U.S. patent application number 13/373828 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-06 for exercise game.
Invention is credited to Jerry North.
Application Number | 20120223480 13/373828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46752835 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120223480 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
North; Jerry |
September 6, 2012 |
Exercise game
Abstract
An exercise board game for promoting exercise and fitness is
disclosed which has a game board, movable playing pieces for each
of one or more players, a plurality of exercise technique cards
having instructions on performing exercises, and equipment for use
following selection of an exercise. The game board has a playing
surface with a path to advance said playing pieces. The player will
roll a colored die and pull a card from a corresponding colored
deck. The player will attempt to perform the exercise challenge on
the card and, after successful completion, move the playing piece
along the game board path. The board piece is marked to follow a
path with the movable pieces based on the roll of a die and the
level of the exercise challenge.
Inventors: |
North; Jerry; (Poughkeepsie,
NY) |
Family ID: |
46752835 |
Appl. No.: |
13/373828 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61418527 |
Dec 1, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/242 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00006 20130101;
A63F 1/04 20130101; A63F 3/00028 20130101; A63B 67/04 20130101;
A63B 5/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/242 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00; A63B 67/00 20060101 A63B067/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing an exercise game comprising the steps of:
providing a game board having a plurality of contiguous spaces,
including exercise spaces and flexibility spaces arranged in a
plurality of designated areas around the game board; providing a
plurality of playing pieces; providing a plurality of exercise
cards divided into groups, each group containing a plurality of
cards; and determining by chance which group of cards from which to
select an exercise card.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method of
determining by chance the which group of cards from which to select
an exercise card is made by a throw of a die.
3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the die includes a
plurality of colors corresponding to colors of each group of
exercise cards.
4. The method according to claim 2 wherein the die includes a
wildcard indicia.
5. The method according to claim 4 wherein said wildcard indicia
permits free selection by a player of a card from any desired group
of exercise cards.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein exercise instructions
are imprinted on at least one face of said exercise cards, the
instructions imprinted on each group of cards relating to the same
category of exercises.
7. The method according to claim 6 wherein said categories of
exercises include jump rope exercises, box exercises, ladder
drills, and core exercises.
8. The method according to claim 6 wherein said exercise
instructions are provided for a plurality of levels.
9. The method according to claim 6 wherein said categories of
exercises includes flexibility exercises.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing
a plurality of exercise devices selected from the group consisting
of box; ladder; jump rope; and core mat.
11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing
a timing device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims benefit of
copending and co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/418,527 entitled "Exercise Game", filed with the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office on Dec. 1, 2010 by the inventor herein, the
specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to the field of board games and more
particularly to a board game designed for players of the game to
improve their athletic ability by performing various exercises in
playing of the game.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Doctors and health specialists have long advised people to
engage in some form of physical activity, in that even seemingly
insignificant activity can be very beneficial to the overall health
status of the person. Many people do not participate in a regularly
scheduled physical activity or exercise program, and, to many
people, calisthenics and the like quickly become routine and
boring, and therefore are not performed with any regularity. It is
well known that people will more willingly engage in exercise or
physical activity that is fun, enjoyable and challenging. When
physical exercise becomes a game, people do it for fun and
enjoyment; hence, much less self-motivation is required. Devices
and apparatus are often all that is needed to convert physical
exercise into a game that has an objective other than the mere
physical benefit. Hence, such devices as the hula-hoop, Frisbee and
the like have achieved substantial popularity. In addition,
exercise that can be done by two people simultaneously has proven
to be more popular than individual activity, especially if an
element of competition is involved in the activity. This is
evidenced by the popularity of games such as croquet, badminton,
tennis and the like. The device or apparatus also serves as a gauge
by which a person can measure his improvement through continued
use. This, too, will encourage continued participation in the
activity, as the participant can see improvement and is encouraged
and challenged thereby to do even better.
[0006] Coaches train athletes in the specific skills for
participation in a specific physical activity. In some, but not all
cases, the coach may enlist the assistance of others in this
endeavor. For example, the coach may refer the athlete to a
specific subcategory of coach known as a strength-and-conditioning
coach or to another subcategory of coach known as an exercise
coach. This referral is designed to attempt to enhance the
athlete's basic physical skills. The higher the level of
competition, the more likely an athletic participant will have
access to other specialists including, but not limited to
nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and psychologists. These
professionals also aim to refine and optimize athletic performance
through a myriad of non-physical means within their specific area
of expertise.
[0007] There are known in the art a variety of board games designed
to encourage weight control, dieting, nutrition, and exercise. A
common theme to most of these games is to encourage weight control
and exercise. Although encouragement is good, nothing prevents the
game players from disregarding all information and encouragement
obtained during the playing and never actually practicing good
exercise or nutrition at any time. The present invention has a
major advantage of not only encouraging exercise in playing the
game, but makes exercise an actual part of playing the game. This
way the participant not only enjoys the friendly competition in
playing the game with others, but also obtains the healthy
advantages of exercise during the actual playing of the game.
SUMMARY
[0008] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide an exercise game that avoids the disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0009] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an
exercise game that is inexpensive and of simplified construction so
as to be commercially feasible.
[0010] A further object of the invention is to provide an exercise
game that can accommodate more than one player. A related object of
the invention is to provide an exercise game for one to four
players or teams. A further related object of the invention is to
provide an exercise game that promotes competition among
players.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
game having a unique game board and a variety of game
equipment.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise
game that provides protection against ultraviolet radiation.
[0013] In accordance with the above objects, an exercise game for
promoting exercise and fitness, having; a plurality of playing
pieces for each of one or more players, a plurality of cards having
instructions on performing exercises, and equipment for use after
selection of an exercise. The game board has a playing surface with
a path to advance said playing pieces. The player will roll a
colored die and pull a card from a corresponding colored deck. The
player will attempt to perform the exercise challenge on the card
and, after successful completion, move the playing piece along the
game board path.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the
following description of embodiments thereof shown in the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a game board layout according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the game playing pieces
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration of exercise cards for use in a
game according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a box for holding the cards of FIG. 3 according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a layout of the game and exercise pieces
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a core mat for use in a game according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a ladder for use in a game according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a box for use in a game according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a box cover for use in a game
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top view of the interior of a storage box
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a top view of the interior of a storage box with
game equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0026] FIG. 12 is a close up view of a game board layout according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The invention summarized above and defined by the enumerated
claims may be better understood by referring to the following
description, which should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. This description of an embodiment, set out
below to enable one to practice an implementation of the invention,
is not intended to limit the preferred embodiment, but to serve as
a particular example thereof. Those skilled in the art should
appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific
embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other
methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the
present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize
that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention in its broadest form.
[0028] The game, according to the present invention, enables a
method to learn basic athletic fundamentals, such as coordination,
core strength, quickness, agility, endurance, and plymometrics.
According to a preferred embodiment, the game can be played by a
single player, 1-4 individual players, or up to four teams of two
players each. An objective of the game is to be the first
individual or team to move around the board through all of the
playing areas and make it back to the locker room before any other
individual or team. FIG. 1 shows four playing areas consisting of
baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. Corresponding playing
pieces are shown in FIG. 2. Play of the game requires a timing
device and at least one die having five colors coordinated to the
cardholders. In some embodiments, at least one color may represent
a wildcard. In some embodiments, the colors may be Blue, Silver,
Black, and Green, with Red serving as the wildcard. Other colors
can be used.
[0029] The game should be played in a space having an area for use
of the jump rope, box, ladder, and core mat, such as shown in FIG.
5. To set up the game, the game board is pulled out of the bottom
of the box (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Four decks of exercise cards, such
as shown in FIG. 3, should be shuffled, and placed in a cardholder
(FIG. 4) in any of the spots on the board, such as shown in FIG. 1.
In a preferred embodiment, there are at least four categories of
cards; each category is associated with a type of exercise or
drill, such as a jump rope exercise, a box exercise, a ladder
drill, or a core exercise. Additional card decks and exercise
equipment can be used. FIG. 6 shows a mat for performing core
exercises. FIG. 7 shows a ladder for performing designated drills.
It is contemplated that all the pieces can be stored inside the box
(see FIGS. 10-11).
[0030] There are also warm-up and flexibility cards that can be
placed on appropriate locations on the board. The warm-up and
flexibility cards will be used in the beginning of the game to warm
up an individual player or team, and then throughout the game as
the player/team game piece passes over designated places on the
game board, such as flexibility spots, in order to ensure the
player(s) stay loose and prevent injury. Preferably, a means for
demonstrating each exercise, such as a DVD with a video or a
display poster, is available to show how to perform any of the
exercises.
[0031] According to an embodiment for one person, to start the
game, the player selects a game piece and places it on the start
position. Before the first play, the player picks a warm-up card
and completes the exercise before starting the exercise categories.
The player then rolls the colored die and picks a card from the
colored box that corresponds to the color on the die. The player
can choose an appropriate level for the exercise and then perform
the challenge. If the player successfully completes the challenge,
the player may move his or her game piece forward on the game board
the designated spaces on the board according to the card pulled.
The difficulty level of the card dictates how many spaces can be
moved along the board (1 to 3 spaces). The player will then
continue to roll the die and complete challenges described on the
cards until he or she moves the game piece around the board to
reach the locker room. If at any point the player pulls a card that
is too difficult to complete at the selected difficulty level, the
player must drop down a level so that he or she can successfully
complete the exercise and keep moving along the board.
[0032] To complete most challenges successfully, the player should
try to complete the most number of repetitions as possible in 30
seconds. Core Level 1 cards require the player to hold the
positions for as long as possible.
[0033] As the player moves the game piece around the board
according to a certain difficulty level, all cards from completed
challenges should be kept in a pile and the player's score should
be marked on a score sheet. Once the player reaches the locker
room, a total score is determined by adding all difficulty level
points together. Each time an individual player plays the game, he
or she should try to beat the previous score. Once a player has
reached the highest point total by completing all Level 3 cards, a
new test can be to keep track of the total time to finish the game
(using Level 3 cards only). A player should record the exact time
he or she starts and finishes the game, trying to decrease the
total time it takes to complete the game.
[0034] According to an embodiment for multiple individuals, to
start the game every person picks a warm-up card to complete. After
warm-up, one player, typically the oldest player, gets to go first
and has control of the board. Other methods of determining the
first player can be used. After the first challenge, control of the
board is then awarded to the winner of each challenge. The
individual with control of the board rolls the colored die and
picks a card from the colored box that corresponds to the color on
the die. The individual with control of the board can also choose
the difficulty level to perform the activity described on the card.
The individual with control of the board reads the card aloud and
chooses one other player to compete against in the challenge.
[0035] Typically, the most number of repetitions of the exercise
described on the card performed in 30 seconds wins the challenge.
In some embodiments, the amount of time to perform a challenge may
be more or less than 30 seconds. Preferably, the rules for Level 1
challenges for the core activities are detailed on the cards.
[0036] The winner of the challenge gains control of the board and
moves his or her game piece the number of designated spaces on the
board according to the card. The difficulty level of the card
dictates how many spaces can be moved along the board (1 to 3
spaces). The player in control of the board keeps rolling and
choosing cards until another player wins the challenge and gains
control of the board. In case of a tie, the challenge is repeated
until there is a winner.
[0037] According to an embodiment for teams, to start the game,
every team picks a warm-up card to complete. After warm-up, one
team, typically the team with the oldest player, gets to go first
and has control of the board. Other methods of determining the
first team can be used. After the first challenge, control of the
board is then awarded to the winning team after each challenge. The
team with control of the board rolls the colored die and picks a
card from the colored box that corresponds to the color on the die.
The team with control of the board can also choose the difficulty
level to perform the challenge on the card. The team with control
of the board reads the card aloud and chooses a team member to
compete in the challenge. All other team(s) then choose one member
from their team to compete against the team in control of the
board.
[0038] Typically, the most number of repetitions of the exercise
described on the card performed in 30 seconds wins the challenge.
In some embodiments, the amount of time to perform a challenge may
be more or less than 30 seconds. Preferably, the rules for Level 1
challenges for the core activities are detailed on the cards.
[0039] The team that wins the challenge gains control of the board
and moves their game piece the designated number of spaces on the
board according to the card pulled. The difficulty level of the
card dictates how many spaces can be moved along the board (1 to 3
spaces). The team in control of the board keeps rolling and
choosing cards until another team wins and gains control of the
board. In case of a tie, the challenge is repeated with the same
players from each team until there is a winner.
[0040] In any embodiment, the game board may include designated
flexibility spots as shown in FIG. 12. As a game piece is moved
along the board, it may pass a flexibility spot. Each time the game
piece passes a flexibility spot, the individual or team pulls a
flexibility card and completes the activity designated on the
card.
[0041] It is contemplated that once a player has mastered the
fundamentals of the game, supplemental advanced decks of cards may
be used. Such advanced exercises may encompass more equipment such
as dumbbells, treadmills, kettle balls, medicine balls, stability
balls, stability discs, hurdles, harnesses, resistance bands,
sleds, weight vests. The advanced decks of cards will fit into the
existing board and act as a way to advance performance beyond basic
fundamentals. In addition, sports specific cards may be available
for providing pre-season, in season and post season programs (which
includes regeneration and posture training addressing any overuse
injuries or issues created during the season). Sports specific
programs may include, but are not limited to, football, basketball,
baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, golf, MMA/Boxing,
wrestling, track and field.
[0042] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as described. Having now
fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications
of the concept underlying the present invention, various other
embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the
embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to
those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said
underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the
invention might be practiced otherwise than as specifically set
forth herein. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *