U.S. patent application number 11/626103 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for game device.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELOGIQ, INC.. Invention is credited to Dror Rom.
Application Number | 20070170648 11/626103 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284776 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070170648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rom; Dror |
July 26, 2007 |
GAME DEVICE
Abstract
A game device having a set of blocks and a tray. The blocks
include pyramid-shaped recesses and the tray includes a
complimentary set of pyramid-shaped protrusions that the blocks
rest on. The blocks also include cylindrically-shaped guide
recesses and the try includes complimentarily-shaped cylindrical
guide protrusions. When a block is moved from one protrusion to
another, a guide recess engages and pivots about a guide
protrusion, which forces the puzzle to tip when being moved.
Inventors: |
Rom; Dror; (Huntingdon
Valley, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DESIGN IP, P.C.
5100 W. TILGHMAN STREET, SUITE 205
ALLENTOWN
PA
18104
US
|
Assignee: |
ELOGIQ, INC.
King of Prussia
PA
|
Family ID: |
38284776 |
Appl. No.: |
11/626103 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60761569 |
Jan 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/153S |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/1208 20130101;
A63F 2009/1236 20130101; A63F 9/06 20130101; A63F 9/1204 20130101;
A63F 9/1288 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/153.S |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/06 20060101
A63F009/06 |
Claims
1. A game device comprising: at least one block, each of the at
least one block including a plurality of faces, a plurality of
edges, and a plurality of block guides, each of the plurality of
edges being located along the intersection of two of the plurality
of faces, each of the plurality of block guides being located along
one of the plurality of edges; a tray including a plurality of
seats and a plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray
guides being located between two of the plurality of seats; wherein
each of the plurality of faces comprises a first recess or a first
protrusion and each of the plurality of seats comprises the other
of a first recess or a first protrusion, the first recess and first
protrusion being complimentarily shaped, so that the first
protrusion can be received into the first recess; wherein each of
the plurality of block guides comprises a second recess or a second
protrusion and each of the plurality of tray guides comprises the
other of a second recess or a second protrusion, the second recess
and second protrusion being shaped so that the second recess can
pivot on the second protrusion when the second recess engages the
second protrusion.
2. The game device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
faces comprises a pyramid-shaped recess and each of the plurality
of seats comprises a pyramid-shaped protrusion that is
complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of faces.
3. The game device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of
faces comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped recess and each of the
plurality of seats comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped protrusion
that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of
faces.
4. The game device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
block guides comprises a cylindrically-shaped recess and each of
the plurality of tray guides comprises a partial cylinder that is
complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of block
guides.
5. The game device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tray guides
comprising a first set of tray guides and a second set of tray
guides, the first set of tray guides all being parallel to a first
axis and the second set of tray guides being parallel to a second
axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.
6. The game device of claim 5, wherein the first axis is co-planar
to the second axis.
7. The game device of claim 6, wherein all of the plurality of
seats are positioned on a first plane.
8. The game device of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of
seats is oriented the same as each other of the plurality of
seats.
9. The game device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of faces
comprise pairs of opposing faces.
10. The game device of claim 1, wherein the at least one block
comprises a plurality of identically-structured blocks.
11. The game device of claim 1, wherein the at least one block
comprises at least one cube-shaped block.
12. The game device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
faces is of a different color or design than the other of the
plurality of faces on that one of the at least one block.
13. A puzzle comprising: a plurality of blocks, each of the
plurality of blocks having a plurality of pockets arranged in
opposing pairs, a plurality of edges defined by the intersection of
at least two of the plurality of pockets, a plurality of block
guides, each of the plurality of guide recesses being located along
one of the plurality of edges, each of the plurality of pockets
being substantially identical to all other of the plurality of
pockets; and a tray including a plurality of protrusions that are
complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of pockets, a
plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray guides
being located between two of the plurality of seats and
substantially identical in shape to all other of the plurality of
tray guides, each of the plurality of tray guides being shaped to
engage one of the plurality of block guides and enable one of the
plurality of block guides to pivot about a pivot axis, the
plurality of tray guides comprising a first set of tray guides and
a second set of tray guides, the first set of tray guides all being
parallel to a first axis and the second set of tray guides being
parallel to a second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to
the second axis.
14. The game device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of
faces comprises a pyramid-shaped recess and each of the plurality
of seats comprises a pyramid-shaped protrusion that is
complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of faces.
15. The game devices of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of
faces comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped recess and each of the
plurality of seats comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped protrusion
that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of
faces.
16. The game device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of
block guides comprises a cylindrically-shaped recess and each of
the plurality of tray guides comprises a partial cylinder that is
complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of block
guides.
17. The game device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of tray
guides comprising a first set of tray guides and a second set of
tray guides, the first set of tray guides all being parallel to a
first axis and the second set of tray guides being parallel to a
second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the second
axis.
18. The game device of claim 17, wherein the first axis is
co-planar to the second axis.
19. The game device of claim 18, wherein all of the plurality of
seats are positioned on a first plane.
20. The game device of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of
seats is oriented the same as each other of the plurality of
seats.
21. A game device comprising: at least one block, each of the at
least one block including a plurality of faces, a plurality of
edges, and a plurality of block guides, each of the plurality of
edges being located along the intersection of two of the plurality
of faces, each of the plurality of block guides being located along
one of the plurality of edges; and a tray including a plurality of
seats and a plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray
guides being located between two of the plurality of seats; wherein
each of the plurality of faces and each of the plurality of seats
are shaped to nest when one of the plurality of faces is placed
atop one of the plurality of seats; and wherein each of the
plurality of block guides and each of the plurality of tray guides
are shaped to enable one of the plurality of block guides to pivot
about a pivot axis when one of the plurality of block guides
engages one of the plurality of tray guides and a force having a
component that is perpendicular to the pivot axis acts on the at
least one block.
22. The puzzle of claim 21, wherein plurality of seats and a
plurality of tray guides are all located on a first plane and the
component is parallel to the first plane.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to puzzles.
[0002] A wide variety of puzzles and puzzle devices are available,
including both mechanical and electronic puzzles. In such puzzles,
the user manipulates the puzzle to achieve a desired result or to
solve a problem. The well-known Rubik's Cube is an example of such
a puzzle, wherein the user is required to rotate portions of a cube
that are each made up of smaller cubes having differently colored
sides. The objective of Rubik's Cube is to manipulate the cube in a
matter that results in a desired pattern of colors, the simplest
being a single color on each side of the cube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one respect, the invention comprises a set of blocks that
are manipulated on a tray. Each block includes opposing faces that
intersect to form edges. A block guide is located along each of the
edges. The tray includes seats and tray guides located between
adjacent seats. The faces and seats are configured to be received
into one another. In one embodiment, the faces are recessed and the
seats are protrusions that are complimentary in shape to the faces.
This configuration could be reversed in an alternate embodiment.
The block guides and tray guides are configured so that a block
guide can pivot about a pivot axis when the block guide engages a
tray guide. In one embodiment, the block guides comprise
cylindrically-shaped recesses and the tray guides comprise
cylindrically-shaped protrusions. The structures could be reversed
in an alternate embodiment.
[0004] In another respect, the invention comprises at least one
block, each block including faces, edges, and block guides. Each
edge is located along the intersection of two of the faces. Each of
the block guides is located along one of the edges. A tray is also
provided. The tray includes seats and tray guides. Each of the tray
guides is located between two of the seats. Each of the faces and
each of the seats are shaped to nest when a face is placed atop a
seat. Each of the block guides and each of the tray guides are
shaped to enable a block guide to pivot about a pivot axis when
that block guide engages one of the tray guides and a horizontal
force that is perpendicular to the pivot axis acts on the block on
which that block guide is located.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the appended drawing figures wherein like numerals
denote like elements.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a
game device, including a tray and a plurality of blocks in
accordance with the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single block;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tray
that could be used with the blocks shown in FIGS. 1-3;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view thereof, and
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the puzzle from FIG. 1 with
a block shown at a partially tipped position on the tray.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The ensuing detailed description provides preferred
exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the
ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments
will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description
for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments of the
invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended
claims.
[0013] To aid in describing the invention, directional terms are
used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the
present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, X and Z
coordinate axes, etc.). These directional definitions are merely
intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are
not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition,
reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in
association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more
subsequent figures without additional description in the
specification in order to provide context for other features.
[0014] The essence of the invention is a game device consisting of
a tray and a plurality of blocks located on the tray. Each block
preferably has a different design or color on each of its faces,
or, alternatively, a pattern of colors (e.g., one color or pattern
on three of the faces and another pattern or color on the other
three faces, etc.). In the interest of simplicity, all of the faces
in the blocks shown in the attached drawings are shown in the same
color.
[0015] Block movement is guided and movement is limited by the
physical attributes of the block and tray, which will be described
herein in detail. Each block is moved by rotation about the X and Z
axes as referenced in FIGS. 4 & 5. The blocks and tray are
designed to enable each block to be moved about the X and Z axes
with little effort or digital dexterity required of the players.
The blocks are independent of each other and are not attached to
the tray. Therefore, the blocks may be initially arranged and moved
in any sequence chosen by the player or players that is allowed by
the physical constraints inherent in the physical attributes of the
blocks and the tray.
[0016] The blocks and tray of the present invention can be used as
the basis for a wide variety of games and puzzles. For example, one
potential use is as a puzzle for a single player in which the
player manipulates the blocks so that a desired color is shown on
their visible upward facing surfaces, such as a single color,
pattern, or desired configuration of colors or patterns in a
specific arrangement on the tray. Alternatively, another potential
use of the invention is as a multi-player game in which the winner
is the player who can move his or her blocks into a particular
position or pattern first.
[0017] The principles and operation of the game device of the
present invention will be better understood by referring to the
provided drawings and the following description.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, this embodiment of the game device
10 having a plurality of identically-shaped blocks 12 and tray 14.
It should be understood that differing shapes may be used to
accomplish the same or similar end results and that they would not,
given similar function, represent a new invention. FIG. 1 also
shows an example of an initial configuration that may be chosen by
the player. The upward-facing visible colors may be the same or
dissimilar as the beginning point for game or puzzle play.
[0019] The details of one of the blocks 12 are shown more clearly
in FIGS. 2 & 3. In this embodiment, each block 12 is a
semi-solid polyhedron having six faces arranged in a cubic
configuration. Each block 12 is also generally cubic in overall
shape, and therefore, the six faces are arranged in three opposing
pairs. One face 13 is shown in FIG. 3 and is also identified in
FIG. 2. In the interest of simplicity, only one face 13 will be
described in detail. It should be understood that the other five
faces of each block 12 are identical thereto.
[0020] The face 13 comprises a pyramid-shaped pocket 25 (also
referred to herein as a recess) that is truncated to a square tip
15. The truncated tip 15 is included to provide greater structural
integrity and to facilitate mold-release during manufacture. The
walls of each pocket 25 comprise four triangular-shaped and planar
sides 16, 17, 18, 19. The sides 16, 17, 18, 19 are each identical
in shape.
[0021] Each of the sides 16, 17, 18, 19 terminates at one of four
edges 20, 21, 22, 23, respectively. The edges 20, 21, 22, 23 define
lines of intersection between adjacent faces 13 of the block 12.
The edges 20, 21, 22, 23 intersect at rounded corners 35, 36, 37,
38 and are arranged in a square configuration. One of the edges 20
will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the other
edges 21, 22, 23 are identical in structure to the described edge
20.
[0022] The edge 20 is linear in the length-wise direction and has a
convex, rounded surface 40. A cylindrically-shaped recess 26 is
located in the center of the edge 20. As will be explained herein,
this recess 26 functions as a block guide that cooperates with a
complimentarily-shaped part on the tray 14 (i.e., a tray guide) to
stabilize blocks 12 during rotational movement. The recess 26
preferably comprises no more than a half-cylinder and is oriented
at a 45-degree angle (i.e., coming out of the page at a 45-degree
angle when looking at FIG. 3). The recess 26 preferably terminates
at an end 41, 42, each of which is preferably located near each of
the corners 35, 36. Each of the ends 41, 42 is preferably
spherically-shaped (each end 41, 42 comprising no more than a
quarter-sphere).
[0023] The size of each block 12 and the overall size of the tray
14 are selected to enable the block 12 to be easily manipulated by
a single finger of a user and for the tray 14 to be held in one
hand or set in the lap of a user. In this embodiment, each side 16
of each block 12 is preferably 15-30 mm in length. The blocks 12
are preferably made from molded plastic, but could alternatively be
machined from metallic materials, crafted from wood or other
man-made composites common to woodworking, cast from molten
metallic material or otherwise formed from polymeric materials. In
the case of game device 10, the blocks 12 are preferably molded
from a common polymer, such as polypropylene or polycarbonate, for
example.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 4, the tray 14 includes a top surface 43
that comprises an array of seats 30 and an array of
cylindrically-shaped tray guides 33, 34. Both the seats 30 and tray
guides 33, 34 are arranged in a single plane (which is co-planar
with the X and Z axes shown in FIG. 4). A perimeter wall 44 is also
provided, which is preferably tall enough to prevent blocks 12 from
easily falling or tipping out of the tray 14, but low enough to
allow blocks 12 to be easily moved/tipped from the side. The
preferred height of the perimeter wall 44 is between 1/4 and 1/3 of
the height of the blocks 12 (see FIG. 6), and is preferably not
greater than 1/2 of the height of the blocks 12.
[0025] In this embodiment, each of the seats 30 comprises a
truncated pyramidal protrusion. The seats 30 are arranged in linear
rows and columns in a four-by-four matrix, all having the same
shape and orientation. Other configurations could be provided, such
as a two-by-four or six-by-six matrix. In this embodiment, the
ratio of blocks 12 to seat 30 is 1 to 2 (see FIGS. 1 & 6).
Obviously, other ratios could be provided, depending upon the rules
and objectives of the game or puzzle with which the game device 10
is being used. In the interest of simplicity, one of the seats 30
will be described in detail and it is to be understood that all of
the other seats 30 in the tray 14 are identical thereto in
structure.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 4 & 5, each seat 30 is complimentary
in shape to each of the pockets 25 of each of the blocks 12. Like
each pocket 25, the seat 30 is a truncated pyramid, having four
planar, triangular-shaped sides 45, 46, 47, 48 that meet at a
truncated square tip 49. The seat 30 is preferably truncated at a
slightly lower point than the pockets 25. The shape and arrangement
of the seats 30 is intended to facilitate rotational movement of
the blocks 12 and to provide a stable rest position for the blocks
12. The shape of a pocket 25 of any block 12 matches the shape of
any seat 30, thereby providing a stable rest position after a
move.
[0027] The tray guides 33, 34 are oriented in the direction of the
Z and X axes, respectively, and are positioned between adjacent
seats 30. Each of the tray guides 33, 34 is complementary in shape
to the recesses 26 of the blocks 12. In order to facilitate
identification, the tray guides 34 that are parallel to the X axis
will be referred to as X-axis tray guides 34 and the tray guides 33
that are parallel to the Z axis will be referred to as Z-axis tray
guides 33. An X-axis tray guide 34 is located between each adjacent
seat 30 extending in the direction of the X axis. Similarly, a
Z-axis tray guide 33 is located between each adjacent seat 30
extending in the Z-axis direction.
[0028] The purpose of the tray guides 33, 34 is to force proper
rotation of a block 12 as it is moved from one seat 30 to an
adjacent seat 50. For example, as a block 12 is moved along the Z
axis from a resting position on a seat 30 (see FIG. 4) to a
partially-rotated position (see FIG. 6), the X-axis tray guide 34
engages a recess 26 (not visible in FIG. 6). The recess 26 (block
guide) pivots about the X-axis tray guide 34, which forces rotation
of the block 12 about a pivot axis (the pivot axis of the block 12
being along the longitudinal axis of the tray guide 34), prevents
non-rotational movement of the block 12, and prevents rotation of
the block 12 in any other direction. Similarly, the Z-axis tray
guide 33 performs the same function if a block 12 is rotated from
one seat to an adjacent seat in a direction parallel to the
Z-axis.
[0029] This configuration enables the user to be less precise in
the direction of the force required to tip a block 12 from one
protrusion 30 to an adjacent protrusion. Under most conditions, the
block movement described in the preceding paragraph will occur as
long as a significant component of the force vector being applied
to the block 12 is both perpendicular to the pivot axis and
parallel to the plane in which the seats 30 and tray guides 33, 34
are located.
[0030] In this embodiment, the tray 14 is preferably molded of a
common polymer such as polypropylene or polycarbonate to enable
economical and efficient manufacture of the shapes required. This
will also result in a tray 14 that is light, reasonable to handle,
dimensionally accurate and durable. In this embodiment the tray 14,
to be compatible with the previously described block 12, would be
sized from 80 to 160 mm square. Alternatively, the tray 14 could be
machined from metallic materials, crafted from wood or other man
made composites common to woodworking, cast from molten metallic
material or molded from polymer materials.
[0031] FIGS. 4 & 6 show the blocks 12 in one initial
configuration utilizing eight blocks 12 on a tray 14 with a
four-by-four seat 30 arrangement. This arrangement is only one of a
wide variety of formats and configurations that are possible and
will be used as an illustration of the object of the puzzle,
understanding there are numerous possible combinations involving
the number of the blocks 12, their initial location and orientation
and configuration/size of the tray 14.
[0032] One possible game device 10 solution, when used as a
single-player puzzle, could involve the blocks 12 initially
oriented in two parallel rows as shown in FIG. 6 with a common
color presented on the upward facing triangular face 24 of each
pocket 25. The object could be to move each of the blocks 12 by
rotating them along the X or Z axis, one move at a time, in such a
sequence as to result in a pre-chosen color being presented on the
pocket 25 of the upward-facing face 13 as the blocks 12 are aligned
in a mirror arrangement on the tray 14.
[0033] Numerous other initial and final formats are possible
utilizing the concept of the block 12 and tray 14 with
complementary shapes and a block 12 with distinguishing face
characteristics such as color or design. This example is used for
illustration is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention.
[0034] While the principles of the invention have been described
above in connection with preferred embodiments, it is to be clearly
understood that this description is made only by way of example and
not as a limitation of the scope of the invention.
* * * * *