GB2581305A

GB2581305A - Three-dimensionally constructible game set

Info

Publication number: GB2581305A
Application number: GB2007574.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victor Ranwell Charl
Original assignee: CVR Ltd
Current assignee: CVR Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-21
Filing date: 2020-05-21
Publication date: 2020-08-12
Also published as: GB202007574D0

Abstract

A three-dimensionally constructible game set 12 comprises a plurality of game tiles 10. Each game tile 10 has a planar display surface 14 for displaying at least one indicium 16. A first lateral surface is contiguous with the display surface 14 and the first lateral surface has at least one projection 20 extending therefrom. A second lateral surface is contiguous with the display surface 14 and the second lateral surface has at least one projection-receiving portion 24 which is complementarily-shaped to receive a corresponding said projection 20 of another game tile. At least one of the projection 20 and the projection-receiving portion 24 has a detent 36 for releasably fastening two said game tiles 10; the first game tile 10a being connectable to a second game tile 10b in a planar condition and a non-planar condition. The detent 36 may form a hinge between the first and second game tiles.

Description

Three-Dimensionally Constructible Game Set The present invention relates to a three dimensionally constructible game set. The present invention further relates to a method of constructing a three-dimensionally constructible game set.

Conventional game sets having game tiles are only able to be played or used in a single horizontal plane. For example, game sets exist in which players attempt to construct words by abutting lettered tiles on a game board. Such typical game sets therefore do not utilise the vertical dimension for gameplay and therefore do not utilise a maximum amount of space available Additionally, at least one side of each game tile of a conventional board game must be in contact with the ground or floor, which therefore reduces the number of sides of game tiles visible in play.

Furthermore, such games typically therefore require a specific game board to be utilised and therefore are less portable and are confined to the space as defined by the game board.

Conventional construction sets may be formed from blocks and therefore are cumbersome to store.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a three-dimensionally constructible game set comprising: a plurality of game tiles, each game tile having: a planar display surface for displaying at least one indicium, the display surface being preferably asymmetric in an indicium axis associated with the at least one indicium; a first lateral surface contiguous with the display surface, the first lateral surface having at least one projection extending therefrom; a second lateral surface contiguous with the display surface, the second lateral surface having at least one projection-receiving portion which is complementarily-shaped to receive a corresponding said projection of another game tile and which preferably is different to the at least one projection; and at least one of the projection and the projection-receiving portion having a detent for releasably fastening two said game tiles; wherein a first said game tile is connectable to a second said game tile by the projection of the first game tile being received in the projection-receiving portion of the second game tile; and the first game tile being connectable to a second game tile in a planar condition in which the display surface of the first game tile and the display surface of the second game tile are coplanar, and the first game tile being connectable to the second game tile in a non-planar condition in which the display surface of the first game tile and the display surface of the second game tile are non-coplanar and non-parallel.

The individual game tiles are designed such that multiple game tiles can be temporarily assembled together due to the projection and projection-receiving portion whilst the detent provides a further connection means. The detent provides an additional means for engaging two files so that the projection and projection-receiving portion of two tiles in the engaged condition is more structurally stable. This enables each game tile to be connected in a vertical arrangement as well as a horizontal arrangement. Therefore, a plurality of identical game tiles may be connected to utilise the vertical and horizontal dimensions, without requiring additional connection means. The structural support additionally allows for the game set to be used without a game board which, if having additional connection means, may conventionally provide additional support.

Beneficially, the detent may form a hinge between the first and second game tiles. This feature allows the planar display surfaces of two game tiles in the engaged condition at a continuous range of different angles, such that the planar display surfaces of game tiles can be in either of the previously mentioned coplanar condition or the non-coplanar and non-parallel condition. Additionally, the detent acting as a hinge can allow the two game tiles to be moved relative to each other whilst still connected Advantageously, the detent may comprise a protrusion positioned on the or each projection or projection-receiving portion. The protrusion can allow for a positive mechanical connection between the projection and the projection receiving portion. Additionally, a protrusion does not necessarily require a corresponding detent element on the other of the projection or projection-receiving portion.

In a preferable embodiment, the protrusion may be positioned on a side surface of the 30 projection which is perpendicular to the first lateral surface and the planar display surface. 3'

The protrusion being positioned on the side surface of the projection, and therefore projecting therefrom, prevents or limits the projection being removed from the projection receiving portion in a direction transverse to the extent of the protrusion. This may ensure good securement.

Additionally, a pair of said protrusions may be respectively positioned on opposite said side surfaces of the projection. Opposing protrusions prevents or limits the projection from being removed by twisting or pivoting the projection around the protrusion.

Optionally, the or each protrusion may be w-edgingly-engagable into the projection-receiving portion of any other of the plurality of game tiles. Being wedgingly-engagable 10 limits the requirement for a corresponding protrusion receiving element and may permit a wider array of angular configurations.

Alternatively, the or each projection or projection-receiving portion may comprise a receiving indentation for receiving a corresponding said protrusion of any other of the plurality of game tiles. A receiving indentation allows for the protrusion to be secured relative to the indentation and thereby prevent or limit unintentional removal of the projection relative to the projection receiving portion.

Preferably, the receiving indentation may be positioned on a surface of the projection-receiving portion which is perpendicular to the second lateral surface and the planar display surface. Such positioning, which corresponds to the positioning of the protrusion, 20 enables the protrusion to be aligned with the indentation.

Advantageously, the side surfaces of the projection and projection-receiving portion may have four-fold rotational symmetry and the detent may be centrally located at said side surfaces. Having four-fold rotational symmetry enables the side surfaces to be rotated by 900 relative to each other and still correspond and/or match. Therefore, the position or footprint of the projection relative to the projection-receiving portion remains unchanged. Being centrally located, for example at the axis of rotation of the projection, ensures the detent is able to fasten the projection and projection receiving portion whether the two game tiles are in the coplanar or non-coplanar position.

Beneficially, the protrusion may have a geometric profile and the or each receiving indentation may have a complementary geometric profile, such that first and second connected game tiles are positionable in a plurality of non-planar conditions in which the display surfaces of the first and second game tiles are at different angles to one another.

Having the same geometric profile allows for the protrusion and indentation to have matching sizes and be tightly and/or interlockingly engageable Optionally, the geometric profile is octagonal or substantially octagonal. The corresponding geometric profiles being octagonal enables the first and second game tile to be indexably or selectably angularly positionable relative to each other. The angularity, such as the corners, of the shape prevents unintentional movement between allowed angles. Additionally, it prevents impermissible angular relative positioning, which may be important in game.

Alternatively, the geometric profile may be circular or substantially circular. A circular geometric profile allows the first and second game tile to be relatively positionable at a 15 continuous range of angles.

In a preferable embodiment, the geometric profile of the protrusion is sized and/or shaped to permit rotation between first and second game tiles when engaged with a complementary receiving indentation. This allows the relative angular positioning of two game tiles to be adjusted whilst interconnected.

Preferably, the protrusion may be positioned at the projection-receiving portion and/or the projection may include a receiving indentation for receiving a corresponding said protrusion of any other of the plurality of game tiles. This may improve the ability to Preferably, wherein the first and second game tiles are connectable in the non-coplanar condition so that the first lateral surface of either the first game tile or the second game tile is abutted with the display surface of the other of the first game tile or the second game tile. Abutting the lateral surface and the display surface provides additional structural support for the interconnected game tiles.

Advantageously, the or each projection may have a rounded di stalmost edge with respect to the first lateral surface. A rounded edge prevents the corners of the projection from engaging with the projection receiving portion and therefore allows multiple non-coplanar connected conditions.

Beneficially, the or each projection-receiving portion may be formed as a cuboidal recess in each game tile. A cuboidal recess, particularly one with a square cross section, allows 5 for an elongate projection and therefore a greater length of engagement which can increase the fastening of the two game tiles.

Preferably, the first lateral surface may have only one projection and/or the second lateral surface may have only one projection-receiving portion.

The limitation of the number of interengagable components on the game tiles may assist 10 with preventing illegal gameplay moves According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a three-dimensionally constructible according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a first game tile to a second game tile, such that corresponding projections and projection-receiving portions thereof are interengaged, wherein a relative orientation of the display surfaces of the first and second game tiles is selectable based on a user-selected engagement of the detent.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a three-dimensionally constructible game set comprising: a plurality of game tiles, each game tile having: a planar display surface for displaying at least one indicium, the display surface being asymmetric in an indicium axis associated with the at least one indicium; a first lateral surface contiguous with the display surface, the first lateral surface having at least one projection extending therefrom; a second lateral surface contiguous with the display surface, the second lateral surface having at least one projection-receiving portion which is complementarily-shaped to receive a corresponding said projection of another game tile and which preferably is different to the at least one projection; and at least one of the projection and the projection-receiving portion having an orientating coupling means for releasably fastening two said game tiles; wherein a first said game tile is connectable to a second said game tile by the projection of the first game tile being received in the projection-receiving portion of the second game tile; and the first game tile being connectable to a second game tile in a planar condition in which the display surface of the first game tile and the display surface of the second game tile are coplanar, and the first game tile being connectable to the second game tile in a non-planar condition in which the display surface of the first game tile and the display surface of the second game tile are non-coplanar and non-parallel.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure] shows a perspective representation of an embodiment of a game tile of a first embodiment of a three dimensionally constructible game set in accordance with the 10 first and third aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 shows three games tiles of the three dimensionally constructible game set of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows four in use game tiles of the three dimensionally constructible game set of Figure 1, each game tile being connected to a further game tile, Figure 4 shows the three dimensionally constructible game set of Figure 1 in use; Figure 5 shows the game tile of Figure 1 with vertical and horizontal indicia axes illustrated, and Figure 6 shows a perspective representation of three in use game tiles of a second embodiment of a three dimensionally constructible game set in accordance with the first 20 and third aspects of the present invention Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown a game tile 10, a plurality of which comprise a three dimensionally constructible game set 12, such as those indicated in Figures 2 to 5. Whilst described as a constructible game set 12, the present invention may also be considered to be construction set comprising interlocking tiles. The game tile 10 is preferably thin such that it has a greater length and breadth than depth. In this way the game tile 10 may be considered to be plate shaped. Whilst described as being a game tile 10, the tile may also be described as a game piece, game member, game element, construction tile, construction piece, construction member or construction element.

Each game tile 10 is provided so as to be a solid or rigid component, and therefore incapable of bending or deforming under normal game conditions This allows several components to be assembled into a freestanding structure.

Each game tile 10 has a planar display surface 14 for displaying at least one indicium 16. 5 One indicium 16 is displayed on the display surface 14, the indicium 16 here having the form of a number, although may otherwise be a symbol or letter. The planar display surface 14 may be a largest surface or equal largest surface of the game tile 10 and there may be two or more display surfaces 14, for example on reverse sides of the tile. The display surface 14 is here substantially square shaped, although other shapes may be 10 considered, such as rectangular, triangular or circular. The display surface 14 may be considered to be a major surface and here there are preferably two opposing major surfaces, one of which is the display surface 14 and one being a rear surface.

Whilst one indicium 16 is shown, two or more indicia 16 may also be provided on the display surface or alternatively there may be no indicia 16 on the display surface. Whilst 15 described as being planar it will be appreciated that the display surface may in fact be non-planar, for example the display surface may be curvate, textured or undulate.

The or each game tile 10 has at least one first lateral surface 18. The first lateral surface 18 is contiguous with the display surface 14 and has at least one projection 20 extending therefrom. The first lateral surface 18 is preferably at or adjacent to an edge of the display surface 14. Each game tile 10 preferably has two first lateral surfaces 18 contiguous with, at or adjacent to each other. However, it will be appreciated that there may in fact be more than two first lateral surfaces and the first lateral surfaces may not be contiguous with, at or adjacent to each other.

A second lateral surface 22 is also contiguous with the display surface 14, the second lateral surface 22 having at least one projection-receiving portion 24 which is complementarily-shaped to receive a corresponding said projection 20 of another game tile 10. This complementary shaping may be such that the projection 20 is tightly receivable within the projection-receiving portion 24. Here, given that a plurality, majority or all the game tiles 10 of the game set 12 are identical, the or each projection-receiving portion 24 and the or each projection 20 of the same game tile 10 are complimentarily shaped. However, it will be appreciated that there may be differently shaped game tiles within a game set and/or the game tiles may have differently shaped projections or projection-receiving portions. Therefore, the projection-receiving portion and the or each projection of the same game tile may not be complimentarily shaped. The projection-receiving portion 24 may be considered to be a recess or a groove and may preferably have a cuboidal shape.

At least one first and second lateral surface 18, 22 are spaced apart from each other and are at opposing lateral sides to each other. The lateral surfaces 18, 22 may be considered to be minor surfaces and here separate the two opposing major surfaces.

The projection 20 and/or the projection-receiving portion 24 preferably have corners and here have a rectangular or a substantially rectangular cross section. The projection 20 and/or the projection-receiving portion 24 preferably extend along a majority, and here the whole, of the depth of the corresponding lateral surface. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral extent of the projection 20 and/or the projection-receiving portion 24 extends along a portion of the longitudinal extent of the corresponding lateral surface. A longitudinal extent of the projection 20 and/or the projection-receiving portion 24 is preferably aligned with a longitudinal direction of the corresponding first and/or second lateral surfaces 18, 22. Whilst described in this way, it will be appreciated that the projection may in fact extend along only part of the lateral extent of the corresponding lateral surface and/or may extend along the whole of the longitudinal extent.

The or each projection 20 preferably has two opposing side surfaces 26 which project from and are preferably perpendicular to the first lateral surface 18. The or each projection 20 further has two display side surfaces 28 which are coplanar and/or flush with the display surface 14 and/or in a plane parallel with the display surface 14. The projection 20 further has a projection end surface 30 which is preferably mutually perpendicular to the side surfaces 26, 28 of the projection 20. The projection-receiving portion 24 has two interior side surfaces 32, which are preferably perpendicular with the second lateral surface 22, and an end surface 34, which is preferably perpendicular to interior side surfaces 32 and/or in a plane parallel with the second lateral surface 22 of the game tile 10.

The side surfaces 26 and the interior side surfaces 32 preferably correspond in shape so that they match Preferably, each surface may be a square, or at least have four lines of symmetry, such that each surface has rotational symmetry of 90° and or four-fold rotational symmetry, although other shapes may be considered.

At least one of the projection 20 and the projection-receiving portion 24 has a detent 36 for releasably fastening two said game tiles 10. Although described as a detent 36, the detent 36 may otherwise be considered to be an orientating coupling means, lock, catch, latch or other similar physical fastening engagement element. The detent 36 may be considered to form a hinge and/or pivot point. The detent 36 is preferably centrally located at the side surfaces 26 and the interior side surfaces 32 so that fastening may be accomplished with the side surfaces 26 and the interior side surfaces 32 aligned or laterally offset from each other. The function of the detent 36 is to prevent unintentional disengagement of a projection 20 from a projection-receiving portion 24, prevent relative motion therebetween and/or form a lockable or indexable hinge therebetween.

The detent 36 preferably comprises a protrusion 38 positioned on the or each projection 20 and/or projection-receiving portion 24. Here there are two protrusions 38 for each projection 20, each protrusion 38 located on opposing side surfaces 26. In this way, each protrusion 38 or detent 36 is laterally spaced apart from each other on a given projection 20 and are preferably collinear. The protrusion 38 preferably has a cut-vate, convex outer surface and is more preferably hemispheroidal, although other shapes may be considered.

The detent 36 may further comprise a receiving indentation 40 or recess positioned on the or each projection 20 and/or projection-receiving portion 24 for receiving the protrusion 38. Therefore, the indentation 40 and protrusion 38 are complementarily shaped. Here there are two indentations 40 for each projection-receiving portion 24, each indentation 40 being located on opposing interior side surfaces 32. The indentations 40 are therefore spaced apart and aligned. The shape of the or each indentation 40 preferably corresponds to that of the protrusion 38.

To enable the projection 20 to be inserted into the projection-receiving portion 24 whilst still being tightly fitting, the or each protrusion 38 may be at least in part receivable within 30 the projection 20 and/or projection-receiving portion 24 on which it is position. For example, the or each protrusion 38 may be spring biased towards an outward position and, when inward force is applied to the protrusion 38, the spring may compress to allow the protrusion 38 to be received within the projection 20 and/or projection-receiving portion 24. In this way a longitudinal extent of the projection 20 is temporarily reduced and therefore is able to be received within the projection-receiving portion 24. Alternatively, the longitudinal extent of the projection-receiving portion 24 is temporarily increased. When the protrusion 38 reaches the indentation 40, the protrusion 38 may be biased outwards and therefore be received within the indentation 40. Although described as being spring biased, the protrusion 38 may alternatively be deformable or elastically deformable so that the projection 20 may be forced into the projection-receiving portion 24, deforming the protrusion 38. When the protrusion 38 reaches the indentation 40, the protrusion 38 may be received within the indentation 40. Similarly, the projection 20 or projection-receiving portion 24 on which the protrusion 38 is not located may be deformable and the protrusion 38 may be rigid. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the detent may be or include a magnetic attachment means, with the projection and projection-receiving portion having magnetic members with facing poles having opposing polarity such that they attract one another. This may additionally provide a game feature with specific tiles not being fastenable together due to their magnetic configuration, thereby preventing the playing of specific tiles together and so limiting a player's options. A similar effect could be achieved by certain tiles having differing shaped protrusions or indentations such that they match, allowing fastening, or differ, not allowing fastening.

In the instance the protrusion 38 is on the projection 20, it will be appreciated that the projection-receiving portion may taper in an inwards direction to assist or automatically enable the receiving of the protrusion within the projection. As the projection is inserted into the projection-receiving portion, the tapering side walls may engage the protrusion and force it into the projection, as the longitudinal extent of the projection-receiving portion reduces. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the projection-receiving portion may have at least one inwardly aligned groove or guide along a side surface, so as to guide or direct the protrusion into the indentation.

Although the projection 20 is shown as having a protrusion 38 and the projection-receiving portion 24 is shown as having an indentation 40, it will be appreciated that this arrangement may be vice versa. Alternatively, the projection and the projection-receiving portion may have both a protrusion and an indentation. Additionally, whilst two detents 36 are shown for each set of projection 20 and projection-receiving portion 24, it will be appreciated that each set may have multiple detents and/or only one detent.

Whilst a detent 36 is described as comprising both a protrusion 38 and an indentation 40, it will be appreciated that only a protrusion 38 may be required, with the protrusion 38 engageable or wedgingly-engageable with the projection 20 and/or projection-receiving 10 portion 24.

The protrusion 38 and indentation 40 have complementarily geometric profiles. These profiles may be circular or substantially circular to permit, encourage or enable relative rotation between the protrusion 38 and indentation 40. Alternatively, these profiles may be geometric or polygonal, such as rectangular or octagonal, which may permit, encourage or enable indexing of relative rotation between the protrusion 38 and indentation 40. This indexing would allow the protrusion 38 to have a plurality of orientations in or angles at which it is receivable in the indentation 40, although the protrusion 38 may not be unintentionally movable between these angles or orientations. The detent 36 may therefore be an orientating coupling means. Additionally or alternatively, the protrusion 38 may be tightly fitting within the indentation 40 so as to prevent angular motion therein. If the game tiles 10 are angularly movable relative to each other whilst interconnected, the indentation 40 may have a greater lateral extent than the protrusion 38 and/or have rounded corners. It is preferred that projections 20 only have protrusions 38, and projection-receiving portions 24 only have indentations 40, or vice versa, to prevent prohibited interconnection between the game tiles 10 via, for example, attempted forcing of projection-receiving portions 24 together. Indeed, projections 20 having indentations 40 and projection-receiving portions 24 having protrusions 38 may be the preferred arrangement from a manufacturing perspective, as this may simplify the injection-moulding process for game tiles 10.

In use, two game tiles 10 may be connectable to each other in a planar condition. To connect two game tiles 10 in a planar condition, both game tiles 10 may be oriented so that the display surface 14 face the same direction, for example upwards. One of the projections 20 of a first game tile 10a can then be inserted into or received in one of the projection-receiving portions 24 of a second game tile 10b. This receipt is preferably so the side surfaces 26, 32 and end surfaces 30, 34 of the projection 20 and projection-receiving portion 24 engage and/or tightly engage. The protrusion 38 is received in the indentation 40 so that the detent 36 fastens the two said game tiles 10 together.

In the instance that there are multiple projections 20 and/or projection-receiving portions 24, the projection 20 of the first game tile 10a to be received in the projection-receiving portion 24 of the second game tile 10b is selected so that the indicium 16 on each game tile 10 is aligned and/or orientated in the same direction. Additionally or alternatively, the projection 20 is selected so that the two game tiles 10 are oriented in the same direction. However, the projection 20 and/or projection-receiving portion 24 may also be selected so that the indicium 16 on each game tile 10 and/or the game tiles 10 themselves are angularly offset from each other, for example laterally aligned or offset by or substantially by 90°, 180° or 270°.

When connected in a planar condition, the two game tiles 10 form a continuous, substantially continuous, contiguous surface in a plane of the display surfaces 14 of the game tiles 10. The continuity or contiguity is preferably along at least a majority or a whole of the display surfaces 14 lateral extent. Therefore, the game tiles 10 are connectable so as to be flush with each other.

The game tiles 10 are also connectable in a non-planar or non-coplanar condition. Therefore, two said game tiles 10 and/or projection 20 and projection-receiving portion 24 are connectable in the planar condition and the non-planar condition without modification, alteration or utilisation of an intermediary connecting means.

To connect two game files 10 in a non-planar condition, the first game tile 10a may be positioned with the display surface 14 facing in a first direction, for example upwards, and have the other major surface engaging the ground or floor. The second game tile 10b may be positioned with the display surface 14 facing a second direction. The second direction is preferably laterally aligned with the first direction and is here perpendicular.

For example, the second tile may face a side direction and have one of the first or second lateral surfaces 18, 22 parallel to the ground or floor.

The two game tiles 10 may be engaged and or connected with these relative orientations so that they are non-coplanar, non-parallel and are here perpendicular. The projection 20 of the first game tile 10a may be received within the projection-receiving portion 24 of the second game tile 10b such that one display side surfaces 28 of the first game tile 10a is engaged with the end surface 34 of the projection-receiving portion 24 of the second game tile 10b. Additionally, the side surfaces 26 of the first game tile 10a and the interior side surfaces 32 of the second game tile 10b engage, and the first lateral surface 18 of the second game tile 10b is engaged with or abuts the display surface 14 of the first game tile 10a. Such abutting forms a base for the second game tile 10b, providing additional structural support. Preferably the rear surface of the second game tile 10b is flush with the second lateral surface 22 of the first game tile so that a continuous or contiguous surface is formed. The display surface 14 of the first game tile 10a is contiguous with the second game tile 10b, although it will be appreciated that the two display surfaces 14 may not be contiguous. Preferably, this contiguity is such that they are contiguous along a majority or whole of a lateral extent of the display surface 14. The two display surfaces 14 are preferably perpendicular to each other, although other orientations may be considered.

The protrusion 38 of the projection 20 s received n the indentation 40 of the projection-receiving portion 24, Having connected two game tiles 10, further game tiles 10 may be connected to either game tile 10 in the coplanar or non-planar condition in the same way as previously described.

The indicium 16 of each game tile 10 is preferably a number or mathematical symbol or operator. The aim of the game to be played with the game set 12 is to connect game tiles 10 so that their indi ci a 16 together form a mathematical equation. Each game tile 10 may preferably have a further indicium 16, such as a number, to represent the number of points scored for using said game tile 10 to form an equation, although it will be appreciated that this may not be required. The game tiles 10 may be connected so that the equation extends in the horizontal and vertical planes and therefore part of the equation may be aligned with the vertical axis and part of the equation may be aligned with the horizontal axis Preferably, each game tile 10 has its indicium 16 orientated identically relative to the form of the game tile 10, although symmetrical indicia 16 may be considered to be oriented in 5 multiple orientations. Game tiles 10 are connected so that the indicia 16 have the same orientation although, symmetrical indicia 16 are connectable in differing orientations. Given the specific positioning of the projection 20 and projection-receiving portions 24 on each game tile 10, it will be appreciated that game tiles 10 may not be connectable in some orientations or conditions with the display surface 14 facing the same way as the 10 other game tiles 10.

In order to maintain correct alignment and positioning of the game tiles 10 during play, it is clear that the specific shape of the game tiles 10 is important The indicium 16 has a specific orientation. In Figure 5, the numeral '1' is illustrated on the display surface 14, and the direction in which the '1' is illustrated can be ascribed an indicium axis, nominally a vertical indicium axis, illustrated by dashed line Y-Y. A perpendicular axis, nominally a horizontal indicium axis, illustrated by dashed line X-X, can also be ascribed.

Whilst the numeral '1' has a linear axis, it will be apparent that this is not the case for all alphanumeric characters and operators. However, each alphanumeric character has a 20 standard orientation or direction, to which an indicium axis can be applied.

The game tile 10 is asymmetric about a plane normal to the display surface 14 which runs through vertical indicium axis Y-Y. The game tile 10 is additionally or alternatively asymmetric about a plane normal to the display surface which runs through horizontal indicium axis X-X.

This asymmetry may provided in the form of a projection 20 being provided on one lateral surface 18, 22 on one side of the respective indicium axis X-X, Y-Y, with a projection-receiving portion 24 being provided on the other lateral surface 18, 22 on the other side of the respective indicium axis X-X, Y-Y This asymmetry provides finite ways in which adjacent game tiles 10 can be interconnected, and preferably allows for indicia sequences to be constructed which largely make sense to a viewer. For example, a '6' and '9' cannot be misconstrued when asymmetric game tiles 10 are used.

In this arrangement, the projection-receiving portions 24 must be open at the display surface 14 to permit access for a projection 20 in a non-planar mating condition.

To assist with this orientation requirement, it is preferred that, for lateral surfaces 18 having projections 20, that only one projection 20 is provided. This prevents mating engagement between lateral surfaces 18 which have more than one projection 20.

Referring to Figure 6 there is shown a second embodiment of the three dimensionally constructible game set 112. The second embodiment 112 has game tiles 110 connectable in a coplanar condition and a plurality of non-coplanar conditions. Elements which are similar or identical to those of the preceding constructible game set 12 are denoted by the same or similar reference number with 100 added where necessary, and further detailed

description is omitted.

At least one projection 120 of at least one game tile 110 of the second embodiment 112 is preferably at least in part curvate. Here the display side surfaces 128 of the projection 120 and the end surface 130 are curvately continuous and unitarily formed. In this way, a distal end portion of the projection 120 may have a semi-circular profile and/or the projection 120 has a semi-stadium profile. Therefore, the di stalmost edge of the projection 120 with respect to the first lateral surface 118 is rounded.

The or each protrusion 138 is located on the projection 120 preferably so that an outward extent of the projection 120 beyond the protrusion 138 is less than the inward extent of the projection-receiving portion 124 between the indentation 140 and the end surface 134 of a corresponding game tile 110. In this way, when the projection 120 of the first game tile 110a is received within the projection-receiving portion 24 of the second game tile 110b in the coplanar condition and so that the detent 136 is fastened, the end surface 130 of the projection 120 does not engage the end surface 134 of projection-receiving portion 124 and/or is spaced apart therefrom.

Similarly and preferably, the extent of the projection 120 beyond the protrusion 138 is the identical or less than the extent of the projection-receiving portion 124 between the indentation 140 and a lateral edge of the interior side surface 132. In this way when the projection 120 of the first game tile 110a is received within the projection-receiving portion 124 of the second game tile 110b when the first and second game tiles 110 are perpendicularly positioned and so that the detent 136 is fastened, the end surface of the projection 120 does not extend beyond the projection-receiving portion 124.

The projection 120 may be wedgingly-engageable within or have an interference fit with the projection-receiving portion 124 so that, once interengaged, the two parts may be 10 immovable or angularly immovable relative to each other, without applying significant manual force.

The shape of the protrusion 138 and/or indentation 140 may be curvate and/or circular so as to allow a continuous range of angles at which the first and second game tiles 110 are connectable. Although a continuous range of angles are described, there may be a stop preventing or limiting the first and second game tile 110a, 110b from being connected below a given angle, for example 30°. Alternatively, the shape of the profile of the protrusion 138 and/or indentation 140 may be angular, such as polygonal, to allow for the angles which the first and second game tile 110b are connectable to be indexable. The angular nature of the protrusion 138 and/or indentation 140 would prevent or limit the arrangement of the first and second game tiles 110a, 110b from being unintentionally altered in use. If the shape of the protrusion is a regular octagon then the angle may be indexable by 45°. Alternatively, if the protrusion is a regular dodecagon, the angle may be indexable by 30°. Whilst regular polygonal shapes are described for example only, it will be appreciated that the protrusion may have any irregular or angular shape.

In use the second embodiment of the three dimensionally constructible game set 112 may be connectable in a similar or the same way as previously described. When the first game tile 110a is connected to the second game tile 110b in the coplanar condition, the end surface 130 of the projection 120 does not engage the end surface 134 of the projection-receiving portions 124. However, at least part of the side surfaces 126, 132 of the projection 120 and projection-receiving portion 124 engage and/or tightly engage. In the coplanar condition, the first and second lateral side surfaces 118, 122 may not engage and may at least in part be spaced apart. Therefore, the display surfaces 114 of the first and second game tile 110a, 110b may not be continuous, substantially continuous or contiguous along a majority of the extent of the proximal edge of each of the display surfaces 114.

The spacing of the ends 130, 134 of the projection 120 and projection-receiving portion 124 and the spacing of the first and second lateral surfaces 118, 122 allow for the first and second game tiles 110a, 110b to be connectable at a plurality of relative angles. This may be achieved by manually adjusting the first and second game tiles 110a, 110b from the coplanar condition to the non-coplanar condition or vice versa, without disconnecting the two tiles. The detent 136 may therefore form a pivot or hinge. However, it will be appreciated that this may not be possible, and the two tiles 110a, 1106 may require firstly being disconnected before connecting the tiles 110a, 110b at a different relative angle. Whilst in a non-coplanar condition, it will be appreciated that the display surfaces 114 and lateral surfaces 118, 122 may be non-continuous and non-contiguous.

The second embodiment of the three dimensionally constructible game set 112 is played in a similar or the same way as previously described. However, equations may be formed having parts in a horizontal plane, vertical plane, and in planes at an angle to these two planes.

It is therefore possible to provide a three-dimensionally constructible game set having a plurality of game tiles which are connectable so as to utilise the vertical plane as well as the horizontal plane, and without requiring a game board A detent provides releasable fastening for the game tiles. The game tiles may optionally be connectable at angles to the vertical and horizontal plane.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words having/including' when used herein 25 with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various 5 other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.