottom of the folding deck box 50, enabling magnetic retention by tensile force rather than shear force, thus reducing the risk of the folding deck box 50 opening during accidental impacts such as drops. Furthermore, the cover may be inserted into a molded shell so that force is applied to the shell during impact, preventing any impact from propagating into the cover or magnets. Conventional folding deck boxes have a cover that rises over the top lip of the folding deck box wall. Therefore, when that area lands, the cover is often at the forefront of the impact, causing the deck box to open unintentionally.

[0086] Figures 14A and 14B show an exemplary folding deck box 50 in a fully open configuration in a perspective view. Figure 14A shows an empty folding deck box 50, and Figure 14B shows a folding deck box 50 containing game cards 60. As shown in Figures 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 joined to the bottom wall 1402 along the edge opposite to the edge of the left side wall 1404.

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

[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 be located behind the rear wall 1408. In this configuration, at least one flap magnet 1704 magnetically couples the flap 1412 to at least one rear magnet 1802, keeping the flap 1412 out of the way while minimizing its footprint when it is close to the folding deck box 50 and in its open configuration. The flap 1412 is described in more detail in Figures 15A, 15B, and 17A.

[0089] In some examples, the back wall 1408 includes a finger slot 1414. The finger slot 1414 can be seen as a small notch from the top of the back wall 1408 to approximately the center of the back wall 1408, although this placement is not strictly necessary. The finger slot 1414 allows the user to easily remove the game cards 60 (as shown in Figure 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] Conventional folding deck boxes generally use an opaque cover that relies on external technology to identify the card deck contained within the folding deck box. According to this disclosure, a solution to this problem includes a front wall 1410 with a front wall window 1416 that allows the player card 60 at the front to be seen. This is beneficial because it allows the user to see the player card 60 at the front without having to open the folding deck box 50 or rely on external artwork. The front wall window 1416 may also be useful for the user to show off a player card 60 that they wish to promote to others nearby while the folding deck box 50 is in a closed configuration. The front wall window 1416 can be seen as a rectangular cutout from the front wall 1410 and is much larger in size than the aforementioned finger slot 1414. The front wall window 1416 allows the user to view the artwork on the game cards 60 or at least the frontmost game cards 60 within the folding deck box 50 without removing the game cards 60 from the folding deck box 50. An example of how the artwork on the game cards 60 aligns 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 the front partial window 1510 within 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 a folding deck box 50 containing game 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 flaps 1412 in more detail.

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

[0093] As an addition or alternative, the flap 1412 may include a front portion 1506 rotatably coupled to the top portion 1504. The front portion 1506 may rotate about a coupling 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 coupling line between the bottom portion 1508 and the front portion 1506.

[0094] In some examples, the front section 1506 includes a front section window 1510. The front section window 1510 can be at least partially aligned with the front wall window 1416 of the front wall 1410 of the folding deck box 50. The front section window 1510 allows the user to view the game cards 60 or the artwork on at least the foremost game cards 60 inside the folding deck box 50 while the folding deck box is in a closed configuration (Figure 16).

[0095] As an addition or alternative, the bottom portion 1508 may include at least one flap magnet 1704 for magnetic coupling to the bottom wall 1402 of the folding deck box 50. This is examined in more detail in Figures 17A, 17B, and 17C.

[0096] Figure 16 shows an exemplary folding deck box 50 in a perspective view while fully closed. Figure 16 makes it clearer that the front partial window 1510 aligns with the front wall window 1416 when in the closed configuration, so that the user can see the artwork on the frontmost game cards 60 while the folding deck box 50 is closed.

[0097] Figure 17A shows an exemplary 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 Figure 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 it may be integrated with or located 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 visible in more detail in Figure 17B. At least one flap magnet 1704 is positioned and configured to magnetically engage or magnetically couple with at least one bottom magnet 1702.

[0099] Figures 17B and 17C show bottom views of the exemplary folding deck box 50 of Figure 17A. Figure 17B shows a bottom view without the flap 1412, and Figure 17C shows a bottom view with the flap 1412 attached to the bottom wall 1402.

[0100] Figure 17B shows at least one bottom magnet 1702 that may be provided within 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 with or located within the bottom wall 1402.

[0101] Figure 17C shows 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 with or located within the bottom portion 1508.

[0102] Although at least one bottom magnet 1702 and at least one flap magnet 1704 are described and illustrated as being integrated with or positioned within the bottom wall 1402 and bottom portion 1508, respectively, this is not strictly necessary. The magnets may also be present on the 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, and the number of flap magnets 1704 does not 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 just one, or the maximum number that 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, magnetic strips may be present instead of or in addition to the individual magnets.

[0104] Figure 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 Figure 18, a front wall window 1416 may be present, so the front wall 1410 is not visible through the finger slot 1414 in this figure.

[0105] As shown in the figure, 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 at least one rear magnet 1802 is integrated with or located within the rear wall 1408. Although the at least one rear magnet 1802 is shown as being integrated with or located within the rear wall 1408, this is not strictly necessary. The rear magnet 1802 may also be present on the surface of the rear wall 1408 without affecting the function of the folding deck box 50.

[0106] Four rear magnets 1802 are shown in Figure 18. However, the number of rear magnets 1802 does not have to be exactly four. There can be any number of rear magnets 1802 sufficient to magnetically bond the folding deck box 50 to the playmat 20. It could be just 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 positioned in such a way that it can magnetically bond with any magnets present on the two-piece deck box 30 and / or the dice box 40.

[0107] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing an exemplary folding deck box 50 magnetically coupled to an exemplary playmat 20, forming a two-component game play area system 10. As can be seen from Figure 19, the playmat 20 includes two separate docking areas. The bottom docking area is exposed, and a hidden circle shows the mat magnet 314 contained within the playmat 20. The other docking area is covered by the folding deck box 50, and at least one of the rear magnets 1802 is magnetically coupled to the mat magnet 314 in this position. This facilitates the transport of both the playmat 20 and the folding deck box 50, while still leaving room for additional components to dock to the playmat 20. As noted above, including only two separate docking areas is not intended to be limiting, and any number of separate docking areas that can be accommodated on the playmat 20 may be present within the game play area system 10.

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

[0109] Figure 20A shows a rear view of an exemplary playmat 20b having a two-panel structure. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when the playmat 20b is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps to prevent the playmat 20b from slipping during use.

[0110] The two panels of playmat 20b are visible on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The two panels of playmat 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 closed magnet 312 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar 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 presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the second section 2004. Eight closed magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 20A and 20B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly eight, and the number of closed magnets 312 does not have to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the gameplay area system 10 together may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the first section 2002 and the second section 2004 without interfering with each other. Although not shown in the illustrations, in some examples, magnetic strips may be present instead of, or in addition to, individual magnets.

[0112] As described above in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20b and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These distinct sections facilitate connection with 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 is not limited to two; it may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20b.

[0113] Figure 20B is a perspective view of an exemplary playmat 20b in a folded state for storage or transport. This figure is a front view, but the boundary line between the first section 2002 and the second section 2004, as seen from the back, is drawn to facilitate visualization of the folding process. Figure 20B shows the first section 2002 folded over the second section 2004.

[0114] Figure 21A shows a top view of the playmat 20b after it has been folded. Figure 21B shows a cross-sectional view of the playmat 20b with the thicknesses of the first section 2002 and the second section 2004 exaggerated for the purpose of illustrating the playmat 20b in its folded configuration. In this figure, at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned and, in this fully closed configuration, fix the first section 2002 to the second section 2004. This may prevent the playmat 20b from opening without external influence. Thus, at least one mat magnet 314 located within the second section 2004 is also exposed 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 connect to this second section 2004. Due to the nature of the two-panel system having exposed magnets in either section, at least one closing magnet 312 may function in the same way as at least one matting magnet 314, in the sense that the two-piece deck box 30, the die box 40, and the folding deck box 50 can be magnetically coupled to the first section 2002 through these at least one closing magnet 312, if desired.

[0115] Figures 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, and 25 show exemplary playmats 20 having four panels or sections. Specifically, Figures 22A and 22B show exemplary playmat 20c, Figures 23A and 23B show exemplary playmat 20d, and Figures 24A and 24B show exemplary playmat 20e. Figure 25A is a closed configuration of the four-panel playmat 20 and may show playmat 20c, playmat 20d, or playmat 20e, because all of these playmats 20 may look the same when closed.

[0116] Figure 22A shows a rear view of an exemplary playmat 20c having this four-panel structure. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when the playmat 20c is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps to prevent the playmat 20c from slipping during use. The front view of the playmat 20c may be very similar to the playmat 20 in Figure 2, and therefore this figure is not reproduced here.

[0117] The four panels of the playmat 20c are visible on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The four panels of the playmat 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 the edge opposite to the edge of the first section 2202a, and a fourth section 2208a adjacent to the third section 2206a along the edge opposite to the edge of the second section 2204a.

[0118] The first section 2202a may include at least one closed magnet 312 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar 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 presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the fourth section 2208a. Eight closed magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 22A and 22B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly eight, and the number of closed magnets 312 does not have to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the gameplay area system 10 together may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a without interfering with each other. Although not shown, in some examples, magnetic strips may be present instead of, or in addition to, the individual magnets.

[0119] As described above in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20c and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These separate sections are intended to facilitate connection 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 is not limited to two; it may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20c.

[0120] Figure 22B shows an exemplary playmat 20c in a perspective view in a folded state for storage or transport. This figure is a front view, but the boundary lines between the first section 2202a and the second section 2204a, between the second section 2204a and the third section 2206a, and between the third section 2206a and the fourth section 2208a are drawn to facilitate visualization of the folding process.

[0121] As shown in Figure 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, so that the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a are adjacent to each other. From this position, or approximately simultaneously with the previous folding, the second section 2204a and the third section 2206a fold over each other, and at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 move closer to each other and thus magnetically couple or engage. This holds the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a in place relative to each other and thus keeps the playmat 20c closed in the configuration shown in Figure 25A.

[0122] Figure 22A shows a rear view of an exemplary playmat 20c having this four-panel structure. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when the playmat 20c is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps to prevent the playmat 20c from slipping during use. The front view of the playmat 20c may be very similar to the playmat 20 in Figure 2, and therefore this figure is not reproduced here.

[0123] The four panels of the playmat 20c are visible on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The four panels of the playmat 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 the edge opposite to the edge of the first section 2202a, and a fourth section 2208a adjacent to the third section 2206a along the edge opposite to the edge of the second section 2204a.

[0124] The first section 2202a may include at least one closed magnet 312 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar 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 again is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the fourth section 2208a. Eight closed magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 22A and 22B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly eight, and the number of closed magnets 312 does not have to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the gameplay area system 10 together may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the first section 2202a and the fourth section 2208a without interfering with each other. Although not shown, in some examples, magnetic strips may be present instead of, or in addition to, the individual magnets.

[0125] As described above in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20c and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These separate sections are intended to facilitate connection 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 is not limited to two; it may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20c.

[0126] Figure 23B shows an exemplary playmat 20d in a folded state for storage or transport in a perspective view. This figure is a front view, but the boundary lines between the first section 2202b and the second section 2204b, between the second section 2204b and the third section 2206b, and between the third section 2206b and the fourth section 2208b are drawn to facilitate visualization of the folding process.

[0127] As shown in Figure 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 that the fourth section 2208b is positioned on top of the second section 2204b.

[0128] Since the fourth section 2208b is located at the top of or adjacent to the second section 2204b, at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 may be magnetically coupled or magnetically engaged with each other. This holds the second section 2204b and the fourth section 2208b in place relative to each other and thus keeps the playmat 20d closed in the configuration shown in Figure 25A.

[0129] Figure 24A shows a rear view of an exemplary playmat 20e having another similar four-panel structure. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when the playmat 20e is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps to prevent the playmat 20e from slipping during use. The front view of the playmat 20e may be very similar to the playmat 20 in Figure 2, and therefore this figure is not reproduced here.

[0130] The four panels of playmat 20e can be seen on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The four panels of playmat 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 the edge opposite to the edge of the first section 2202c, and a fourth section 2208c adjacent to the third section 2206c along the edge opposite to the edge of the second section 2204c.

[0131] The first section 2202c may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, the mat magnet 314 being presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed to the surface of the first section 2202c. The second section 2202c may include at least one closed magnet 312 within its structure, the closed magnet 312 being presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed to the surface of the second section 2202c. The third section 2206c may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, the mat magnet 314 being presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed to the surface of the third section 2206c. Similarly, the fourth section 2208c may include at least one closed magnet 312 within its structure, the closed magnet 312 being presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed to the surface of the fourth section 2208c. Sixteen closing magnets 213 and sixteen matting magnets 314 are shown in Figures 24A and 24B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly sixteen, and the number of closing magnets 312 does not have to match the number of matting magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically connect the components of the gameplay area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the first section 2202c, the second section 2204c, the third section 2206c, and the fourth section 2208c.

[0132] As described above in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20e and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These separate sections are intended to facilitate connection 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 is not limited to two; it may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20e.

[0133] Figure 24B shows an exemplary playmat 20e in a perspective view in a folded state for storage or transport. This figure is a front view, but the boundary lines between the first section 2202c and the second section 2204c, between the second section 2204c and the third section 2206c, and between the third section 2206c and the fourth section 2208c are drawn to facilitate visualization of the folding process.

[0134] As shown in Figure 24B, the first section 2202c may be folded over the second section 2204c. This folding action brings at least one mat magnet 314 in the first section 2202c closer to at least one closing magnet 312 in the second section 2204c, thus magnetically coupling or engaging the first section 2202c with the second section 2204c. This causes the first section 2202c and the second section 2204c to remain in place relative to each other.

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

[0136] The second section 2204c may be folded over the third section 2206c in the opposite direction to the aforementioned fold. This folding action brings at least one closing 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 with the third section 2206c. This causes the second section 2204c and the third section 2206c to remain in place relative to each other. Once all sections are held in place by magnetic coupling or engagement, the playmat 20e may remain closed in the configuration shown in Figure 25A.

[0137] Figure 25A shows an exemplary playmat 20c from Figure 22A, an exemplary playmat 20d from Figure 23A, or an exemplary playmat 20e from Figure 24A, in a fully folded state, in a top view. In this figure, at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned (see Figures 25B, 25C, and 25D) and in this fully closed configuration, the section containing at least one closing magnet 312 (or, in the case of Figures 24A and 24B, at least one section) is secured to the section containing at least one mat magnet 314 (or, again, in the case of Figures 24A and 24B, at least one section). This may prevent playmat 20c, playmat 20d, or playmat 20e from opening without external influence. In the case of playmats 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 connect to the section containing at least one mat magnet 314.

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

[0139] Figure 26A shows a rear view of an exemplary playmat 20f having a similar structure to playmat 20a in Figures 1 to 5C. A notable difference between playmat 20f and playmat 20a is the location of at least one closing magnet 312. While at least one closing magnet in playmat 20a is located on the first side section 308, at least one closing magnet present in playmat 20f is located on the middle section. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when playmat 20f is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps prevent playmat 20f from slipping during use. The front view of playmat 20f may be very similar to playmat 20 in Figure 2, and therefore this figure is not reproduced here.

[0140] The three panels of the playmat 20f are visible on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The three panels of the playmat 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 the edge opposite the edge of the first side section 2604.

[0141] The intermediate section 2602 may include at least one closing magnet 312 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the intermediate section 2602. The second side section 2606 may include at least one mat magnet 314 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the second side section 2606. Eight closing magnets 312 and eight mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 26A and 26B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly eight, nor does the number of closing magnets 312 have to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the gameplay area system 10 together may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the intermediate section 2602 and the second side section 2606.

[0142] As described above in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20f and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These separate sections are intended to facilitate connection 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 is not limited to two; it may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20f.

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

[0144] Figure 27A shows a top view of the playmat 20f after it has been folded. Figure 27B shows an exemplary cross-sectional front view of the playmat 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 illustrating the playmat 20f in its folded configuration. In this figure, at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned and, in this fully closed configuration, they fix the second side section 2606 to the middle section 2602. This may prevent the playmat 20f from opening without external influence. Thus, at least one mat magnet 314, also located within the second side section 2606, is exposed 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 this second side section 2606. Due to the nature of the presented playmat 20f having exposed magnets on any section, at least one closed magnet 312 may function in the same manner as 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 can be magnetically coupled to the intermediate section 2602 through these at least one closed magnet 312, if so desired.

[0145] Figure 28A shows a rear view of an exemplary playmat 20g. The rear view shows the bottom surface 302 as seen when the playmat 20f is laid flat. The bottom surface 302 may have a rubberized surface 304. This rubberized surface 304 helps to prevent the playmat 20g from slipping during use. The front view of the playmat 20f may be very similar to the playmat 20 in Figure 2, and therefore this figure is not reproduced here.

[0146] The three panels of the 20g playmat can be seen on the bottom surface 302. This is to create a smooth playing surface by constructing the top surface 202 so that the separation between the separate parts is not visible. The three panels of the 20g playmat may also 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 the edge opposite the edge of the first side section 2604.

[0147] The intermediate section 2802 may include at least one closing magnet 312 within its structure, which is presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the intermediate section 2802. Unlike the previous examples of the three-panel playmat 20 (20a and 20f), the intermediate section 2802 may include at least one closing magnet near either edge adjacent to the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 to enable 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 presented as a hidden line to indicate that it is not coplanar 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 it is not coplanar with or exposed from the surface of the second side section 2806. Sixteen closed magnets 312 and sixteen mat magnets 314 are shown in Figures 28A and 28B. However, the number of magnets present does not have to be exactly sixteen, nor does the number of closed magnets 312 have to match the number of mat magnets 314. Any number of magnets sufficient to magnetically couple the components of the gameplay area system 10 to one another may be provided. The number of magnets may be just one, or the maximum number that can reasonably fit within the intermediate section 2802, the first side section 2804, and the second side section 2806.

[0148] As described above in Figures 9, 13, and 19, the magnets on both sides (at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314) are divided into separate sections: one section consisting of four magnets near the upper edge of the playmat 20g and another section consisting of four magnets near the lower edge. These separate sections are intended to facilitate connection 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 is not limited to two (for example, four such sections in the intermediate section 2802 in Figures 28A and 28B), and may include only one separate section, or the maximum number of separate sections that can reasonably fit within the area of ​​the playmat 20g.

[0149] Figure 28B shows an exemplary playmat 20g in a perspective view in a folded state for storage or transport. As seen in Figure 28B, the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 may both be folded over the intermediate 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 playmat 20g may remain closed in the configuration shown in Figure 28A.

[0150] Figure 29A shows a top view of the playmat 20g after it has been folded. Figure 29B shows an exemplary cross-sectional front view of the playmat 20g, in which the thicknesses of the middle section 2802, the first side section 2804, and the second side section 2806 are exaggerated to illustrate the playmat 20g in its folded configuration. In this figure, at least one closing magnet 312 and at least one mat magnet 314 are aligned along both sides of the middle section 2802. In this fully closed configuration, these magnets secure the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 to the middle section 2802. This may prevent the playmat 20g from opening without external influence. Thus, at least one mat magnet 314 located within the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806 is exposed 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 connect to the first side section 2804 and the second side section 2806. Since the playmat 20g has exposed magnets in either section while closed, at least one closing magnet 312 may function similarly to 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 can be magnetically connected to the intermediate section 2802 through these at least one closing magnet 312, if desired.

[0151] Throughout the foregoing disclosure, in examples where it is not specifically described that at least one closing magnet 312 can be magnetically coupled to the two-piece deck box 30, the die box 40, and the folding deck box 50, it should be understood that these magnetic couplings may still be possible by using stronger magnets.

[0152] (interpretation) The various features and processes described above may be used independently of each other or combined in various ways. All possible combinations and partial combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, some methods, events, states, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are not limited to any particular order, and the associated blocks, steps, or states may be executed in any other appropriate order. For example, the described tasks or events may be executed in an order other than that specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined into a single block or state. Exemplary tasks or events may be executed in series, in parallel, or in any other way. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The exemplary systems and components described herein may be configured differently from those described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[0153] The conditional language used herein, such as “can,” “may,” “possibly,” “may,” “may,” and “for example,” is generally intended to convey that certain features, elements, and / or steps are included in certain embodiments but not in other embodiments, unless otherwise specified or understood in the context in which they are used. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any way in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps should be included in or performed in any particular embodiment, with or without author input or prompting. Terms such as “equip,” “include,” and “have” are synonyms and are used in a comprehensive, non-restrictive manner, not excluding additional elements, features, actions, behaviors, etc. Furthermore, the term “or” is used in its comprehensive (not exclusive) sense, for example, when used to connect a list of elements, “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Combinations such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are generally understood differently in context to indicate that an item, term, etc., may be X, Y, or Z, unless otherwise specifically stated. Therefore, such combinations are not generally intended to imply that a particular embodiment must include at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z, respectively.

[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 replaced by A, B, and C described in one sentence and by A, B, or C described in another sentence. A, B, and / or C means that some embodiments may include A and B, some embodiments may include A and C, some embodiments may include B and C, some embodiments may include A only, some embodiments may include B only, some embodiments may include C only, and some embodiments may include A, B, and C. The term "and / or" is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

[0155] While 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. Therefore, nothing in the foregoing description implies that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms, and furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made in the forms of the methods and systems described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 10 - Gameplay 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 - Die Box 40b - Dice Box 50 - Folding Deck Box 60 - Game Cards 70 - Dice 202 -Top surface 204 - Cloth type surface 302 - Bottom 304 - Rubber type backer 306 - Intermediate Section 308 - First side section 310 - Second side section 312 - At least one closing magnet 314 - At least one mat magnet 602 - Top section 604 - Bottom section 606 - Bottom section front 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 - Front wall of the top section 806 - Rear wall of the top section 808 - First apex section side 810 - Second top section side 812 - Bottom wall 814 - Bottom section front wall 816 - Rear wall of bottom section 818 - Side wall of the first bottom section 820 - Second bottom section side wall 1002 - Inner Compartment 1004 - Outer compartment 1006 - Outer bottom wall 1008 - Outer top wall 1010 - First outer side wall 1012 - Second outer side wall 1014 - At least one outer top magnet 1102 -Inner bottom wall 1104 - medial anterior wall 1106 - medial posterior wall 1108 - First inner side wall 1110 - Second inner side wall 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 section 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 - Intermediate Section 2604 - First side section 2606 - Second side section 2802 - Intermediate Section 2804 - First side section 2806 - Second side section

Claims

1. It is a game play area system, and the playmat is The middle section, A first side section rotatably coupled to the intermediate section, the first side section enabling the first side section to be folded onto the intermediate section, and comprising at least one magnet, A second side section rotatably coupled to the intermediate section opposite to the first side section, the second side section enabling the second side section to be folded over the intermediate section and the first side section, Equipped with, The second side section comprises at least one magnet, The at least one magnet positioned inside the second side section is configured to be magnetically coupled to the at least one magnet positioned inside the first side section while the first side section is folded over the intermediate section, and while the second side section is folded over the intermediate section and the first side section. When the playmat is in the open position, the playmat comprises a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface. The box is Housing and The internal space located within the housing, At least one magnet disposed on the inside of the surface of the housing, Equipped with, When the playmat is in the open position, the at least one magnet located inside the surface of the housing is configured to magnetically couple with the at least one magnet located in the second side section, thereby maintaining the position of the box relative to the playmat in the open position. A game play area system in which, when the playmat is in the closed position, the at least one magnet located inside the surface of the housing is configured to magnetically couple with the at least one magnet located in the first side section, thereby maintaining the position of the box relative to the playmat in the closed position.

2. The game play area system according to claim 1, wherein the width of the second side section is smaller than the width of the intermediate section and the first side section.

3. The game play area system according to claim 1, wherein the box comprises a foldable deck box sized to hold at least one game card in the internal space, and the housing is The bottom wall and, A left side wall connected to the bottom wall, comprising a left side wall substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, A right-side wall connected to the bottom wall, substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, and opposite to the left-side wall, A rear wall connected 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, The surface of the housing on which the magnet is arranged is the rear wall, A front wall connected to the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall, which is partially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the left side wall, and the right side wall, and is the front wall opposite the rear wall, It is a flap, The rear portion is rotatably coupled to the rear wall, The top portion is rotatably connected to the aforementioned rear portion, The front portion is rotatably connected to the aforementioned top portion, A flap comprising a bottom portion rotatably coupled to the front portion, A game play area system equipped with [this].

4. The aforementioned folding deck box is At least one flap magnet is disposed within the bottom portion, At least one bottom magnet disposed within the bottom wall in an amount equal to the amount of the at least one flap magnet, wherein each at least one flap magnet is configured to be magnetically coupled to the corresponding at least one bottom magnet, The game play area system according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The game play area system according to claim 3, wherein the front portion of the flap has a feature selected from the group consisting of a window, optical light transmission, optical transparency, and optical opacity.

6. The game play area system according to claim 1, wherein the box comprises a two-piece deck box sized to hold at least one game card within the internal space, the housing is The top section, The top wall and, A top section front wall connected to the top wall, comprising a top section front wall substantially perpendicular to the top wall, A rear wall of the top section connected to the top wall, wherein the rear wall of the top section is substantially perpendicular to the top wall and substantially parallel to the front wall of the top section, A first top section side wall connected 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, A second top section side wall connected to the top wall, the top section front wall, and the top section rear wall, wherein the second top section side wall is 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 side wall, Equipped with, The surface of the housing on which at least one magnet is located is a wall selected from the group consisting of the front wall of the top section, the rear wall of the top section, the side wall of the first top section, and the side wall of the second top section. The bottom section, The bottom wall and, A bottom section front wall connected to the bottom wall, comprising a bottom section front wall substantially perpendicular to the top wall, A rear wall of the bottom section connected to the bottom wall, wherein the rear wall of the bottom section is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall and substantially parallel to the front wall of the bottom section, A first bottom section side wall connected to the bottom wall, the front wall of the bottom section, and the rear wall of the bottom section, the first bottom section side wall being substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the front wall of the bottom section, and the rear wall of the bottom section, A second bottom section side wall connected to the bottom wall, the front wall of the bottom section, and the rear wall of the bottom section, wherein the second bottom section side wall is substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall, the front wall of the bottom section, and the rear wall of the bottom section, and substantially parallel to the first bottom section side wall, Equipped with, An additional at least one magnet is positioned within a wall selected from the group consisting of the front wall of the bottom section, the rear wall of the bottom section, the side wall of the first bottom section, and the side wall of the second bottom section, the bottom section and A game play area system equipped with this system.

7. The gameplay area system according to claim 6, wherein the top section is configured to be detachably coupled to the bottom section.

8. The front wall of the bottom section further comprises a front inset lip of the bottom section, The rear wall of the bottom section further comprises a rear inset lip of the bottom section, The first bottom section side wall further comprises a first bottom section side inset lip, The game play area system according to claim 6, wherein the second bottom section side wall further comprises a second bottom section side inset lip.

9. The front wall of the top section is configured to receive the front inset lip of the bottom section, The rear wall of the top section is configured to receive the rear inset lip of the bottom section. The side wall of the first top section is configured to receive the inset lip on the side of the first bottom section. The gameplay area system according to claim 8, wherein the side wall of the second top section is configured to receive the inset lip of the second bottom section.

10. An inset lip selected from the group consisting of the front inset lip of the bottom section, the rear inset lip of the bottom section, the first inset lip on the bottom section side, and the second inset lip on the bottom section side, further comprises a male snap fastener. The gameplay area system according to claim 9, wherein a wall selected from the front wall of the top section, the rear wall of the top section, the side wall of the first top section, and the side wall of the second top section further comprises a female snap fastener configured to receive the male snap fastener at a corresponding position.

11. The game play area system according to claim 1, wherein the box comprises a dice box sized to hold at least one die within the internal space, the housing is It is an inner compartment, Inner bottom wall and An inner front wall connected to the inner bottom wall and substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, An inner rear wall is connected to the inner bottom wall on the opposite side of the inner front wall, and is substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, A first inner side wall is coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall and the inner rear wall, and is substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall and the inner rear wall, A second inner side wall is coupled to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall opposite the first inner side wall, and the inner rear wall opposite the first inner side wall, and is substantially perpendicular to the inner bottom wall, the inner front wall, and the inner rear wall. An inner compartment equipped with, An outer compartment sized to hold the inner compartment, Outer bottom wall and The surface of the housing on which the at least one magnet, which is positioned inside the surface of the housing, is positioned is the outer bottom wall, A first outer side wall is connected to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall, and is substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall, A second outer side wall is connected to the outer bottom wall opposite the first outer side wall and to the outer rear wall opposite the first outer side wall, and is substantially perpendicular to the outer bottom wall and the outer rear wall, The outer rear wall opposite the outer bottom wall, the first outer side wall opposite the outer bottom wall, and the second outer side wall opposite the outer bottom wall are connected, and the outer top wall is substantially perpendicular to the outer rear wall, the first outer side wall, and the second outer side wall, An outer compartment comprising, A game play area system equipped with this system.

12. The gameplay area system according to claim 11, wherein the inner bottom wall further comprises at least one inner magnet configured to be magnetically coupled to the at least one magnet disposed on the inside of the surface of the housing.

13. The gameplay area system according to claim 12, wherein at least one additional magnet disposed inside the surface of the housing is disposed on the outer top wall.

14. The game play area system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises a rubber backer configured to prevent the play mat from sliding off the surface on which the play mat is placed.

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

16. The at least one magnet positioned within the second side section covers at least a portion of the edge of the second side section. The game play area system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet disposed within the first side section covers at least a portion of the edge of the first side section.

17. It is a game play area system, and the playmat is A first section comprising at least one magnet, A second section rotatably coupled to the first section, the second section enabling the second section to be folded over the first section, and comprising at least one magnet, Equipped with, At least one magnet located within the second section is configured to be magnetically coupled to the at least one magnet located within the first section while the second section is folded over the first section. The box is Housing and The internal space located within the housing, The housing comprises at least one magnet disposed on the inside of the surface of the housing, When the playmat is in the open position, the magnets located inside the surface of the housing are configured to magnetically couple with the at least one magnet located in the second section, thereby maintaining the position of the box relative to the playmat in the open position. A game play area system in which, when the playmat is in the closed position, the magnets located inside the surface of the housing are configured to magnetically couple with the at least one magnet located in the first section, thereby maintaining the position of the box relative to the playmat in the closed position.

18. The at least one magnet located in the second section covers at least a portion of the edge of the second section. The gameplay area system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one magnet positioned in the first section covers at least a portion of the edge of the first section.

19. It is a game play area system, and the playmat is The first section, A second section rotatably coupled to the first section, the second section enabling the second section to be folded into the first section, A third section rotatably coupled to the second section, the third section enabling the third section to be folded into the second section, A fourth section rotatably coupled to the third section, the fourth section enabling the fourth section to be folded into the third section, Equipped with, A closed section selected from the group consisting of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section is provided with at least one magnet. A mat section selected from the group consisting of the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section comprises at least one magnet. Unlike the closed section and the mat section, The at least one magnet located within the mat section is configured to magnetically couple to the at least one magnet located within the closed section while the first section, the second section, the third section, and the fourth section are in a folded configuration. The box is Housing and The internal space located within the housing, The housing comprises at least one magnet disposed on the inside of the surface of the housing, When the playmat is in the open position, the at least one magnet located inside the surface of the housing is configured to magnetically couple with the at least one magnet located in the mat section, thereby maintaining the position of the box relative to the playmat in the open position. A game play area system in which, when the playmat is in the closed position, the at least one magnet located inside the surface of the housing is configured to magnetically couple with the at least one magnet located within the closed section, thereby maintaining the position of the box relative to the playmat in the closed position.

20. The at least one magnet placed within the mat section covers at least a portion of the edge of the mat section. The game play area system according to claim 19, wherein at least one magnet placed within the aforementioned enclosed section covers at least a portion of the edge of the enclosed section.

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