Patent Application
20240123324
The invention relates to a card or board game box comprising an enclosure for storing the game equipment and a lid for closing the enclosure.
A game box is used to store game equipment such as playing cards, one or more dice, etc.
Current game boxes are often cumbersome: the enclosure and the lid are ultimately only used for storage. In addition, the lid often clutters the game space and does not allow properly closing the box, particularly when it contains heavy gaming equipment: playing cards are often present in large numbers and are heavy to store.
Furthermore, the current boxes are not suitable for proper storage of the equipment in particular playing cards so that they are often free in the enclosure and can be damaged. Furthermore, players sometimes have to get additional equipment to enjoy their game: card holder, card dispenser, for example.
The invention proposes a game box that does not include the limitations above.
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a drawer of a board game box comprising:
The invention according to the first aspect is advantageously completed by the following characteristics, taken alone or in any one of their technically possible combinations:
According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an enclosure of a game box comprising a first storage space comprising a rectangular bottom and four walls extending from each side, the enclosure comprising a second storage space contiguous to the first space storage and comprising a stack of at least one compartment intended to receive a drawer according to the first aspect of the invention.
Advantageously, the second storage space comprises at least one movable wall between a high position and a low position configured, when actuated, to open access to the second storage space.
According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a game box comprising an enclosure according to the second aspect of the invention.
Advantageously, the lid is convertible into a game board.
And in a complementary way, the lid comprises magnetized knobs configured to be housed in complementary locations disposed on the walls of the enclosure so as to firmly close the enclosure.
Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in relation to the appended drawings in which:
In all the figures, similar elements bear identical references.
It is specified that in what follows, box means a storage enclosure that can be closed by a lid.
The enclosure 11 comprises a rectangular bottom 1110 common to two storage spaces.
A first storage space is constituted by a compartment 111 comprising longitudinal walls 1111, 1112 perpendicular to the bottom 1110 and side walls 1113, 1114.
The compartment 111 includes a longitudinal intermediate wall 1115 parallel to one of the longitudinal walls 1111. This longitudinal intermediate wall 1115 delimits with the longitudinal wall 1111 a secondary storage space 1116 of small size. Thus, the compartment 111 has a first storage space called main storage space which makes it possible to store most of the game equipment: for example, boxes comprising playing cards. This storage space 1116 called secondary storage space which makes it possible to store additional equipment, a rule of the game or a particular accessory such as a particular card which requires having its dedicated location. Advantageously or additionally, this secondary storage space 1116 is advantageously divided in two by a side wall 1117. This side wall 1117 can be removable to be able to modulate this secondary storage space 1116.
Advantageously and as visible in
A second storage space is constituted by a case 112 and is contiguous to the compartment 111. This case 112 comprises four walls: two longitudinal 1122, 1123 and two side 1121, 1124 walls perpendicular to the bottom 1110. The longitudinal walls 1122, 1123 of the case 112 are respectively in the extension of the longitudinal walls 1111, 1112 of the compartment 111. The side walls 1121, 1124 of the case 112 are parallel to the side walls 1113, 1114 of the compartment 111. One of the walls of the case 112 also belongs to the compartment 111. In
As illustrated in
The movable wall 1123 allows accessing locations via a front face of the enclosure 11. Particularly, this wall 1123 is movably mounted relative to one side 1125 of the bottom 1110 of the enclosure 11 at the level of the case 112 to be actuated towards a low position such that it can be parallel to the bottom 1110. In this way it is easy to access the locations 113, 114.
This mobility is made possible thanks to the fact that the side 1125 of the bottom and the lower side 1126 of the movable wall in contact with the case 112 form a bend line constituting an area of fragility in the thickness of the box at this place. The actuation of the movable wall 1123 is then possible.
Advantageously, the case 112 comprises means for connecting the movable wall 1123 to hold the movable wall 1123 in the high position. The high position of the movable wall is a high position, that is to say perpendicular to the bottom 1110 of the enclosure 11 at the level of the case 112. In this way, the movable wall 1123 can close the locations of the case 112. These connecting means can also form means for returning the movable wall 1123 so that it returns to the high position when it is raised.
These connecting means can take several forms: magnets or strips of textiles comprising hooks such as Velcro™ or adhesives or press studs.
According to one embodiment, the connecting means also form the return means, these are constituted by magnetized parts 117, 118 disposed on a longitudinal wall 1151 of the upper location 115 and by magnetized parts 117′, 118′ complementary to those disposed on the upper location 115. In this way, the magnetized parts of the movable wall 1123 and those of the upper location attract each other. Preferably, they attract each other to press the movable wall 1123 against the case 112. This attraction allows that when the movable wall 1123 starts to be raised, it is easily pressed against the case 112. Its actuation is therefore easy, the closing of the case 112 is therefore easy.
The magnetized parts 117, 118, 117′, 118′ are schematized by circles in the figures but are invisible in practice. Furthermore, other shapes for these magnetized parts can be envisaged.
The upper location 115 has a bottom 1152 and two longitudinal walls 1151, 1153, one of which comprises the magnetized parts 117, 118. A cutout 119, preferably a rounded cutout (without sharp ridges—see above) is also provided on the wall 1151 comprising the magnets 117, 118 to create a space between the movable wall 1123 and the upper location 115 so as to be able to actuate this movable wall 1123. The connecting and possibly return means are such that, when the movable wall is in the high position, it is firmly held to properly close the lower locations. As will be understood, the fact of preferring magnetized parts for the connecting means is that it also forms means for returning the movable wall 1123 when it is close to the magnetized part of the upper location. The upper location 115 has a closed area which can for example serve as a dice throwing area during the game.
Lower locations (here two lower locations) of identical sizes are therefore disposed below the upper location 115. These locations are advantageously intended to receive lockers intended to contain game equipment such as cards. In case the shelf 116 is not present, the lockers can be stacked on top of each other.
A drawer 13 (see
The drawer 13 further comprises connecting means also advantageously forming means for returning the movable wall 131 to bring it back to the high position when it is raised.
These connecting and return means are constituted by intermediate walls 1360, 1370 extending from the side 135 accessible by the movable wall 131, the intermediate walls 1360, 1370 being disposed at each end of the accessible side 135, and are perpendicular both to the bottom 130 and to the longitudinal walls 131, 132. The movable wall 131 is in contact with the intermediate walls 1360, 1370 when it is in the high position. The means for connecting and returning the movable wall are advantageously constituted by magnetized parts 1361, 1371 disposed on the intermediate walls and by complementary magnetized parts 1361′, 1371′ disposed on the movable wall 131. In this way, the magnetized parts of the movable wall and those on the intermediate walls attract each other. Preferably, they attract each other to press the movable wall 131 against the intermediate walls. When the magnets allow returning the movable wall, the attraction of the magnets makes it easy to press the movable wall against the intermediate walls when it starts to be raised, this without it being necessary to accompany the movable wall 131 against the intermediate walls to close the front face and therefore the accessible side. As will be understood, the magnetized parts that attract each other are facing each other when the movable wall 131 is in the high position and also pressed against the intermediate walls.
The magnetized parts are schematized by circles in
Advantageously, circular magnets are positioned on each intermediate wall as well as on the movable wall.
In the case where the connecting means do not form return means, these connecting means can take several forms: magnets or strips of textiles comprising hooks such as Velcro® or adhesives or press studs. In this case, to close the drawer it is necessary to accompany the movable wall 131 to press it against the intermediate walls.
As already explained for the case 112, the fact of providing magnets facilitates the handling of the movable wall of the drawer. Indeed, by simply raising the movable wall as soon as it is close to the intermediate walls comprising the magnets, it is attracted by these magnets, which facilitates its handling and therefore the closing of the drawer 13.
In a complementary manner, the bottom 130 comprises a step 1300 extending from the accessible side 135 such that the bottom 130 comprises a positive level difference from the accessible side.
In this way, it is possible, when the drawer 13 comprises cards, to be able to pass a finger in the space defined by the step to catch cards without having to turn over the drawer or shake it, which could damage the cards.
Advantageously, the movable wall 131 comprises a central rounded cutout 136 (see
The enclosure 11 can be advantageously closed by a lid 12 which comprises a central rectangular part 120 from which rectangular side parts 121, 122 extend.
The side parts 121, 122 are connected to the central part 120 by bend lines 123, 124 that allow the lid 12 to be in a flat position (see
In the flat position (see
The side parts 121, 122 of the lid 12 have dimensions smaller than the height of the walls of the enclosure 11. The lid in the U-shaped position makes it possible to close the enclosure 11. Holding means 125, 126, 127, 128 are further disposed on the side parts 121, 122 of the lid 12 so that it is firmly attached to the enclosure 11 when it closes the enclosure or when it is under the enclosure 11. These holding means can take many forms.
According to one embodiment, the holding means consist of magnetized parts 125, 126 disposed on the side walls 121, 122 which are intended to be pressed against the longitudinal walls of the enclosure 11: here two magnetized parts per side wall 121, 122. These holding means also comprise magnetized parts 125′, 126′ complementary to those disposed on the side walls of the lid but disposed on the longitudinal walls of the enclosure 11 (see
These holding means can take several forms: magnets or strips of textiles comprising hooks such as Velcro™ or adhesives or press studs. The case with magnetized parts is described below, but this also applies to the other alternatives for the holding means.
In a complementary manner, the holding means also comprise knobs intended to be housed in complementary female parts, the knobs constituting the male part. The knobs 127, 128 are advantageously disposed between the magnetized parts of the side walls 121, 22 of the lid 12 on the face intended to be pressed against the enclosure 11. Thus, there can be: a magnetized part, a knob, a magnetized part, a magnetized part, a knob, a magnetized part. The female parts 127′, 128′ are positioned on the longitudinal walls 1111, 1112 of the enclosure 11 in which the knobs must fit.
The fact of combining the magnetized parts with the knobs makes it possible to ensure that the lid is firmly attached to the enclosure 11, in addition this allows guiding the user in the positioning of the lid 12 on the enclosure 11.
In this way, the enclosure 11 is closed and cannot let anything escape. The enclosure 11 and the lid 12 thus constitute a game box 1 which makes it possible to firmly and securely store the game elements. These are in their place and correctly maintained. Furthermore, the lid 12 is completely separable from the enclosure 11. To do so, it suffices to spread apart the side walls 121, 122 of the lid of the enclosure 11 thanks to the bend lines and to lift the lid.
Furthermore, the fact of preferring magnetized parts to the other alternatives makes it possible to benefit from the attraction between the different magnetized parts which facilitate the positioning of the lid 12 on the enclosure 11. Also, the lid does not have any direction to be positioned on the enclosure. It must just be ensured that the side walls with the knobs of the lid 12 are positioned to be pressed against the longitudinal walls of the enclosure 11.
According to another alternative embodiment, the holding means are simply constituted by the knobs and therefore without magnetized parts.
It is specified that the combination of the connecting means with the return means may be referred to as “return means” for reasons of brevity.
As can be seen in the figures, the enclosure 21 for this box 2 is larger than the enclosure 11 of the box 1 according to the first embodiment.
The enclosure 11 comprises a rectangular bottom 2110 common to two storage spaces (see
The first storage space comprises side walls 2111, 2112 perpendicular to the bottom 2110 and longitudinal walls 2113, 2114. Advantageously, a removable wall 300 makes it possible to adjust the storage space constituted by the compartment 211. Grooves 301 are formed inside the compartment on the inner faces of the longitudinal walls. The removable wall 300 can be placed in these grooves depending on the spaces desired for the compartment 211. The removable wall 300 when it is not used can be stowed in various places: under the enclosure or in the compartments when the space permits, even above the cards.
Advantageously and as visible in
The second storage space comprises four walls: two side walls 2123, 2124 and two longitudinal walls 2121, 2122 connected to the bottom 2110: one of the walls is common with a wall of the compartment 211. As before, the case 212 comprises locations 213, 214, 215: an upper location 215 accessible from above and lower locations under the upper assembly (starting from the top downw, downw being the bottom). Also, as for the first embodiment, a shelf 216 can be provided to delimit the lower locations 213, 214. This shelf 216 can be dispensed with to form a larger location.
Unlike the first embodiment, the case 212 has two movable side walls 2123, 2124 which allow accessing the lower locations by two opposite faces of the case 212. This is advantageous insofar as it is possible to stow lockers 13 already described in relation to
The movable walls 2123, 2124 according to this second embodiment are identical to those of the box 1 according to the first embodiment: connecting means preferably forming return means constituted by magnetized parts 217, 218 disposed on a wall 2151, 2152 of the upper location 215, the movable walls 2123, 2124 comprising complementary magnetized parts 217′, 218′.
Cutouts 219 are provided on the wall 2151, 2152 comprising the connecting means 217, 218 in order to create a space between each movable wall 2123, 2124 and the upper location so as to be able to actuate the movable wall 2123.
Here again, the connecting means alone can take several forms: magnets or strips of textiles comprising hooks such as Velcro™ or adhesives or press studs.
It will be understood that the movable walls of the boxes according to the first embodiment or to the second embodiment have identical structures and identical actuations.
Here again, the upper location has a closed Z area that can be used as a dice throwing area during the game, as a storage area for any equipment necessary for the game: notebook, pen, etc.
The drawer(s) 24 (see
In a complementary way, such drawers 24 can be stowed in the locations of the case of the box according to the first embodiment.
As for the first embodiment, the enclosure 21 can be advantageously closed by a lid 22 of the same type as that of the first embodiment.
In
The lid 22 comprises side parts 221, 222 connected to a central part 220 by bend lines 223, 224 that allow the lid 22 to be in a flat position (see
In the flat position, the lid 22 is placed under the enclosure 21, the lid in the U-shaped position makes it possible to close the enclosure 21. Holding means are also disposed on the side parts 221, 222 of the lid 22 so that it is firmly attached to the enclosure 21 when closing the enclosure. These holding means advantageously consist of magnetized parts 225, 226 making it possible to link the lid 22 to the enclosure 21, the walls of the enclosure 21 comprising complementary magnetized parts 226′ that attract those of the lid 22. In
The knobs are adapted to be housed in female parts 227′ disposed on the side walls of the enclosure 21. Furthermore, the lid 22 is here again completely separable from the enclosure 21. To do so, it suffices to spread apart the side walls 221, 222 of the lid of the enclosure 21 thanks to the bend lines and to lift the lid.
Alternatively, the lid 22 can be transformed into a game board, that is to say it can serve as an area in which the game is played. This may be a dice roll area or an area with inscriptions allowing the game to take place or an additional storage area. An example of a game board is the snake and ladders game board or checkers game board well known to those skilled in the art (non-exhaustive examples).
To do so, the side parts 221, 222 comprise secondary bend lines 224′ that form side portions 231, 232 of each side part 221, 222 and that also form other side portions 2230u at the level of the central part 220.
These bend lines advantageously allow these side portions to be raised to delimit the game area.
The lid 22 comprises eight holding parts 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. Each of the holding parts is disposed between two side portions. Particularly, the holding parts 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 are disposed at each corner of the central part 220.
The holding parts 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 form two by two, between each side portion, a square, each diagonal of which forms bend lines 41, 42, 43, 44 making it possible to fold one on the other two adjacent holding parts. Thus, two holding parts are clamped together towards the outside of the central part 220. To hold them together, connecting means are disposed on each holding part.
These holding means can take several forms: magnets or strips of textiles comprising hooks such as Velcro™ or adhesives or press studs. Of course, it will easily be understood that two adjacent holding parts comprise complementary holding means when these are necessary: magnet, Velcro™, press stud in particular.
In any case, magnets are preferred, indeed, these are simple means which make it possible to form the game board. Indeed, when the corners are folded, they attract each other so that the cover 22 can form the game board. Conversely, the corners are easily separated to form the lid.
The lid 22 which can be transformed into a game board can also be used in combination with the enclosure 11 according to the first embodiment by adapting its size.
The box 1, 2 according to one of the embodiments described above is advantageously based on cardboard having a thickness comprised between 2 and 6 mm. For aesthetic reasons, the cardboard is advantageously covered with a decorative material. Preferably, the box consists of an inner material and an outer material around a base material such as cardboard, PP (polypropylene) or any other plastic. It is understood that the material chosen is sufficiently rigid and solid to be suitable for the storage of the game equipment which in the case of playing cards can prove to be quite heavy. The external material is generally PU leather, but it can also be any type of fabric. Preferably it is PU leather on one side and microfiber fabric on the other.
Those skilled in the art will understand that characteristics of each of the embodiments can be easily combined when technically possible: drawer with movable wall; drawer, first modular storage space by means of a removable wall, intermediate storage space, lid convertible into a game board.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2101653 | Feb 2021 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/054064 | 2/18/2022 | WO |
