APPARATUS FOR ORGANIZING GAME TOKENS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/736,212, filed on Dec. 19, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002]The present invention relates generally to trays and storage accessories. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for storing and organizing game tokens in a structured and accessible manner.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Game tokens are small, coin-like pieces used in board games to represent points, currency, or other value indicators. Tokens enhance gameplay by providing realism, enabling tracking of progress, and assisting in the determination of winners. Many board games include multiple types of tokens, for example different shapes and colors associated with individual players or game functions. The use of game tokens makes the game more interactive and engaging.

[0004]Despite their importance, players frequently face issues in managing game tokens during play. Tokens can spill, become mixed, or scatter across the playing area, causing distraction and interrupting the flow of the game. Considerable time is often spent sorting tokens before and during gameplay. In some cases, players may lose interest in the game because of misplaced or mixed tokens, and when a token is lost permanently, the game may become unusable unless a replacement set is purchased.

[0005]Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that enables game tokens to be stored and accessed in an organized and secure manner to enhance the overall gaming experience.

[0006]The gaming tokens include gaming chips generally used in Poker and like games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]The following provides a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present invention to facilitate a basic understanding of its features and advantages. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all contemplated embodiments and is not intended to identify essential elements or define the full scope of the invention. It merely introduces certain concepts that are described in greater detail in the subsequent sections.

[0008]A principal object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that prevents game tokens from mixing during storage or transport.

[0009]Another object of the present invention is to simplify the handling of game tokens by enabling a user to retrieve individual tokens without unintentionally grabbing extra ones.

[0010]Still another object of the present invention is to reduce game setup time by keeping game tokens sorted and immediately ready for use.

[0011]Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be customized, painted, or labeled to match different board games.

[0012]The present invention provides an apparatus for storing and organizing game tokens in a secure and easily accessible manner. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base having a plurality of vertically extending pegs arranged in rows and columns to define multiple token-receiving cells. One or more game tokens may be stacked within each cell such that the tokens remain separated and do not spill or mix during gameplay, storage, or transport. A lid may be positioned over the base to cover the pegs and retain the tokens within the respective cells, and may include peg-receiving indents that align with the pegs to inhibit lateral movement of the lid. The apparatus enables players to quickly retrieve tokens without disturbing adjacent tokens, reduces setup time before starting a board game, and improves portability of the tokens between game sessions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013]The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Together with the description, the figures further explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant arts to make and use the invention.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus with the lid removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 illustrating game tokens stored therein, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a side view of a main portion of the apparatus with the lid removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a front view of the main portion of the apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a top view of the main portion of the apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022]The subject matter of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and illustrate specific exemplary embodiments. However, it should be understood that the subject matter may be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the invention. It is intended that the claims encompass a broad range of subject matter, including methods, devices, components, and systems. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023]As used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” should not be construed as preferred or more advantageous over other embodiments. Similarly, the expression “embodiments of the present invention” does not imply that all embodiments must include all features, advantages, or modes of operation described.

[0024]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” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0025]The following detailed description sets forth the best currently contemplated modes for carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. This description is not intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate the general principles of the invention. The claims of any issued patent will define the scope of the invention.

[0026]The present invention pertains to an apparatus for storing and organizing game tokens in a secure, portable, and convenient manner during board games. The apparatus serves as a simple organizer designed to hold, transport, and access small game tokens without accidental mixing or spillage.

[0027]Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for storing game tokens in an organized manner is shown. The apparatus 100 prevents game tokens 10 from spilling or mixing and allows players to quickly locate and retrieve tokens without distraction.

[0028]As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a base 105 having a generally flat, plate-like profile. The base 105 may be of any suitable shape, such as rectangular, square, round, or polygonal. The base 105 may be constructed from various materials including plastic, metal, wood, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the base 105 is made from lightweight materials such as plastic or aluminum for ease of handling and portability. A bottom surface of the base 105 may be provided with a coating or layer configured to prevent scratches and improve stability by inhibiting slippage. For example, the coating may be a felt fabric adhered to the base 105.

[0029]The apparatus 100 further includes multiple pegs 110 extending vertically from a top surface of the base 105. The pegs 110 are arranged in rows and columns across a substantial portion of the top surface of the base 105, with the pegs being spaced equidistantly from one another. Four adjacent pegs 110 define a cell 130 configured to receive one or more game tokens 10, which may be stacked vertically within the cell 130, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The pegs 110 prevent the tokens stored within each cell from sliding, tipping, or mixing with tokens stored in adjacent cells. The spacing between the pegs 110 is selected based on the dimensions of the game tokens such that tokens may be inserted and removed easily by a player while still being securely retained.

[0030]The apparatus 100 may further include a lid 115 configured to be placed over the pegs 110 to secure the game tokens stored within the respective cells. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 115 includes peg indents 125 arranged to correspond to the positions of the pegs 110. When the lid 115 is placed on the base 105, the pegs 110 align with the peg indents 125, helping prevent lateral movement of the lid 115 relative to the base 105. The lid 115 may be secured to the base 105 using suitable locking means 120, including but not limited to rubber bands, hook-and-loop fasteners, binder clips, or similar retaining elements. The apparatus 100 may be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate varying quantities and dimensions of game tokens. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may be decorated, painted, or labeled to correspond to specific board games.

[0031]While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.