U.S. patent application number 13/956301 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-12 for strategic pattern building game.
The applicant listed for this patent is Thomas Jiang. Invention is credited to Thomas Jiang.
Application Number | 20140159309 13/956301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50880102 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140159309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jiang; Thomas |
June 12, 2014 |
STRATEGIC PATTERN BUILDING GAME
Abstract
A strategic pattern building game that includes a marker matrix
configured to receive playing markers along an insertion edge of
the marker matrix and guide each of the playing markers into one of
a plurality of predefined positions. The marker matrix is further
configured to define a plurality of parallel channels that
segregate the plurality of predefined positions into one of
horizontal rows and vertical columns. Each of the plurality of
parallel channels is configured to receive a playing marker into an
insertion position adjacent the insertion edge of the marker
matrix. A previously inserted playing marker present in a channel
and located at a prior position is urged into an adjacent position
characterized as being adjacent to the prior position and displaced
one predefined position further away from the insertion position
when a subsequent playing marker is inserted into the insertion
position of the channel.
Inventors: |
Jiang; Thomas; (Kokomo,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jiang; Thomas |
Kokomo |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50880102 |
Appl. No.: |
13/956301 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61709133 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/271 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2003/0041 20130101;
A63F 3/00094 20130101; A63F 3/00634 20130101; A63F 2003/00637
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/271 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. A strategic pattern building game comprising: a marker matrix
configured to receive playing markers along an insertion edge of
the marker matrix and guide each of the playing markers into one of
a plurality of predefined positions, wherein the marker matrix is
further configured to define a plurality of parallel channels that
segregate the plurality of predefined positions into one of
horizontal rows and vertical columns, wherein each of the plurality
of parallel channels is configured to receive a playing marker into
an insertion position adjacent the insertion edge of the marker
matrix, wherein a previously inserted playing marker present in a
channel and located at a prior position is urged into an adjacent
position characterized as being adjacent to the prior position and
displaced one predefined position further away from the insertion
position when a subsequent playing marker is inserted into the
insertion position of the channel.
2. The game in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game further
comprises a plurality of playing markers, said playing markers
configured to be distinguishable into two categories to distinguish
playing markers of a first player from playing markers of a second
player.
3. The game in accordance with claim 1, wherein the marker matrix
defines a plurality of openings configured so at least a portion of
a playing marker can be directly viewed by a player the when the
playing marker is located at one of the predefined positions.
4. The game in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the
parallel channels includes position features configured to urge a
playing marker into one of the predefined positions.
5. The game in accordance with claim 4, wherein the plurality of
parallel channels are oriented to segregate the predefined
positions into horizontal rows, and the insertion edge is
characterized as a right edge of the marker matrix such that
previously inserted playing markers are displaced horizontally left
into an adjacent position characterized one position away from the
insertion position when a playing marker is inserted the insertion
position of the channel.
6. The game in accordance with claim 5, wherein each of the
parallel channels is equipped with a solid bump configured to
cooperate with gravity to urge a playing marker into a predefined
position proximate to the solid bump.
7. The game in accordance with claim 4, wherein each of the
parallel channels is equipped with a spring configured to urge a
playing marker into a predefined position proximate to the spring,
and deflect when a playing marker is forced through the channel
past the spring.
8. The game in accordance with claim 4, wherein each of the
parallel channels is equipped with a one-way gate configured to
urge a playing marker into a predefined position proximate to the
one-way gate, and deflect when a playing marker is forced through
the channel past the one-way gate.
9. The game in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of
parallel channels are oriented to segregate the predefined
positions into vertical columns and the insertion edge is
characterized as a bottom edge of the marker matrix, wherein the
marker matrix further comprises a plurality of retainer devices
arranged along the insertion edge of the marker matrix, said
plurality of retainer devices configured to allow a playing marker
to be forced in a upward direction through a retainer device into
the insertion position of a channel, and prevent the playing marker
from falling through the retainer device in a downward
direction.
10. The game in accordance with claim 1, wherein the marker matrix
comprises a first wall configured to define a front face of the
marker matrix, and a second wall configured to define a back face
of the marker matrix, wherein the second wall includes channel
features configured to cooperate with the first wall to define the
plurality of channels when the first wall and the second wall are
assembled to form the marker matrix.
11. The game in accordance with claim 1, wherein the game further
comprises a tool configured to assist with removing playing markers
from the marker matrix.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/709,133,
filed Oct. 2, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to a strategic pattern
building game for competition between players, and more
particularly relates a marker matrix configured to receive and
guide playing markers into channels that have a plurality of
predefined positions.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Board games have historically been an extremely popular form
of entertainment for people of all ages, both as recreational
leisure activities and as competitive activities. Many games, such
as BACKGAMMON.TM., PENTE, GOMOKU, RENJU, and Hasbro's CONNECT
FOUR.TM. are directed to pattern building and/or preventing an
opposing player from building a desired pattern. CONNECT FOUR.TM.
is a two player game in which players take turns dropping
alternating colored discs into a seven-column, six-position per
column marker matrix. The object of the game is to connect
four-similarly-colored discs in a row, either vertically,
horizontally, or diagonally, before an opposing player can do
likewise. The playing markers are inserted into a channel of the
marker matrix column along a top edge of the marker matrix. The
inserted playing marker falls to the lowest open position of the
channel. As such, the skill and/or challenge of playing CONNECT
FOUR.TM. is limited because once a playing marker is inserted into
the marker matrix, the playing marker cannot change position as the
game progresses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one embodiment, a strategic pattern
building game is provided. The game includes a marker matrix
configured to receive playing markers along an insertion edge of
the marker matrix and guide each of the playing markers into one of
a plurality of predefined positions. The marker matrix is further
configured to define a plurality of parallel channels that
segregate the plurality of predefined positions into horizontal
rows or vertical columns. Each of the plurality of parallel
channels is configured to receive a playing marker into an
insertion position adjacent the insertion edge of the marker
matrix. A previously inserted playing marker present in a channel
and located at a prior position is urged into an adjacent position
characterized as being adjacent to the prior position and displaced
one predefined position further away from the insertion position
when a subsequent playing marker is inserted into the insertion
position of the channel.
[0005] Further features and advantages will appear more clearly on
a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiment, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game in accordance with
one embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the game of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the game of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the game of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is close up perspective view of the game of FIG. 1 in
accordance with one embodiment; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the game of FIG. 2 in
accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] While the prior art presents abstract strategy pattern
building games for two players and for pattern building in multiple
directions, the prior art is limited in that it has not presented a
game board assembly with a marker matrix that provides for the
movement of previously played playing markers. The game described
herein overcomes this limitation so the game will appeal to more
skilled players.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a strategic
pattern building game, referred to hereafter as the game 10. The
game 10 includes a marker matrix 12 configured to receive playing
markers 14 along an insertion edge 16 of the marker matrix 12 by a
player 18 of the game 10. By way of example and not limitation,
players take turns inserting playing markers into the marker matrix
12 to create a particular pattern and thereby win the game. For
example, the particular pattern may be when four of the playing
markers 14 having the same color are arranged in a line, either
horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
[0015] In this non-limiting example, the playing markers 14 are
distinguishable into two categories to distinguish playing markers
of a first player (e.g. the player 18) from playing markers of a
second player (not shown). The playing markers 14 may be
distinguishable by color, such as red and black markers commonly
use in a Checkers game. Optionally, the playing markers may have
distinct colors on opposite sides of each playing marker so that
the same playing marker could be used by either player.
Furthermore, having more than two categories is contemplated so
that more than two players can play the game at the same time. For
example, the playing markers 14 may include green and/or white
markers in addition to red and black markers.
[0016] While winning the game 10 may be by way of creating a
particular pattern similar to a pattern found in the CONNECT
FOUR.TM. game, the game 10 described herein differs because each
turn by the player 18 can alter the position of previously inserted
playing markers in the marker matrix 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1.
As such, the complexity and challenge of playing the game 10 is
increased. For example, a playing marker may be pushed out of the
marker matrix 12 when a playing marker is inserted into a row of
the marker matrix 12 that is already full of the playing markers
14.
[0017] In general, the marker matrix 12 is configured to guide each
of the playing markers 14 into one of a plurality of predefined
positions 20. In this non-limiting example, the marker matrix 12
has forty-two predefined positions. However, games with a different
number of predefined potions are contemplated, either more than or
fewer than forty-two. The marker matrix 12 is generally configured
to define a plurality of parallel channels 22 that segregate the
plurality of predefined positions 20 into either horizontal rows or
vertical columns. In this non-limiting example, the marker matrix
12 has seven horizontal rows, and each row defines six predefined
positions. Each row defines one of the parallel channels 22, and
each of the parallel channels 22 is configured to receive the
playing markers 14 into an insertion position 24 adjacent the
insertion edge 16 of the marker matrix 12.
[0018] The marker matrix 12 is preferably made of polymeric
material, for example an injection molded plastic. The polymeric
material may be opaque, and so the marker matrix may include or
define a plurality of openings 29 configured so at least a portion
of the playing markers 14 can be directly viewed by the player 18
the when the playing markers 14 are located at one of the
predefined positions 20. Alternatively, the material use to form
the marker matrix 12 may be optically clear, and so no openings are
required for the player 18 to see or view the playing markers
14.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of a
cross-sectional view of the marker matrix 12. As will be described
in more detail below, the marker matrix 12 may include any of
several optional features described herein so that any previously
inserted playing marker shown is urged in to one of the predefined
positions 20 of the marker matrix 12. Then, when a new playing
marker is inserted at the insertion edge 16 into an insertion
position 24 that is already occupied by one of the playing markers
14 (i.e. a previously inserted playing marker is already present in
a channel 22 and located at a prior position and/or the insertion
position 24), that already present playing marker is urged into an
adjacent position characterized as being adjacent to the prior
position and displaced one predefined position further away from
the insertion position 24.
[0020] As suggested above, each of the parallel channels generally
includes a plurality of position features 28 configured to urge the
playing markers 14 into one of the predefined positions 20. In this
example, the plurality of parallel channels 22 are oriented to
segregate the predefined positions 20 into horizontal rows, and the
insertion edge 16 is characterized as a right edge of the marker
matrix 12 such that previously inserted playing markers are
displaced horizontally to the left into an adjacent position
characterized one position further away from the insertion position
24 when a playing marker is inserted the insertion position 24 of
the channel 22. As used herein, left and right are only used to
clarify the description of the marker matrix 12, and not to limit
the matrix marker from being characterized using other terms such
as, for example, first edge instead of right edge.
[0021] Continuing to refer to the game 10 in FIG. 2, each of the
parallel channels may be equipped with springs 30 formed of, for
example, a twenty millimeter long, two millimeter wide, two-hundred
micrometer thick strip of half hard copper-beryllium alloy formed
as shown to urge a playing marker 14 into a predefined position 20
proximate to the spring 30. When a new playing marker is inserted
into a channel 22, the spring 30 deflects so the playing marker 14
can pass to an adjacent position if the playing marker 14 is forced
through the channel 22 past the spring 30. An advantage of this
configuration is that once the playing markers 14 are inserted into
the marker matrix 12, they generally will not fall out if the
marker matrix 12 is tipped on its side. As such, this configuration
may be especially suitable for use in a moving vehicle such as an
automobile on a family trip. It is recognized that the game 10
configured as this may benefit from including a tool (not shown)
such as a flat stick properly sized to be inserted into a channel
of the marker matrix 12 to force any playing markers 14 in the
channel out of the marker matrix 12. It is also recognized that the
marker matrix could be rotated ninety degrees so that the parallel
channels were vertical columns and the game 10 could be played by
inserting the playing markers 14 from the top or bottom edge of the
marker matrix 12.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-limiting example of another
embodiment of the game 10. In this example, the marker matrix 12 is
equipped with a plurality of solid bumps 32 arranged along each of
the parallel channels 22 is equipped with one or more solid bumps
32 configured to cooperate with gravity to urge a playing markers
14 into the predefined positions 20 proximate to the solid bump 32.
This configuration is advantageous over the configuration shown in
FIG. 2 because the solid bumps 32 could be molded at the same time
that the marker matrix 12 is molded, and thereby save on
manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this configuration would not need
a tool to help remove the playing markers 14 from the marker matrix
12. However, this configuration has a disadvantage in that if the
marker matrix 12 accidently got knocked over, or was oriented
upside-down, the playing markers may fall out of the marker matrix
12. As such, this configuration may not be as suitable for use in a
moving vehicle as is the configuration shown in FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting example of another
embodiment of the game 10. In this example, the marker matrix 12 is
equipped with a plurality of one-way gates 34 configured to urge
the playing markers 14 into one of a plurality of predefined
positions 20 proximate to the one-way gates 34. The one-way gates
34 may be formed of the same material used to form the springs 30,
and so will deflect when a playing marker 14 is forced through the
channel 22 past the one-way gate 34. Configured as shown, the
marker matrix 12 may be rotated ninety degrees so that the parallel
channels are oriented as horizontal rows. Such a configuration is
advantageous because the marker matrix 12 may be suitable for use
in a moving vehicle as the playing markers 14 will not fall out if
the marker matrix 12 is knocked over the orientation is changed. It
is recognized that a tool may be required that fits through the
channel 22 to remove the playing markers 14 from the marker matrix
12 when the game is complete.
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a non-limiting example of another
embodiment of the game 10. In this example, the parallel channels
22 are oriented to segregate the predefined positions 20 into
vertical columns. In this example, the insertion edge 16 is
characterized as a bottom edge of the marker matrix 12. The marker
matrix further comprises a plurality of retainer devices 36
arranged along the insertion edge 16 of the marker matrix 12. In
general, the retainer devices 36 configured to allow a playing
marker (not shown) to be forced in a upward direction through a
retainer device into the insertion position 24 of a channel 22. The
retainer devices 36 are also configured to prevent the playing
marker 14 from falling through the retainer device 36 in a downward
direction 38.
[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the marker matrix 12.
This illustration does not show any of the position features 28
described above (e.g. the springs 30, the solid bumps 32, the
one-way gates 34, or the retainer devices 36 only for the purpose
of simplifying the illustration. As shown, the marker matrix 12
includes comprises a first wall 40 configured to define a front
face 42 of the marker matrix 12, and a second wall 44 configured to
define a back face 46 of the marker matrix. In this non-limiting
example, the first wall 40 is generally flat and does not include
features for defining the parallel channels 22 or mounting
positions features such as the springs 30. The second wall in this
example does include includes channel features 48 configured to
cooperate with the first wall 40 to define the plurality of
parallel channels 22 when the first wall 40 and the second wall 44
are assembled to form the marker matrix 12. This configuration may
be advantageous as any slots or features in the second wall 44 for
attaching the position features 28 may be better defined and so the
marker matrix 12 can be assembled by installing all the position
features 28 into one side of the marker matrix 12.
[0026] Alternatively, the first wall 40 and the second wall 44 may
be identical so that the two major pieces forming the marker matrix
12 can come from the same mold. Such an arrangement would be more
suitable for the configuration shown in FIG. 3 having solid bumps
because there no need to assemble position features onto the first
wall 40 or the second wall 44. It is recognized that various
alignment pins and holes on the walls would be configured so that
the marker matrix could be assembled if the first wall 40 and the
second wall 44 were identical parts, as would be recognized by
those skilled in the art.
[0027] Accordingly, a strategic pattern building game (the game
10), and a marker matrix 12 for the game 10, are provided. The game
10 is more challenging because the playing markers 14 already
present in the marker matrix can be moved by subsequent insertions
of the playing markers 14 into the marker matrix. Some
configurations are particularly suitable for use in a moving
vehicle as the playing markers 14 will remain in the predetermined
positions if the marker matrix 12 is inverted or otherwise subject
to a change in orientation or vibration. Other configurations
exchange this advantage for reducing manufacturing costs. It should
be recognized that some configurations allow for the game to be
selectively played in the same manner as the prior art, or in the
more challenging manner as set for the herein.
[0028] While this invention has been described in terms of the
preferred embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be so limited,
but rather only to the extent set forth in the claims that
follow.
* * * * *