BOARD GAME APPARATUS AND SYSTEM INCLUDING MAGNETIZED SELF-ADHESIVE FOAM GAME BOARD PAD UNIT

Abstract

Board game apparatus includes a self-adhesive foam game board pad unit having a foam top layer formed of high-density closed cell foam having an outer surface with a game board visual representation defining a game board pattern in a magnetic game play zone, a first adhesive layer affixed to an inner surface of the foam top layer at a first adhesive connection zone, a magnetic insert layer formed of magnetic sheet material having a lower surface affixed to a second adhesive layer in a second adhesive connection zone aligned within the periphery of the magnetic insert layer, and the inner surface of the foam top layer affixed to the second adhesive layer in a third adhesive zone aligned outside the periphery of the magnetic insert layer for mounting the unit to a top surface of a support substrate such as the moveable lid unit of an ice chest cooler.

Claims

1. Board game apparatus, comprising: a self-adhesive foam game board pad unit comprising: a foam top layer formed of foam sheet material consisting of high-density closed cell foam, the foam top layer having an outer surface disposed in parallel opposition to an inner surface spaced therefrom; said outer surface of the foam top layer including a game board visual representation defined thereon, the game board visual representation defining a game board pattern located in a magnetic game play zone in a portion of said outer surface of the foam top layer; said inner surface of the foam top layer affixed to a first adhesive layer adjacent to said inner surface at a first adhesive connection zone, the first adhesive connection zone aligned in opposition to said magnetic game play zone; said first adhesive layer adjacent said inner surface of the foam top layer, said first adhesive layer forming an adhesive connection to said inner surface of the foam top layer in said first adhesive connection zone, said first adhesive layer forming an adhesive connection to a magnetic insert layer in said first adhesive connection zone; said magnetic insert layer adjacent the first adhesive layer in spaced opposition to said inner surface of the foam top layer, said magnetic insert layer formed of magnetic sheet material, said magnetic insert layer having a magnetic sheet upper surface affixed to said first adhesive layer in said first adhesive connection zone, said magnetic insert layer having a magnetic sheet lower surface opposite the magnetic sheet upper surface thereof, said magnetic sheet lower surface affixed to a second adhesive layer by an adhesive connection to said second adhesive layer in said second adhesive connection zone; and said second adhesive layer adjacent said magnetic sheet lower surface in said second adhesive connection zone, said second adhesive connection zone coextensive with the magnetic insert layer, said second adhesive layer outside the outer periphery of said magnetic insert layer being adjacent said inner surface of the foam top layer, said second adhesive layer forming an adhesive connection to said inner surface of the foam top layer in a third adhesive connection zone.

2. Board game apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising: the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit changeable from a first pre-installed, unmounted condition to a second installed, mounted condition; in the first pre-installed, unmounted condition the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit comprises: said second adhesive layer forming a releasable protective adhesive connection to a removable adhesive isolation layer opposite said magnetic sheet lower surface within said periphery of said magnetic sheet insert, said second adhesive layer forming a releasable protective adhesive connection to said removable adhesive isolation layer opposite said inner surface of the foam top layer outside the periphery of said magnetic insert layer.

3. Board game apparatus according to claim 2, and further comprising: in the second installed, mounted condition the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit comprises: said second adhesive layer forming a permanent adhesive connection to a substrate support surface opposite said second adhesive connection zone aligned within said periphery of said magnetic sheet insert, and said second adhesive layer forming a permanent adhesive connection to the substrate support surface opposite said third adhesive connection zone aligned outside said periphery of said magnetic insert layer.

4. Board game apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising: the high-density closed cell foam selected from polyethylene (PE) foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and cross-linked PE/EVA foam.

5. Board game apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising: said magnetic insert layer formed of magnetic sheet material comprising steel.

6. Board game apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising: said magnetic insert layer formed of magnetic sheet material comprising ceramic magnet material.

7. Board game apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising: said magnetic insert layer producing a magnetic retaining force connection in said magnetic game play zone in said outer surface of the foam top layer.

8. Board game apparatus according to claim 1, and further comprising: said self-adhesive foam game board pad unit configured to form to plurality of magnetic retaining force connections with a plurality of magnetized playing pieces positioned on said game board pattern of the foam top layer in said magnetic game play zone, said magnetic retaining force connections formed by magnetic field effects between said magnetic insert layer and the magnetized playing pieces, each magnetic retaining force connection pulling said corresponding magnetized playing piece against the foam top layer in secured retaining relationship with the foam top layer.

9. A board game system comprising: the board game apparatus of claim 1; and a plurality of playing pieces positionable on said game board pattern of the foam top layer in said magnetic game play zone, each of said playing pieces including playing piece magnetic material configured to form a respective magnetic retaining force connection with said magnetic insert layer by magnetic field effects between said magnetic insert layer and the magnetized playing pieces, each magnetic retaining force connection pulling said corresponding magnetized playing piece against the foam top layer in secured retaining relationship with the foam top layer.

10. A board game system of claim 9, and further comprising: the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit mounted to a top surface of a movable lid unit of an ice chest cooler by the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit further comprising: said second adhesive layer forming a permanent adhesive connection to a substrate support surface opposite said second adhesive connection zone aligned within said periphery of said magnetic sheet insert, and said second adhesive layer forming a permanent adhesive connection to the substrate support surface opposite said third adhesive connection zone aligned outside said periphery of said magnetic insert layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a system including magnetic playing pieces in use with a self-adhesive foam game board pad unit installed on the top surface of the movable lid of an ice chest cooler, with the movable lid in closed position, in an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates the system of FIG. 1 with the movable lid in an open position.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 with the movable lid in the closed position.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the system of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a simplified exploded schematic view of a system as shown in FIGS. 1-4, with the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit in pre-installed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be noted that the terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising or includes and/or including when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0017] Reference now should be made to the figures for details to various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components. Embodiments described in the description and shown in the figures are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Changes may be made in the specific embodiments described in this specification and accompanying drawings such that a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Well-known components, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail so as to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0018] Disclosed herein are detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the application of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways that certain aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the disclosure may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of board game apparatus 100 embodied in a self-adhesive foam game board pad unit (hereinafter self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100) configured for installation on a substrate support surface 230, which may be the top surface of an ice chest cooler 200. It will be understood that a board game system may include self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100, magnetic playing pieces 130, and a rigid support structure, which may be an ice chest cooler 200, having a top surface 230 suitable to support the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit. The substrate support surface may be defined by a rigid support structure, such as the top surface 230 of a movable lid unit 220 of a hard-sided ice chest cooler 200. The self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 is installed on the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of an ice chest cooler 200. The movable lid unit 220 is shown seated in closed position on the primary ice well unit 210 of the ice chest cooler 200. A set of magnetic playing pieces 130 is positioned for game play on a game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern on a foam top layer 110 of the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100, in an exemplary embodiment. Particularly, the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern is formed on a primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110 (see FIG. 5). The game board pattern is located in a magnetic game play zone existing in a portion of the primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110. As best shown in FIG. 5, the foam top layer 110 includes an inner surface opposite the primary outer surface and the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 5, the foam top layer 110 may be formed of foam sheet material. Foam sheet material consisting of high-density, closed-cell polyethylene (PE) foam or EVA and cross-linked PE/EVA foam products is suitable to form the foam top layer 110. In an embodiment, the foam top layer 110 may be a lamination formed of multiple layers of foam. Where the foam top layer 110 is a lamination formed of multiple layers of foam sheet material, thickness of the foam top layer 110 may vary at different locations. Where the foam top layer 110 is a lamination formed of multiple layers of foam sheet material, the multiple layers may provide multiple color combination options. High-density, closed-cell polyethylene (PE) foam or EVA and cross-linked PE/EVA foam products. Where the foam top layer 110 is formed of foam sheet material, the outer surface of the foam top layer 110 may be UV-stable, durable, stain-resistant, exceptional non-slip surface, shock absorption padding, protection from scratches and damage, noise reduction, and overall appealing appearance.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 5, the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a first adhesive layer 150 formed of adhesive material for joining the inner surface of the foam top layer 110 to an internal magnetic insert layer 160 stacked beneath the base surface of the foam top layer 110. The first adhesive layer 150 may be formed of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). In an embodiment, for example, first adhesive layer 150 may be formed of a High-Bond Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. A High-Bond Pressure Sensitive Adhesive may provide high adhesion with high-peel strength, high shear strength, and heat resistance suitable to create a high strength, durable bond between the inner surface of the foam top layer 110 and the internal magnetic insert layer 160. The inner surface of the foam top layer 110 is affixed to the first adhesive layer 150 adjacent to said inner surface in a first adhesive connection zone corresponding to area within the periphery of an aligned magnetic insert layer 160 beneath the foam top layer 110 and first adhesive layer 150. The first adhesive connection zone is aligned in corresponding opposition to the magnetic game play zone existing in a portion of the primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110. The first adhesive layer 150 also forms an adhesive connection to the magnetic insert layer 160 in the first adhesive connection zone and opposite the foam top layer 110.

[0022] The self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes the magnetic insert layer 160 stacked beneath both the foam top layer 110 and first adhesive layer 150. The magnetic insert layer 160 is located in vertical alignment below the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern formed on the primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110 to provide magnetic force to retain the playing pieces 130 in fixed positions during play on the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern in the magnetic game play zone existing in a portion of the primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110. The magnetic insert layer 160 may include an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface and disposed in opposition to the same. The magnetic insert layer 160 may be formed of magnetic or ferromagnetic material. In an embodiment, the magnetic insert layer 160 may include ceramic magnet elements. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic insert layer 160 is formed by a thin plate of sheet steel. The magnetic insert layer 160 is configured to form a magnetic force connection relationship with magnetic elements or ferromagnetic elements on, or within, each of the playing pieces 130 when positioned on the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern in the magnetic game play zone existing in a portion of the primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110. The magnetic force connection relationship is sufficient to retain the playing pieces 130 when positioned on the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern formed on the primary outer surface of the foam top layer 110 unless the magnetic force connection relationship is exceeded by manual force sufficient to relocate the playing pieces 130 on the game board visual representation 120 of a game board pattern or remove the playing pieces 130 from the same. In embodiments, suitable magnetic material may include ceramic magnets.

[0023] The self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include a second adhesive layer 170 formed of adhesive material for joining both the bottom surface of the foam top layer 110 and the lower surface of the internal magnetic insert layer 160 to the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200 and thus join the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 to the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 in fixed relationship therebetween. The second adhesive layer 170 may be formed of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA). In an embodiment, for example, second adhesive layer 170 may be formed of a High-Bond Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. A High-Bond Pressure Sensitive Adhesive may provide high adhesion, high-peel strength, high shear strength, and heat resistance suitable to create a high strength, durable bond between both the bottom surface of the foam top layer 110 and the lower surface of the internal magnetic insert layer 160 and the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200.

[0024] In FIG. 5, the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 is shown in pre-installed condition and thus includes a removable adhesive isolation layer 180 configured to isolate the second adhesive layer 170 until the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 is being installed on the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200 in fixed relationship thereto by removing the removable adhesive isolation layer 180 from releasable isolating relationship with the second adhesive layer 170 to expose the second adhesive layer 170 for adhesion bonding to the top surface 230. In an embodiment, the removable adhesive isolation layer 180 may consist of Adhesive Transfer Paper Protective Backing Material. Such Adhesive Transfer Paper Protective Backing Material may allow for easy peel and stick application of the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 to the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200. While adhered to the second adhesive layer 170 the adhesive isolation layer 180 protects the same from damage and unintentional adhesive bonding. During installation of the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 on the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200 at the second adhesive layer 170, the adhesive transfer paper protective backing material allows the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) to remain in isolation and be transferred to the top surface 230 of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200 to secure the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit 100 to the same.

[0025] As shown generally in FIG. 5, a system as disclosed may include a plurality of playing pieces 130 of the board game, each including a magnetic or ferromagnetic element to form a magnetic force connection relationship with the magnetic insert layer 160 to secure each playing piece 130 in place on the game board visual representation 120 of the corresponding game board pattern on the foam top layer 110. The magnetic or ferromagnetic element is configured to maintain the playing pieces 130 in their existing fixed positions on the game board visual representation 120 of the corresponding game board pattern on the foam top layer 110 during disruptive events, such as shaking or movement of the ice chest cooler 200, opening and closing movement of the movable lid unit 220 of the ice chest cooler 200, or wind forces exerted on the playing pieces 130 during movement of the ice chest cooler 200 due to motion of a vehicle or boat. When the movable lid unit 220 is opened or closed, or the ice chest cooler 200 is bounced or moved, or wind forces are exerted, the playing pieces 130 are retained securely on the game board with placement maintained by forming a magnetic force connection relationship with the magnetic insert layer 160. Each of the playing pieces includes playing piece magnetic material configured to form a respective magnetic retaining force connection with the magnetic insert layer 160 by magnetic field effects between the magnetic insert layer 160 and each of the magnetized playing pieces 130. Each magnetic retaining force connection exerts magnetic attraction force pulling the magnetized playing piece 130 against the foam top layer 110 in secured retaining relationship with the foam top layer 110.

[0026] The present disclosure includes embodiments of a self-adhesive foam game board pad unit including a foam top layer forming a waterproof functional board game playing surface including a board game visual representation including a game board pattern defined on a foam playing surface of the foam top layer. The self-adhesive foam game board pad unit further includes behind the foam top layer, an integrated magnetic or ferromagnetic insert layer providing a magnetic force retaining connection with magnetized playing pieces located on the board game playing surface. The self-adhesive foam game board pad unit further includes first and second adhesive layers, which may consist of self-sticking pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The second adhesive layer may form a bottom layer of the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit, forming a fixed adhesive connection with a rigid substrate support surface of a rigid substrate, such as the continuous top of a movable lid unit of a rigid ice chest cooler. Prior to mounting the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit to the by affixing the second adhesive layer to the substrate support surface, the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit may include a removeable protective paper coating layer against the self-sticking pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) to isolate the self-sticking pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) from damaging contact with external materials, wherein the removeable protective paper coating layer is detached to expose the adhesive and thus allowing the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit to be mounted to the moveable lid unit top surface by affixing the self-sticking pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) to the substrate support surface to form an adhesive bonded relationship, in the manner of any peel-and-stick material. The foam top layer may be formed of polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, or blended PE and EVA foam. The foam substrate may contain a waterproof board game visual representation including a game board pattern, which may be printed or otherwise defined on the top surface of the foam top layer, and thus may form the layouts and designs for game boards of common board games. In embodiments, common board game patterns may be fabricated, such as by additive fabrication, on the foam top layer to form the game board visual representation. The magnetic insert layer forms magnetic force retaining connections with the magnetized playing pieces to retain the playing pieces in place in fixed positions to enable use of the board game and also allow simultaneous opening and closing of the cooler lid unit for manual access to the ice chest while the playing pieces are secured and retained in fixed positions on the game board visual representation on the foam top layer of the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit mounted on the exterior top surface of the movable lid unit (i.e., the cooler top). The magnetic connection between the steel or ferromagnetic metal inside the self-adhesive foam game board pad unit and the magnetized playing pieces allows for secure game play that can withstand moving the cooler, strong wind, rough waves, or any other disruption of the surface.

[0027] In an embodiment the foam pad can be used to create a board game surface that secures game pieces to the surface. In this embodiment the foam pad can be adhered to any surface that exists in the recreational environment in which the board game is desired to be played. Such surfaces can include a cooler, ice chest, or storage box.

[0028] Specific sized game board foam pads fit ice chest cooler lids of that same specific size so as to maintain a good fit and ensure the adherence specific for that system. The game board pad is placed on the cooler and adhered to before use.

[0029] An embodiment may secure tools, keys, and other magnetic objects to a surface. In this embodiment, the foam would be created without the pattern of a board game but rather would function to secure the objects to a surface through magnetic attachment. The peel-and-stick nature of the foam allows for the creation of a magnetic surface on any other surface through the application of the foam pad.

[0030] An embodiment may define a table structure for eating or working on an unstable surface while a vehicle or a boat is in motion. In this embodiment, the eating utensils or work utensils would be secured to the surface top of the cooler so eating or working could proceed without interruption.

[0031] An embodiment may include the cooler top used for other entertainment or pleasure activities.

[0032] While the disclosure has been presented with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods are described and illustrated. Although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purposes can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments and disclosure. For example, although described in terminology and terms common to the field of art, exemplary embodiments, systems, methods, and apparatus described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that implementations can be made for other fields of art, systems, apparatus, or methods that provide the required functions.

[0034] In particular, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the names of the components are not intended to limit embodiments or the disclosure. Furthermore, additional methods, steps, and apparatus can be added to the components, functions can be rearranged among the components, and new components to correspond to future enhancements and physical devices used in embodiments can be introduced without departing from the scope of embodiments and the disclosure. One of skill in the art will readily recognize that embodiments are applicable to future systems, future apparatus, future methods, and different materials. Terminology used in the present disclosure is intended to include all environments and alternate technologies that provide the same functionality described herein.