US 5,577,730 A · Flexible vinyl chess mat that converts into a carrying case

Abstract

This invention consists of a flexible vinyl chess mat having two handles on opposite sides, both disposed in opposing positions to each other and centered on the perimeter of the square shaped chess mat, so that when the chess mat is folded in half, both handles line up with each other, making a doubled carrying handle. On one side of the chess mat a typical chess board is printed on the rubberized vinyl side. On the reverse side of the chess mat, when turned over, to expose the cloth backing side, a fastening means is positioned around the perimeter of the chess mat, and permanently attached, creating, when folded in half and fastened, an inside pocket area in which chess pieces and accessories may be carried and stored. The chess mat, when unfastened and emptied, and laid flat on a flat surface, is ready for chess play. The same mat can then be converted into a carrying case for convenient transportation and storage of chess pieces and accessories.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A game mat convertible into a carrying case comprising:

a substantially planar mat having no creases, fold lines or score lines, said mat made of plyable, durable material, said mat having a front side, a back side, and first and second opposing edges and opposing third and fourth edges, said mat having game indicia located on at least one side thereof, and further including a first handle and a second handle located on opposite first and second edges respectively, said handles arranged so that, when the mat is folded, the first and second edges are placed proximate one another and both handles line up with each other, making a doubled carrying handle for the chess mat, and when the chess mat is unfolded, the handles lay flat to the side of the game board;
and
interengaging fastening means positioned on said mat along opposing edges thereof, for joining said first and second edges to one another, and for joining a portion of said third, whereby when mat is folded and said fastening means are engaged, the edges and a folded side of said mat forms an enclosed pocket.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flexible vinyl chess mat that converts into a carrying case

Life of this patent

Flexible vinyl chess mat that converts into a carrying case

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13