Abstract
A miniature movement system that includes a plurality of modular platforms and a plurality of magnet-reactive metal plates. Each modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms includes a plurality of sides defining a center cavity. Each magnet-reactive metal plate of the plurality of magnet-reactive metal plates is configured to be received in the center cavity of a respective modular platform. A first modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms is configured to be removably coupled to at least a second modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms.
Claims
1. A miniature movement system for figures comprising: a plurality of modular platforms, each modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms including a plurality of sides defining a center cavity; and a plurality of magnet-reactive metal plates, each magnet-reactive metal plate of the plurality of magnet-reactive metal plates being configured to be received in the center cavity of a respective modular platform, wherein a first modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms is configured to be removably coupled to at least a second modular platform of the plurality of modular platforms.
2. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, wherein the center cavity defined by the plurality of sides is one of (1) a hole that extends through a respective modular platform from a first side thereof to a second side thereon and (2) a hole that extends a predetermined depth from the first side thereof.
3. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sides defines a hexagonal configuration.
4. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, wherein each side of the plurality of sides includes an attachment piece and a receiving piece, and wherein the attachment piece of a first side of the first modular platform is configured to be received within the receiving piece of a first side of the at least the second modular platform, and the receiving piece of the first side of the first modular platform is configured to receive the attachment piece of the first side of the at least the second modular platform.
5. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, wherein each magnet-reactive metal plate is a circular magnet-reactive metal plate.
6. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, wherein each magnet-reactive metal plate is a magnet configured to magnetically couple to a base of a figurine.
7. The miniature movement system according to claim 6, wherein a first side of each magnet-reactive metal plate has a first magnetic pole that is magnetically coupleable to the base of the figurine having a second magnetic pole opposite the first magnetic pole.
8. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, wherein each magnet-reactive metal plate is configured to magnetically couple to a magnet affixed to a base of a figurine.
9. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one connecting piece configured to connect between two modular platforms.
10. The miniature movement system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one connecting piece includes four sides, wherein a first side includes a first attachment piece and a first receiving piece and a second side, opposite the first side, includes a second attachment piece and a second receiving piece.
11. The miniature movement system according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one connecting piece configured to connect to a modular platform, wherein the at least one connecting piece includes a plurality of sides, said plurality of sides defining a central cavity therein configured to house dice.
12. The miniature movement system according to claim 9, wherein at least one side of the plurality of sides includes a receiving piece and an attachment piece.
13. A modular gaming component comprising: a gaming figure including a magnetic base; a modular platform including a plurality of sides defining a center cavity; and a magnet-reactive metal plate configured to be received in the center cavity of the modular platform and configured to magnetic couple to the magnetic base of the gaming figure.
14. The modular gaming component according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic base is adjustable.
15. The modular gaming component according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic base includes a single magnet.
16. The modular gaming component according to claim 15, wherein the single magnet is disposed in a center portion of the magnetic base.
17. The modular gaming component according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic base includes a plurality of magnets.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The scope of the present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
[0010] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a modular platform of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 1A.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B with a removeable magnet-reactive metal plate in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 2A with the removable magnet-reactive metal plate coupled to the modular platform.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a modular platform of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 3A taken along line A-A.
[0016] FIG. 3C is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 3A.
[0017] FIG. 4A is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIGS. 3A-3C and removeable magnet-reactive metal plate in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 4B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 4A with the removable magnet-reactive metal plate coupled to the modular platform.
[0019] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a modular platform of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 5B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 5A.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B and a removeable magnet-reactive metal plate in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 6B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 6A with the removable magnet-reactive metal plate coupled to the modular platform.
[0023] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a modular platform of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7B is a side perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 7A taken along line A-A.
[0025] FIG. 7C is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 7A.
[0026] FIG. 8A is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIGS. 7A-7C and a removeable magnet-reactive metal plate in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 8A with the removable magnet-reactive metal plate coupled to the modular platform.
[0028] FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a modular platform of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 9B is a side perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 9A taken along line A-A.
[0030] FIG. 9C is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 9A.
[0031] FIG. 10A is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIGS. 9A-9C and a removeable magnet-reactive metal plate in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 10B is a side and top perspective view of the modular platform of FIG. 10A with the removable magnet-reactive metal plate coupled to the modular platform.
[0033] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a connecting piece of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11B is a side perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 11A taken along line A-A.
[0035] FIG. 11C is a side and top perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 11A.
[0036] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a connecting piece of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 12B is a side perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 12A taken along line A-A.
[0038] FIG. 12C is a side and top perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 12A.
[0039] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of a connecting piece of a miniature movement system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 13B is a side perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 13A taken along line A-A.
[0041] FIG. 13C is a side perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 13A taken along line B-B in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 13D is a side and top perspective view of the connecting piece of FIG. 13A.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a side and top perspective view of three (3) modular platforms removably affixed to one another in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a side and top perspective view of several modular platforms and connecting pieces of different sizes affixed to one another in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a modular platform and figurine in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] FIGS. 17A and 17B are bottom perspective views of a magnetic base for a figurine.
[0047] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments is intended for illustration purposes only and is, therefore, not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing the particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0049] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The terms lower, bottom, upper, top, above and below describe the orientation, or relative orientation, of various elements as they appear in the drawings to which reference is made. The terms inwardly, outwardly, upwardly and downwardly refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the modular components, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms a, an and the are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning at least one. The terminology includes the terms noted above, derivatives thereof and terms of similar import.
[0050] The term coupled and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two components coupled directly to each other or with the two components coupled to each other using at least one intervening component, unless otherwise indicated. As one example, if the term coupled or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the aforementioned, generic definition of coupled is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., directly coupled means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member). Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, fluidic a combination thereof, or the like, unless otherwise indicated.
[0051] The term or, as used herein, is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase at least one of X, Y, and Z, unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to convey that an element may be either X; Y; Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z including just one of them). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present, unless otherwise indicated.
[0052] The ordinal terms first, second, etc., as used herein, are used to distinguish one element from another and do not denote any specific order or sequence, nor do they require the presence of any particular number of elements. It will, therefore, be understood that, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second) in the claims is not intended to limit the scope of the claims to require the presence of both elements associated with those ordinal numbers. For example, the recitation of a first modular platform does not necessarily require the presence of a second modular platform. Another example, a first modular platform could be termed a second modular platform without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0053] It should also be understood that the terms about, approximately, generally, substantially and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the disclosure, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations therefrom that are functionally similar, e.g., +/10%. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.
[0054] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-15 a variety of modular platforms and connecting pieces in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, a modular platform 10 includes a plurality of lateral sides 11a-11f (collectively 11). While the modular platforms 10 depicted in the drawings are of a hexagonal configuration (i.e., a closed-shape polygon with six (6) sides of equal length and six (6) angles of equal degrees), other configurations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, a modular platform may be of a rectangular configuration. In other embodiments, a modular platform may be of a square configuration.
[0056] The modular platform 10 defines a center cavity 12 therein (see, e.g., FIG. 1B) configured to accommodate and/or receive a magnet-reactive metal plate 13. See, e.g., FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the center cavity 12 may be a cylindrical hole that extends a predetermined depth from a top portion 14 (e.g., first side) of the modular platform 10 toward a bottom portion 15 (e.g., second side) of the modular platform 10 and is configured to accommodate a circular magnet-reactive metal plate 13 therein. See, e.g., FIGS. 1B and 2A. In such embodiments, an inner surface 15a of the bottom portion 15 of the modular platform 10 is configured to support and affix to the magnet-reactive metal plate 13. For example, a glue or other suitable adhesive may be used to affix a bottom surface 13b of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 to the inner surface 15a of the bottom portion 15 of the modular platform 10.
[0057] In some embodiments, the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 may be a magnet with a top portion 13a having a first magnetic pole and a bottom portion 13b having a second magnetic pole. Similarly, the inner surface 15a of the bottom portion 15 of the modular platform 10 may be magnetic such that the inner surface 15a of the bottom portion 15 has a first magnetic pole that is magnetically coupleable to the bottom portion 13b of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 having the second magnetic pole (opposite the first magnetic pole). The magnet-reactive metal plate 13 would therefore by magnetically coupled to the annular flange of the modular platform 10.
[0058] In other embodiments, the center cavity 12 may be a cylindrical through-hole that extends from the top surface 14 (e.g., a first side) of the modular platform 10 through the bottom portion 15 (e.g., second side) of the modular platform 10. In such embodiments, an inner annular surface 12a of the center cavity 12 may include an annular flange, e.g., protrusion or ledge, (not shown) extending therefrom configured to support and affix to the magnet-reactive metal plate 13. For example, a glue or other suitable adhesive may be used to affix a top portion of the annular flange (not shown) to the bottom portion 13b of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13. Alternatively, the annular flange (not shown) may be magnetic such that a top surface of the annular flange has a first magnetic pole that is magnetically coupleable to the bottom portion 13b of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 having a second magnetic pole (opposite the first magnetic pole). The magnet-reactive metal plate 13 would therefore by magnetically coupled to the annular flange of the modular platform 10. While a single annular flange is described above, in some embodiments, a plurality of annular flanges extending from the inner annular surface 12a may be used.
[0059] While the central cavity 12 is described herein as a cylindrical hole, it may be of any suitable configuration such as a rectangular prism or cuboid. Similarly, while the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 is described above as being circular, it is understood that it may be of any suitable configuration, such as rectangular or square, and configured to be received in a central cavity of a corresponding configuration.
[0060] As described above, a bottom surface 13b of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 is configured to be affixed to the inner surface 15a of the bottom portion 15 of the modular platform 10. A top portion (e.g., first side) 13a of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 is configured to be affixed to a figurine 52, e.g., gaming figure (see, e.g., FIG. 16). Specifically, at least the top portion (e.g., first side) 13a of the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 is configured to react to a magnet 56 affixed to a bottom portion 54a of a base 54 affixed to the figurine 52 to magnetically couple the figurine 52 to the modular platform 10. See, e.g., FIGS. 17a and 17b.
[0061] As previously noted, in some embodiments, the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 may be a magnet. In such embodiments, the magnetic-reactive metal plate 13 would have a first magnetic pole that is magnetically coupleable to the base 54 of the figurine 52 having a second magnetic pole opposite the first magnetic pole.
[0062] The modular platform 10 also includes plurality attachment portions 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f (collectively 16) and a plurality of receiving portions 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f (collectively 17), as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B. More specifically, each side 11 of the plurality of sides (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) of the modular platform 10 includes an attachment portion 16 and a receiving portion 17. For example, side 11c of the modular platform 10 includes an attachment portion 16c and a receiving portion 17c. The attachment and receiving portions 16, 17 are notch and groove-type configurations. An attachment portion 16 (e.g., notch) of a lateral side 11 of the modular platform 10 extends outwardly therefrom and is configured to be received in a receiving portion of an adjacent modular platform. A receiving portion 17 (e.g., groove) of the lateral side 11 of the modular platform 10 is a cavity defined in the side 11 that is configured to accommodate an attachment portion of the adjacent modular platform. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, adjacently positioned modular platforms 10 may be affixed via respective attachment and receiving portions in order to form a group of figures (e.g., military team, squad, platoon, etc.), when the figures are magnetically coupled to the modular platforms 10, that is easily moveable as a single group.
[0063] The modular platform 10 may be designed to accommodate any 1:28-1:32 figures. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 1B and 2B, the modular platform 10 is designed to accommodate a figure with a base measuring 25 mm in diameter. The modular platform 10 of this exemplary embodiment may be configured with an outer width W.sup.O of approximately 42 mm, measured from a distal edge portion (e.g., 16c) of one attachment portion (e.g., 16c) of a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a distal edge portion (e.g., 16f) of another attachment portion (e.g., 16f) of a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). See, e.g., FIG. 1A. The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) may be approximately 4 mm. The modular platform 10 of this exemplary embodiment may be configured with an inner width W.sup.I of approximately 34 mm, which is measured from a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). The modular platform 10 may further be configured with an overall height of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from the top portion 14 of the modular platform 10 to the bottom portion 15, and a diameter D of approximately 25 mm of the center cavity 12 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1B and 2B).
[0064] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A and 4B, the modular platform 10 is designed to accommodate a figure with a base measuring 32 mm in diameter. As shown in FIG. 3A, the modular platform 10 of this exemplary embodiment may be configured with an outer width W.sup.O of approximately 49 mm, measured from a distal edge portion (e.g., 16c) of one attachment portion (e.g., 16c) of a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a distal edge portion (e.g., 16f) of another attachment portion (e.g., 16f) of a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) in the exemplary embodiment of 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A and 4B may be approximately 4 mm. The modular platform 10 may be configured with an inner width W.sup.I of approximately 41 mm, which is measured from a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). The modular platform 10 may further be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from the top portion 14 of the modular platform 10 to the bottom portion 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B, 4A, 4B), and a center cavity 12 (configured to accommodate the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 and the base 54 and magnet 56 of the FIG. 52see, e.g., FIG. 16) having a diameter D of approximately 32 mm (see, e.g., FIGS. 3C, 4A, 4B).
[0065] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the modular platform 10 is designed to accommodate a figure with a base measuring 44 mm in diameter. The modular platform 10 of this exemplary embodiment may be configured with an outer width W.sup.O of approximately 57 mm, measured from a distal edge portion (e.g., 16c) of one attachment portion (e.g., 16c) of a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a distal edge portion (e.g., 16f) of another attachment portion (e.g., 16f) of a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). See, e.g., FIG. 5A. The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B may be approximately 4 mm (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). The modular platform 10 may be configured with an inner width W.sup.I of approximately 49 mm, which is measured from a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). The modular platform 10 may further be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from the top portion 14 of the modular platform 10 to the bottom portion 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5B, 6A, 6B), and a center cavity 12 (configured to accommodate the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 and the base 54 and magnet 56 of the FIG. 52see, e.g., FIG. 16) having a diameter D of approximately 40 mm (see, e.g., FIGS. 5B, 6B).
[0066] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A and 8B, the modular platform 10 is designed to accommodate a figure with a base measuring 50 mm in diameter. The modular platform 10 of this exemplary embodiment may be configured with an outer width W.sup.O of approximately 67 mm, measured from a distal edge portion (e.g., 16c) of one attachment portion (e.g., 16c) of a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a distal edge portion (e.g., 16f) of another attachment portion (e.g., 16f) of a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). See, e.g., FIG. 7A. The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A and 8B may be approximately 4 mm (see, e.g., FIG. 7A). The modular platform 10 may be configured with an inner width W.sup.I of approximately 59 mm, which is measured from a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). The modular platform 10 may further be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from the top portion 14 of the modular platform 10 to the bottom portion 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B), and a center cavity 12 (configured to accommodate the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 and the base 54 and magnet 56 of the FIG. 52see, e.g., FIG. 16) having a diameter D of approximately 40 mm (see, e.g., FIGS. 7C, 8B).
[0067] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A and 10B, the modular platform 10 is designed to accommodate a figure with a base measuring 60 mm in diameter. The modular platform 10 of this exemplary embodiment may be configured with an outer width Wo of approximately 77 mm, measured from a distal edge portion (e.g., 16c) of one attachment portion (e.g., 16c) of a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a distal edge portion (e.g., 16f) of another attachment portion (e.g., 16f) of a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). See, e.g., FIG. 9A. The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A and 10B may be approximately 4 mm (see, e.g., FIG. 9A). The modular platform 10 may be configured with an inner width W.sup.I of approximately 69 mm, which is measured from a first lateral side (e.g., 11c) of the modular platform 10 to a second lateral side (e.g., 11f) of the modular platform 10 opposite the first lateral side (e.g., 11c). See, e.g., FIG. 9A. The modular platform 10 may further be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from the top portion 14 of the modular platform 10 to the bottom portion 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B), and a center cavity 12 (configured to accommodate the magnet-reactive metal plate 13 and the base 54 and magnet 56 of the FIG. 52see, e.g., FIG. 16) having a diameter D of approximately 60 mm (see, e.g., FIGS. 9C, 10B).
[0068] FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an exemplary embodiment of the base 54 for a figure (e.g., FIG. 52 shown in FIG. 16). The base 54 includes a bottom portion 54a and a top portion 54b. The bottom portion 54a of the base 54 is configured to accommodate a magnet (e.g., magnet 56). In some embodiments, the bottom portion 54a is configured to accommodate a single magnet 56. In such embodiments, the bottom portion 54a may define a center receptacle 55 configured to accommodate the magnet 56. In other embodiments, the bottom portion 54a is configured to accommodate a plurality of magnets (not shown). The top portion 54b of the base 54 is configured to be affixed to a figure (such as FIG. 52 shown in FIG. 16).
[0069] The base 54 may be adjustable. For example, in some embodiments, the base may be mechanically adjustable to a desired size (e.g., to enlarge the size or reduce the size) so that a player may manually adjust the size. In other embodiments, the base may be available in a plurality of different sizes so that the player may select a desired sized base from a plurality of different sized bases.
[0070] While the exemplary embodiments of modular platforms are described and illustrated with respect to specific dimensions (e.g., widths, heights, diameters, etc.), it should be understood that a modular platform can be designed with any suitable dimension (e.g., width, height, diameter, etc.).
[0071] FIGS. 11A-11C and 12A-12C illustrate various views of exemplary connecting pieces. FIGS. 11A-11C depict a one (1) inch connecting piece 20, and FIGS. 12A-12C depict a two (2) inch connecting piece 30. Each connecting piece 20, 30 is configured to provide additional room between platform modules 10. The connecting piece 20 includes a plurality of lateral sides 21a-21d (collectively 21) as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11C. Similarly, connecting piece 30 includes a plurality of lateral sides 31a-31d (collectively 31) shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0072] The connecting pieces 20, 30 each include two (2) attachment portions and two (2) receiving portions. Specifically, with respect to the one (1) inch connecting piece 20, a first lateral side 21a of connecting piece 20 includes a first attachment portion 26a and a first receiving portion 27a. A second lateral side 21b, opposite the first lateral side 21a, includes a second attachment portion 26b and a second receiving portion 27b. Similar to the attachment and receiving portions 16, 17 discussed above with respect to modular platform 10, the attachment portions 26a, 26b and receiving portions 27a, 27b of connecting piece 20 are notch and groove-type configurations. Attachment portion 26a (e.g., notch) of lateral side 21a of the connecting piece 20 extends outwardly therefrom and is configured to be received in a receiving portion 17 of an adjacent modular platform 10. Receiving portion 27a (e.g., groove) of the lateral side 21a of the connecting piece 20 is a cavity defined in the lateral side 21a and is configured to accommodate an attachment portion 16 of the adjacent modular platform 10. Similarly, attachment portion 26b (e.g., notch) of lateral side 21b of connecting piece 20 extends outwardly therefrom and is configured to be received in a receiving portion 17 of an adjacent modular platform 10. Receiving portion 27b (e.g., groove) of the lateral side 21b of connecting piece 20 is a cavity defined in the lateral side 21b and is configured to accommodate an attachment portion 16 of the adjacent modular platform 10.
[0073] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11A-11C, the connecting piece 20 may have an outer length L.sup.O of 25 mm (approximately one inch) measured from a distal edge portion 26a of the first attachment portion 26a of the first lateral side 21a of the connecting piece 20 to a distal edge portion 26b of the second attachment portion 26f of the second lateral side 21b opposite the first lateral side 21a. See, e.g., FIG. 11A, 11C. The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11C may be approximately 4 mm (see, e.g., FIG. 11A). The connecting piece 20 may be configured with an inner length L.sup.I of approximately 16 mm, which is measured from the first lateral side 21a of the connecting piece 20 to the second lateral side 21b of the connecting piece 20 opposite the first lateral side 21a. The connecting piece 20 may be configured with a width W of approximately 19 mm, which is measured from a third lateral side 21c of the connecting piece 20 to a fourth lateral side 21d opposite the third lateral side 21c. See, e.g., FIG. 11A. The connecting piece 20 may further be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from a top portion 24 of the connecting piece 20 to a bottom portion 25 thereof (see, e.g., FIGS. 11B, 11C).
[0074] Similarly, with respect to the two (2) inch connecting piece 30 depicted in FIGS. 12A-12C, a first lateral side 31a of connecting piece 30 includes a first attachment portion 36a and a first receiving portion 37a. A second lateral side 31b, opposite the first lateral side 31a, includes a second attachment portion 36b and a second receiving portion 37b. Similar to the attachment and receiving portions discussed above with respect to the modular platform 10 and the one-inch connecting piece 20, the attachment portions 36a, 36b and receiving portions 37a, 37b of connecting piece 30 are notch and groove-type configurations. Attachment portion 36a (e.g., notch) of lateral side 31a of the connecting piece 30 extends outwardly therefrom and is configured to be received in a receiving portion 17 of an adjacent modular platform 10. Receiving portion 37a (e.g., groove) of the lateral side 31a of the connecting piece 30 is a cavity defined in the lateral side 31a and is configured to accommodate an attachment portion 16 of the adjacent modular platform 10. Similarly, attachment portion 36b (e.g., notch) of lateral side 31b of the connecting piece 30 extends outwardly therefrom and is configured to be received in a receiving portion 17 of an adjacent modular platform 10. Receiving portion 37b (e.g., groove) of the lateral side 31b of the connecting piece 30 is a cavity defined in the lateral side 31b and is configured to accommodate an attachment portion 16 of the adjacent modular platform 10.
[0075] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A-12C, the connecting piece 30 may have an outer length L.sup.O of 50 mm (approximately two inches) measured from a distal edge portion 36a of the first attachment portion 36a of the first lateral side 31a of the connecting piece 30 to a distal edge portion 36b of the second attachment portion 36f of the second lateral side 31b opposite the first lateral side 31a. See, e.g., FIG. 12A, 12C. The width W.sup.A of each attachment portion (as measured from each respective lateral side) in the exemplary embodiment of in FIGS. 12A-12C may be approximately 4 mm (see, e.g., FIG. 12A). The connecting piece 30 may be configured with an inner length L.sup.I of approximately 42 mm, which is measured from the first lateral side 31a of the connecting piece 30 to the second lateral side 31b of the connecting piece 30 opposite the first lateral side 31a. The connecting piece 30 may be configured with a width W of approximately 19 mm, which is measured from a third lateral side 21c of the connecting piece 20 to a fourth lateral side 21d opposite the third lateral side 21c. See, e.g., FIG. 12A. The connecting piece 30 may further be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from a top portion 34 of the connecting piece 30 to a bottom portion 35 thereof (see, e.g., FIGS. 12B, 12C).
[0076] Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, connecting pieces 20 and 30 may be affixed to and between two different modular platforms 10 via respective attachment and receiving portions in order to (1) provide additional spacing in between figures and groups, and (2) to form a group of figures (e.g., military team, squad, platoon, etc.), that is easily moveable as a single group.
[0077] FIGS. 13A-13C shows a series of views regarding an additional connecting piece 40 configured to hold dice to indicate status effects, damage, or other game-based information.
[0078] The connecting piece 40 as depicted in FIGS. 13a-13d includes a plurality of lateral sides 41a-41f (collectively 41). While the connecting piece 40 depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13D is of a hexagonal configuration (i.e., a closed-shape polygon with six (6) sides of equal length and six (6) angles of equal degrees), other configurations are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the connecting piece 40 may be of a rectangular configuration. In other embodiments, the connecting piece 40 may be of a square configuration.
[0079] The connecting piece 40 defines a center cavity 42 therein (see, e.g., FIG. 13D). In exemplary embodiments, the center cavity 42 extends a predetermined depth from a top portion 44 of the connecting piece 40 toward a bottom portion 45 of the connecting piece 40 and is configured to accommodate dice (not shown).
[0080] While the central cavity 42 is depicted as a rectangular prism/cuboid, it may be of any suitable configuration such as a cylindrical cavity.
[0081] The connecting piece 40 includes an attachment portion 46a and a receiving portion 47a, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13D. More specifically, a first lateral side 41a of the plurality of sides (41a-41f) of the connecting piece 40 includes the attachment portion 46a and the receiving portion 47a. The attachment and receiving portions 46a, 47a are notch and groove-type configurations. Attachment portion 46a (e.g., notch) of the first side 41a of the connecting piece 40 extends outwardly therefrom and is configured to be received in a receiving portion of an adjacent modular platform. A receiving portion 47a (e.g., groove) of the first lateral side 41a of the connecting piece 40 is a cavity defined in the first lateral side 41a that is configured to accommodate an attachment portion of the adjacent modular platform. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, connecting portion 40 may be affixed to an adjacently positioned modular platform 10 via respective attachment and receiving portions.
[0082] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 13A-13d, the connecting piece 40 may have an outer length L.sup.O of 38 mm measured from a distal edge portion 46a of the attachment portion 46a of the first lateral side 41a of the connecting piece 40 to a second lateral side 41d opposite the first lateral side 41a. See, e.g., FIG. 13A, 13D. The width W.sup.A of the attachment portion 46a, as measured from the first lateral side 41a, may be approximately 4 mm (see, e.g., FIG. 13A). The connecting piece 40 may be configured with a length W of approximately 34 mm and be configured with an overall height H of approximately 3 mm, which is measured from a top portion 44 of the connecting piece 40 to a bottom portion 45 thereof (see, e.g., FIGS. 13B, 13C, 13D). In the exemplary embodiment, the center cavity 42 of the connecting piece 40 may have a length L.sup.C of 17 mm and width W.sup.C of 17 mm, as depicted in FIG. 13A and, as previously noted, is configured to accommodate dice.
[0083] While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, not limitations. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or can be acquired from practicing of the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.
