Apparatus for Organizing Game Tokens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

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

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

1 FIG. 100 100 10 Referring now to, a perspective view of an apparatusfor storing game tokens in an organized manner is shown. The apparatusprevents game tokensfrom spilling or mixing and allows players to quickly locate and retrieve tokens without distraction.

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

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

100 115 110 115 125 110 115 105 110 125 115 105 115 105 120 100 100 2 FIG. The apparatusmay further include a lidconfigured to be placed over the pegsto secure the game tokens stored within the respective cells. As shown in, the lidincludes peg indentsarranged to correspond to the positions of the pegs. When the lidis placed on the base, the pegsalign with the peg indents, helping prevent lateral movement of the lidrelative to the base. The lidmay be secured to the baseusing suitable locking means, including but not limited to rubber bands, hook-and-loop fasteners, binder clips, or similar retaining elements. The apparatusmay be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate varying quantities and dimensions of game tokens. Additionally, the apparatusmay be decorated, painted, or labeled to correspond to specific board games.

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