GAME BOARD FOR A BOARD GAME

The invention relates to a game board (1) for a board game, having          a flat bottom part (2), which can be rolled up corresponding to a roll axis (A) into a transport position and has at least one first edge side (2.1) as well as a second edge side (2.2) opposite the latter, which extend skew to the roll axis (A),     a first side part (3) connected along the first edge side (2.1) to the bottom part (2) as well as a second side part (4) connected along the second edge side (2.2) to the bottom part (2), which are designed strip-like and can be adjusted between a use position raised relative to the bottom part (2) and an intermediate position parallel to the latter and can be rolled up from the intermediate position together with the bottom part (2). In order to make a travel board game available with improved functionality, it is provided according to the invention that the first (3) and second side part (4) in each case have a bistable spring band (7), which extends in a first stable state for stiffening the side part (3, 4) parallel to the adjacent edge side (2.1, 2.2).

The invention relates to a game board for a board game.

In the prior art different travel board games are known, which are supposed to make it possible to play a particular board game (for example, chess, checkers, backgammon, etc.) even while traveling. The game board is thereby supposed to be able assume an as compact a form as possible for the transport, wherein in many cases a storage possibility for the game figures, dice or the like is also provided, for example, in such a manner that the game board can be folded up and thereby forms a storage space. In addition to embodiments, in which the game board is folded up, such embodiments are also known, in which the game board consists of flexible material and can be rolled up. In the simplest case, only a playing surface, which can be rolled up, is provided in this connection, on which, if necessary, a storage pocket for game figures is fastened (for example, sewn) on the edge side. In this case, there is therefore no border of the game board, which can be disadvantageous particularly when traveling, since this can lead to the game figures or dice falling off of the game board. In addition, embodiments are known, in which side parts are fastened on the playing surface, which extend parallel to the playing surface in a rolled-up state. In an unrolled state, the side parts can be raised relative to the playing surface and adjacent side parts can be connected to one another, for example, by snap fasteners. It is thereby also known, that some side parts have pockets, into which strip-like stiffening elements (made of bamboo, wood, plastic or the like) can be inserted. These stiffening elements must of course be removed again for rolling up and be transported in a container provided for this purpose. Moreover, there is a risk depending on the material that the stiffening element plastically deforms or even breaks.

Against this background, the problem addressed by the invention is to provide a travel board game with improved functionality.

The problem is solved according to the present invention by a game board according to claim1.

A game board for a board game is provided by the invention. The game board has a flat bottom part, which can be rolled up corresponding to a roll axis into a transport position or into a transport state and has at least a first edge side as well as a second edge side opposite to the latter, which extend skew to the roll axis, therefore, do not intersect the roll axis or also have no common point with the roll axis and also do not extend parallel to the roll axis. In an arrangement, in which both the first as well as the second edge side extend skew to the roll axis, an axis following the course of the respective edge side, such as the longitudinal axis of the respective edge side, does not intersect the roll axis and also does not extend parallel to the roll axis. The bottom part is thereby the part of the game board, which has the actual playing surface. Accordingly, it is designed flat, for example, as a single or multi-layer piece of fabric or film. Individual areas can thereby be printed or can otherwise be colored on an upper side of the bottom part, in order to identify parts of the playing surface, or he bottom part could be sewn together from differently colored pieces of fabric. Normally, the bottom part is entirely flexible, but at least it can be rolled up according to an axis, which is referred to hereinafter as the roll axis. One could also say that the bottom part can be rolled up about the (imaginary) roll axis or one could also say, that the bottom part can be rolled up about the (imaginary) roll axis into the transport position or into the transport state. The state rolled-up about the roll axis corresponds to a transport position or a transport state of the bottom part or the playing surface, therefore, to a position or a state, in which the game board is compactly rolled up for the transport.

The first edge side and the second edge side extend skew to the roll axis or the first and the second edge side extend not parallel or unparallel to the roll axis and neither the first nor the second edge side has a common point with the roll axis or the first edge side extends not parallel or unparallel to the roll axis and the second edge side extends not parallel or unparallel to the roll axis and the first edge side has no common point with the roll axis and the second edge side has no common point with the roll axis.

Simply put, one could also say, that the first edge side and the second edge side extend at an angle to the roll axis or that the first edge side and the second edge side extend angularly relative to the roll axis, however, strictly speaking an angular arrangement or an angular course always requires an intersection or a common point, which is not the case here.

The bottom part has at least one first edge side or at least one first edge as well as a second edge side or a second edge, which, is opposite the first edge side or the first edge. Normally the two edge sides or edges are designed straight or rectilinear, possibly with slight deviations. It therefore follows that the bottom part has at least a third edge side or at least a third edgte, normally also a fourth edge side or a fourth edge. This corresponds to the design of typical game boards, which, as a rule, are quadrangular or in some cases also triangular. In the case of a triangular bottom part the first and second edge sides also adjoin one another. The first and the second edge sides or the first and second edge extend skew to the roll axis, therefore not parallel to the latter and also without forming an intersection or without forming a common point. Normally, the angle between the projection of the roll axis on the bottom part and each of the edge sides is at least 45° or even at least 60°.

Furthermore, the game board has a first side part connected along the first edge side or the first edge to the bottom part as well as a second side part connected along the second edge side or the second edge to the bottom part, which are designed strip-like and can be adjusted between a use position raised relative to the bottom part and an intermediate position parallel to the latter or can be adjusted to an intermediate position substantially parallel to the latter and can be rolled up together with the bottom part from the intermediate position. The two side parts are therefore connected at the aforementioned edges or edge sides to the bottom part, one could also say, in each case a side part abuts against one of the edge sides on the bottom part. The wording “along the edge side” or the wording “along the edge” is not to be interpreted as meaning that there must be a connection over the entire length of the edge side or of the edge, but rather this can also be the case only in sub-regions. It is expressly possible, that the two side parts as well as side parts mentioned below are made at least partially in one piece with the bottom part.

The first and the second side part can be adjusted between a use position raised relative to the bottom part and an intermediate position parallel to the latter and can be rolled up from the intermediate position together with the bottom part or the first and the second side part can be adjusted between a use position raised relative to the bottom part and an intermediate position substantially parallel to the latter and can be rolled up from the intermediate position together with the bottom part.

Each of the side parts is designed strip-like, that is, it is normally substantially longer in the direction of the edge side or of the edge than transversely thereto. The side parts are provided to form the boundary of the game board in a use position, wherein the width of the respective strips corresponds to the (maximum possible) height of the boundary. In the use position the respective side part is raised relative to the bottom part and can form with the latter, for example, an angle of 90°. The side parts can be adjusted between the use position and an intermediate position relative to the bottom part. This is possible, for example, in that the connection to the bottom part is flexible. The adjustment can also be described as a pivoting or bending of the side part relative to the bottom part. The intermediate position is a position, which can be assumed when changing between the transport position and the use position. If the side parts are located in the intermediate position, therefore effectively in a plane with the bottom part, they can be rolled up from this intermediate position together with the bottom part and thus pass into the transport position.

According to the present invention the first and second side part in each case have a bistable spring band, which in a first stable state for stiffening the side part extends parallel to the adjacent edge side or parallel to the adjacent edge or which in a first stable state for stiffening the side part extends substantially parallel to the adjacent edge side or to the adjacent edge. Normally, such bistable spring bands are formed from spring steel and have two stable states. The spring band is typically designed strip-like. In a first stable state the spring band extends straight and parallel to the edge side, to which the respective side part is adjacent or in a first stable state the spring band extends straight and substantially parallel to the edge side, to which the respective side part is adjacent. Normally, this state is stabilized in that a profile curved to one side is impressed in the band. By impressing the profile from this side a destabilization can occur and a second stable state may possibly arise, in which the spring band is rolled up spirally lengthwise. In each case the spring band in the first stable state forms an effective stiffening of the respective side part, which is why in the use position this forms a mechanically stable limit for the game board. However, since it is a bistable spring band, the first stable state can be cancelled by targeted action of the user, whereby the spring band can be converted into a more compact, normally spiral-like form. This permits a conversion into the transport position, without the spring band having to be removed from the side part. That is, a storage in a separate container (pocket or the like) is not necessary during the transport. The production of the first stable state as well as the cancelling of the same can be easily achieved with a few steps. Furthermore, the spring band is generally mechanically very robust and can neither break nor permanently deform plastically.

Of course an all-round border of the game board in the use position is desirable. For this reason, preferably a third side part is connected to the bottom part along a third edge side arranged between the first and second edge side, parallel to the roll axis or a third edge side substantially parallel to the roll axis. This side part, on the one hand, serves to limit the game board in the use position, on the other hand, it can serve to ensure that the bottom part is rolled up here in the transport position. For this reason the third side part can have, for example, the form of a solid cylinder or hollow cylinder. The third side part can consist of an inherently flexible material, for example, fabric, wherein due to its (for example, cylindrical) form it can nevertheless have a stiffness sufficient for the use.

The functionality of the third side part can optionally be extended in that this has an interior for receiving game figures. Thus, the game figures can be safely stored and at the same time can be transported together with the game board in a simple manner. In this connection, the term “game figures” also refers to game pieces, dice or the like. Of course, the interior should be designed to be closeable, for example, by a slide fastener, snap fastener or other closure systems. In particular, in the case of a third side wall designed as a hollow cylinder its interior can be used in order to accommodate game figures therein.

As already addressed above, it is conceivable that the bottom part is designed triangularly, wherein, however, a quadrangular form can be used for a larger number of games. In this case the bottom part has a fourth edge side arranged opposite to the third edge side, along which a fourth side part is connected to the bottom part. The fourth side part can be designed strip-like like the first and second side part. As a rule, it can be flexible, wherein it could also be permanently stiffened, if the fourth edge side extends parallel to the roll axis or if the fourth edge side extends substantially parallel to the roll axis. In this case, the rolling up process would not or only insignificantly be disturbed by a stiff element, which extends parallel or substantially parallel to the roll axis.

Preferably, the transport position corresponds to a second stable state of the spring band. That is, in this case the spring band is designed in such a manner that it is rolled up spirally, in order to assume the second stable state. In this respect this is advantageous, as it not only facilitates the assumption of the transport position, but rather the spring band can also serve as a roll-up aid, since after cancellation of the first stable state it moves under spring tension into the second stable state.

A typical form of the game board is rectangular, for example, square. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment the bottom part is designed rectangularly, wherein the first and second edge sides extend at right angles to a projection of the roll axis on the bottom part or extend substantially or approximately at right angles to a projection of the roll axis on the bottom part. It is understood that in this connection the selected projection direction is irrelevant, since the position of the first and the second edge side relative to the roll axis is selected in this embodiment in such a manner that the right angle is formed for each conceivable projection direction. In this respect, this embodiment is advantageous, as the spring bands can be rolled up in the first and second side part about an axis, which is aligned rectangularly to an axis, which extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the respective spring band. Simply put, one can also say that in this preferred embodiment the first edge side and the second edge side extend at right angles to the roll axis, however, strictly speaking a course at right angles always requires an intersection point or a common point, which is not the case here.

In principle, the stiffening band of the respective side part could be adhesively bonded or sewn, for example, to a piece of fabric or film, which is connected to the bottom part. According to a preferred embodiment the stiffening band is positively received in a casing of the respective side part. The casing is in this connection a component of the side part, therefore not a casing, which serves to receive the side part. Normally, the casing is directly connected to the bottom part. That means that the stiffening band is enclosed by the casing and can thus not be lost. Moreover, there is no risk of injury at all for the user, who could otherwise cut himself under adverse conditions on the stiffening band. Depending on the material of the casing, the stiffening band can, for example, be sewn or welded into the casing.

In general the side parts cannot readily hold the raised use position. That is, the individual side part would fall back again into the intermediate position. However, this can be prevented by side parts of adjacent edge sides being connected with one another. Preferably, the game board therefore has first fastening means for fastening the first and second side part on the fourth side part in the use position. That is, the first and second side part can be fastened on the fourth side part in the raised state, so that these three side parts effectively form one unit.

Also, preferably the game board has second fastening means for fastening the first and second side part on the third side part in the use position. Normally, these second fastening means are provided in addition to the first fastening means.

It is understood that the fastening means are designed to be detachable, wherein, on the one hand, a secure connection is to be ensured in the use position, but, on the other hand, an easy release is also to be possible, in order to be able to bring the side parts into the intermediate position and further into the transport position. Moreover, the fastening means are supposed to be robust. In general, different, for example, positive and/or non-positive connections are conceivable. In particular, at least one fastening means can be designed as a snap fastener, magnetic closure, VELCRO fastener or hook closure. The fastening means can in part be arranged on tabs, which are formed on the end side on a side part. Thus, for example, a part of a snap fastener can be arranged on a tab, through which this part can be led to a complementary part, which is arranged on an adjacent side part. As is known, a hook closure comprises at least one hook and at least one eyelet or as is known, a hook closure is a complementary device comprising at least one hook and at least one eyelet.

FIG. 1shows a perspective depiction of a game board1for a board game according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game board1has a flat, square bottom part2, which consists of flexible material, for example, fabric or film. On the upper side visible inFIG. 1different markings for the playing surface of the board game can be printed or sewn, for example, a checkerboard pattern or the like. The bottom part has four equally long edge sides or edges2.1-2.4standing in pairs at right angles to one another. On a first edge side2.1a strip-shaped first side part3is connected to the bottom part2, for example, by sewing, adhesion or the like. Accordingly, a second side part4is connected to the bottom part2on an opposite second edge side2.2. The two mentioned side parts3,4in each case have a flexible casing9,10, which, can consist, for example, of fabric or film, as well as a bistable spring band7positively received therein. In the use position depicted inFIG. 1the respective spring band7is located in a first stable state, in which it extends in each case parallel or substantially parallel to adjacent edge sides2.1,2.2. In this state the respective side part3,4is stiffened by the spring band7.

On a third edge side2.3arranged between the first edge side2.1and the second edgte side2.2a third side part5is connected to the bottom part2, which is designed cylindrically in contrast to the first and second side part3,4and has an interior, which can be closed by a slide fastener8. In the interior game figures, dice or the like can be stowed. Due to its cylindrical form the third side part5has a structurally-caused stiffness, even though it is made from an inherently flexible material like fabric or film. On a fourth edge side2.4opposite the third edge side2.3a fourth side part6is connected to the bottom part2. This can in itself be designed to be flexible and consist of the same material as the casings9,10of the first two side parts3,4.

In the use position depicted inFIG. 1the first, second and fourth side part3,4,6is raised relative to the bottom part, approximately at a right angle. In order to prevent undesired falling over of the side parts3,4,6, the first and second side part3,4are fastened via first snap fasteners11on the fourth side part6and via second snap fasteners12on the third side part5. As a result, the position of the fourth side part6is also substantially secured, even if this consists exclusively of flexible material.

If the game board1is to be transported, a user releases the snap fasteners11,12and brings the first, second and fourth side part3,4,6into an intermediate position parallel to the bottom part2or into an intermediate position substantially parallel to the bottom part2or after the release of the snap fasteners11,12the user brings the first, second and fourth side part3,4,6into an intermediate position in the plane of the bottom part2. This intermediate position is depicted inFIG. 2. The adjustment of the side parts3,4,6into the intermediate position can be viewed as a pivot process about the respective edge sides2.1,2.2,2.4.

In a next step the bottom part2is rolled up together with the first, second and fourth side part3,4,6about a roll axis A, which corresponds to a central axis of the third part5and extends parallel or substantially parallel to the third edge side2.3, wherein the first edge side2.1and the second edge side2.2extend skew to the roll axis A. In order to achieve this, the user presses with a finger20on the casing9of the first side part3at a point, which corresponds to any part of the spring band7. As a result, the first stable state (which is also depicted inFIG. 4D) is cancelled and the spring band7moves towards a second stable state, in which it is rolled up spirally (depicted inFIG. 4A). In a corresponding manner the first stable state of the spring band7in the second side part4can be cancelled, whereby the desired roll-up takes place partially driven by the spring tension of the spring bands7and, if necessary, assisted manually by the user.

After the roll-up the game board1is located in the transport position depicted inFIG. 3, in which it is rolled up compactly. The spring bands7are thereby located at least approximately in the second stable state, whereby the transport position is stabilized. Optionally an additional stabilization could be achieved in that the first snap fasteners11interact with corresponding counterparts on the lower side of the first and second side part3,4.

FIGS. 4A to 4Dshow in side view a movement sequence of the spring band7from the second stable state (inFIG. 4A) into the first stable state (inFIG. 4D). In the second stable state the spring band7is rolled up compactly about the roll axis A, wherein its cross section corresponds substantially to a straight line. When rolling out, which is depicted inFIGS. 4B and 4C, increasing proportions of the spring band7pass into a stretched position, wherein the straight cross section changes into a state convexly curved towards a first side7.1. In the first stable state depicted inFIG. 4Dand in top view inFIG. 4Ethe spring band7is curved over its entire length towards the first side7.1and stabilized by the curvature. As indicated inFIG. 4D, the user can press with the finger20at any point (for example, an end) on the first side7.1of the spring band7, whereby the first stable state is cancelled and the spring band7following the spring tension returns to the second stable state fromFIG. 4A. It is understood that these processes can also function if the spring band7is located in a flexible casing9,10.

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