Travel and Outdoor Playmat

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a playmat for receiving playing cards in order to maintain the configuration of the cards.

BACKGROUND

When playing with cards outdoors, wind and rain can be a challenge for the card players. In these situations, it is often required to pack up the cards.

When playing cards on a train or a bus, in which a game is suddenly interrupted e.g. if the train or bus arrives to the final destination, it would also be desirable to have a way to maintain the card configuration so that the game can be continued afterwards.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to be able to provide a solution that makes it possible to interrupt a game and maintain the card configuration so that the game can be continued afterwards.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that makes it possible to interrupt a card playing game and maintain the card configuration so that the game can be continued afterwards.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a playmat and system.

The playmat according to the invention is a playmat for receiving and maintaining a plurality of cards, wherein the playmat comprises a first section and second section rotatably attached to the first section, wherein each section comprises a planar support structure configured to receive a plurality of cards, wherein the length of the sections extend parallel to a common longitudinal axis, wherein each section comprises a plurality of rows extending perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein each section comprises a holding structure having a length and a height and being arranged and configured to clamp the plurality of cards towards the support structure, wherein the length of the holding structure and the height of the rows is selected in such a manner that:

A) the holding structure can receive and hold at least two non-overlapping cards and

B) the cards can be maintained in the holding structure when in a rotated configuration, in which two opposite corners of the card extend along a line parallel with the longitudinal axis.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a user-friendly playmat that makes it possible to arrange cards in a card configuration which can be maintained by means of the playmat. The playmat can be unpacked in a fast manner simply by opening the playmat. Accordingly, by means of the playmat according to the invention it is possible to interrupt a game and continue the game afterwards simply by closing and opening the playmat. Moreover, the playmat provides the user large freedom of motion with respect to the cards which can be rotated when received by the holding structure.

In one embodiment, the playmat is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards of up to 63×88 mm.

In one embodiment, the playmat is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards of up to 63×88 mm, wherein the cards are arranged in a configuration, in which the length of the cards extends parallel to the length of the section.

In one embodiment, the playmat is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards smaller than 63×88 mm.

In one embodiment, the playmat is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards smaller than 63×88 mm, wherein the cards are arranged in a configuration in which the length of the cards extends parallel to the length of the section.

In one embodiment, the playmat is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards larger than 63×88 mm.

In one embodiment, the playmat is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards larger than 63×88 mm, wherein the cards are arranged in a configuration in which the length of the cards extends parallel to the length of the section.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is configured to receive three or more non-overlapping cards.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is configured to receive four or more non-overlapping cards.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is configured to receive five or more non-overlapping cards.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises a first section and second section rotatably attached to the first section by a one-piece body.

Each section comprises a planar support structure configured to receive a plurality of cards. Hereby, the cards can be maintained in a planar configuration.

In one embodiment, the length of the first section extends parallel to the length of the second section.

In one embodiment, each section comprises a plurality of rows extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, each section comprises a plurality of rows extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, each section comprises a resilient or flexible holding structure having a length and a height and arranged and configured to clamp the plurality of cards towards the support structure.

In one embodiment, the holding structure comprises a flexible material. By the term “flexible material” is meant a material that can be bent in order to function as a hinge joint when attached to two separated structures. Hereby, it is possible to rotatably attach one structure to another structure by means of the flexible material.

By ensuring that the length of the holding structure and the height of the rows is selected in such a manner that the holding structure can receive and hold three non-overlapping cards of up to 63×88 mm it is possible to provide a solution having a desired capacity for receiving and containing cards.

By ensuring that the length of the holding structure and the height of the rows is selected in such a manner that the cards can be maintained in the holding structure when being in a rotated configuration, in which two opposite corners of the card extend along a line being parallel with the longitudinal axis it is possible to provide a user-friendly solution, in which the cards can easily be inserted, removed and moved (e.g. rotated) when received by the holding structure.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of an elastically deformable material. Hereby, it is possible to provide a simple and reliable solution, in which the holding structure can receive and maintain cards inserted into the holding structure.

In one embodiment, the holding structure extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the section.

In one embodiment, the holding structure extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the section.

In one embodiment, the first section and the second section comprise two rows.

In one embodiment, the first section and the second section comprise three rows.

In one embodiment, the first section and the second section comprise four rows.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises a third section rotatably attached to the second section.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises a third section and a fourth section, wherein the second section is rotatably attached to the third section, wherein the third section is rotatably attached to the fourth section.

In one embodiment, the holding structures extend parallel to each other. Hereby, the storage capacity of the playmat can be optimized.

In one embodiment, the holding structures are basically rectangular. This may be an advantage because the most cards have a rectangular geometry.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises an elastic band extending at least partly along the longitudinal axis, wherein the elastic band is arranged and configured to maintain the playmat in a closed configuration. Hereby, it is possible to use the elastic band to provide a fast, user-friendly and secure closure of the playmat.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises a resilient member arranged and configured to maintain the playmat in a closed configuration when folded. Hereby, the resilient member can, in an easy, reliable and simple manner, be used to keep the playmat closed when folded.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises a resilient member provided with numbers and one or more indicators slidably attached to the resilient member. Hereby, it is possible to keep track of the score in an easy manner. Moreover, the resilient member can be used for several purposes (e.g., indication of score and locking the playmat when folded).

In one embodiment, the resilient member is an elastic band.

In one embodiment, the sections are equally shaped. In one embodiment, the sections are equally sized. Hereby, it is possible to provide a simple and user-friendly playmat, in which each section provides the same user options.

In one embodiment, the end section is smaller than the first section and the second section.

In one embodiment, the width of the end section is smaller than the width of the first section and the second section.

The system according to the invention is a system comprising a playmat according to the invention and a number of markers configured to be detachably attached to a card, wherein the marker is folded together and comprises two free ends configured to be detachably arranged at each side of a card.

Hereby, the system can be used in order to attach additional scores to the cards.

In one embodiment, the holding structure comprises corner portions, in which material is removed. Hereby, it is possible to attach the holding structure to the support structure by a stitching process and achieve a great degree of flexibility in the corner region of the holding structure.

In one embodiment, the corner portion is formed as an area corresponding to a quarter of a circle.

In one embodiment, the first section and the second section comprise three rows.

In one embodiment, the flexible separation structure is made of an elastic fabric.

The playmat is designed to allow the cards received by the holding structure to be maintained in place even when the wind blows.

The playmat makes it possible to move the playmat (when folded) from one location to another location without changing the configuration of the cards. This is a great advantage if weather conditions require a sudden relocation when the cards are used outside.

The playmat is designed to be folded in such a manner that the cards can be removably inserted into the holding structures which are hidden and protected in a safe manner at the inside surface of the playmat.

The playmat is also designed to be folded in such a manner that the cards can be removably inserted into the holding structures which are exposed on the outside. Accordingly, the playmat is configured to be used when not much space is available (it can be used in very cramped conditions).

In one embodiment, the support structure comprises an inner layer (the inside surface of the support structure) made of fabric.

In one embodiment, the support structure comprises an inner layer made of duchesse satin.

In one embodiment, the support structure comprises an inner layer made of black duchesse satin.

In one embodiment, the playmat comprises a binding material (the outside surface of the playmat) made of polyurethane.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of an elastic thermoplastic polyurethane.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of a clear and elastic thermoplastic polyurethane.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane having a thickness in the range of 100-500 μm.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane having a thickness in the range of 200-400 μm.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane having a thickness in the range of 250-350 μm.

In one embodiment, the holding structure is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane having a thickness of 300 μm.

In one embodiment, a layer of cardboard is provided between the inner layer and the binding material (the outside surface) of the support structure. Hereby, it is possible to enhance the mechanical stiffness.

In one embodiment, the upper edge of the holding structure is arranged a non-zero distance from the underlying support structure, wherein the non-zero distance is larger than the thickness of the card.

In one embodiment, the support structure is compressible so that a card can easily be received by the holding structure. This can be achieved by pressing down support structure when inserting the card into the holding structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A shows the inside of a playmat according to the invention;

FIG. 1B shows the playmat shown in FIG. 1A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2A shows a playmat 2 according to the invention. The playmat basically corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B shows the playmat shown in FIG. 2A seen from the side;

FIG. 3 shows the playmat shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B seen from outside;

FIG. 4A shows a card and four markers attached to the card;

FIG. 4B shows a plurality of markers each attached to an adjacent marker;

FIG. 5 shows a plurality of markers inserted into a holding structure of a second section of a playmat according to the invention;

FIG. 6A shows a side view (the long side) of a playmat according to the invention in a closed configuration;

FIG. 6B shows a front view of the playmat shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows a front view (the short side) of the playmat shown in FIG. 6A and in FIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a playmat according to the invention in a closed configuration;

FIG. 7B shows a front view of the playmat shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C shows a front view of the playmat shown in FIG. 7A and in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 shows a playmat shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9A shows a first view of a playmat according to the invention and

FIG. 9B shows a second view of a playmat shown in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a playmat 2 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1A illustrates the inside of a playmat 2 according to the invention. The playmat 2 comprises a first section 4 and a second section 6 interconnected by a flexible and/or bendable separation structure 28. The separation structure 28 allows the playmat 2 to be folded so that the first section 4 and the second section 6 are brought into a configuration in which the second section 6 is brought into contact with and covers the first section 4. The separation structure 28 may be made of an elastic fabric. The first section 4 and second section 6 comprise planar support structures 8.

The playmat 2 comprises an end section 16 rotatably attached to the first section 4. This means that the end section 16 is configured to be brought into a configuration in which the end section 16 is brought into contact with the first section 4 or alternatively is brought into contact with the outside portion of the second section 6 (if the second section is brought into contact with the first section 4).

Both the first section 4 and the second section 6 comprise three rows 20, 20′, 20″. Each of the rows 20, 20′, 20″ is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards 10 in a fixed position. This can be accomplished by means of the holding structure 12 that extends perpendicular to the length of the sections 4, 6.

The playmat 2 is configured to receive and maintain a plurality of cards 10. Accordingly, the cards 10 may be arranged in a user-selected configuration.

The length of the sections 4, 6 extends parallel to a common longitudinal axis Y. It can be seen that the plurality of rows 20, 20′, 20′ extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Y. Each section 4, 6 comprises a holding structure 12 having a length L₄and a height H₁, H′₁, H″₁(see FIG. 2A). Each holding structure 12 is arranged and configured to clamp the plurality of cards 10 towards the support structure 8. The holding structures 12 extend parallel to the width axis X indicated.

The length L₄of the holding structure 12 and the height of the rows 20, 20′, 20″ is selected in such a manner that:

A) the holding structure 12 can receive and hold three non-overlapping cards of up to 63×88 mm and

B) the cards 10 can be maintained in the holding structure 12 when being in a rotated configuration, in which two opposite corners C₁, C₃of the card 10 extend along a line being parallel with the longitudinal axis Y. Hereby, it is possible to provide a user-friendly playmat 2 that enables a large freedom of motion with respect to the cards 10.

It is important to underline that the dimensions of the playmat 2 can be selected differently in order to make the playmat 2 fit to cards smaller or larger than 63×88 mm.

The cards 10 have a length L₁that is up to 88 mm. It can be seen that the diameter L₂of the cards 10 is shorter than the distance L₃between the bottom portion of a holding structure 12 and the bottom portion of the above-arranged holding structure 12. Accordingly, the card 10 can be rotated without colliding with the above-arranged holding structure 12.

It can be seen that the length L₄of the holding structure 12 is greater than three times the width of the card 10. Therefore, the holding structure 12 can receive and hold three non-overlapping cards 10, such as the ones illustrated in FIG. 1A. Since there are three rows 20, 20′, 20″ in each of the two sections 4, 6, the playmat can contain 18 cards in total.

The playmat can be of great value if a game is suddenly interrupted e.g. because it starts raining or if the train or bus arrives to the final destination. The playmat 2 can be packed up in a fast manner and the card configuration can be maintained. Accordingly, the game can be continued afterwards simply by opening the playmat 2.

The holding structure 12 is provided with corner portion 18, in which material is removed (an area corresponding to a quarter of a circle). Hereby, it is possible to attach the holding structure 12 to the support structure 8 by a stitching process and achieve a great degree of flexibility in the corner region of the holding structure 12.

In one embodiment, the upper edge of the holding structure 12 is arranged a non-zero distance from the underlying support structure 8, wherein the non-zero distance is larger than the thickness of the card.

In one embodiment, the support structure 8 is compressible so that a card 10 can easily be received by the holding structure 12. This can be achieved by pressing down support structure 8 when inserting the card 10 into the holding structure 12.

The holding structure 12 is made of at least partly transparent material so that the card can be seen through the holding structure 12. In a preferred embodiment, the holding structure 12 is made of an elastic material that regains its original geometry when a deformation object (e.g. a plurality of cards) is removed from the holding structure 12.

The end section 16 is rotatably attached to the first section 4 by means of a flexible/bendable separation structure 26. The end section 16 comprises a counting structure 14 provided with a list of numbers and two slideably arranged indicators 22, 22′ each comprising a protruding portion 24, 24′ protruding in different directions so that one can tell the difference between the indicators 22, 22′. The first indicator 22 surrounds the number 10 indicating the score of a first player, wherein the second indicator 22′ surrounds the number 5 indicating the score of a second player. The indicators 22, 22′ are configured to slide along the length of the counting structure 14 that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Y.

It is important to stress that the end section 16 may comprise a counting structure 14 without any numbers. In fact, a version without any numbers and without any slideably arranged indicators is shown in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 1B illustrates the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 1A in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2A illustrates a playmat 2 according to the invention. The playmat 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 1A and thus the reference numbers correspond to equal or equivalent elements. All cards 10 except for one card 10 have, however, been removed. Moreover, only the lower portion of the counting structure 14 is complete since the top portion thereof is not shown.

FIG. 2A shows the width W₁of the first separation structure 28 and the width W₂of the second separation structure 28. Moreover, the widths W₃, W₄, W₅are indicated in FIG. 2A. Likewise, the heights H₁, H′₁, H″₁of the holding structures 12 are shown. Moreover, the heights H₃, H′₃, H″₃of the rows 20, 20′, 20″, respectively, are shown. Finally, the heights H₂, H′₂, H″₂of the portion of each row 20, 20′, 20″ that is not covered by a holding structure 12 are indicated. The total height of the sections 4, 6 is also shown.

In one embodiment, W₃is 100 mm.

In one embodiment, W₄is 230 mm.

In one embodiment, W₅is 230 mm.

In one embodiment, H₄is 360 mm.

It can be seen that the rows 20, 20′, 20″ are equally shaped and sized. Accordingly, the following equations are fulfilled:

H
₁
=H′
₁
=H″
₁ (1)

H
₂
=H′
₂
=H″
₂ (2)

H
₃
=H′
₃
=H″
₃ (3)

FIG. 2B illustrates the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 2A seen from the side. It can be seen that the separation structures 26, 28 are thinner than the sections 4, 6. In a preferred embodiment, the separation structures 26, 28 are made of a flexible material.

FIG. 3 illustrates the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 2A and in FIG. 2B seen from outside. This means that the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 2A has been turned around (rotated 180 degrees) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the playmat 2. The playmat 2 is in an open configuration.

FIG. 4A illustrates a card 10 and four markers 30, 30′ attached to the card 10. Each marker 30, 30′ is detachably attached to the card 10. The central portions on each side of the contacting portions of the markers 30, 30′ are glued together, wherein no glue is provided at the free ends of the folded marker 30, 30′. Accordingly, markers 30, 30′ are provided with free ends configured to be detachably arranged at each side of a card 10 like shown in FIG. 4A. The markers 30, 30′ indicate a number that can indicate an additional score of the card 10.

FIG. 4B illustrates a plurality of markers 30, 30′ each attached to an adjacent marker 30, 30′.

The markers 30, 30′ can be separated from each other before they are attached to a card 10. In one embodiment, perforations are provided between adjacent markers 30, 30′.

In FIG. 5 a plurality of markers 30, 30′ are inserted into a holding structure 12 of a second section 6 of a playmat according to the invention.

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view (the long side) of a playmat 2 according to the invention in a closed configuration. The playmat 2 corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 3.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front view of the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 6A, whereas FIG. 6C illustrates a front view (the short side) of the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 6A and in FIG. 6B.

It can be seen that the first separation structure 28 is arced hereby allowing the first section 4 to be brought into contact with the second section 6. Likewise, the second separation structure 26 is arced hereby allowing the second section 6 to be brought into contact with the end section 16.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C illustrate different views of a playmat 2 according to the invention in a closed configuration. The playmat 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C, however, the playmat 2 does not comprise any indicator like the one shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C.

FIG. 8 illustrates the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C. It can be seen that the playmat 2 does not comprise any indicator like the one shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B illustrate different views of a playmat 2 according to the invention in an open configuration. The playmat 2 basically corresponds to the one shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, however, the playmat 2 neither comprises any indicator nor any numbers (on the counting structure) like the playmat 2 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

- 2 Playmat
- 4 Section
- 6 Section
- 8 Support structure
- 10 Card
- 12 Holding structure
- 14 Counting structure
- 16 End section
- 18 Corner portion
- 20, 20′, 20″ Row
- 22, 22′ Indicator
- 24, 24′ Protruding portion
- 26 Separation structure
- 28 Separation structure
- 30, 30′ Marker
- L₁, L₂, L₃, L₄Length
- H₁, H′₁, H″₁Height
- H₂, H′₂, H″₂Height
- H₃, H′₃, H″₃, H₄Height
- W₁, W₂, W₃, W₄, W₅Width
- C₁, C₂Corner

Travel and Outdoor Playmat

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Abstract

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