GB2617600A - Multi-sided game pieces and case - Google Patents

Abstract

A game set 10 for playing a game selectable from a plurality of games having different rules is provided. The game set 10 comprises a plurality of game pieces 14. Each game piece 14 is an elongate polyhedron having at least six surfaces, of which at least two surfaces are parallel. A first surface (16a, figure 3) of the said at least six surfaces has a first display area (18) on which a first indicium (20) is provided. Similarly, a second surface (16b) of the said at least six surfaces has a second display area (18) on which a second indicium (20) is provided. A third surface (16c) of the said at least six surfaces has a third display area (18) on which a third indicium (20) is provided. The first, second and third surfaces are three distinct surfaces. The first indicium (20) of each game piece 14 forms a first set of indicia, the first set of indicia enabling a first game to be played. The second indicium (20) of each game piece 14 forms a second set of indicia enabling a second game to be played which is different to the first game. The third indicium (20) of each game piece 14 forms a third set of indicia, enabling a third game to be played which is different to the first game and the second game. Also disclosed is a box or case 12 for storing of game pieces. The box 38 may be formed from four connectable corner parts; the internal surfaces of the corner parts may be used to receive and display game pieces to a user when the box corner parts are not connected (see figure 9).

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132205508.1 RTM Date:7 October 2022 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Boggle Jenga Pictionary Tumbling Tower Wordfinder Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo Multi-sided Game Pieces and Case The present invention relates to a game set for playing multiple different games.

A game set typically includes a plurality of game pieces and a storage container. When not in use, the game pieces are stored in a storage container until needed. During a 5 game session, the game pieces are played according to a set of rules of the game.

However, voluminous game sets take up much storage space when not in use. Depending on the number of pieces and/or the materials utilised, a game set may be heavy. The risk of a game piece being lost increases with the number of game pieces. The risk of game pieces being lost is further increased if the storage container is formed of a material, such as card or carboard, which may easily become damaged, worn or torn. Losing a unique game piece may result in the game no longer being playable.

Depending on the game, game pieces may need to be selectively visible only at certain times during the game session and/or only to one or a subset of players. This typically requires a distinct piece of equipment, such as a privacy screen, shield, or game-piece holder, which further increases the number of pieces, weight and volume of the game set. The cost of game sets may further limit how many games a user might possess.

One solution is to provide a miniaturised version of the game. However, this may not necessarily reduce the cost of the game set. Smaller pieces may also increase the risk of losing a game piece. Furthermore, miniaturisation may not be possible for all games.

Another solution is to use plastics to form the game pieces. This may reduce the weight, reduce the cost, increase the lifespan of the game set, or any combination thereof. However, the use of plastics is not environmentally friendly, particularly if game pieces are lost.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game set for playing a game selectable from a plurality of games having different rules, the game set comprising: a plurality of game pieces, each game piece being an elongate polyhedron having at least six surfaces, a first surface of the said at least six surfaces having a first display area on which a first indicium is provided, a second surface of the said at least six surfaces having a second display area on which a second indicium is provided, a third surface of the said at least six surfaces having a third display area on which a third indicium is provided, the first, second and third surfaces being three distinct surfaces, the first indicium of each game piece forming a first set of indicia, the first set of indicia enabling a first game to be played; the second indicium of each game piece forming a second set of indicia, the second set of indicia enabling a second game to be played which is different to the first game; the third indicium of each game piece forming a third set of indicia, the third set of indicia enabling a third game to be played which is different to the first game and the second game.

The different sets of indicia provide a choice of games to play using the same game set. This beneficially reduces the number of individual game sets dedicated to one game only that need to be provided in order to have the same choice of games. In turn, the volume and/or weight taken up by the game set is reduced compared to the total volume and/or total weight taken up by the corresponding plurality of individual game sets. The cost of the multi-game game set may also be reduced compared to the cumulative cost of individual games.

The term "game" used herein and throughout is intended to refer to an activity that a user engages in for amusement or fun, which is governed by a set of rules.

The terms "session" or "game session" are used herein and throughout is intended to refer to a period of time commencing when a player starts playing according to the rules of a game. Multiple sessions of the same game may be played.

The terms "player" and "user" are used interchangeably herein and throughout.

Preferably, the game set may further comprise a combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus for storing the game pieces when the game pieces are not in use, the box apparatus comprising: a first box-part and a second box-part, the first box-part and second box-parts have complementary male and female engagement portions, the plurality of box-parts being engageable so as to define together a space for storing game pieces therein, and a fastener for maintaining the first and second box-parts in a fixed arrangement.

The box apparatus enables game pieces to be stored when not in use. The male engagement portions of one box-part are engageable with the female engagement 30 portions of a second box-part. The engagement portions and/or the fastener reduce or eliminate the likelihood of the box apparatus opening accidentally. More preferably, the male and female engagement portions may prevent or inhibit the box-parts being translated along each other. The fastener in-use may prevent or inhibit two box-parts from being translated away from each other.

Beneficially, at least one of said box-parts may have two contiguous inward faces forming an internal corner for in-game receiving a game piece therein or thereon so as to present a display area of the game piece to a user. The, each or at least one box-part may have a second function enabling one or more game pieces to be positioned and/or oriented so as to be displayed to and/or hidden from one or more players, as required.

As a box-part may act as a holder during a game session, there is no requirement for 10 the game set to provide a separate piece or holder. The game set may thus lighter in weight and/or cheaper to manufacture. The space required to store game pieces does not need to be increased to accommodate a separate holder or holders.

Furthermore, the fastener may include a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion engageable with the first fastener portion. The fastener may easily comprise additional first fastener portions and/or additional second fastener portions. The fastener may even comprise at least a third fastener portion. In a further embodiment, it may even be envisioned that the fastener does not comprise separate first and second fastener portions. An example of such a fastener may include a strap, a band, such as an elastic band, or a string.

Beneficially, the first fastener portion may include a latch and the second fastener portion may include a latch-receiver. The latch has an extent which may beneficially span or extend across an interface, junction or gap between box-parts. The latch may be translatable and/or rotatable between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition.

Furthermore, the latch may be configured to project beyond an outer edge of the associated box-part. When the box-part is used as a holder on a table or playing surface, the latch may be abuttable against or engageable with the playing surface. The latch may thus act as a stabilising support or foot. This may prevent or inhibit the box-part accidentally tipping, especially when a game piece is received in the internal corner.

In a preferably embodiment, the first fastener portion may further include a pivot defining 30 a pivot axis around which the latch is rotatable. The latch is rotated into position.

Preferably, the first fastener portion may be provided on a surface of the box-apparatus, and wherein the pivot axis may be normal to the surface. The rotatable first fastener portion may be rotatable in a plane which is any of: tangential, parallel, substantially tangential or substantially parallel with the surface of the first and/or second box-part.

The surface may be an inner surface, an outer surface or an intermediate interface surface of the box apparatus.

Advantageously, the surface may be an outer surface. The fastener is positioned on an external, outer surface of the box apparatus so is easy or easier to access, at least compared to an internal fastener. On the other hand, an internal fastener may be less 10 likely to be damaged and/or accidentally disengaged.

Furthermore, the first fastener portion may be provided on a planar face of the first box-part and the second fastener portion may be provided on a planar face of the second box-part, or vice-versa. However, a curved or part curved surface may be an option for either or a plurality of box-parts.

Additionally, the planar faces may be co-planar or substantially co-planar. Optionally, the box-parts may be abutted or abuttable against each other. Abutted box-parts having coplanar faces may reduce the risk of an item entering a gap or space between the box-parts and forcing the box-parts apart, such that the box apparatus may be accidentally opened.

Preferably, a same said box-part may be provided with the first fastener portion of the fastener, and a second fastener portion of a further said fastener. Furthermore, each box-part may have a first fastener portion for engaging with a second fastener portion. All box-parts have a first fastener portion. Optionally, at least one, and preferably all box-parts may have a second fastener portion. A plurality of box-parts may be connected pairwise by one or a plurality of fasteners. Each box-part may have one or more first fastener portions and/or one or more second fastener portions.

Beneficially, the first box-part may have a plurality of spaced-apart male engagement portions and the second box-part may have a plurality of corresponding female engagement portions for receiving the spaced-apart male engagement portions, such that the engagement portions are castellated. The castellation or crenellation may be regular or irregular. The abutment of the female and male engagement portions may act as an abutment stop. Additionally or alternatively, the female and male engagement portions may be engageable by interference fit. In either case, the engagement of the female and male engagement portions may further prevent or inhibit relative translation of the box-parts in any direction relative to each other.

Preferably, the box apparatus may further comprise a third box-part, and wherein the 5 third box-part and at least one of: the first box-part and the second box-part may have complementary male and female engagement portions for engaging the third box-part with the first box-part and/or the second box-part. For games requiring box-parts being used as game piece holders, at least three box-parts may enable a greater number of game pieces to be oriented and/or positioned, at least compared to none, one or two 10 box-parts. Additionally or alternatively, if each player needs a holder, for example to obscure their game pieces or an indicium thereof from the sight of other players, a greater number of box-parts usable as holders may enable a greater number of players to play the game.

Beneficially, at least two of: the first box-part, the second box-part and the third box-part 15 may be similarly shaped or identical so as to be interchangeable. Preferably, all box-parts may be identical.

As all or a subset of the box-parts can be assembled in any arrangement and/or order relative to each other, this may facilitate the ease of forming the box apparatus into an assembled condition. Furthermore, all box-parts being standardised may facilitate manufacture. Additionally or alternatively, if one box-part needs to be replaced, for example, due to being damaged, it may be easy to source a single box-part which may be integrated into an existing game set. The game set may remain usable for a longer period of time. The cost of replacing one box-part may be lower than the cost for replacing a whole game set.

Advantageously, at least one of the box-parts may comprise wood. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the game pieces may comprise wood. Wood is a strong and durable material. A box apparatus formed entirely or at least in part of wood may be less likely to break, at least compared to card, cardboard or plastic boxes. Wood is also an environmentally friendly and biodegradable material. If any box-parts and/or game pieces are lost, the environmental impact is reduced, at least compared to plastics. However, plastics and/or card or cardboard may be envisioned for at least one game piece and/or at least one box-part. Plastics and/or card may be cheaper to source and/or manufacture. Plastics may be moulded to provide a specific shape.

Beneficially, the space may have a dimension which may be similar or identical to a length of at least one game piece so that the game pieces may be storable in the space in a close-fitting arrangement. The game set may be compact. Furthermore, the close-fitting arrangement close-fitting may prevent or inhibit movement of game pieces stored within the box apparatus, thereby limiting or preventing damage to the game pieces.

Optionally, at least two of the at least six surfaces may be parallel for enabling the game pieces to be stackable. By being stackable, the game pieces may be assembleable to form a three-dimensional structure, construction, arrangement or assembly. For example, a tower of stacked layers of game pieces may be formed during a game session. A compact arrangement of game pieces may enable easier insertion into the space defined by the box apparatus in an assembled condition.

Furthermore, at least one set of indicia may be a set of non-suit indicia.

The term "suit" used herein and throughout is intended to refer to a symbol from cards used to play a card game. A deck of cards may comprise cards displaying a rank and a suit. There are typically four suits in a card deck which are preferably: heart, diamond, club, and spade. Thus, a set of non-suit indicia preferably does not include any of or at least one of a heart symbol, a diamond symbol, a club symbol, and a spade symbol. The or each set of non-suit indicia may nevertheless comprise one or more numbers, one or more letters, or even one or more other symbols.

Thus, a set of indicia in which a symbol associated with a suit is omitted from the indicia does not enable a game having rules derived from a card game which uses cards having a suit and a rank to be played with that set of indicia. Optionally, none of the sets of indicia may from comprise suit indicia.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one indicium of a set of indicia may be a suit 25 indicium. The set of indicia containing one or more suit indicia, and optionally a rank, may enable a game having a set of rules derived from a card game.

Optionally, at least one set of indicia may include pictorial indicia having at least one of: a line, a colour, a pattern, a geometric form, and a plurality of any of the above, the game pieces being arrangeable so as to form an image formed by a plurality of pictorial indicia.

The game set can be used to play a puzzle, and a number of other games. The indicium of one game piece may co-operate or interact with the indicium of a further game piece.

Furthermore, all surfaces of a game piece may have an nth display area on which an nth indicium may be provided, the nth indicium of each game piece may form an nth set of indicia enabling an nth game to be played which may be different to all other games such that the number of different games may be equal to or greater than the number of surfaces. The number of games that may be played using the same game set may be the same as the number of distinct surfaces of a game piece.

A greater number of games may be provided for example, if a game involves stacked or stacking game pieces. There may even be an interaction between an indicium and a stacked game piece. For example, in a game involving stacking game pieces and/or removing a game piece from a stack of game pieces, the indicia may determine the order, position and/or orientation of the game piece to be added and/or removed from the stack.

Fewer games than the number of distinct surfaces may, however, also be an option. For example, a plurality of surfaces of a same game piece may be used to play a same 15 game. Any surface may even be left blank.

According to a second aspect, a combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus for storing the game pieces when the game pieces are not in use and presenting game pieces in play, the box apparatus comprising: a first box-part and a second box-part, at least one of said box-parts having two contiguous inward faces forming an internal corner for in-game receiving a game piece therein or thereon so as to present a display area of the game piece to a user, the plurality of box-parts may be engageable so as to define together a space for storing game pieces therein.

The box apparatus may be sold separately. This may be beneficial, for example, as a replacement in case of damage and/or to provide additional holders.

Furthermore, the box apparatus may comprise a fastener for maintaining the first and second box-parts in a fixed arrangement.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective representation of an embodiment of a game set in 30 accordance with the first aspect of the invention, including a box apparatus in a closed condition; Figure 2 shows the game set of Figure 1 with a box-part omitted from the box apparatus for clarity, to show a plurality of game pieces stored within the box apparatus; Figure 3 shows a close-up perspective representation of a game piece of the game set of Figure 1, showing a first surface, a second surface, and a fifth surface of the 5 game piece; Figure 4 shows a perspective representation of a plurality of game pieces of the game set of Figure 1, with the second surface of each game piece being visible; Figure 5 is a perspective representation of a plurality of game pieces of a game set in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, with a third surface of each game piece being visible; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective representation of three game pieces of a game set in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in-play during a game session, the three game pieces jointly spelling out the word "box" in accordance with the rules of a first game; Figure 7 shows a perspective representation of a plurality of game pieces of a game set in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in-play during a game session, the game pieces being stacked in a tower according to the rules of a further game; Figure 8 illustrates a perspective representation of three box-parts of the box apparatus and a plurality of game pieces of the game set of Figure 1, in-use during a game of dominoes, each box-part being used to present a subset of game pieces to a player so as to hide the first surfaces of each subset of game pieces from further players; and Figure 9 shows a perspective representation of a box-part of the box apparatus 25 and a plurality of game pieces of the game set of Figure 1, in-use, the box-part being used to present the fifth and sixth surfaces of a subset of game pieces to players.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a game set indicated generally at 10. The game set 10 enables a user to play a game selectable from a plurality of games having different rules. The game set 10 may be referred to as a multi-game game set. The game set 10 30 has a box apparatus 12, at least one, and preferably a plurality of game pieces 14, and at least one fastener 15, although any of the above features may be omitted and/or a plurality of any of the above features may be provided. For example, the box apparatus 12 may be omitted or provided separately.

In Figures 1 and 2, the box apparatus 12 is shown in a closed condition, also referred to 5 as an assembled condition, configuration or a storage configuration. In Figure 2, part of the box apparatus 12 has been omitted for clarity to show the game pieces 14 stored within.

The game set 10 or any part thereof may comprise metal, wood, plastics, fibreglass, carbon fibre, card, cardboard, paper, any other suitable material, or any combination 10 thereof.

The game set 10 may include in any number of game pieces 14, such as at least ten game pieces 14 but fewer than ten may be an option. More preferably, the game set 10 may include at least twenty pieces and even more preferably at least thirty pieces. In the shown embodiment, there are fifty-four game pieces 14.

A game piece 14 may also be referred to as a block. At least two and more preferably all game pieces 14 are similar or identical in shape and/or size to each other, but dissimilar may be an option. Figure 3 shows a close-up of one game piece 14 of the game set 10.

Whilst a game piece 14 will now be described in more detail, the person skilled in the art would understand that the same features and caveats may apply to all or at least a subset 20 of said game pieces 14 of the game set 10.

The game piece 14 preferably comprises wood, but any non-wood material may alternatively or additionally be envisioned. Optionally, the game piece 14 may consist solely of wood. The game piece 14 is preferably solid, but non-solid, such as hollow may be an option, for example, for weight considerations. The game piece 14 is preferably a polyhedron. In other words, the game piece 14 is a three-dimension solid defined by polygons joined at their edges.

Preferably, the game piece 14 has a number n of surfaces 16. Preferably, n is at least four, and more preferably at least six. In other words, the game piece 14 in the shown embodiment has six surfaces 16. In Figure 3, only three of the surfaces are visible. For clarity, the surfaces 16 may be referred to as first surface 16a or surface Al, second surface 16b or surface Bl, third surface 16c or surface A2, fourth surface 16d or surface B2, fifth surface 16e or surface C1, and sixth surface 16f or surface C2. Any further surfaces may be similarly incrementally numbered for clarity.

Preferably, all the surfaces 16 have the same shape but any or all surfaces may have different shapes. The shape is preferably a rectangle, but any alternative to a rectangle 5 is an option.

More preferably, the game piece 14 is an elongate polyhedron but this is optional. The game piece 14 is preferably a non-cube. As such, the game piece 14 has a length, width and depth. At least two of the length, width, and depth are preferably different from each other. Furthermore, the length may be or be approximately at least twice, and more preferably three times the width and/or the depth. This may enable the game pieces 14 to be stackable in alternating oriented layers with the stack having a uniform or substantially uniform cross-section. Preferably in the shown embodiment, the game piece 14 is 51 millimetres (mm) long or thereabouts, 18 mm wide or thereabouts, and 10 mm deep or thereabouts but any alternative measurements may be envisioned for any of the length, width and depth. For example, the length may be 54 mm.

The game piece 14 also has a plurality of elongate, side surfaces, and a plurality of end surfaces. A side surface has a greater surface area than an end surface. In the shown embodiment, there are four side surfaces 16 which are the first surface 16a, second surface 16b, third surface 16c, and fourth surface 16d; and two end surfaces 16 which are the fifth surface 16e, and sixth surface 16f. The numbering of the surfaces 16 is notional, however.

Furthermore, all surfaces 16 of a game piece 14 meet pair-wise at right angles to each other, but all or any number of surfaces may meet at a non-right angle. Preferably, there is at least one pair of parallel surfaces 16, but this may be omitted. At least one pair of parallel surfaces 16 enables game pieces 14 to be stackable one on top of the other. This may increase the packing efficiency, thereby reducing the volume taken up by game pieces 14. The ability to stack game pieces 14 further enables games to be played which involve positioning game pieces on top of one another. More preferably, all surfaces 16 are pairwise parallel. As such, the game piece 14 is a cuboid or parallelepiped. A cuboid enables a first layer of game pieces 14 extending in a first direction to be positioned on top of a second layer of game pieces 14 extending in a second direction, which differs from the first direction, during a game session. Game pieces 14 which are not elongate, such as cubes, would not enable this layering as a cube does not extend in a direction.

At least one and preferably each of the surfaces 16 has a display area 18, but any number of display areas may be provided, including none, or at least two. In Figure 3, the display area 18 of a surface 16 is indicated by dotted lines. More preferably, each distinct surface 16 has one display area 18. The display area 18 may span all or a major portion of a surface of a game piece, although a minor portion of the surface may be an option.

Each display area 18 enables an indicium 20 to be displayed. Whilst the display area 18 may be left blank, preferably each display area 18 includes a said indicium 20.

For clarity, the display areas 18 and the indicia 20 may be referred to by the same number as the surface they are provided on. For example, the first surface 16a may have a first display area 18a on which a first indicium 20a is provided. The second surface 16b may have a second display area 18b on which a second indicium 20b is provided. The third surface 16c may have a third display area 18c on which a third indicium 20c is provided. More generally, the nth surface may have an nth display area 18 on which an nth indicium may be provided. The numbering may be maintained, for clarity, even if a display area and/or an indicium may be omitted from any surface and/or from a display area, respectively, in an alternative embodiment.

Each indicium 20 in-use provides information in play. The information is tactile and/or, preferably, visual. Each indicium 20 includes any of: a line, a dot, a colour, a contour, a geometric shape, a pattern, an abstract shape, an image, a part of an image, a letter, a numeral, a word, a raised portion, a recess, braille dots, a symbol, any further element capable of conveying information, a plurality of any of the above, and any combination thereof.

The indicium 20 is preferably engraved into the display area 18. More preferably, the 25 indicium 20 is engraved using a cutting or engraving tool. The cutting tool is preferably a laser, but any non-laser may be used. Preferably, the indicium 20 is non-modifiable or non-alterable, but a modifiable indicium may be an option.

The indicia of a game piece 14 may be created via at least one, and optionally a plurality of jigs which hold the game piece 14 so that the or the relevant indicium 20 may be 30 engraved. Preferably each jig is configured to enable a specific one of the surfaces 16 of the game piece 14 to be engraved. The jig may move the game piece 14 relative to the immobile or substantially immobile laser, or vice-versa. Both the jig and the laser may be movable.

The first indicium 20 of each game piece 14 forms a first set of indicia 22a. The first set of indicia 22a enables a first game to be played. Similarly, the second indicium 20 of 5 each game piece 14 forms a second set of indicia 22b. The second set of indicia 22b, shown in Figure 4, enables a second game to be played. The second game is preferably different to the first game. Furthermore, the third indicium 20c of each game piece 14 forms a third set of indicia 22c, as shown in Figure 5. The third set of indicia 22c enable a third game to be played. The third game is different to the first game and/or the second 10 game, preferably both. More generally, the nth indicium 20 of each game piece 14 preferably forms an nth set of indicia. The nth set of indicia enable a game to be played. The game is preferably different to all other games.

The use of the terms "first", "second", "third", and "nth" in reference to the games is only notional, so as to distinguish the games for clarity. It is understood that a player is not 15 required to play any or all the games sequentially in that order.

It will be understood that the indicia 20 within a said set of indicia are preferably not all identical to each other, although this alternative is possible. For example, two indicia 20 from a same set of indicia may show different letters. Different indicia 20 within a set of indicia enable game pieces 14 to be played according to rules of a game.

Preferably, the first set of indicia 22a contains indicia 20 enabling a game of dominoes to be played. As such, first indicia 20a may include various combinations of spaced-apart circles and optionally a delimitation line or rectangle. In a game of dominoes, players position their game pieces 14 having an indicium 20a adjacent to a matching indicium of a game piece 14 already in play. When a player has no game pieces 14 with a matching indicium, they must draw a new game piece 14 until they possess a game piece 14 with a matching indicium. The first player to position all their game pieces 14 may be the winner. Alternatively, if no game pieces 14 can be played and no further game pieces 14 may be drawn, each player counts the number of dots on their game pieces 14 and the player with the lowest or highest total number of dots may be the winner.

The second set of indicia 22b contains indicia 20 which are words, as shown in Figure 4. A variety of games relying on words may be played. An example of a game which requires words may involve drawing at least one game piece 14 having a word indicium and reciting a story which must incorporate the word or words drawn. A subset of game pieces 14, for example, six, may be drawn, preferably at random, by one player who must make up a story incorporating the words from the subset of game pieces 14, optionally within a limited time frame. Failure to use all the words may result in a penalty.

For instance, a player may receive 10 points for using all words. If any word is omitted, the player may only receive 1 point for each word used. First player to reach a predetermined total number of points, such as 30, 50 or 100, wins.

In another story-based game, each player may draw a game piece 14 in turn and continue the story of the previous player, incorporating the new word.

Other games which may involve words are CHARADES and PICTIONARY. The aim of both games is for a second player or players to guess a word provided on the game piece 14 known only to a first player or players, via miming or drawing, respectively.

The third set of indicia 22c contains indicia 20 which are symbols or patterns as shown in Figure 5. The pattern may include a polygon, such as a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, whether regular, irregular, optionally chamfered or truncated. Non-polygons may be envisioned, such as curved, part curved or non-curved symbols. Example of curved symbols may include circles, ovals, ellipses, or drop. Symbols such as stars, arrows, flowers, crown, crosses, spirals, hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs, thunderbolts, or any other symbols may be envisioned.

Abstract shapes may also be an option. An example of a game based on patterns may be to be the first to collect all the game pieces 14 having the same symbol. An example of a game involving patterns may be a memory game whereby all or a subset of game pieces 14 are placed with the symbol indicium being face down so as to be hidden from view. Players may take tums turning over pairs of game pieces 14 to find matching symbols. In case of a match, the player keeps the game pieces 14 and may continue turning over pairs of game pieces 14 until non-matching game pieces 14 are found.

Another game that may be played using the third set of indicia 22c is MAHJONG SOLITAIRE. MAHJONG SOLITAIRE involves forming a first layer of at least four game pieces 14 with the symbols being face up. Further layers of game pieces 14 are laid on top of the first layer. The further layers may have the same or different number of game pieces 14. For example, the bottom, first layer may have three rows of 10, 9 and 10 game pieces 14 respectively. The second layer, positioned on the first layer, may have two rows, of 8 and 8 game pieces 14 respectively. The third layer may have a single row of 7 game pieces 14 whilst a further, top layer may have 2 game pieces, by way of example. The aim of the game is to remove pairs of game pieces 14 having matching indicia which are visible. The game may be played by one or more players. If no pairs of matching indicia are visible during their turn, the player may shuffle the game pieces 14. The or each player may have a limited number of shuffles, such as five shuffles. The player with the most pairs may be the winner. Alternatively or additionally, the game may end when there are no more visible pairs of indicia and the player has used up all their shuffles.

The fourth set of indicia may include pictorial indicia enabling an overall image to be formed by arranging a plurality of game pieces and thereby their pictorial indicium 20 relative to each other. In other words, the fourth set of indicia may provide a puzzle game. The pictorial indicia may have at least one of: a line, a colour, a pattern, a geometric form, an indentation, a raised portion, and a plurality of any of the above.

The fifth set of indicia 22e includes indicia 20 which are letters, as shown in Figure 6. The fifth set of indicia 22e may enable a game involving arranging letters to form a word 15 or words, for example.

The sixth set of indicia preferably also comprises indicia 20 which are letters. The indicia from either or both the fifth and sixth sets of indicia may be pooled. This may enable a greater number of words to be formed, particularly given that the Latin alphabet has 26 letter and that the preferred embodiment only has 54 game pieces 14.

Whilst specific games have been described as being associated with specific sets of indicia, it will be appreciated that the numbering is only notional. For example, the second set of indicia may comprise indicia enabling dominoes to be played, instead of the first set of indicia. Furthermore, any of the above games may be omitted and/or replaced by another game.

Here, there are six sets of indicia. However, as a plurality of the sets, here the fifth set of indicia 22e and sixth set of indicia, may be jointly used for playing the same game, there are not six distinct sets of indicia 20. In the present embodiment, there are only five distinct sets of indicia 20.

Generally, if there are n distinct sets of indicia 20, there may be at least n distinct games 30 which can be played using the game set 10. In other words, each distinct set of indicia enables a different game to be played. If the number of distinct sets of indicia 20 matches the number of distinct surfaces 16 of a game piece 14, the number of different games which may be played may be equal to the number of surfaces 16 of a game piece 14. Fewer games than the number of surfaces may be envisioned, however.

Optionally, the number of different games which may be played can be greater than the 5 number of surfaces 16 of a game piece 14 and/or than the number of distinct sets of indicia 20.

For instance, a set of indicia can enable a plurality of different games to be played. Additionally or alternatively, the material, shape and dimensions of the game pieces 14 enable at least one further game to be played, irrespective of the absence or presence of indicia 20. For example, such a game may involve forming a construction with game pieces 14, as shown in Figure 7.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the box apparatus 12 has at least one, and more preferably a plurality of functions in-use.

A primary function of the box apparatus 12 is to provide a space for storing game pieces 15 14 therein when the game pieces 14 are not in use. A secondary function of the box apparatus 12 or part thereof is to receive at least one game piece 14 therein so as to present a display area 18 of the game piece 14 to one or a plurality of players in-game.

The box apparatus 12 may be referred to as a box, a case, a container, a storage box, storage container, or a combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus. The box apparatus 12 has preferably at least one outer surface 24 and at least one inner surface 26. In the shown embodiment, the box apparatus 12 has six box outer surfaces 24, but any number of outer surfaces may be provided, including one, two, three, four, five, six or at least seven. Similarly, in the shown embodiment, the box apparatus 12 has six box inner surfaces 26, but any number of inner surfaces may be provided, including one, two, three, four, five, six or at least seven. An example of a box apparatus having exactly one outer surface may include a box apparatus having an ellipsoid or spherical shape. A cylindrically-shaped box apparatus may be an example of a box apparatus having three outer surfaces. The number of box outer surfaces 24 preferably matches or corresponds to the number of box inner surfaces 26 but non-matching may be an option.

The, each or at least one inner surface 26 is preferably planar but non-planar or part planar maybe options. Similarly, the, each or at least one outer surface 24 is preferably planar but non-planar or part planar maybe options.

The box apparatus 12 is preferably a polyhedron, and more preferably an elongate polyhedron in the shown embodiment. The box apparatus 12 may therefore have a length, a width and a depth. Thus, the box apparatus 12 preferably has four elongate outer surfaces 24 and two end outer surfaces 24. The box apparatus 12 preferably also has four elongate inner surfaces 26 and two end inner surfaces 26.

The box apparatus 12 is formed by a plurality of box-parts 28, although any number may be provided, such as none, one or at least two. In the shown embodiment, there are four box-parts 28. For clarity, the box-parts 28 may be referred to as first box-part 28a, second box-part 28b, third box-part 28c and fourth box-part 28d. The numbering is only notional. Any of the box-parts may be the first box-part, for instance.

The plurality of box-parts 28 are engageable so as to define together the said space for 15 storing game pieces 14 therein. The space is defined by the box inner surfaces 26.

Each box-part 28 has a box-part body 30 and engagement means 32, although the engagement means may be omitted and/or a plurality of engagement means may be provided.

Each box-part body 30 has at least one wall section or wall 34. The at least one wall 34 has an outer face 36a, an inner face 36b and one or more abutment faces 36c. In the shown embodiment, each box-part body 30 has four walls 34. Due to the elongate polyhedral shape of the box apparatus 12 in the shown embodiment, two of the walls 34 of each box-part body 30 are end walls and two of the walls 34 are side walls. Preferably, the end walls are or are substantially square, although any non-square may be an option.

Preferably, the side walls are or are substantially rectangular.

The outward face or outer face 36a of a box-part body wall 34 forms all or at least part of the or a said outer surface 24 of the box apparatus 12. Thus, the outer face 36a of a box-part body wall 34 may be referred to as an outer sub-surface. In other words, two or more outer faces 36a may together form the or a said outer surface 24 of the box apparatus 12.

If the box apparatus 12 is formed from a plurality of box-parts 28, the combination of all the outer faces 36a forms the or all outer surface 24.

Similarly, the inward face or inner face 36b of a box-part body wall 34 forms all or at least part of the or a said inner surface 26 of the box apparatus 12. Thus, the inner face 36b of a box-part body wall 34 may be referred to as an inner sub-surface. In other words, two or more inner faces 36b may together form the or a said inner surface 26 of the box apparatus 12.

Optionally, pairs of outer faces 36a of a box-part 28 may meet and form an outer edge 38. The, at least one or, as shown, each box-part 28 has at least one, and more preferably five outer edges 38. Similarly, the, at least one or, as shown, each shown, box-part 28 has at least one, and preferably five inner edges 40 formed by contiguous inner faces 36b. The box-part body 30 preferably forms a corner of the box apparatus 12.

The, each or at least one outer face 36a is contiguous with the abutment face 36c, and optionally may form at least one outer-abutment edge 42 therewith. Similarly, the, each or at least one inner face 36b is contiguous with the abutment face 36c, and optionally may form at least one inner-abutment edge 44 therewith. The abutment face 36c may be considered to be a rim.

The inner and/or outer edges 38,40 of a box-part 28 are optionally formed by a crenelated or castellated connection or engagement parts 46, as shown. Although not in the present embodiment, a hinge arrangement may even be provided in at least one of the edges. A conventional multi-leave hinge mechanism may be an option. Another hinge arrangement may include a rod or pivot axle extending through the castellated connection.

Preferably, two contiguous inward or inner faces 36b forming an internal corner or inner edge 40 may in-use receive one or more game piece 14 therein so as to present a display area of the game piece 14 to a user. The box-part 28 may be said to be in a displaying configuration, a holder condition or configuration. The game piece or pieces 14 may be receivable flush against both inner faces 36b as shown in Figure 8.

Alternatively, the game piece or pieces 14 may be angled or tilted relative to any or all of: the inner-abutment edge 44, the inner edge 40, and the or a said inner face 36b, as shown in Figure 9. Optionally, this angling may be facilitated by the inner-abutment edge 44 being chamfered. Additionally or alternatively, a groove and/or ridge, not shown, in or on at least one of the inner faces 36b may optionally be provided so as to function as a stop or abutment element. This may prevent or inhibit a game piece 14 from sliding.

Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, the engagement means, mechanism or part 32 includes preferably complementary engageable projections or portions 48. Preferably, the engageable portions are male and female engagement portions 48, but any alternative engagement means may be envisioned such as complementary screw threads, a bayonet system, or interference fit.

The male and female engagement portions 48 may have any shape, size and/or positioning as long as they are complementary. For example, a said male engagement portion 48a may be curved, a semi-circle, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or any other suitable shape. Dovetailed engagement portions may even be an option. More preferably, the or each male engagement portion 48a is rectangular, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The, each or at least one male engagement portion 48a preferably extends from the or a said abutment face 36c. The, each or at least one female engagement portion 48b is preferably provided in the or a said abutment face 36c. Thus, the, each or at least one engagement portion 48 preferably extends or is recessed co-planarly or in parallel with the inner face 36b and/or the outer face 36a of the box-part 28.

Each box-part 28 may have at least one said engagement portion 48 in or on an abutment face 36c. More preferably, each box-part 28 may have a plurality of said engagement portions 48 provided in or on the same abutment face 36c. The engagement portions 48 are preferably spaced-apart along the abutment face 36c, and more preferably spaced-apart along the longitudinal extent of the box apparatus 12. The spacing may be regular or irregular. At least two engagement portions 48 of a same abutment face 36c may of the opposite type, e.g. a male and a female engagement portions, and/or of the same type, e.g. both male engagement portions or both female engagement portions.

In the preferred embodiment, each end wall 34 has a female engagement portion extending in one abutment face 36c and a male engagement portion extending from another abutment face 36c, but any number of male and/or female engagement portions may be provided. Alternatively, or preferably, additionally, each side wall 34 has a plurality of engagement portions 48 provided in or on the same abutment face 36c.

Preferably, a, notionally first, box-part 28 has at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced-apart female portions 48b and a, notionally second, box-part has at least one, and preferably a plurality of corresponding male portions 48a receivable within the spaced-apart female portions 48b, such that the engagement portions 48 are castellated or crenelated.

Preferably, a same box-part 28 may have one or more engagement portions 48 in or on a second said abutment face 36c. The engagement portions 48 may be male and/or female. The engagement portions 48 of the second said abutment face 36c are complementarily engageable with engagement portions 48 in or on a, notionally third, box-part 28. Preferably, at least two of the first box-part 28, the second box-part 28, and the third box-part 28 are similarly shaped or identical so as to be interchangeable. In other words, the male engagement portions 48 of any box-part 28 may be suitably positioned and/or dimensioned to be engageable with the female engagement portions 48 of any further box-part 28. The box-parts 28 may be tessellatable.

In the shown embodiment, each box-part 28 has a plurality of male engagement portions 48 extending from one abutment face 36c and a plurality of female engagement portions 48 in a second said abutment face 36c.

The fastener 15 in-use maintains at least two said box-parts 28 in a fixed arrangement. In other words, the fastener 15 in-use prevents or inhibits the box apparatus 12 from opening. The fastener 15 may be referred to as fastening means or fastening mechanism. Preferably, there are as many fasteners 15 as there are box-parts 28, but the number of fasteners may be different from the number of box-parts. In the present embodiment, there are four fasteners 15, but any number of fasteners may be envisioned, including none, one, or at least two.

The, each or at least one fastener 15 has preferably a first fastener portion 50a and a second fastener portion 50b, but either may be omitted and/or a plurality of either may be provided.

The second fastener portion 50b is engageable or connectable with the first fastener portion 50a. It is to be understood that the fastener portions are only notionally "first" and 30 second" for clarity. Thus, the numbering of the first and second fastener portions may easily be reversed. Optionally, the fastener may have one or more further fastener portions. Such further fastener portions may be similarly numbered incrementally for clarity.

The first fastener portion 50a may have any shape or form which enables it to be engageable with the second fastener portion 50b. In the shown embodiment, the first fastener portion 50a includes a rotatable element or part 52. More preferably, the rotatable element 52 is a latch. Furthermore, the latch may be configured to project beyond an outer edge 38 of the associated box-part 28.

The latch preferably also comprises a hook or hook portion or aperture. Preferably, the first fastener portion 50a includes a pivot 54 but this feature may be omitted. For 10 example, a slidable latch devoid of a pivot may be envisioned.

The first fastener portion 50a is associated with the box-part 28 by being integrally formed, connected or connectable, optionally removably, therewith.

The first fastener portion 50a is provided in or on a surface of a, notionally first, box-part 28. The surface is preferably the or a said outer face 36a of the first box-part 28, but the first fastener portion may alternatively be on an inner face and/or on an abutment face of the box-part. Thus, the first fastener portion 50a is on the or a said outer surface 24 of the box apparatus 12. More preferably, the first fastener portion 50a is connected to a side outer face 36a of the box-part 28, rather than an end outer face 36a of the box-part 28, although this arrangement may additionally or alternatively be envisioned.

More preferably, the outer face 36a of the first box-part 28 is at least partly planar.

Additionally, if the box-part 28 includes any edges 38,40,42,44, the first fastener portion 50a is preferably connected to the box-part 28 spaced-apart from all or at least one said edge 38,40,42,44. In the shown embodiment, the first fastener portion 50a is preferably connected to the box-part 28 at or adjacent a centre of a said outer face 36a but offset may be an option.

The pivot 54 defines a pivot axis 56 around which the rotatable element 52 is rotatable.

The pivot axis 56 is normal to the outer and/or inner face 36a,36b of the box-part 28, but non-normal, such as tangential, co-planar or parallel with the surface may be options. If the abutment face 36c is planar and perpendicular to both the outer and inner faces 36a,36b of the box-part 28, the pivot axis 56 may be parallel or coplanar with the abutment face 36c. Pivot axis 56 is indicated in Figure 2 as a dotted line.

The second fastener portion 50b is provided on at least one of: an inner face 36b, an outer face 36a, and an abutment face 36c of a, notionally second, box-part 28. The face 5 is optionally planar. The second fastener portion 50b includes a rotatable element-receiver 58, and more preferably a latch-receiver or latch engagement portion. The latch-receiver 58 is a projection in the preferred embodiment, and is illustrated here as a protruding screw, but any alternative may be envisioned. Preferably, the planar faces of the first and second box-parts 28 to which the first fastener portion 50a and second 10 fastener portion 50b are connected, are co-planar or substantially co-planar, but non-coplanar may be an option. The rotatable element 52 may thus rotate in a plane parallel or substantially parallel with the co-planar or substantially co-planar surfaces.

A same said box-part 28 may optionally be provided with a plurality of fastener portions 50a,50b. The plurality of fastener portions 50a,50b may include a first fastener portion 50a of a first said fastener 15 and/or a second fastener portion 50b of a second said fastener 15. A plurality of either or both types of fastener portion may even be provided on a same box-part. Beneficially, the first fastener portion 50a and second fastener portion 50b associated with a same box-part 28 may be provided on different faces.

In the preferred embodiment, each box-part 28 has both a first fastener portion 50a and a second fastener portion 50b. The first fastener portion 50a of the notionally first box-part 28 is engageable with a second fastener portion 50b of a notionally second box-part 28. The second fastener portion 50b of the notionally first box-part 28 is engageable with a first fastener portion 50a of a, notionally third, box-part 28.

Optionally, a jig may be provided for cutting the, each or at least one of the box-parts 28 or any part thereof. Similarly to the game pieces 14, the jig may hold a box-part 28 or at least a wall 34 thereof. The jig may move the box-part 28 and/or wall 34 relative to an immobile cutting tool, such as a laser. Alternatively, the box-part 28 and/or wall 34 may be immobile whilst the cutting tool is moved. Both the cutting tool and the box-part 28 or wall 34 may be movable. The wall 34 may be cut so as to define the engagement portions 48 on the abutment faces. The wall 34 may also be cut so as to define the engagement parts 46 forming the outer and/or inner edges 38,40, if desired.

The same or a further jig may be used to similarly cut the first fastener portion 50a and/or the second fastener portion 50b. A laser may, once again, be the preferred cutting tool.

In-use, a user wanting to play a session of a game, obtains a game set 10. The plurality of game pieces 14 are stored within the box apparatus 12, which is in the assembled condition. To access the game pieces 14, the user unfastens or disengages the or each fastener 15. The user disengages the second fastener portion 50b from the first fastener portion 50a. Here, this involves rotating the rotatable latch so as to unhook the hook end thereof from the latch-receiver. Upon the fastener or fasteners 15 being unfastened or disengaged, the box apparatus 12 is openable.

The user separates the box-parts 28, preferably by pulling the box-parts 28 outwardly away from each other. The game pieces 14 within the space and the engagement portions 48 may prevent or inhibit the box-parts 28 from being moved in other directions relative to each other. The box apparatus 12 transitions from being in the assembled condition to or towards a disassembled or open condition. In the open or disassembled condition, the user can access the game pieces 14.

The user selects which game to play amongst a plurality of possible games. If the game involves game pieces 14 being hidden from a, notionally second, user, the first user positions a box-part 28 in front of them, on a playing surface or table with the inner faces 36b thereof facing the first user. Alternatively, the game may require that one of the end surfaces of a game piece 14 may be presented to some or all of the users.

If the latch is configured to project beyond an outer edge 38 of the associated box-part 28, when the box-part is used as a holder on a table or playing surface and the latch is on the outer face 36a extending upwards or generally upwards from the playing surface, the latch may contact, be abuttable against or engageable with the playing surface. The latch may thus act as a stabilising support or foot. This may prevent or inhibit the box-part 28 accidentally tipping, especially when a game piece 14 is received in the internal corner.

If a fastener portion is provided on the outer face 36a of the box-part 28 which sits on or faces the playing surface, the fastener portion may prevent or inhibit the associated said outer face 36a from contacting the playing surface. Depending on the thickness and/or position of the fastener portion on said outer face 36a, the box-part 28 may as a result be tilted at an angle, in this case away from a user. The latch as a stabilising support may be particularly beneficial in this case. It may even be envisioned that a plurality of latches may be provided, spaced apart along the longitudinal extent of the box-part. The user can position one or a plurality of game pieces 14 in the box-part 28 in the holder configuration. The, each or at least one game piece 14 may optionally be flush against the inner face 36b, as per Figure 8, or angled, as per Figure 9.

The user or users play the game pieces 14 according to the rules of the game they have selected.

The choice of games may include any combination of: dominoes; a puzzle; a story-telling game based on words inscribed on game pieces 14; a word-spelling game; a game based on patterns; a game requiring a symbol of a suit; a game requiring a symbol of a suit and a rank; a game based on stacking game pieces 14; a game based on throwing game pieces 14 at a construction, stack or tower to knock the construction over; a game based on sequentially removing game pieces 14 from a stack, construction or tower, optionally according to indicia 20; a game with rules derived from a card game; a game involving positioning game pieces 14 in an orientation, position and/or order according to a set of rules, any of the above described games, or any other type of game.

A word-spelling game may involve providing a number of game pieces 14 and optionally setting a time period during which players and/or teams may attempt to find the longest word possible using the letters of the selected game pieces by way of example only. This game may be referred to as WORDFINDER. The game pieces may beneficially be positioned in a box-part 28 used in the holder configuration.

The game pieces 14 may optionally be randomly selected. Additionally or alternatively, game pieces 14 may be separated into two groups: vowels and consonants. A player may then specify whether a vowel or a consonant is wanted, and a game piece 14 is selected from the appropriate group, optionally randomly, similarly to the game Countdown.

An example of a game based on sequentially removing game pieces 14 from a stack, construction or tower may be referred to as TUMBLING TOWER or Jenga. The TUMBLING TOWER game may involve forming layers of game pieces 14 by stacking at least one, and preferably at least three game pieces to form a layer upon a further layer of game pieces 14, comprising at least one, and preferably at least three game pieces 14. The direction of elongate game pieces 14 of each layer preferably differs from the direction of the elongate game pieces 14 in the layer above and/or below. A tower may thus be constructed. In play, the user may need to remove a game piece 14 without toppling the tower or construction. Furthermore, the user may need to place the removed game piece 14 on top of the tower. Optionally, the user may need to remove a game piece 14 displaying a specific indicium 20.

A further said game may involve positioning a plurality of game pieces 14 on one of their end surfaces 16, in a series and sufficiently spaced apart so that upon pushing one of the game pieces 14, the game piece 14 topples onto an adjacent game piece 14 which is in turn knocked out of an equilibrium position. Each game piece 14 in the series may thus be toppled. This game may be referred to as CASCADE.

Optionally, at least two box-parts 28 may be engaged together and optionally fastened together via the or a fastener 15. The fastener 15 may be one of the above-described fasteners 15. The box apparatus 12 may be in a part-assembled condition. A subset or preferably, all the game pieces 14 may be placed either directly on a playing surface or within the part-assembled box apparatus 12, with preferably all game pieces 14 in play showing letters in either case. Players may then need to find as many words as possible, optionally within a time period. The length of the word may determine the number of points gained. Optionally, no points may be awarded if multiple players find the same word. The aim of the game is to obtain the most points and/or to reach a pre-determined number of points first. This game may be referred to as LETTERJUMBLE or Boggle.

When a session of a game has finished, the user or users may choose to stop playing or play a further game session of the same game or of a different game.

Once the or all game sessions are finished, the user puts the game pieces 14 back into the box apparatus 12. This may involve simply piling the game pieces 14 into the space 25 created by the box-parts 28.

In the preferred embodiment however, the space has a dimension which is similar to identical to a length and/or three times the width or depth of at least one game piece 14. In other words, the length of a game piece 14 matches or substantially matches a dimension of the box apparatus 12. Said dimension of the box apparatus 12 is preferably a length in transverse cross-section of the box apparatus 12.

More preferably yet, the space is shaped and dimensioned to match or substantially match a volume occupied by one, a subset or all of the game pieces 14, and more preferably the volume occupied by the game pieces 14 when the game pieces 14 are in an ordered or arranged configuration. In other words, the game pieces 14 can be arranged so as to form a construction which has a total volume. The total volume corresponds or substantially corresponds to the sum of the volumes of each game piece 14. This total volume may optionally be referred to as the "minimum volume". Preferably, the space matches or substantially matches the minimum volume. The game pieces 14 may be storable in a close-fitting arrangement. The game set 10 is beneficially compact.

In this case, the user may position all or a subset of game pieces 14 into the arranged configuration first, for example, by creating a tower. The tower may then be moved into the space provided by at least one and, in the preferred embodiment, by preferably two joined box-parts 28. Alternatively or additionally, the user inserts game pieces 14 in an orderly manner into the space, optionally one at a time.

Once all the game pieces 14 are in the space, the user can close the box apparatus 12 by engaging the or each further box-part 28. The or each first fastener portion 50a and the or each second fastener portion 50b are engaged together such that the or each fastener 15 is in the engaged condition. The box apparatus 12 is prevented or inhibited from being openable. The user can store the game set 10 until further use.

Whilst the indicium is preferably engraved or carved into the display area, any alternative may be envisioned, such as being cut, etched, stamped, printed, written, painted, glued on, or any other method. The indicium may include projections extending from the display surface. The projections may be integrally formed or connected, such as by means of an adhesive. In a further modification, one or more lights or lightable portions, such as an LED, may be provided.

Whilst in the preferred embodiment, all indicia are non-modifiable or non-alterable; in a modified embodiment the, each, or at least one indicium may be modifiable. For example, the indicium or part thereof may be deformed, rearranged, repositioned, removed, replaced, an additional part may be added. It could easily be envisioned that an indicium may be removably positionable. This may require a further support. For example, the indicium may be provided on a backing support portion having an adhesive, such as a sticker.

In the case of a lightable portion or portions, one or more lightable portions may be turned on for emitting light and/or turned off to cease emitting light. Additionally or alternatively, the properties of light emitted by a lightable portion may be altered, for example, by a change in colour, continuous to discontinuous light emission or vice versa, or a pattern change.

Whilst the latch is preferably rotatable, non-rotatable may be an option, such as slidable, by way of example.

Although the fifth and sixth sets preferably include letters, in an alternative, the sixth set of indicia may have symbols, letters, words, numbers, numerals, images, geometric figures, abstract portions, or indicia of any type. For example, the sixth set of indicia may have a rank and/or a symbol representing a suit. The symbol may be a heart, a club, a diamond or a spade. The rank may be a number or a figure. The number or figure may be any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J or Jack, Q or Queen, K or King, or A or Ace. As previously mentioned, the numbering of the sets is only notional. Thus, the rank and/or suit symbol may be provided on any surface of the game piece. One or more "wild card" indicia may be provided in any of the sets of indicia.

Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of lateral cross-section, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and/or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape.

It is therefore possible to provide a game set which gives a player a choice of games to be play with a single game set. The choice of games is provided by virtue of each game piece having different, distinct surfaces displaying an indicium belonging to a distinct set of indicia. The distinct sets of indicia enable at least one distinct game to be played. The elongate shape of the game pieces enables further games to be played such as CASCADE or TUMBLING TOWER. The multi-game game set takes up less storage space than a corresponding, combined set of individual game sets, each individual game set being directed to only one of the games. The multi-game game set may be lighter than the combined set of individual game sets. The amount of material resources and/or equipment required to manufacture a multi-game game set may also be reduced compared to the combined set of individual game sets. This may reduce manufacturing costs, manufacturing complexity and may be environmentally friendly.

It is also possible to provide a combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus for storing the game pieces when the game pieces are not in use and presenting game pieces in place. The box apparatus is versatile, having several distinct functionalities. In other words, the box apparatus provides compact storage for game pieces when the game pieces are not being used. In play, the box-parts of the box apparatus may function as holders.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein 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 20 other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims (25)

1. Claims 1. A game set for playing a game selectable from a plurality of games having different rules, the game set comprising: a plurality of game pieces, each game piece being an elongate polyhedron having at least six surfaces, a first surface of the said at least six surfaces having a first display area on which a first indicium is provided, a second surface of the said at least six surfaces having a second display area on which a second indicium is provided, a third surface of the said at least six surfaces having a third display area on which a third indicium is provided, the first, second and third surfaces being three distinct surfaces, the first indicium of each game piece forming a first set of indicia, the first set of indicia enabling a first game to be played; the second indicium of each game piece forming a second set of indicia, the second set of indicia enabling a second game to be played which is different to the first game; the third indicium of each game piece forming a third set of indicia, the third set of indicia enabling a third game to be played which is different to the first game and the second game.
2. 2. A game set as claimed claim 1, further comprising a combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus for storing the game pieces when the game pieces are not in use, the box apparatus comprising: a first box-part and a second box-part, the first box-part and second box-parts have complementary male and female engagement portions, the plurality of box-parts being engageable so as to define together a space for storing game pieces therein, and a fastener for maintaining the first and second box-parts in a fixed arrangement.
3. 3. A game set as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one of said box-parts has two contiguous inward faces forming an internal corner for in-game receiving a game piece therein or thereon so as to present a display area of the game piece to a user.
4. 4. A game set as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the fastener includes a first fastener portion and a second fastener portion engageable with the first fastener portion.
5. 5. A game set as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first fastener portion includes a latch, and the second fastener portion includes a latch-receiver.
6. 6. A game set as claimed in claim 5, wherein the latch is configured to project beyond an outer edge of the associated box-part.
7. 7. A game set as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first fastener portion further includes a pivot defining a pivot axis around which the latch is rotatable.
8. 8. A game set as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first fastener portion is provided on a surface of the box apparatus, and wherein the pivot axis is normal to the surface.
9. 9. A game set as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surface is an outer surface of the box apparatus.
10. 10. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the first fastener portion is provided on a planar face of the first box-part and the second fastener portion is provided on a planar face of the second box-part, or vice-versa.
11. 11. A game set as claimed in claim 10, wherein the planar faces are co-planar or substantially co-planar.
12. 12. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein a same said box-part is provided with the first fastener portion of the fastener, and a second fastener portion of a further said fastener.
13. 13. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein each box-part has a first fastener portion for engaging with a second fastener portion.
14. 14. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the first box-part has a plurality of spaced-apart male engagement portions and the second box-part has a plurality of corresponding female engagement portions for receiving the spaced-apart male engagement portions, such that the engagement portions are castellated.
15. 15. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the box apparatus further comprises a third box-part, and wherein the third box-part and at least one of: the first box-part and the second box-part have complementary male and female engagement portions for engaging the third box-part with the first box-part and/or the second box-part.
16. 16. A game set as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least two of: the first box-part, the second box-part and the third box-part are similarly shaped or identical so as to be interchangeable.
17. 17. A game set as claimed in claim 16, wherein all box-parts are identical.
18. 18. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein at least one of the box-parts comprises wood.
19. 19. A game set as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the space has a dimension which is similar or identical to a length of at least one game piece so that the game pieces are storable in the space in a close-fitting arrangement.
20. 20. A game set as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the game pieces comprises wood.
21. 21. A game set as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the at least six surfaces are parallel for enabling the game pieces to be stackable.
22. 22. A game set as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one set of indicia is a set of non-suit indicia.
23. 23. A game set as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one set of indicia includes pictorial indicia having at least one of: a line, a colour, a pattern, a geometric form, and a plurality of any of the above, the game pieces being arrangeable so as to form an image formed by a plurality of pictorial indicia.
24. 24. A combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus for storing the game pieces when the game pieces are not in use and presenting game pieces in play, the box apparatus comprising: a first box-part and a second box-part, at least one of said box-parts having two contiguous inward faces forming an internal corner for in-game receiving a game piece therein or thereon so as to present a display area of the game piece to a user, the plurality of box-parts being engageable so as to define together a space for storing game pieces therein.
25. 25. A combination game-piece presentation and storage box apparatus as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a fastener for maintaining the first and second box-parts in a fixed arrangement.