Foldable game boards having a fastener

Abstract

A foldable game board made of a foam material having a fastener. The foldable game board includes a base member having a first fold-line section and a second fold-line section defining a first seating area, a second seating area and a center seating area; the base member being movable to a planar configuration to define an open configuration for playing a game. The foldable game board also includes an upper center playing board member having a specified game layout thereon for play; and the upper center playing board member is attached to the center seating area. The foldable game board also includes a first upper side board member having a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving a first die-cut game piece therein; and the first upper side board member is attached to the first seating area; and a second upper side board member having a plurality of second openings therein; each for receiving a second die-cut game piece therein; and the second upper side board member is attached to the second seating area. Additionally, the foldable game board includes a fastener strip member connected to the base member for folding the base member along the first and second fold-line sections into a closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable game board having a fastener. More particularly, the game board and its component game pieces are made of plastic foam material and the component game pieces are die-cut and fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board. Further, the fastener is in the form of a VELCRO™ fastening strip for keeping the folded game board in a closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Typically, portable board games, such as checkers, chess, backgammon, parcheesi and the like, have been characterized by a playing board having two rigid halves which which lie flat in the same plane during play and which fold together to form an attache/case-like container during storage or non-play mode. Such structures, despite their portability, are usually inconveniently large or bulky and moderately heavy. Since many game players customarily carry their board game with them for use during recreational moments at almost any time, it is desirable to reduce the bulk, size and weight of the board game when not in play. When using very small or miniature sized board games, although easy to carry, they are difficult to use visually and/or manually when playing that particular game, such as chess, backgammon, etc.

[0003] There remains a need for a foldable game board of ordinary size, that is capable of being folded with the game pieces into a small case for ease of carrying and storing when not in use. Further, it is desirable that the game board incorporate its component game pieces within the structure of the foldable game board in a compact manner. Also, it is desirable that the foldable game board be folded together and easily fastened to prevent the loss of the game pieces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] Game boards, puzzles and toys having various designs, configurations, structures and materials of construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,576 to FRIEDENTHAL discloses a backgammon set with folding game board sections and a central box portion. The box portion serves as the box during the play of the game and as a container for the game's playing pieces during storage. The foldable game board sections are extended as tables during play and are retracted into the box portion during storage, with the playing pieces. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,652 to UNGER discloses a toy and puzzle device having reversible breakability. This device can be in the form of a ball, a cube, a pyramid or a baby rattle. For example, the ball includes eight identical wedge-shape elements, each having a resiliently deformable foam core and a smooth outer skin. Within the interiors of the individual elements, near the vertices thereof, magnets are mounted for interacting with magnets mounted on the interiors of other wedges, such that the ball can be magnetically assembled by matching opposite polarities of the magnets. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,742 to BENDIT discloses a chess set game which provides stabilized placement of the pieces, reduces the size of the chess board to one-fourth its normal size for transport or storage while not sacrificing the quality of the game board surface during use. This chess set game also provides for the organized storage, transport and retrieval of the pieces, and aids recording of game play without the need to move the board around. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,185 to LEE discloses foldable toy blocks with alignable slots. Various patterns for the blocks are formed out of a substantially flat semi-rigid material having a uniform thickness. These patterns are folded by the user, using fold lines incorporated into the patterns, so as to form blocks. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,838 to BOHRER discloses a collapsible stiff game board. The game board includes a plurality of segments loosely attached to one or more fasteners; and upon expansion the segments interlock and maintain the expanded game board shape. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,730 to VANNOZZI discloses a flexible vinyl chess mat that converts into a carrying case for holding the chess pieces therein. The chess mat includes two handles on opposite sides, both disposed in opposing positions to each other and centered on the perimeter of the square shaped chess mat, so that when the chess mat is folded in half, both handles line up with each other, making a doubled carrying handle. The chess mat, when unfastened and emptied, and laid flat on a flat surface, is ready for chess play. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,580 to FARAR discloses a model airplane made from a kit, wherein the model airplane is die-cut from a plastic foam sheet. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,947 to NOACK discloses a game board which enables the players to alter the playing surface between plays by moving an entire row of squares on which playing pieces rest. The game board may be made of pliable plastic and is able to fold in half lengthwise for storage purposes. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,512 to NICOLA discloses a slotted and grooved construction toy made from a durable laminated plastic material having a foam inner core. This prior art patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0013] U.S. Design Pat. No. DES 301,346 to SJOSTRAND et al discloses a foldable game board having recessed compartments for holding the game pieces therein. This prior art design patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into a corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0014] U.S. Design Pat. No. DES 354,920 to MORADINIA discloses a combined foldable game board and container having recessed game piece openings and recessed compartments for holding the game pieces therein. This prior art design patent does not disclose or teach a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0015] None of the above-discussed prior art patents teach the concept of a foldable foam game board having die-cut game pieces that fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the foldable game board. Further, none of the aforementioned prior art patents teach or disclose fastening means in the form of a VELCRO™ fastening strip for keeping the folded game board in a closed position.

[0016] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a foldable game board having a fastener, wherein the game board and its component game pieces are made of a durable and long lasting plastic foam material.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable game board where the component game pieces are made of foam and are die-cut from the game board playing surface and/or game board side wall which are also made of foam and fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the playing surface of the foldable game board.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable game board having fastening means in the form of VELCRO™ fastening strips, plastic snaps and the like for keeping the folded game board in a closed position.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable game board that can be used for such games selected from the group consisting of chess, backgammon, checkers, Chinese checkers, parcheesi, dominoes, tic tac toe and the like.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable game board that is light-weight, portable, durable in construction, easy to clean and can be used on airplanes, in cars, at the beach, at picnics, at school, at work and the like.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a foldable game board that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, there is a foldable game board having a fastener. The foldable game board being made of foam material includes a base member having a first fold-line section and a second fold-line section defining a first seating area, a second seating area and a center seating area; the base member being movable to a planar configuration to define an open configuration for playing a game. The foldable game board also includes an upper center playing board member having a specified game layout thereon for play; and the upper center playing board member is attached to the center seating area. The foldable game board further includes a first upper side board member having a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving a first die-cut game piece therein; and the first upper side board member is attached to the first seating area, and a second upper side board member having a plurality of second openings therein, each for receiving a second die-cut game piece therein; and the second upper side board member is attached to the second seating area. Additionally, the foldable game board includes fastener strip members connected to the base member for folding the base member along the first and second fold-line sections into a closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

[0023] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a foldable game board having a fastener. The foldable game board includes a center core layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; the center core layer being in the form of a six pointed star; and the center core layer having a plurality of fold-lines defining an hexagon-shaped center seating area and six triangular-shaped seating areas on each of the upper and lower surfaces, respectively. The foldable game board also includes an upper layer having a first hexagon-shaped center board member and six triangular-shaped first board members each with a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving die-cut game pieces therein; the first hexagon-shaped center board member and the six triangular-shaped first board members are attached to the hexagon-shaped center seating area and the six triangular-shaped seating areas on the upper surface of the center core layer, respectively. The foldable game board further includes a bottom layer having a second hexagon-shaped center game board member and six triangular-shaped second game board members including thereon a specified game layout for playing Chinese checkers; the Chinese checkers game layout having a plurality of second openings therein for receiving said die-cut game pieces therein; and the second hexagon-shaped center game board member and the six triangular-shaped second game board members are attached to the hexagon-shaped center seating area and the six triangular-shaped seating areas on said lower surface of the center core layer, respectively; wherein the second hexagon-shaped center game board member and the six triangular-shaped second game board members are movable to an unfolded, planar and opened configuration to form the Chinese checkers game layout. Additionally, the foldable game board fastener hook and loop members connected to the upper layer for folding the center core layer along the plurality of fold-lines in order to fold the game board to a folded and closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

[0024] In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a foldable game board having a fastener. The foldable game board includes a base member having a center fold-line section defining a first seating area and a second seating area; and the base member being movable to a planar configuration to define an open configuration for playing a game. The foldable game board also includes an upper side board member having a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving a die-cut game piece therein; and the upper side board member is attached to the first seating area. The foldable game board further includes an upper playing board member having thereon a specified game layout for playing a game thereon; and the upper playing board member is attached to the second seating area. Additionally, the foldable game board includes a snap fastener having male and female snap elements connected to the base member for folding the base member along the first and second fold-line sections into a closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon the consideration of the following detailed description of the presently-referred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the fastener means attached to the folding side walls and the game board in a folded and closed configuration;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the foldable game board and its component chess game pieces die-cut within each of the upper game board side wall surfaces and being fitted into corresponding die-cut openings within the playing surface of the chess game board, and the chess game board being in an opened configuration;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the chess playing surface of the game board having die-cut openings formed therein for receiving the game board chess pieces, a pair of side walls each having the chess component game pieces being die-cut from the side walls, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the lower loop section of the fastening strip member, the foldable outer cover and base member, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the laminate layers of the game board, and the game board being in a folded and closed configuration;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the laminate layers of the game board, and the game board being in an opened and unfolded configuration;

[0032] FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the foldable game board of the first embodiment of the present invention showing the upper chess game board playing surface layer and the upper right side wall layer having the chess component die-cut game pieces therein being attached and laminated to the inner wall surface of the foldable outer cover and base member, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member being attached to the exterior wall surface of the outer cover and base member;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the foldable game board and its component game pieces die-cut within each of the upper game board side wall surfaces and being used for playing backgammon, and the backgammon game board being in an opened configuration;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the foldable game board of the second embodiment of the present invention showing the backgammon playing surface of the backgammon game board, a pair of game board side walls having die-cut openings for receiving and holding the backgammon game pieces and dice pieces therein, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member, and the foldable game board being in an open configuration and in operational use thereof;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the third embodiment of the present invention showing the foldable game board and its component game checker pieces die-cut within each of the upper game board side walls surfaces and being fitted into corresponding die-cut openings within the playing surface of the checker game board, and the checker game board being in an opened configuration;

[0036] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the foldable game board of the third embodiment of the present invention showing the checkers playing surface of the checker game board having a plurality of die-cut openings for receiving the checker game pieces, a pair of game board side walls having die-cut openings for receiving and holding the checker game pieces therein, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member; and the foldable game board being in an open configuration and in operational use thereof;

[0037] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the foldable game board and its component game parcheesi pieces die-cut within each of the upper game board side wall surfaces and being fitted into corresponding die-cut openings within the playing surface of the parcheesi game board, and the parcheesi game board being in an opened configuration;

[0038] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the foldable game board of the fourth embodiment of the present invention showing the parcheesi playing surface of the parcheesi game board having die-cut openings therein for the game board parcheesi pieces, a pair of side walls each having the parcheesi component game pieces being die-cut therein, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member;

[0039] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing the foldable game board and its component game domino pieces die-cut within each of the upper game board wall surface and the domino game board being in an opened configuration;

[0040] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the foldable game board of the fifth embodiment of the present invention showing the upper game board wall surface of the game board having die-cut openings therein for the game board domino pieces, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member;

[0041] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the sixth embodiment of the present invention showing the foldable game board and its component X's and O's game pieces that are die-cut within the upper game board side wall surface and being fitted into corresponding die-cut openings within the playing surface of the tic tac toe game board, and the tic tac toe game board being in an opened configuration;

[0042] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the foldable game board of the sixth embodiment of the present invention showing the tic tac toe playing surface of the game board having die-cut openings therein for the X's and O's game pieces, a side wall having the component X's and O's game pieces being die-cut therein, and the upper hook section of the fastening strip member;

[0043] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the seventh embodiment of the present invention showing the Chinese checkers game board in a closed configuration;

[0044] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board of the seventh embodiment of the present invention showing the Chinese checkers interior wall surfaces having the Chinese checkers component game pieces being die-cut therein, and a plurality of fastening strip members thereon, and the Chinese checkers game board in an opened configuration;

[0045] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the foldable game board the seventh embodiment of the present invention showing the Chinese checkers exterior playing surfaces of the game having die-cut openings therein for receiving the Chinese checkers game pieces therein, and the Chinese checkers game board in an opened configuration and in operational use thereof;

[0046] FIG. 21 is a top exploded perspective view of the foldable game board of the seventh embodiment showing the Chinese checkers game piece board members being attached to the upper wall surface of the center core layer in the opened configuration; and

[0047] FIG. 22 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the foldable game board of the seventh embodiment showing the Chinese checkers game board members being attached to the lower wall surface of the center core layer in an opened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OVERVIEW

[0048] The foldable game boards 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 and their component parts of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 1 through 20 of the patent drawings. The foldable game boards 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 represent board games of chess, backgammon, checkers, parcheesi, dominoes, tic tac toe, and Chinese checkers, respectively. The foldable game boards, 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 are made of colored plastic foam material 12 which is flexible, easily cleaned, durable and light-weight.

[0049] Foldable game board 10 for chess of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings, includes a cover/base member 20, an upper center playing board member 40 having a standard chess board layout 50 thereon, a first upper side board member 60 having die-cut game pieces 70 therein, a second upper side board member 80 having opponent die-cut games pieces 90 therein, and a fastening strip member 94 made of hook and loop sections 96 and 98 (VELCRO™ material) for closing the foldable game board 10 in a compact configuration when not in use.

[0050] Foldable game board 100 for backgammon of the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings, is exactly the same as the foldable game board 10 of the first embodiment except for the upper center playing board member 40 having a standard backgammon board layout 150 thereon and the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80 having die-cut backgammon (chips) game pieces 170 and 190, respectively, therein. In all other respects, this second embodiment 100 is exactly the same as the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0051] Foldable game board 200 for checkers of the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, is exactly the same as the foldable game board 10 of the first embodiment except for the upper center playing board member 40 having a standard checkers board layout 250 thereon and the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80 having die-cut checkers (chips/discs) game pieces 270 and 290, respectively, therein. In all other respects, this third embodiment 200 is exactly the same as the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0052] Foldable game board 300 for parcheesi in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 of the drawings, is exactly the same as the foldable game board 10 of the first embodiment except for the upper center playing board member 40 having a standard parcheesi board layout 350 thereon, and the first and second upper side board member 60 and 80 having die-cut parcheesi (men) game pieces 360, 370,380 and 390, respectively, therein. In all other respects, this fourth embodiment 300 is exactly the same as the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0053] Foldable game board 400 for dominoes of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings, is similar to that of the foldable game board 10 of the first embodiment except the upper playing game board member 40 and the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80, each have die-cut domino (tiles) game pieces 460, respectively, therein. This fifth embodiment does not have a need for a domino board layout for its domino game pieces 460 when in use. In all other respects, this fifth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0054] Foldable game board 500 for tic tac toe of the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 of the drawings, is similar to that of the foldable game board 10 of the first embodiment except for the upper playing board member 40 having a standard tic tac toe board layout 550 thereon and a (single) first upper side board member 60 having die-cut X's and O's game pieces 570 and 590 therein. Side board member 60 is adjacent to the playing board member 40 and is separated by a single fold and crease section 528 on cover member 20, as depicted by FIG. 16. This sixth embodiment does not have a need for a second upper side board member 80 as the X's and O's game pieces all fit within the die-cut openings 68 of side board member 60. In all other respects, this sixth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

[0055] Foldable game board 600 for Chinese checkers of the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 of the drawings, is substantially different in design, configuration and structure than the previous embodiments 10, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500, and is described in detail below in the seventh embodiment 600.

[0056] The die-cut openings 68, 88, 152l, 152u, 154l, 154u, 252, 352l, 352u, 440, 668, and 768 for holding of die-cut game pieces therein or for receiving of the die-cut game pieces therein can be in the form of geometric or on-geometric shapes. Geometric shapes include circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, crosses, ovals, and the like. None-geometric shapes are in the form of figurines, such as chess pieces and parcheesi men pieces and the like.

First Embodiment 10

[0057] The foldable game board 10 for chess and its component parts of the first embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 1 through 7 of the patent drawings. The foldable game board 10 is substantially rectangular in shape, as shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 of the drawings, and includes a cover/base member 20 having an upper center playing board member 40, first and second upper side board members 60 and 80, and a fastening strip member 94. The foldable game board 10 can be made in any color. The foldable game board 10 is folded to a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, along first and second fold and crease sections 28 and 30, respectively.

[0058] The cover/base member 20 includes an interior wall surface 22, an exterior wall surface 24 and side perimeter edges 26a, 26b, 26c and 26d. The interior wall surface 22 of base member 20 includes a first fold and crease section 28 and a second fold and crease section 30 defining a first seating area section 32, a second seating area section 34 and a center seating area section 36. The first seating area section 32 on the interior wall surface 22 is used for receiving and attaching the first upper side board member 60 thereon and board member 60 is attached by adhesive 14, glue 16 or stitching 18. The second seating area section 34 on the interior wall surface 22 is used for receiving and attaching the second upper side board member 80 thereon and board member 80 is attached by adhesive 14, glue 16 or stitching 18. The center seating area section 36 on the interior wall surface 22 is used for receiving and attaching the upper center playing board member 40 and board member 40 is attached by adhesive 14, glue 16 or stitching 18, as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings.

[0059] The upper center playing board member 40, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 of the drawings, includes a top exterior playing surface 42, a bottom interior wall surface 44 and side perimeter edges 46a, 46b, 46c and 46d. The playing surface 42 includes a layout of chess board game 50 having numerical indicia 52 thereon and having letter indicia 54 thereon for indicating the square boxes 56 of the chess board layout 50. Playing surface 42 also includes die-cut openings 58 for receiving the bottom end 72 or 92 of the die-cut game pieces 70 or 90, respectively, in the form of the component black and white chess game pieces 70B and 90W of the foldable game board 10 for chess.

[0060] The bottom interior wall surface 44 of the playing board member 40 is attached within the center seating area 36 on the interior wall surface 22 of base member 20 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17, or stitching 18. Each of the side perimeter edges 46b and 46d of playing board member 40 are aligned and adjacent to each of the side edges 26b and 26d, respectively, of base member 20 within the center seating area section 36, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 of the drawings, for forming a center laminate composite 48.

[0061] The first upper side board member 60 includes a top exterior side wall surface 62, a bottom interior wall surface 64 and side perimeter edges 66a, 66b, 66c and 66d. Side board member 60 further includes a plurality of die-cut openings 68, each having the form of black component chess game pieces 70B. Each chess game piece 70 includes a bottom end 72 wherein the bottom end 72 of each game piece 70 is received within any of the die-cut openings 58 of square boxes 56 of the chess board layout 50, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The bottom interior wall surface 64 of the side board member 60 is attached within the first seating area 32 on the interior wall surface 22 of base member 20 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18. Each of the side perimeter edges 66a, 66b, and 66d of side board member 60 are aligned and adjacent to each of the side perimeter edges 26a, 26b, and 26d, respectively, of base member 20 within the first seating area section 32, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 of the drawings, for forming a first laminate composite 67.

[0062] The second upper side board member 80 also includes a top exterior side wall surface 82, a bottom interior wall surface 84 and side perimeter edges 86a, 86b, 86c and 86d. Side board member 80 further includes a plurality of die-cut openings 88, each having the form of white component chess game pieces 90W. Each chess game piece 90 includes a bottom end 92, wherein the bottom end 92 of each game piece 90 is received within any of the die-cut openings 58 of square boxes 56 of the chess board layout 50, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The bottom interior wall surface 84 of the side board member 80 is attached within the second seating area 34 on the interior wall surface 22 of base member 20 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18. Each of the side perimeter edges 88b, 88c and 88d of side board member 80 are aligned and adjacent to each of the side perimeter edges 26b, 26c and 26d, respectively, of base member 20 within the second seating area section 34, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 7 of the drawings, for forming a second laminate composite 87.

[0063] The fastening strip member 84, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings, includes an upper hook section 96 and a lower loop section 98 being made of VELCRO™ material. The upper hook section 96 is attached to the outer section area 95a of fastening strip member 94 and the inner section area 95b of fastening strip member 94 is attached and centrally located on the exterior wall surface 24 of base/cover member 20, being adjacent to side edge 26c of base/cover member 20, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 7 of the drawings. the lower loop section 98 is attached and centrally located on the exterior wall surface 24 of base/cover member 20, being adjacent to side edge 26a of base/cover member 20, as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. The upper hook section 96 and the lower loop section 98 are connected to the exterior wall surface 24 of base/cover member 20 by attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18.

Second Embodiment 100

[0064] The foldable game board 100 and its component parts for backgammon of the second embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings. This second embodiment 100 is exactly the same as the foldable game board 10 except that the first center playing board member 40 has a standard backgammon board layout 150 and the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80 have die-cut backgammon (chip) game pieces 170 and 190 therein, respectively. Backgammon board layout 150 includes a pair of die-cut square-shaped openings 152l and 154l each for receiving a single die 156 and 158 therein, respectively. Side board member 60 includes a plurality of die-cut circular openings 68, each having the form of black component backgammon discs 170 for play on the backgammon board layout 150, as shown in FIG. 9. Also, side board member 60 includes a single die-cut square-shaped opening 152u for enclosing the upper half of the single die 156, as depicted in FIG. 8. Side board member 80 also includes a plurality of die-cut circular openings 88, each having the form of white component backgammon discs 190 for the opponents play on the backgammon board layout 150, as shown in FIG. 9. Further, side board member 80 also includes a single die-cut square-shaped opening 154u for enclosing the upper half of the single die 158, as depicted in FIG. 8 thereof. In all other respects, this second embodiment 100 is exactly the same as the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

Third Embodiment 200

[0065] The foldable game board 200 and its component parts for checkers of the third embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings. This third embodiment 200 is exactly the same as the foldable game board 10 except that the first upper center playing board member 40 has a standard checker board layout 250 and the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80 have die-cut checker (chip) game pieces 270 and 290 therein, respectively. The checker board layout 250 includes a plurality of die-cut circular openings 252 for each receiving a single checker chip 270 and 290, therein. Side board member 60 includes a plurality of die-cut circular openings 68, each having the form of black checkers 270 for play on the checker board layout 250, as shown in FIG. 11. Side board member 80 also includes a plurality of die-cut circular openings 88, each having the form of red checkers 290 for the opponents play on the checker board layout 250, as shown in FIG. 11. In all other respects, this third embodiment 200 is exactly the same as the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

Fourth Embodiment 300

[0066] The foldable game board 300 and its component parts for parcheesi of the fourth embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 12 and 13 of the drawings. This fourth embodiment 300 is exactly the same as the foldable game board 10 except that the upper center playing board member 40 has a standard parcheesi board layout 350, and the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80 have die-cut parcheesi (men) game pieces 360, 370, 380 and 390 therein, respectively. The parcheesi board layout 350 includes a die-cut square-shaped opening 352l for receiving a single die 354 therein. Side board member 60 includes a plurality of die-cut parcheesi game piece openings 68, each having the form of parcheesi game pieces 360 and 370 for play on the parcheesi board layout 350, as shown in FIG. 12. Side board member 60 also includes a single die-cut square-shaped opening 352u for enclosing the upper half of the single die 354, as depicted in FIG. 12. Side board member 80 further includes a plurality of die-cut parcheesi game piece openings 88, each having the form of the opponents parcheesi game pieces 380 and 390 for the opponents play on the parcheesi board layout 350, as shown in FIG. 13. Each of the parcheesi game pieces 360, 370, 380, and 390 include bottom ends 362, 372, 382, and 392, respectively, thereon. Bottom ends 362, 372, 382, and 392 of the parcheesi game pieces 360, 370, 380, and 390 are received within die-cut circular openings 58 of the parcheesi game board layout 350, as depicted in FIG. 19 of the drawings. In all other respects, this fourth embodiment 300 is exactly the same as the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

Fifth Embodiment 400

[0067] The foldable game board 400 and its component parts for dominoes of the fifth embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings. This fifth embodiment 400 is similar to that of the foldable game board 10 except that the upper playing game board member 40, as well as the side board members 60 and 80 include a plurality of die-cut rectangular openings 440 therein, for each receiving a die-cut domino game (tile) piece 460 therein. In all other respects, this fifth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

Sixth Embodiment 500

[0068] The foldable game board 500 and its component parts for tic tac toe of the sixth embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 16 and 17 of the drawings. This sixth embodiment is similar to that of the foldable game board 10 except that the upper playing board member 40 has a standard tic tac toe board layout 550 thereon and an (single) upper side board member 60 including die-cut X's and O's game pieces 570 and 590 therein. Game pieces 570 and 590 include bottom ends 572 and 592, respectively, thereon. The bottom ends 572 and 592 of the X's and O's game pieces 570 and 590 are received within the plurality of die-cut circular openings 552 on the tic tac toe board layout 550, as shown in FIG. 16. Side board member 60 is adjacent to the playing board member 40 and are separated by a single fold and crease section 528 on cover member 20, as depicted by FIG. 16. Additionally, a snap fastener 592 having male and female snap elements 594 and 596 is used for closing the tic tac toe foldable game board 500 when not in use. In all other respects, this sixth embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment 10 of the foldable game board of the present invention.

Seventh Embodiment 600

[0069] The foldable game bord 600 and its component parts for Chinese checkers of the seventh embodiment of the present invention are represented in detail by FIGS. 18 through 22 of the drawings. Foldable game board 600, when in the opened configurations as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, includes an upper layer 610 comprising of an hexagon-shaped board member 612 having six adjacent triangular-shape is side board members 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660, a center core layer 680, and a lower layer 710 comprising of an hexagon-shaped game board member 712 having six adjacent triangular-shaped side game board members 720, 728, 736, 744, 752 and 760 which form a Chinese checkers board layout 770. Foldable game board 600 also includes a fastening assembly 780 for keeping the game board 600 in a closed configuration when not in use, as depicted in FIG. 18.

[0070] Upper layer 610 includes a hexagon-shaped board member 612 having an exterior wall surface 614, an interior wall surface 616 and side perimeter edges 618a to 618f, as shown in FIG. 19 of the drawings. The upper layer 610, further includes the adjoining and adjacent first through sixth triangular-shaped side board members 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660. First side board member 620 includes an exterior wall surface 622, an interior wall surface 624, side perimeter edges 626a to 626c and an end point 627. Second side board member 628 includes an exterior wall surface 630, an interior wall surface 632 and side perimeter edges 634a to 634c and an end point 635. Third side board member 636 includes an exterior wall surface 638, an interior wall surface 640, side perimeter edges 642a and 642c and an end point 643. Fourth side board member 644 includes an exterior wall surface 646, an interior wall surface 648, side perimeter edges 650a to 650c and an end point 651. Fifth side board member 652 includes an exterior wall surface 654, an interior wall surface 656, side perimeter edges 658a to 658c and an end point 659. Sixth side board member 660 includes an exterior wall surface 662, an interior wall surface 664, side perimeter edges 666a to 666c and an end point 667. the hexagon-shaped and the triangular-shaped board members 612, 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660 include a plurality of die-cut game piece openings 668 having Chinese checkers game pieces 670 therein. Each Chinese checkers game piece 670 includes a bottom end 672.

[0071] The center core layer 680 is formed in the shape of a six pointed star 680S(), as depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 of the drawings. The center core layer 680 includes an upper wall surface 682, a lower wall surface 684, side perimeter edges 686a to 686l and end points 688a to 688f. the center core layer 680 also includes a plurality of fold and crease lines 690, 692, 694, 696, 698 and 700. The center core layer 680 also includes seating area sections 702U, 704U, 705U, 706U, 707U, 708U and 709U being located on the upper wall surface 682 of center core layer 680, as depicted in FIG. 21. The center core layer 680 further includes seating area sections 702L, 704L, 705L, 706L, 707L, 708L and 709L being located on the lower wall surface 684 of center core layer 680, as depicted in FIG. 22.

[0072] Lower layer 710 includes an hexagon-shaped game board member 712 having an exterior wall surface 714, an interior wall surface 716 and side perimeter edges 718a to 718f, as shown in FIG. 20 of the drawings. The lower layer 710 further includes the adjoining and adjacent first through sixth triangular-shaped side game board members 720, 728, 736, 744, 752 and 760. First side game board member 720 includes an exterior wall surface 722, an interior wall surface 724 and side perimeter edges 726a to 726c. Second side game board member 728 includes an exterior wall surface 730, an interior wall surface 732 and side perimeter edges 734a to 734c. Third side game board member 736 includes an exterior wall surface 738, an interior wall surface 740 and side perimeter edges 742a to 742c. Fourth side game board member 744 includes an exterior wall surface 746, an interior wall surface 748 and side perimeter edges 750 to 750c. Fifth side game board member 752 includes an exterior wall surface 754, an interior wall surface 756 and side perimeter edges 758a to 758c. Sixth side game board member 760 includes an exterior wall surface 762, an interior wall surface 764 and side perimeter edges 766a to 766c. The hexagon-shaped and the triangular-shaped game board members 712, 720, 728, 736, 744, 752 and 760 include a plurality of die-cut circular openings 768 for receiving the bottom ends 672 of the die-cut Chinese checkers game pieces 670 on the Chinese checkers board layout 770, as depicted in FIG. 20 of the drawings.

[0073] Fastening assembly 780, as shown in FIG. 19, includes a circular hook section 782 being centrally located on the exterior wall surface 614 of the hexagon-shaped board member 612, and a plurality of trapezoidal loop sections 784a to 784f being located on the end points 627, 635, 643, 651, 659 and 667 of the triangular-shaped side board members 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660, respectively. When the foldable game board 600 is in the closed position, as depicted in FIG. 18, each trapezoidal loop section 784a to 784f on the side board members 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660 are in contact with a portion of the circular hook section 782 on hexagon-shaped board member 612, in which to keep the game board 600 in a folded configuration.

[0074] In the assembly of (making) the foldable game board 600, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the interior wall surface 616 of the hexagon-shaped board member 612 is attached within the upper seating area section 702U on the upper wall surface 682 of the center core layer 680 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18. Correspondingly, the interior wall surfaces 624, 632, 640, 648, 656 and 664 of each triangular-shaped side board member 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660 are attached within the respective upper seating area sections 704U, 705U, 706U, 707U, 708U and 709U on the upper wall surface 682, respectively, of the center core layer 680 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18. Therefore, when in the opened and assembled configuration, the side perimeter edges 626c, 634c, 642c, 650c, 658c and 666c of side board members 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660 are adjacent to the side perimeter edges 618a, 618b, 618c, 618d, 618e, and 618f of the hexagon-shaped board member 612, respectively. Additionally, all of the side perimeter edges 626a, 626b, 634a, 634b, 642a, 642b, 650a, 650b, 658a, 658b, 666a and 666b of side board members 620, 628,636, 644,652 and 660 are aligned and adjacent to the side perimeter edges 686a, 686b, 686c, 686d, 686e, 686f, 686g, 686h, 686i, 686j, 686k, and 686l, respectively, of the center core layer 680.

[0075] In the assembly of the game board layout 770, as shown in FIG. 22, the interior wall surface 716 of the hexagon-shaped game board member 712 is attached and connected within the lower seating area section 702L on the lower wall surface 684 of the center core layer 680 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18. Correspondingly, the interior wall surfaces 724, 732, 740, 748, 756 and 764 of each triangular-shaped side game board member 720, 728, 736, 744, 752 and 760 are attached within the respective upper seating area sections 704L, 705L, 706L, 707L, 708L and 709L on the lower wall surface 684 of the center core layer 680 via attachment means, such as adhesive 14, glue 16, laser bonding 17 or stitching 18. Therefore, when in the opened and assembled configuration, the side perimeter edges 726c, 734c, 742c, 750c, 758c and 760c of side game board members 720, 728, 736, 744, 752 and 760 are adjacent and in contact with the side perimeter edges 618a, 618b, 618c, 618d, 618e and 618f of the hexagon-shaped board member 612, respectively. Additionally, all of the side perimeter edges 726a, 726b, 734a, 734b, 742a, 742b, 750a, 750b, 758a, 758b, 766a and 766b of side board members 620, 628, 636, 644, 652 and 660 are aligned and adjacent to the side perimeter edges 686a, 686b, 686c, 686d, 686e, 686f, 686g, 686h, 686i, 686j, 686k and 686l, respectively, of the center core layer 680. Thus forming the Chinese checkers board layout 770 having the formation of a six pointed star 680S().

Operation of the Present Invention

[0076] In operation of the foldble game boards 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 of the present invention, they all operate in a similar fashion. For brevity, the foldable game board 10 for chess will be used as the example. The user simply opens the fastening strip member 94 by separating the upper hook section 96 from the lower loop section 98. The user then unfolds the board game 10 to an opened configuration (laid flat on a surface), as depicted in FIG. 3, where then the users remove the chess game pieces 70 and 90 from their respective die-cut game piece openings 68 and 88, respectively. Each of the users then place the bottom ends 72 and 92 of game pieces 70 and 90 within their respective circular die-cut openings 58 within the square boxes 56 of chess board layout 50. As the chess game proceeds the users replace their chess game pieces 70 and 90 within their respective die-cut game piece openings 68 and 88 within the first and second upper side board members 60 and 80 respectively, until the chess game is completed. The user then folds the game board 10 to a closed configuration and locks the upper hook section 96 of the fashioning strap member 94 to that of the lower loop section 98, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 5 of the drawings. The foldable game board 10 can then be put away, cleaned, etc until its next time at play. All of the other foldable game boards 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 operate in a similar manner.

Advantages of the Present Invention

[0077] Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a foldable game board having a fastener, wherein the game board and its component game pieces are made of a durable and long lasting plastic foam material.

[0078] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a foldable game board where the component game pieces are made of foam and are die-cut from the game board playing surface which is also made of foam and fit into corresponding die-cut openings within the playing surface of the foldable game board.

[0079] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a foldable game board having fastening means in the form of VELCRO™ fastening strips, plastic snaps and the like for keeping the folded game board in a closed position.

[0080] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a foldable game board that can be used for such games selected from the group consisting of chess, backgammon, checkers, Chinese checkers, parcheesi, dominoes, tic tac toe and the like.

[0081] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a foldable game board that is light-weight, portable, durable in construction, easy to clean and can be used on airplanes, in cars, at the beach, at picnics, at school, at work and the like.

[0082] A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides for a foldable game board that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the consumer.

[0083] A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

Claims

1. A foldable game board having a fastener, comprising: a) a base member having a first fold-line section and a second fold-line section defining a first seating area, a second seating area and a center seating area; said base member being movable to a planar configuration to define an open configuration for playing a game; b) an upper center playing board member having a specified game layout thereon for play; said upper center playing board member being attached to said center seating area; c) a first upper side board member having a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving a first die-cut game piece therein; said first upper side board member being attached to said first seating area; d) a second upper side board member having a plurality of second openings therein, each for receiving a second die-cut game piece therein; said second upper side board member being attached to said second seating area; and e) fastener means connected to said base member for folding said base member along said first and second fold-line sections into a closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

2. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said foldble game board is made of a foam material.

3. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing chess.

4. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing backgammon.

5. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing checkers.

6. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing parcheesi.

7. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing dominoes.

8. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing tic tac toe.

9. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, further including attachment means for attaching said upper center playing board and said first and second upper side board members to said center seating area and said first and second seating areas, respectively, thereon.

10. A foldable game bord in accordance with claim 9, wherein said attachment means includes adhesive, glue, laser bonding, or stitching.

11. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said upper center playing board member includes an upper surface having indicia in the form of numbers, lettering, and designs thereon for said specified game layout.

12. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said upper center playing board member includes a plurality of third openings therein for receiving said first and second die-cut game pieces therein.

13. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said upper center playing board member and s aid first and second upper side board members include at least two or more fourth openings for receiving one or more die or dice therein.

14. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said fastener means include hook and loop members, or plastic male and female snap members.

15. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 6, wherein said first, second, and third openings include geometric shapes in the form of circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, X's and O's.

16. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 6, wherein said first, second, and third openings include non-geometric shapes in the form of figurines for chess pieces and parcheesi game pieces.

17. A foldable game board having a fastener, comprising: a) a center core layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; said center core layer being in the form of a six pointed star; b) said center core layer having a plurality of fold-lines defining an hexagon-shaped center seating area and six triangular-shaped seating areas on each of said upper and lower surfaces, respectively; c) an upper layer including a first hexagon-shaped center board member and six triangular-shaped first board members each having a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving die-cut game pieces therein; said first hexagon-shaped center board member and said six triangular-shaped first board members being attached to said hexagon-shaped center seating area and said six triangular-shaped seating areas on said upper surface of said center core layer, respectively; d) a bottom layer including a second hexagon-shaped center game board member and six triangular-shaped second game board members having thereon a specified game layout for playing Chinese checkers; said Chinese checkers game layout having a plurality of second openings therein for receiving said die-cut game pieces therein; said second hexagon-shaped center game board member and said six triangular-shaped second game board members being attached to said hexagon-shaped center seating area and said six triangular-shaped seating areas on said lower surface of said center core layer, respectively; e) wherein said second hexagon-shaped center game board member and said six triangular-shaped second game board members being movable to an unfolded, planar and opened configuration to form said Chinese checkers game layout; and f) fastener means connected to said upper layer for folding said center core layer along said plurality of fold-lines in order to fold said game board to a folded and closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

18. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 17, wherein said foldble game board is made of a foam material.

19. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 17, further including attachment means for attaching said upper and bottom layers to said hexagon-shaped seating area and said six triangular-shaped seating areas, respectively, thereon.

20. A foldable game bord in accordance with claim 19, wherein said attachment means includes adhesive, glue, laser bonding, or stitching.

21. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 17, wherein said fastener means include hook and loop members.

22. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 17, wherein said first and second openings include geometric shapes in the form of circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, X's and O's and other polygonal configurations.

23. A foldable game board having a fastener, comprising: a) a base member having a center fold-line section defining a first seating area and a second seating area; said base member being movable to a planar configuration to define an open configuration for playing a game; b) an upper side board member having a plurality of first openings therein, each for receiving a die-cut game piece therein; said upper side board member being attached to said first seating area; c) an upper playing board member having thereon a specified game layout for playing a game thereon; said upper playing board member being attached to said second seating area; and d) fastener means connected to said base member for folding said base member along said first and second fold-line sections into a closed configuration to form a compact carrying case.

24. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 23, wherein said foldble game board is made of a foam material.

25. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 1, wherein said specified game layout is for playing tic tac toe.

26. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 23, further including attachment means for attaching said upper side board member and said upper playing board member to said first seating area and said second seating area, respectively, thereon.

27. A foldable game bord in accordance with claim 26, wherein said attachment means includes adhesive, glue, laser bonding, or stitching.

28. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 23, wherein said upper center playing board member includes an upper surface having indicia in the form of numbers, lettering, and designs thereon for said specified game layout.

29. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 23, wherein said fastener means include hook and loop members, or plastic male and female snap members.

30. A foldable game board in accordance with claim 29, wherein said first and second openings include geometric shapes in the form of circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, X's and O's.