Tile Game Set

Abstract

A game set includes tiles. Each tile has first and second surfaces, first and second sides, and first and second ends. The first surface of each tile includes a directional marking having a tail end and a leading end. The tail end of each directional marking is adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the first end. The leading end of each directional marking is adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the second end. When the tiles are arranged such that the leading end of the directional marking of one tile is adjacent to the tail end of the directional marking of another tile, the directional markings collectively define a single path that begins at the tail end of a first one of the tiles and terminates at the leading end of a last one of the tiles.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/363,041, filed 15 Apr. 2022, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a game set and method for operating the game set.

BACKGROUND

Tile-arranging games, such as dominos, are known. Generally, these tile-arranging games involve arranging at least one tile with respect to at least one other tile in accordance with the rules of the game.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a game set includes a plurality of tiles. Each tile has opposite first and second surfaces, opposite first and second sides extending between the first and second surfaces, and opposite first and second ends extending between the first and surfaces. The first surface of each tile includes a directional marking having a tail end and a leading end. The tail end of each directional marking is adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the first end. The leading end of each directional marking is adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the second end. When the tiles are arranged such that the leading end of the directional marking of one tile is adjacent to the tail end of the directional marking of another tile, the directional markings of the arranged tiles collectively define a single path that begins at the tail end of a first one of the tiles and terminates at the leading end of a last one of the tiles.

According to another aspect, alone or in combination with any other aspect, a method for operating a tile game includes providing a game set. The game set includes a plurality of tiles. Each tile has opposite first and second surfaces, opposite first and second sides extending between the first and second surfaces, and opposite first and second ends extending between the first and surfaces. The first surface of each tile includes a directional marking having a tail end and a leading end. The tail end of each directional marking is adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the first end. The leading end of each directional marking is adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the second end. When the tiles are arranged such that the leading end of the directional marking of one tile is adjacent to the tail end of the directional marking of another tile, the directional markings of the arranged tiles collectively define a single path that begins at the tail end of a first one of the tiles and terminates at the leading end of a last one of the tiles. A playing field is provided. A first tile is added to the playing field. With the first tile on the playing field, additional tiles are added to the playing field until a last tile is added. Each tile added to the playing field is arranged so that the directional marking is visible to the players. Each tile that succeeds a directly adjacent and preceding tile on the playing field is arranged so that the tail end of the directional marking on the succeeding tile is adjacent the leading end of the directional marking of the directly adjacent and preceding tile. The directional markings on the tiles added to the playing field collectively define a single path that begins at the tail end of the first tile and terminates at the leading end of the last tile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a tile of a tile game set according to one aspect of the present invention, with the tile in a first configuration;

FIGS. 2-9 are top views of various configurations of the tile of the aspect of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example operation of the tile game set of the aspect of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11A-19E are top view of example configurations of the tile of the aspect of FIG. 1;

FIG. 20 illustrates another example operation of the tile game set of the aspect of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a perspective top view of another configuration of the tile of the aspect of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective top view of another configuration of the tile of the aspect of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

As used herein, the term “players” can be used interchangeably to refer to an individual who prepares for, assists with, and/or performs the operation of a game set.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” can include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” as used herein, can specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “and/or” can include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” can be interpreted to include X and Y.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of X and Y” can be interpreted to include X, Y, or a combination of X and Y. For example, if an element is described as having at least one of X and Y, the element may, at a particular time, include X, Y, or a combination of X and Y, the selection of which could vary from time to time. In contrast, the phrase “at least one of X” can be interpreted to include one or more Xs.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected” to, “engaging,” etc., another element, it can be directly on, connected to or engaging the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “directly adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap, underlie or directly contact the adjacent feature, whereas a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may not have portions that overlap, underlie or directly contact the adjacent feature.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or Figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The invention comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of the following features, in any combination.

An example tile 10 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The tile 10 includes a first or top surface 12 and an oppositely facing second or bottom surface 14. The tile 10 has oppositely facing first and second sides 16, 18 transversely extending between the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14. The “transverse” direction is indicated at “TR” in FIG. 1. The tile 10 further includes oppositely facing first and second ends 20, 22 transversely extending between the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14. The first and second ends 20, 22 also laterally extend between the first and second sides 16, 18. The “lateral” direction is substantially perpendicular to the “transverse” direction, and is indicated at “LA” in FIG. 1.

Each side 16, 18 has a length 24, measured in a longitudinal direction, that is about twice as long as a width 26, measured in the lateral direction, of each end 20, 22 so that the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 of the tile 10 are configured substantially as rectangles. The “longitudinal” direction is substantially perpendicular to both the “transverse” and “lateral” directions, and is indicated at “LO” in FIG. 1. Because of the rectangular top and bottom surfaces 12, 14, the tile 10 is configured to be shaped as a rectangular-prism. The tile 10 may, for example, have a 1 inch width, a 2 inch length 24, and a 1/16 inch to 3/32 inch transverse depth. Alternatively, the shape and number of the sides, ends, and surfaces of the tile 10 can be selected to configure the tile as any other shape, such as, but not limited to, a cube, a cuboid, a triangular prism, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal prism, or any other three-dimensional shape.

The top surface 12 can include at least one division indicator 27 27, which signifies a division the top surface into equally dimensioned and longitudinally adjacent, first and second halves 28, 30. The example tile 10 of FIG. 1 has two division indicators 27, each being in the form of a line.

The top surface 12 further includes one directional marking 32. The directional marking 32 can project upwards from the top surface 12. Alternatively, the directional marking 32 can be depressed into the top surface 12. As another alternative, the directional marking 32 can lie on the same plane as the top surface 12 so that the directional marking is neither a depression in the top surface nor a projection from the top surface. The directional marking 32 extends from a tail end 34 of the directional marking 32 to the leading end 36 of the directional marking 32. The tail and leading ends 34, 36 are spaced from one another. The tail end 34 is on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 and adjacent, such as directly adjacent, to only one of the first side 20, the second side 22, and the first end 20. As shown in the example tile 10 of FIG. 1, the tail end 34 is on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first end 20. The tail end 34 can be centered on the first half 28 so that the tail end is centered between the sides 16, 18 when the tail end is adjacent the first end 20, and centered between the first end and division indicators 27 when the tail end is adjacent to one of the first and second sides.

The leading end 36 is on the second half 30 of the top surface 12 and adjacent, such as directly adjacent, to only one of the first side 16, the second side 18, and the second end 22. As shown in the example tile 10 of FIG. 1, the leading end 36 is on the second half 30 of the top surface 12 adjacent the second end 22. The leading end 36 can be centered on the second half 30 so that the leading end is centered between the sides 16, 18 when the leading end is adjacent the second end 22, and centered between the second end and dividing lines 28 when the leading end is adjacent to one of the first and second sides. The leading end 36 includes a directional indicator 38, such as an arrowhead, that points in the direction of the side 16, 18 or end 20, 22 that is adjacent to the leading end.

The example tile 10 of FIG. 1 depicts a single tile 10 of a tile game set 40. The tile game 40 set includes a plurality of tiles 10 that each have a particular directional marking 32 configuration. FIGS. 1-9 depict other directional marking configurations (shown as first through ninth direction markings 32a-i) that can be include on the tiles 10 of the tile game set 40.

The tile 10 of FIG. 1 has a first directional marking 32a that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first end 20, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the second end 22. The tile 10 of FIG. 2 has a second directional marking 32b that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first end 20, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the first side 16. The tile 10 of FIG. 3 has a third directional marking 32c that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first end 20, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the second side 18. The tile 10 of FIG. 4 has a fourth directional marking 32d that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first side 16, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the second end 22. The tile 10 of FIG. 5 has a fifth directional marking 32e that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the second side 18, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the second end 22. The tile 10 of FIG. 6 has a sixth directional marking 32f that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first side 16, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the second side 18. The tile 10 of FIG. 7 has a seventh directional marking 32g that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the second side 18, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the first side 16. The tile 10 of FIG. 8 has a eighth directional marking 32h that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the first side 16, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the first side 16. The tile 10 of FIG. 9 has a ninth directional marking 32i that includes the tail end 34 on the first half 28 of the top surface 12 adjacent the second side 18, and the leading end 36 on the second half 30 adjacent the second side 18.

The tile game set 40 can include at least one tile 10 per each of the first through ninth directional markings 32a-i. For example, the tile game set 40 can include ten (10) tiles 10 for each of the first through ninth directional markings 32a-i so that the tile game set has a total of ninety (90) tiles 10. Each tile 10 of the tile game set 40 can be at least partially formed from paper, chipboard, coated paper, cardboard, vinyl, plastic, silicone, metal, wood, rubber, any other applicable material, or any combination thereof. The material or materials forming each tile 10 can also be recycled material. Alternatively, each tile 10 of the tile game set 40 can be rendered digitally in a digital environment so that the tile game set 40 can be utilized on a desktop computer, laptop, gaming console, phone, smart phone, tablet, any other similar device, or any combination thereof.

An example operation of the time game set 40 is described below. In other words, the below description describes how to play a tile game using the tile game set 40. This example operation/game is not intended to limit the use of the tile game set 40 or the individual tiles 10 of the tile game set 40.

A playing field 42 for the tile game set 40 can be any substantially flat surface upon which the tiles 10 of the time game set 40 can be placed. The playing field 42 can also include a grided game board that is packaged with the tile game set 40. Each square unit of the grided game board may be equal to or larger than the dimensions of one half 28, 30 of a tile 10 so that a single tile 10 is positioned on two adjacent square units of the grided game board when properly positioned on the grided game board. The playing field 42 has four playing sides 44 (shown here as first through fourth playing sides 44a-d). A player can be positioned at each playing side 44a-d so that two to four players can participate in the operation of the tile game set 40. In the example operation described herein, a first player 46a is positioned at the first playing side 44a and a second player 46b is positioned at the second playing side 44b, which is opposite to the first playing side 44a.

Each player 46a-b is provided or draws a predetermined number of random tiles 10 for their inventory 48. For example, each player 46a-b may draw or receive five random tiles 10 for their inventory 48. Each player 46a-b thus does not get to seek out and select particular tiles 10, they draw or receive random tiles 10. Drawing or receiving tiles 10 that have their directional markings 32 hidden from view can help ensure that each player 46a-b receives random tiles 10. The remaining tiles 10 are placed in a tile bank 50.

One of the players 46a-b (e.g., the second player 46b) can then randomly select a first tile 10 (shown in FIG. 10 as the first tile 10′) from the tile bank 50 and, without viewing the directional marking 32 on the first tile 10′, place it on a playing field 42 so that the directional marking 32 is face down on the playing field 42. The first tile 10′ placed on the playing field 42 must have its length 24 either extending between the first and second playing sides 44a-b or the third and fourth playing sides 44c-d. In the example operation shown in FIG. 10, the length 24 of the first tile 10′ extends between the first and second playing sides 44a-b. One of the players 46a-b (e.g., the first player 46a) can then flip the first tile 10′ over so that the directional marking 32 is face up.

After the first tile 10′ is flipped, the first player's turn begins. The first player 46a can view the tiles 10 in their inventory 48 and select a desired second tile 10 (shown in FIG. 10 as the second tile 10″) from their inventory 48. The first player 46a then places the second tile 10″ on the playing field 42. To add the second tile 10″ to the playing field 42, the first player 46a places the second tile 10″ on the playing field 42 so that the tail end 34 of the directional marking 32 on the second tile 10″ is adjacent the leading end 36 of the directional marking 32 of the first tile 10′. The end 20, 22 or side 16, 18 adjacent the tail end 34 of the second tile 10″ is thus adjacent to and/or engages the end 20, 22 or side 16, 18 adjacent the leading end 36 of the first tile 10′ when the second tile 10″ is added to the field of play 42. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the tail end 34 of the second tile 10″ is adjacent the first end 20 of the second tile 10″, the leading end 36 of the first tile 10′ is adjacent the second side 18 of the first tile 10′, and the first end 20 of the second tile 10″ engages the second side 18 of the first tile 10′ adjacent to the leading end 36 of the first tile 10′. The first half 28 of the second tile 10″ thus engages the second half 30 of the first tile 10′. Once the first player 46a adds the second tile 10″ to the playing field 42, the first player's turn is over and the first player 46a draws a number of random tiles 10 from the tile bank 50 equal to the amount of tiles 10 played during their turn. Thus, following the example operation described above, at the end of the first player's turn, the first player 46a randomly draws one tile 10 from the tile bank 50 because the first player 46a only played the second tile 10″.

After the first player 46a finishes their turn, the second player 46b may select a desired third tile 10 (shown in FIG. 10 as the third tile 10′″) from their inventory 48 and add it to the playing field 42 so that the tail end 34 of the directional marking 32 on the third tile 10′″ is adjacent the leading end 36 of the directional marking 32 of the second tile 10″. Once the second player 46b adds the third tile 10′″ to the playing field 42, the second player's turn is over and the second player 46b draws a number of random tiles 10 from the tile bank 50 equal to the amount of tiles 10 played during their turn. Thus, following the example operation described above, at the end of the second player's turn, the second player 46b randomly draws one tile 10 from the tile bank 50 because the second player 46b only played the third tile 10′″. The first and second players 46a-b will continue taking turns similarly adding at least one tile 10 to the playing field 42. The tail end 34 of each subsequently tile 10 added to the playing field 42 after the first tile 10′ is positioned adjacent to the leading end 36 of a last tile played (shown in FIG. 10 as the last tile played 10^X). The last tile 10 added by a player 46 at the end of the player's turn becomes the last tile played 10^X.

As shown in FIG. 10, the directional markings 32 of the tiles 10 on the playing field 42 collectively define a single trajectory or path 52 that begins at the tail end 34 of the first tile played 10′ and terminates at the leading end 36 of the last tile played 10^X. Thus, during a player's turn, the player 46 adds a tile 10 to the playing field 42 that creates, expands, and/or alters the single path 52. As shown in FIG. 10, the directional indicator 38 of each tile 10 that precedes the last tile played 10^X points toward a succeeding segment of the single path 52.

The players 46 take turns adding tiles to the playing field 42 until the tile game ends in accordance with the rules of the tile game. For example, each player 46 can begin the tile game with a predetermined number (e.g., five) of points or “lives” in the tile game. During the game, players 46 can lose a point when a directional indicator 38 of a tile 10 points in their direction. Once a player 46 has lost all of their points, they are out of the tile game and cease to play. The game continues until there is only one player 46 left in the tile game. The last remaining player 46 can be declared the winner of the game.

It is contemplated that at least two players 46 can be on a team in the tile game. Similar to the above, the last remaining team in the tile game can be declared the winner of the tile game.

Alternatively, or in addition to the above ending format, the tile game can end when there are no tiles 10 remaining in the players' inventories 48 and the tile bank 50, or when no additional tiles 10 can be added to the playing field 42 in the manner described above. In either of these two ending formats, the players 46 will count the number of directional indicators 38 pointing towards their side 44 of the playing field 42. The player 46 with the least directional indicators 38 pointing toward their side 44 of the playing field 42 can be declared the winner.

It is also contemplated that the tiles 10 of the tile game set 40 may have coded indicators, such as by having color coded directional markings 32 and/or by having coded division indicators 27, to indicate specific uses and/or special actions according to the rules of the tile game. For example, FIGS. 11A-E depict example tiles 10 each having the first directional marking 32a and a respective coded indicator. In FIG. 11A, the coded indicators may include the first directional marking 32a being yellow and/or the division indicators 27 being lightning bolt shaped. In FIG. 11B, the coded indicators may include the first directional marking 32a being red and/or the division indicators 27 being heart shaped. In FIG. 11C, the coded indicators may include the first directional marking 32a being green and/or the division indicators 27 being in the shape of a conventional recycling symbol. In FIG. 11D, the coded indicators may include the first directional marking 32a being blue and/or the division indicators 27 being snowflake shaped. In FIG. 11E, the coded indicators may include the first directional marking 32a being black and/or the division indicators 27 being diamond or square shaped. FIGS. 12A-19E depict similar coded indicators for tiles 10 having the second through ninth directional markings 32b-32i.

The yellow directional marking 32 and/or the lightning bolt shaped division indicators 27 can be configured to indicate that a player 46 adding a tile 10 having a yellow directional marking 32 and/or lightning bolt shaped division indicators 27 to the playing field 42 during their turn can add one tile 10 to the playing field 42 in addition to the tile 10 having a yellow directional marking 32 and/or lightning bolt shaped division indicators 27 during the same turn. The blue directional marking 32 and/or the snowflake shaped division indicators 27 can be configured to indicate that a player 46 adding a tile 10 having a blue directional marking 32 and/or snowflake shaped division indicators 27 to the playing field 42 causes the player 46 whose turn is next to lose their turn. The red directional marking 32 and/or the heart shaped division indicators 27 can be configured to indicate that a player 46 adding a tile 10 having a red directional marking 32 and/or heart shaped division indicators 27 to the playing field 42 gains a point or “life” in the tile game. The green directional marking 32 and/or the recycling symbol shaped division indicators 27 can be configured to indicate that a player 46 adding a tile 10 having a green directional marking 32 and/or recycling symbol shaped division indicators 27 to the playing field 42 replaces the last tile played 10^X with the tile 10 having the green directional marking 32 and/or the recycling symbol shaped division indicators 27 currently being played. The replaced last tile played 10^X can be placed in the tile bank 50 or in the inventory 48 the player 46 who played the tile 10 with the green direction marking 32 and/or the recycling symbol shaped division indicators 27 once removed from the playing field 42. A tile 10 having the black directional marking 32 and/or the diamond shaped divisional indicators 27 can be considered a “standard” or “normal” tile that does not trigger a special action when added to the playing field 42.

The tile game set 40 may be configured to have at least one of each of the tiles 10 shown in FIGS. 11A-19E. For example, the tiles 10 of the tile game set 40 may include only one of each of the tiles 10 shown in FIGS. 11A-D, 12A-D, 13A-D, 14A-D, 15A-D, 16A-D, 17A-D, 18A-D, and 19A-D. The tile game set 40 may also include six of each of the tiles 10 shown in FIGS. 11E, 12E, 13E, 14E, 15E, 16E, 17E, 18E, and 19E. The tile game set 40 thus may have 90 total tiles 10 when configured as described above. FIG. 20 shows an example use of the tile game set 40 that includes some of the tiles 10 from FIGS. 11A-19E.

As an added feature, each tile 10 of the tile game set 40 can include at least two magnets 54, 56. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, each tile 10 can include first and second magnets 54, 56. The first magnet 54 is between the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 and adjacent the tail end 34. The second magnet 56 is between the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 and adjacent the leading end 36. The first magnet 54 of each tile 10 can be configured so that the first magnet 54 is only attracted to the second magnets 56 of other tiles 10, and not to the first magnets 54 of other tiles 10. Therefore, the tiles 10 can only be magnetically connected to one another if the tail end 34 of one tile 10 is adjacent the leading end 36 of another tile 10. If a player 46 attempts to place the tail end 34 of one tile 10 adjacent to the tail end 34 of another tile 10, the two tiles 10 would not magnetically connect to one another. Similarly, if a player 46 attempts to place the leading end 36 of one tile 10 adjacent to the leading end 36 of another tile 10, the two tiles 10 would not magnetically connect to one another.

As shown in FIG. 22, instead of having two magnets 54, 56, each tile 10 may have one magnet 54 and a ferromagnetic element 58, such as a ferromagnetic bar. For example, the magnet 54 can be between the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 and adjacent the tail end 34 of the tile 10. The ferromagnetic element 58 can be between the top and bottom surfaces 12, 14 and adjacent the leading end 36 of the tile 10. The magnet 54 of each tile 10 can be configured so that the magnet 54 is only attracted to the ferromagnetic elements 58 of other tiles 10, and not to the magnets 54 of other tiles 10. Therefore, the tiles 10 can only be magnetically connected to one another if the tail end 34 of one tile 10 is adjacent the leading end 36 of another tile 10. If a player 46 attempts to place the tail end 34 of one tile 10 adjacent to the tail end 34 of another tile 10, the two tiles 10 would not magnetically connect to one another. Similarly, if a player 46 attempts to place the leading end 36 of one tile 10 adjacent to the leading end 36 of another tile 10, the two tiles 10 would not magnetically connect to one another.

Although the magnet 54 has been described as being adjacent the tail end 34 of the tile 10 with the ferromagnetic element 58 adjacent the leading end 36, it is contemplated that the magnet 54 may be adjacent the leading end 36 of the tile 10 with the ferromagnetic element 58 adjacent the tail end 34.

While aspects of this disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the example aspects above, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various additional aspects may be contemplated. For example, the specific methods described above for using the tile game set are merely illustrative; one of ordinary skill in the art could readily determine any number of tools, sequences of steps, or other means/options for placing the above-described tile game set, or components thereof, into positions substantively similar to those shown and described herein. In an effort to maintain clarity in the Figures, certain ones of duplicative components shown have not been specifically numbered, but one of ordinary skill in the art will realize, based upon the components that were numbered, the element numbers which should be associated with the unnumbered components; no differentiation between similar components is intended or implied solely by the presence or absence of an element number in the Figures. Any of the described structures and components could be integrally formed as a single unitary or monolithic piece or made up of separate sub-components, with either of these formations involving any suitable stock or bespoke components and/or any suitable material or combinations of materials. Any of the described structures and components could be disposable or reusable as desired for a particular use environment. Any component could be provided with a user-perceptible marking to indicate a material, configuration, at least one dimension, or the like pertaining to that component, the user-perceptible marking potentially aiding a user in selecting one component from an array of similar components for a particular use environment. A “predetermined” status may be determined at any time before the structures being manipulated actually reach that status, the “predetermination” being made as late as immediately before the structure achieves the predetermined status. The term “substantially” is used herein to indicate a quality that is largely, but not necessarily wholly, that which is specified—a “substantial” quality admits of the potential for some relatively minor inclusion of a non-quality item. Though certain components described herein are shown as having specific geometric shapes, all structures of this disclosure may have any suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, relative relationships, cross-sectional areas, or any other physical characteristics as desirable for a particular application. Any structures or features described with reference to one aspect or configuration could be provided, singly or in combination with other structures or features, to any other aspect or configuration, as it would be impractical to describe each of the aspects and configurations discussed herein as having all of the options discussed with respect to all of the other aspects and configurations. A device or method incorporating any of these features should be understood to fall under the scope of this disclosure as determined based upon the claims below and any equivalents thereof.

Other aspects, objects, and advantages can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A game set, comprising:

a plurality of tiles, each tile having opposite first and second surfaces, opposite first and second sides extending between the first and second surfaces, and opposite first and second ends extending between the first and surfaces, the first surface of each tile including a directional marking having a tail end and a leading end, the tail end of each directional marking being adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the first end, the leading end of each directional marking being adjacent to only one of the first side, the second side, and the second end,

wherein when at least two of the tiles are arranged such that the leading end of the directional marking of one tile is adjacent to the tail end of the directional marking of another tile, the directional markings of the arranged tiles collectively define a single path that begins at the tail end of a first one of the tiles and terminates at the leading end of a last one of the tiles.

2. The game set of claim 1, wherein each leading end includes a directional indicator that points in the direction of the side or end to which it is adjacent, the directional marking of each tile on the playing field that precedes a last tile point toward a succeeding segment of the single path.

3. The game set of claim 1, wherein tiles placed on the playing field create, expand, and/or alter the single path.

4. The game set of claim 1, wherein the first surface of each tile includes at least one division indicator signifying a division of the first surface into the first and second halves of each tile.

5. The game set of claim 4, wherein the tail end of each directional marking is on the first half of an associated first surface, the leading end of each directional marking being on the second half of an associated first surface.

6. The game set of claim 5, wherein the tail end of each directional marking is centered on the first half so that the tail end is centered between the first and second sides when the tail end is adjacent the first end, and centered between the first end and the at least one dividing line when the tail end is adjacent to one of the first and second sides.

7. The game set of claim 5, wherein the leading end of each directional marking is centered on the second half so that the leading end is centered between the first and second sides when the leading end is adjacent the second end, and centered between the second end and the at least one dividing line when the leading end is adjacent to one of the first and second sides.

8. The game set of claim 4, wherein the at least one division indicator of each tile is in the shape of a lightening bolt, a snowflake, a heart, a recycling symbol, or a diamond.

9. The game set of claim 1, wherein the directional marking of each tile is black, yellow, red, blue, or green.

10. The game set of claim 1, wherein each tile has at least one coded indicator that indicates a specific use and/or a special action.

11. The game set of claim 10, wherein the coded indicators include the directional markings being color coded.

12. The game set of claim 10, wherein the first surface of each tile includes at least one division indicator signifying a division of the first surface into the first and second halves of each tile, the coded indicators including the division indicators having specific shapes.

13. The game set of claim 10, wherein the first surface of each tile includes at least one division indicator signifying a division of the first surface into the first and second halves of each tile, the game set including:

at least one tile having a blue directional marking and/or at least one snowflake shaped division indicator;

at least one tile having a yellow directional marking and/or at least one lightening bolt shaped division indicator;

at least one tile having a green directional marking and/or at least one recycling symbol shaped division indicator;

at least one tile having a red directional marking and/or at least one heart shaped division indicator; and

at least one tile having a black directional marking and/or at least one diamond shaped division indicator.

14. The game set of claim 13, including:

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first end and the leading end adjacent the second end;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first end and the leading end adjacent the first side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first end and the leading end adjacent the second side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first side and the leading end adjacent the second end;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the second side and the leading end adjacent the second end;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first side and the leading end adjacent the second side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the second side and the leading end adjacent the first side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first side and the leading end adjacent the first side; or

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the second side and the leading end adjacent the second side.

15. The game set of claim 1, including:

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first end and the leading end adjacent the second end;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first end and the leading end adjacent the first side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first end and the leading end adjacent the second side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first side and the leading end adjacent the second end;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the second side and the leading end adjacent the second end;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first side and the leading end adjacent the second side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the second side and the leading end adjacent the first side;

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the first side and the leading end adjacent the first side; or

at least one tile including the directional marking with the tail end adjacent the second side and the leading end adjacent the second side.

16. The game set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tiles is:

at least partially formed from one or more of paper, coated paper, cardboard, vinyl, plastic, silicone, metal, wood, and rubber, or

rendered digitally in a digital environment.

17. The game set of claim 1, wherein the first and second sides of each tile have a length, measured in a longitudinal direction, that is about twice as long as a width of the first and second ends of each tile.

18. The game set of claim 1, wherein the directional marking

projects from the first surface,

is depressed into the first surface, or

lies on the same plane as the first surface so that the directional marking is neither depressed into the first surface nor projects from the first surface.

19. A method for operating a tile game, the method comprising:

providing the game set recited in claim 1;

providing a playing field;

adding a first tile to the playing field; and

with the first tile on the playing field, adding additional tiles to the playing field until a last tile is added;

wherein each tile added to the playing field is arranged so that the directional marking is visible to the players;

wherein each tile that succeeds a directly adjacent and preceding tile on the playing field is arranged so that the tail end of the directional marking on the succeeding tile is adjacent the leading end of the directional marking of the directly adjacent and preceding tile; and

wherein the directional markings on the tiles added to the playing field collectively define a single path that begins at the tail end of the first tile and terminates at the leading end of the last tile.