U.S. patent application number 14/863345 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-14 for build construction game and method of playing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel K. Bittner, Ronald David Bittner. Invention is credited to Daniel K. Bittner, Ronald David Bittner.
Application Number | 20160008708 14/863345 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55066551 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160008708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bittner; Ronald David ; et
al. |
January 14, 2016 |
BUILD CONSTRUCTION GAME AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE SAME
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a connecting game
comprising a plurality tiles or bricks. The game is based on the
aspects of building construction wherein the bricks have either a
complimentary key or slot configuration. A successful connection is
made and points scored when the key of one brick is connected to a
slot of a second brick or vice versa. The game may be played
horizontally at a beginner's level and for the more advanced
player, in three-dimensional space not limited to merely stacking
bricks flat but in numerous three dimensional connections and
orientations. Each brick is played with the goal of making the most
key to slot connections in a single move.
Inventors: |
Bittner; Ronald David;
(Spring Valley, CA) ; Bittner; Daniel K.; (Mill
Creek, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bittner; Ronald David
Bittner; Daniel K. |
Spring Valley
Mill Creek |
CA
WA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55066551 |
Appl. No.: |
14/863345 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13811243 |
Apr 3, 2013 |
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PCT/US11/44473 |
Jul 19, 2011 |
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14863345 |
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61365680 |
Jul 19, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/293 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/0612 20130101;
A63F 9/20 20130101; A63F 2003/00725 20130101; A63F 2003/0022
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/20 20060101
A63F009/20 |
Claims
1. A design, build construction game for play in three dimensions,
the game comprising: a set of rules, a plurality of bricks each
brick having at least one long side surface, at least one upper/top
surface, and at least one shorter end surface, wherein forming a
part of at least one upper surface of each brick is at least one
bit, the at least one bit having either a key or slot
configuration, and wherein when the key of one brick is coupled to
the slot of another brick, a connection is made, and further
wherein the key of one brick and the slot of another brick may
within the rules of the game make at least the following types of
connections, each type of connection being distinct: both bricks
flat and adjacent at the connection, one brick flat and the other
brick adjacent and upright at the connection, one brick flat and
the other brick atop the end of the upper surface and upright at
the connection, one brick flat and the other brick atop a non-end
portion of the upper surface and upright at the connection, one
brick flat and the other brick adjacent and on the side at the
connection, one brick flat and the other brick on the side atop the
upper surface at the connection, one brick on the side and the
other brick on the side and atop at the connection.
2. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bricks are
substantially rectangular in shape and having bottom surface, a
second side surface, and a second end surfaces.
3. The game of claim 2, wherein a mirror image of the at least one
bit forming a part of the top surface forms a part of the bottom
surface.
4. The game of claim 1, wherein each brick includes a plurality of
bits.
5. The game of claim 4, wherein each brick includes between 2 and 8
bits.
6. The game of claim 5, wherein each brick includes 8 bits.
7. The game of claim 1, wherein each brick is partitioned into
equal halves, each half including at least one bit.
8. The game of claim 7, wherein each half includes a plurality of
bits.
9. The game of claim 8, wherein each half includes between 2 and 4
bits.
10. The game of claim 9, wherein each half includes 4 bits.
11. The game of claim 1, wherein a plurality of connections forms a
three dimensional structure.
12. The game of claim 1, wherein the game includes at least 50
bricks.
13. The game of claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of bit
configurations.
14. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bricks are
designed with a visual indicator, the visual indicator selected
from at least one member of the group consisting of color, design,
letters, texture, and numbers.
15. The game of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bricks includes
electronic components selected from at least one member of the
group consisting of a sound emitting device, illumination device,
and a radio frequency identifier chip.
16. The game of claim 1, wherein the game is played electronically
on a device selected from a member of the group consisting of
mobile phone devices, smart phone devices, computing devices,
mobile game stations, personal gaming devices, and arcade
games.
17. The game of claim 16, wherein the game is played by a plurality
of players over a computer network, wherein the device selected
from a member of the group consisting of mobile phone devices,
smart phone devices, computing devices, mobile game stations,
personal gaming devices, and arcade games is connected to the
computer network by a cellular broadband connection, a cable modem,
a DSL modem, a dial-up modem, or a wireless router.
18. A design, build construction game comprising: a plurality of
bricks having top/upper and bottom surfaces, a plurality of sides
and a plurality of ends, wherein forming a part of the top and
bottom surface of each brick is at least one bit, the at least one
bit having either a key or slot configuration, and wherein when the
key of one brick is coupled to the slot of another brick, a
connection is made; at least one playing rack for organizing a
player's bricks; at least one game card including instructions and
visual descriptions for playing a three-dimensional game; and
further comprising a set of rules, wherein the key of one brick and
the slot of another brick may within the rules of the game make at
least the following types of connections, each type of connection
being distinct: both bricks flat and adjacent at the connection,
one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and upright at the
connection, one brick flat and the other brick atop the end of the
upper surface and upright at the connection, one brick flat and the
other brick atop a non-end portion of the upper surface and upright
at the connection, one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and
on the side at the connection, one brick flat and the other brick
on the side atop the upper surface at the connection, one brick on
the side and the other brick on the side and atop at the
connection.
19. A method of playing a design, build construction game, for
first and second players, said method comprising the steps of: each
such player and/or team selecting game bricks having thereon at
least one bit, each bit having thereon at least one key/lock;
positioning a first game brick representing the first such player's
move; a second such player establishing a connection to the first
game brick; the first such player establishing a connection to the
second such player's connection; the first such player and the
second such player alternating turns making connections among the
game bricks; and awarding points to the first and the second such
players for a successful connection of the game bricks, wherein the
key of one brick and the slot of another brick may make at least
the following types of connections, each type of connection being
distinct: both bricks flat and adjacent at the connection, one
brick flat and the other brick adjacent and upright at the
connection, one brick flat and the other brick atop the end of the
upper surface and upright at the connection, one brick flat and the
other brick atop a non-end portion of the upper surface and upright
at the connection, one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and
on the side at the connection, one brick flat and the other brick
on the side atop the upper surface at the connection, one brick on
the side and the other brick on the side and atop at the
connection.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES
[0001] This application claims priority and benefit from U.S.
Utility Patent Application No. 13/811,243 filed 04/03/2013, which
claims priority and benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/365,680 filed Jul. 19, 2010 and further
claims priority from International Application No.
PCT/US2011/044473 with an international filing date of Jul. 19,
2011, and which applications are incorporated herein in their
entirety by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a tile
connection game, but more specifically, to a design, build,
construction game and method of playing the same in
three-dimensional space to develop cognitive thinking and mental
aptitude.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are many games in existence which promote competition,
provoke thought, or simply provide entertainment. Many games
involve chance while others require skill and some games combine
both chance and skill--one of the oldest games being Dominoes.
Dominoes is a game consisting of tiles which have a set of pips on
one side that are identifiable by color or number. A domino is
played by matching the domino with an existing domino that has the
same number of pips. Over time there have been many variations of
the game Dominoes, which have been the subject of many U.S.
patents. There have also been games invented where play is
facilitated by forming a three dimensional structure. See for
example U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,926 to Teeple and U.S. Pat. No.
6,893,020 to Snyder. In general known reference documents teach
either building blocks with physical projections allowing only face
to face vertical building (for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,231 to
Henderson), or domino type games which are enhanced only with face
to face type vertical building or other non-related rules (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,370,398), or even games which are not three dimensional
at all but merely have different rows on a flat surface, the rows
called "levels" or the like but not actually vertical unless the
playing surface is vertical (US 2008/0318653 in the name of Lima et
al, which has no stacking of tiles atop one another in any way) or
even games with no apparent three dimensional element at all (U.S.
Pat. No. 4,236,729 to Belony, US 2009/0322026 to Sun et al, US
2070228655 to Teeple). Note that U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,695 to Hess
teaches a three dimensional building game with domino-like blocks,
however, the blocks not only lack key bits and slot bits, they also
lack edges and thus cannot provide as many three dimensional
combinations as blocks which differ in three dimensions.
[0004] No prior art known depicts three dimensional connections
between bricks or tiles in which tiles may be perpendicular to one
another, non-coplanar and so on. No prior art depicts three
dimensional connections based upon a binary set of keys or slots:
all known prior art teaches numbers of dots or numbers of bumps or
elaborate patterns.
[0005] The present invention requires skill, promotes problem
solving and is played as a competition. The game combines
engineering, construction, mathematics, and foresight to
successfully play the game. Players must strategize and configure
their moves accordingly so as to acquire the most points possible.
The level of difficulty can be adjusted so that players of all ages
can enjoy playing the game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure relates to a game and a method of
playing the game. The game is based upon the aspects of building
construction consisting of a plurality of bricks. Each brick is a
playing tile having two sides and each side being divided up into
two equal halves. There is a design or rather a bit on each half of
the brick. The basic element of the game is to match key and slot
design features or bits to make a successful connection.
[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a design, build
construction game includes a plurality of bricks. The bricks being
substantially rectangular in shape having a top and bottom surface,
two long side surfaces, and two shorter end surfaces. Forming a
part of at least one surface of each brick is at least one bit, the
at least one bit having either a key or slot configuration. When
the key of one brick is coupled to the slot of another brick, a
connection is made and one point awarded for each proper key to
slot connection.
[0008] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the game
includes at least one playing rack for organizing a player's bricks
and at least one game card including instructions and visual
descriptions for playing a three-dimensional game.
[0009] In yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the game
is played electronically on a device selected from a member of the
group consisting of mobile phone devices, smart phone devices,
computing devices, mobile game stations, personal gaming devices,
and arcade games. The game may be played by a plurality of players
over a computer network, wherein the device is connected to the
computer network by a cellular broadband connection, a cable modem,
a DSL modem, a dial-up modem, or a wireless router.
[0010] In another aspect, a method of playing a design, build
construction game is disclosed comprising the steps of each player
and/or team selecting game bricks; positioning a first game brick
representing the first player's move; a second player establishing
a connection to the first game brick; the first player establishing
a connection to the second player's connection; the first player
and the second player alternating turns making connections among
the game bricks; and awarding points to the first and the second
player for a successful connection of the game bricks.
[0011] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, the game comprising: a set of rules,
a plurality of bricks each brick having at least one long side
surface, at least one upper/top surface, and at least one shorter
end surface, wherein forming a part of at least one upper surface
of each brick is at least one bit, the at least one bit having
either a key or slot configuration, and wherein when the key of one
brick is coupled to the slot of another brick, a connection is
made, and further wherein the key of one brick and the slot of
another brick may within the rules of the game make at least the
following types of connections, each type of connection being
distinct:
[0012] both bricks flat and adjacent at the connection,
[0013] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and upright at
the connection,
[0014] one brick flat and the other brick atop the end of the upper
surface and upright at the connection,
[0015] one brick flat and the other brick atop a non-end portion of
the upper surface and upright at the connection,
[0016] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and on the side
at the connection,
[0017] one brick flat and the other brick on the side atop the
upper surface at the connection,
[0018] one brick on the side and the other brick on the side and
atop at the connection.
[0019] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein the plurality of bricks are
substantially rectangular in shape and having bottom surface, a
second side surface, and a second end surfaces.
[0020] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein a mirror image of the at
least one bit forming a part of the top surface forms a part of the
bottom surface.
[0021] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each brick includes a
plurality of bits.
[0022] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each brick includes between 2
and 8 bits.
[0023] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each brick includes 8
bits.
[0024] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each brick is partitioned
into equal halves, each half including at least one bit.
[0025] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each half includes a
plurality of bits.
[0026] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each half includes between 2
and 4 bits.
[0027] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein each half includes 4
bits.
[0028] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein a plurality of connections
forms a three dimensional structure.
[0029] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein the game includes at least 50
bricks.
[0030] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein there is a plurality of bit
configurations.
[0031] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein the plurality of bricks are
designed with a visual indicator, the visual indicator selected
from at least one member of the group consisting of color, design,
letters, texture, and numbers.
[0032] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein the plurality of bricks
includes electronic components selected from at least one member of
the group consisting of a sound emitting device, illumination
device, and a radio frequency identifier chip.
[0033] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein the game is played
electronically on a device selected from a member of the group
consisting of mobile phone devices, smart phone devices, computing
devices, mobile game stations, personal gaming devices, and arcade
games.
[0034] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
for play in three dimensions, wherein the game is played by a
plurality of players over a computer network, wherein the device
selected from a member of the group consisting of mobile phone
devices, smart phone devices, computing devices, mobile game
stations, personal gaming devices, and arcade games is connected to
the computer network by a cellular broadband connection, a cable
modem, a DSL modem, a dial-up modem, or a wireless router.
[0035] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a design, build construction game
comprising: a plurality of bricks having top/upper and bottom
surfaces, a plurality of sides and a plurality of ends, wherein
forming a part of the top and bottom surface of each brick is at
least one bit, the at least one bit having either a key or slot
configuration, and wherein when the key of one brick is coupled to
the slot of another brick, a connection is made; at least one
playing rack for organizing a player's bricks; at least one game
card including instructions and visual descriptions for playing a
three-dimensional game; and further comprising a set of rules,
wherein the key of one brick and the slot of another brick may
within the rules of the game make at least the following types of
connections, each type of connection being distinct:
[0036] both bricks flat and adjacent at the connection,
[0037] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and upright at
the connection,
[0038] one brick flat and the other brick atop the end of the upper
surface and upright at the connection,
[0039] one brick flat and the other brick atop a non-end portion of
the upper surface and upright at the connection,
[0040] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and on the side
at the connection,
[0041] one brick flat and the other brick on the side atop the
upper surface at the connection,
[0042] one brick on the side and the other brick on the side and
atop at the connection.
[0043] Yet another aspect, embodiment, advantage and objective of
the present invention provides a method of playing a design, build
construction game, for first and second players, said method
comprising the steps of: each such player and/or team selecting
game bricks having thereon at least one bit, each bit having
thereon at least one key/lock; positioning a first game brick
representing the first such player's move; a second such player
establishing a connection to the first game brick; the first such
player establishing a connection to the second such player's
connection; the first such player and the second such player
alternating turns making connections among the game bricks; and
awarding points to the first and the second such players for a
successful connection of the game bricks, wherein the key of one
brick and the slot of another brick may make at least the following
types of connections, each type of connection being distinct:
[0044] both bricks flat and adjacent at the connection,
[0045] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and upright at
the connection,
[0046] one brick flat and the other brick atop the end of the upper
surface and upright at the connection,
[0047] one brick flat and the other brick atop a non-end portion of
the upper surface and upright at the connection,
[0048] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent and on the side
at the connection,
[0049] one brick flat and the other brick on the side atop the
upper surface at the connection,
[0050] one brick on the side and the other brick on the side and
atop at the connection.
[0051] It is contemplated that any method, system or information
described herein can be implemented with respect to any other
method, system or information described herein.
[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention belongs. Methods and materials are
described herein for use of the present invention; other suitable
methods and materials known in the art can also be used. The
materials and methods, and examples are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications,
patents and other references mentioned herein, are incorporated by
reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present
specification, including definitions will control.
[0053] These, and other, embodiments of the invention will be
better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction
with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It
should be understood, however, that the following description,
while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous
specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not
of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions and/or
rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention
without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention
includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions and/or
rearrangements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0054] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in
combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments
presented herein.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates a fifty brick game set with varying bit
designs on each brick;
[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a key and slot connection between a first
and second brick;
[0057] FIG. 3A illustrates both horizontal and vertical brick
positions to make connections;
[0058] FIG. 3B illustrates vertical brick positions to make
connections;
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates game card contents for the Structural
game containing instructions and pictures of a three-dimensional
structure;
[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates game card contents for the Challenge game
containing instructions and pictures of a three-dimensional
structure;
[0061] FIG. 6 illustrative of the varying ways to advance to
another level in the Strategy game;
[0062] FIG. 7 illustrative of what the Strategy game may look like
after several phases of play.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] Glossary
[0064] As used herein the terms Header/Footer refer to one half of
a brick or tile. The tile being rectangular, approximately twice as
long as it is wide, each Header or Footer take up one half the
brick, put together they take up the full top or bottom surface of
the brick.
[0065] Each brick has six standard surfaces, top, bottom, two long
narrow side surfaces and two narrow end surfaces. Being longer than
it is wide, and wider than it is deep, the brick has a "long axis",
"long sides", etc. The header and footer are on the top and bottom
surface, however, the side surfaces and end surfaces are used in
the game and in the claims thereto.
[0066] Each header or footer may have thereon a rectangular
pattern, the term rectangle as used herein and as normally
mathematically defined includes squares (rectangles having four
sides of equal length). The four sides are each interrupted by one
key bit or slot bit, so the rectangular shape is interrupted by
four (or in alternative embodiments fewer than four) bits.
[0067] Key bit as used herein refers to a small extension from the
side of the rectangle, which extension is itself generally
rectangular.
[0068] Slot bit as used herein refers to a small indentation into
the side of the rectangle, and the indentation is also generally
rectangular. The player, seeing key bits and slot bits, might
immediately gain the understanding that a key bit and a slot bit
conceptually fit together, but a slot bit and a slot bit, or a key
bit and a key bit, do not.
[0069] Establishing a connection as used herein refers to a
situation in which a first brick is visible and already in play and
a player places a second brick beside the first brick, with at
least one key of one of the two bricks adjoining at least one slot
of the other of the two bricks. Note an important distinction. In
domino type games dominos are placed substantially flat: the
dominos may be flat beside one another, or they may be stacked flat
atop one another, but they are normally flat. This limitation is
not present in the present invention. A number of three dimensional
configurations may establish a connection between the bricks of the
present invention, such as one brick flat and another one adjacent
and upright, or one brick upright standing on edge or end and the
second upright and atop the edge of the first. Thus the long axis
of one brick may parallel the play surface (a table top, floor, or
the like) while the other brick may have a long axis which is
vertical, non-parallel, and entirely out of plane therefrom. A
number of possible connections made by a key+slot combination on
two adjacent bricks are laid out below, and shown by example in the
figures. A number of larger structures are depicted in the figures
showing the cumulative effect of using numerous of such non-flat
three dimensional connections repetitively.
[0070] Thus a connection is a key and slot combination between two
adjacent bricks, which may further include a three dimensional
element of the bricks having their long axes out of plane from one
another and non-parallel.
[0071] The term "adjacent" as used herein has its normal meaning
that two things (bricks) are adjoining, and bordering. Bricks may
be adjacent in three dimensional space, and may be adjacent even if
only one half of a long side is bordering. Bricks may also be
adjacent when one brick rests on the appropriate bit of another
brick, and may be adjacent when one the connection between the
bricks is made at dissimilar sides of the bricks, for example, a
key on the end of one brick is matched to a slot bit on one half of
the long side of another brick. Note that even then, there are
numerous possibilities: the brick on end may be standing upright on
the playing surface and with the end bit touching one half of the
long side of the other brick laying flat, or, the upright brick may
rest upon the appropriate bit of the flat brick, or, the other
brick may not be flat at all but standing on edge with the upright
brick resting on the edge at the bit, and so on and so forth.
[0072] Thus, the key of one brick and the slot of another brick may
within the rules of the game make at least the following types of
connections, each type of connection being distinct:
[0073] both bricks flat and adjacent at the connection, in a manner
similar to a domino game, with their long axes both horizontal and
either parallel or perpendicular (examples of this may be seen in
FIG. 2);
[0074] both bricks flat and horizontal, one brick stacked atop
another, such as might be seen if the bricks are simply stacked,
with both bricks' long axes being horizontal (such as shown low
down between levels one and two of one side of FIG. 6);
[0075] and specifically including the following methods of key+slot
combinations, which are considerably more involved in three
dimensions and frequently have brick axes which are
non-co-planar:
[0076] one brick flat on the playing surface and the other brick
adjacent and upright at the connection thus one brick having a long
axis which is horizontal and one brick having a long axis which is
vertical, the upright brick resting on the playing surface and
touching/bordering the flat brick, the upright brick being disposed
either at one half of the long side of the flat brick (axes
non-coplanar) (for example as shown in FIG. 3B, reference numeral
128) or at one end of the upright brick (axes coplanar in a
vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the playing
surface) (for example as shown in FIG. 3B, reference numeral 136),
depending on the bit chosen by the player for the connection;
[0077] one brick flat and the other brick atop the end of the upper
surface and upright at the connection, thus the long axes of the
bricks are coplanar in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane
of the playing surface, and the second brick actually rests,
upright, upon the first brick, standing at one end thereof, and one
example of this may be seen at reference numeral 134 of FIG.
3B;
[0078] one brick flat and the other brick atop a non-end portion of
the upper surface which is one half of a long side of the lower
brick, the second brick upright at the connection with the axes
thus coplanar (see numeral 138 of FIG. 3B for an example);
[0079] one brick flat and the other brick adjacent (but not resting
atop it) and on the side at the connection, such as might be shown
by example 130 of FIG. 3B;
[0080] one brick flat and the other brick on the long side side
atop the upper surface of the lower brick at the connection, such
as might be exemplified by 132 of FIG. 3B;
[0081] one brick resting on its long side and the other brick also
on its own long side and atop the first brick's long side at the
connection, or one brick resting on its long side and the other
brick on end atop one half of the first brick's long side at the
connection, (this pattern is exemplified by FIG. 4, showing various
patterns of wall which may be so constructed).
[0082] While the bricks are of necessity shown with one side in
view, it will be understood that the bricks may have bits on both
sides, thus allowing face to face stacking (as discussed previously
in this glossary) or face to face standing as depicted in FIGS. 3B
(118) or in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7.
[0083] Edge to edge stacking may refer to either long edge to long
edge stacking, end to end stacking, or long edge to end stacking
(see FIG. 4).
[0084] For purposes of this glossary, a term used in the claims
hereto has been re-stated, explained, the three dimensional nature
of the connection established discussed and example diagrams are
depicted. Further names for each position are provided in the
detailed discussion below and these can be added to the claims.
[0085] End Glossary
[0086] The present disclosure relates to a game and a method of
playing the game. The game and method of playing the game will be
described in relation to using bricks as presently disclosed.
However, it will be appreciated that, with minor modifications, the
game and method may be adapted for use with other forms or designs
of bricks.
[0087] The game is a construction game consisting of bricks similar
to domino tiles but instead of pips each brick contains bits. A
brick is generally rectangular in shape and may be partitioned into
equal halves. Each brick has a top and bottom surface, two long
side surfaces, and two end surfaces. The top surface of a brick
will contain a plurality of bits, preferably between 2 and 8 bits,
and more preferably 8 bits.
[0088] Bits may be grouped on each half of the partitioned brick in
a generally rectangular puzzle piece like design, with each side of
the rectangle interrupted by a small projection (key) or small
indentation (slot). By the term bit is meant either a key or slot
designation. Thus, referencing the top surface, each half of the
brick contains a plurality of bits, preferably between 2 and 4
bits, and more preferably 4 bits of varying key and slot
designations. The bit design on the bottom surface is a mirror
image of the bit design shown on the top surface. The object of the
game is to make connections by matching a key on a first brick with
a slot on a second brick or vice versa.
[0089] A standard game may include a set of fifty bricks. The set
may have some type of visual identifier to indicate the set of
fifty bricks belongs to one set. The visual identifier could be
color, initials, names, logos, pictures or any other distinguishing
feature. Thus, it is contemplated that game sets may be combined to
increase the number of players, length of play, and game
complexity.
[0090] In one alternative embodiment, bricks may have either one or
two colors, such as a brick which is white on both header and
footer, or blue on both, or one of the header or footer is white
and the other blue. This allows for an increase in the complexity
of the game and the difficulty of making connections, when in
embodiments color rules are used for connections.
[0091] Because the game and method of playing the game using a set
of at least fifty bricks is a construction game, the number and
variation of games playable is limitless. In a preferred
embodiment, the game includes progressively more difficult game
variations. The game variations in increasing difficulty are the
Basic game, the Structure game, the Challenge game, and the
Strategy game, which all will be discussed in detail
hereinafter.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrative of a complete fifty
brick game set. The game set 100 contains at least fifty bricks
with each brick having two sections or halves called a header 101
and footer 102. Each header and footer contains at least one bit,
preferably a plurality of bits, more preferably between 2 and 4
bits, and most preferably 4 bits. In a preferred embodiment, the
header suit has seven distinct bit patterns and the footers are
made up of eight variable bit patterns. In alternative embodiments,
the header and footers are made up of at least one bit each. The
purpose of the header and footer pattern is to provide various
options for connecting bits for points.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrative of connecting bits via
a key to slot connection to score points. In a preferred
embodiment, to make a play each brick must connect to another brick
using one or more of the eight bits. A match of a key bit of one
brick and slot bit of another brick is considered a connection. A
connection is counted as one point. Once a connection is made, the
connected bits cannot be used again for scoring. Note that two
connections may be made, if both header and footer connect, and in
situations in which a brick fits multiple previously laid bricks,
more than two points may be scored.
[0094] Scoring need not be restricted to one point per one
connection. In one presently preferred embodiment, points may be
determined by multiplying the number of connections made by other
factors.
[0095] An example of making connections is illustrated in FIG. 2. A
connection 103 is made between a first brick 106 and a second brick
109 via a key bit 107 to slot bit 108 connection for one point. A
further example illustrates a two point connection 104 whereby two
connections are made between a first brick 110 and a second brick
111 using two bits on the first brick 110 via a slot bit 113 and
key bit 114 to connect to a key bit 112 and slot bit 115,
respectively, on the second brick 111.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 3A & 3B, illustrative of possible
connecting positions between key bits and slot bits for use in the
Strategy game. The connection of the bits can be one of the
following or any combination thereof.
TABLE-US-00001 Side to side 116 End to flat side 128 Face to face
118 Side to flat side 130 Half side to half side 120 Side to top
side 132 End to end 122 End to top end 134 End to side 124 End to
flat end 136 End to top side 126 End to inside top 138
[0097] End to flat side 128 teaches an example of three dimensional
stacking unique to the invention in which one brick flat on the
playing surface and the other brick adjacent and upright at the
connection thus one brick having a long axis which is horizontal
and one brick having a long axis which is vertical, the upright
brick resting on the playing surface and touching/bordering the
flat brick, the upright brick being disposed either at one half of
the long side of the flat brick (axes non-coplanar).
[0098] End to flat end 136 shows an example or at one end of the
upright brick (axes coplanar in a vertical plane perpendicular to
the horizontal plane of the playing surface).
[0099] End to top end 134 is an example of one brick flat and the
other brick atop the end of the upper surface and upright at the
connection, thus the long axes of the bricks are coplanar in a
vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of the playing surface,
and the second brick actually rests, upright, upon the first brick,
standing at one end thereof
[0100] End to inside top 138 is another example of a type of three
dimensional stacking of the invention in which one brick is flat
and the other brick sits atop a non-end portion of the upper
surface--which non-end portions is one half of a long side of the
lower brick--the second brick upright at the connection with the
axes thus coplanar.
[0101] Side to flat side 130 shows another type of three
dimensional connection of the invention: one brick flat and the
other brick adjacent (but not resting atop it) and on the side at
the connection.
[0102] Side to top side 132 may be one brick flat and the other
brick on the long side side atop the upper surface of the lower
brick at the connection.
[0103] In FIG. 4, one brick may be seen to be resting on its long
side and the other brick also on its own long side and atop the
first brick's long side at the connection, or in embodiments one
brick may rest on its long side and the other brick on end atop one
half of the first brick's long side at the connection. It will
immediately be seen that elaborate combinations of walls may be
constructed within the rules of the game, thus adding additional
levels of complexity. Edge to edge stacking may refer to either
long edge to long edge stacking, end to end stacking, or long edge
to end stacking
[0104] While the bricks are of necessity shown with one side in
view, it will be understood that the bricks may have bits on both
sides, thus allowing face to face stacking (as discussed previously
in the aforelocated glossary) or face to face standing as depicted
in FIGS. 3B (118) or in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. At this point the
structures created may be considered to be fanciful, yet the rules
of the game control where bricks may be placed and where they may
be optimally positioned.
[0105] In use, it has been found that cognitive abilities are
improved by playing the game of the invention as young players must
learn spatial relationships, basic math and more in order to play,
and yet the use of these skills is encouraged by positive
reinforcement rather than by mandate.
[0106] In the Basic game, because the game is played horizontally
or flat the connecting positions illustrated in FIG. 3A, 116, 120,
122, or 124 will be used. In the Strategy game, which introduces
the vertical aspects of the disclosed game, all connecting
positions in FIGS. 3A and 3B are available for use after the
foundation has been laid in phase I.
[0107] The novel features of the various embodiments, as well as
the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation,
will be best understood from the accompanying non-limiting
examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
description.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
The Basic Game
[0108] The fifty bricks are combined and placed in a convenient
place such as the lid of the accompanying game box, the bag the
brick set comes in, face down on the table for the less preferred
embodiments having only one side printed, or another container, to
form the brickyard (the bag, the box, a container, etc). One of the
players is designated the inspector who draws one brick from the
brickyard and places it in the middle of the playing area, or site.
This brick will be the cornerstone brick.
[0109] Each player, without looking, draws four bricks from the
brickyard and places within the accompanying playing rack.
[0110] Play begins with the player to the left of the inspector. In
the Basic game, play is similar to dominoes, however, using the
header and footer having the unique rectangular bit configuration.
Bricks are laid flat on the site and connections are made via a key
bit to a slot bit or vice versa. For each connection, the player is
awarded one point. The Basic game is played entirely horizontally
or with all connections being made as in FIG. 3A, 116, 120, 122, or
124.
[0111] After all players have played their four bricks, four more
bricks are drawn from the brickyard and play continues as before.
Play continues until there are no longer enough bricks in the
brickyard for every player to draw four. The winner is the player
that accumulated the most connections and thus the most points.
Example 2
The Structural Game
[0112] The Structural game follows all of the rules of the Basic
game and additionally, introduces the three-dimensional
possibilities of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, game
cards are included with the game set and contain instructions and
pictures of a three-dimensional structure 140, 142. The
three-dimensional structures 140, 142 are merely representative and
are not intended to be limiting. The structures may take the form
of any three-dimensional structure capable of being constructed
with the presently disclosed bricks. The instructions included on
the game card dictate the direction of play and how the bricks are
laid. Players therefore play in courses. A chart 144, 146 included
on each card illustrates the courses, or directions, of the bricks
and how to play them. Thus, on each player's turn, the player must
play their brick in the next space indicated by the chart and
oriented accordingly.
[0113] Play continues until the structure has been constructed
according to the directions included on each individual game card.
It is contemplated that players will create their own
three-dimensional structures and the present disclosure, in an
electronic embodiment, will facilitate the sharing of these
three-dimensional structures over a network.
Example 3
The Challenge Game
[0114] The Challenge game follows all of the rules of the Basic
game and in addition to introducing a three-dimensional aspect,
also teaches the power of the face-to-face connection, FIG. 3A
118.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, game cards are included with the game
set and contain instructions and pictures of a three-dimensional
structure 148, 150. In the Challenge game, each player draws one
brick. The starting player is designated the defender and all other
players the challengers. The Challenge game is also played in
courses, or levels 152, 154, according to the individual game card
chosen for play.
[0116] Play begins with the defender placing a brick according to
the game card instructions. The challengers continue the course
according to the game card instructions. The winner of each course
is the challenger with the most connections, or the defender if no
challenger makes five connections. After each course, a new,
non-scoring brick is laid according to the game card instructions
and play continues as before. Play continues until the brickyard is
empty or the structure collapses.
Example 4
The Strategy Game
[0117] The Strategy game is the most advanced game and applies all
of the rules of the Basic game and all vertical construction moves
as illustrated in FIGS. 3A & 3B. The inspector for the Strategy
game is tasked with keeping track of all the used and unused
connections and must do so without moving any bricks. In the event
it cannot be determined whether a connection has been scored, it is
assumed such connection has been made and is no longer
available.
[0118] The Strategy game is played in phases. A phase is the number
of turns it takes for the players, drawing four bricks each turn,
to run out of bricks. Thus, using one fifty brick game set, a two
player game will have six phases, a three player game will have
four phases, and a four player game will have three phases.
[0119] Each phase represents an opportunity to take the game to the
next level. A level is defined as the height of one brick, standing
on end. Any brick that is entirely above the height of one brick
standing on end is considered to be on the next level. Referring to
FIG. 6, illustrative of the varying ways to advance to the next
level in the Strategy game.
[0120] The importance of advancing to the next level is the ability
to multiply the number of connections made by the current level the
connections were made on. Thus, when making connections, the
highest level of any brick in a move represents the level of that
move.
[0121] Play begins in phase I with the foundation. All bricks in
phase I are played according to the rules of the Basic game and
therefore no vertical moves are permitted. The game begins when the
inspector is selected. The player(s) or groups of players can
determine whether the game will be played in a clockwise direction
or counterclockwise direction. The inspector will place the first
brick and the game will proceed accordingly. Each player examines
where to position their brick to make as many connections in a
single play as possible. When all players have used all four bricks
the foundation is laid and the next level is ready to be built.
Beginning with phase II, all the Rules of the Basic game and
vertical construction rules apply. In addition, beginning in phase
II, players are allowed to play their bricks one at a time or three
at a time. The three-brick move quickly advances the game to the
next level.
[0122] Referring again to FIG. 6, representative three-brick moves
are illustrated at 156 and 158. Because the horizontal brick played
in the three-brick move in 156 and 158, is entirely above the
height of one brick, standing on end, the connections made during
the three-brick move 156, 158, would be multiplied by two and three
respectively. For example, if the three-brick move 156 made four
connections, the scoring for that move would be (2.times.4) for 8
total points. Similarly, a three-brick move 158 making four
connections would result in a score of 12 total points (3.times.4).
The value of moving to the next level and the strategy involved in
advancing the game to maximize totals points available is
highlighted by the foregoing example.
[0123] Because the Strategy game is based upon a game set
containing fifty bricks, there will be two additional bricks
available as wild bricks. The wild bricks can be purchased for
extra points accumulated during any level of play and are the same
in appearance as standard bricks. The purchase price for one wild
brick is 8 points during the foundation level and goes up with each
additional level, the level being the multiplier. These wild bricks
can be bought in turn on any level and held for play on any level.
The wild bricks are not mandatory to play.
[0124] Referring now to FIG. 7, a representative game 200 is
illustrated depicting what the Strategy game may look like after
several phases of play. The game concludes when all bricks are
played. The winning player or team is the one with the most
points.
[0125] Although the foregoing examples are described in relation to
a board game, alternative embodiments of the board game are
contemplated. In one embodiment, a playing surface can be
constructed or the bricks can be modified to determine connections,
calculate scores, or add special effects such as sound. An
electrical connection may be added to a brick to illuminate a
successful connection. Applying techniques well known in the art,
electrical components can be added to the brick to alert when a
correct connection is made. The electrical components may include
an LED light or any other source that could provide illumination of
the game piece at the correct location to show the used portion of
the brick.
[0126] The bricks may optionally include one or more visual
indicators, such as color, design, letters, texture, and numbers.
For example, a brick may have a color (such as blue) and a number
(such as 2). In addition, identification components can also be
added to molded bricks or bricks made from two halves. Radio
Frequency Identifier (RFI) chips, or other well known devices in
the art, that are encoded to each game pattern design may be
embedded in each brick. These RF chips help locate each brick in
relation to another brick on the playing surface. As each brick is
played, each horizontal and vertical position is located and
identified for correct connections and scoring.
[0127] The bricks may also be modified to include a sound emitting
device when a successful connection is made. In this embodiment, if
a proper connection is made, a sound is emitted confirming the
proper connection. Conversely, when an incorrect connection is made
a sound is emitted confirming the improper connection. The sound
emitting device may be configurable to emit a verbal confirmation
or any sound appropriate to denote proper and improper
connections.
[0128] In another embodiment, the game may be adapted for
electronic play. Adapting the game for use electronically allows
the user(s) to play in almost any location in an individual or
multi-player environment. The degree of special effects and design
provides an exponential variety of playing options. Some possible
dimensions of the game include but are not limited to the
following: [0129] Personal Communication Devices (iPhone.RTM.,
etc.); [0130] Public gaming machines (video arcade games); [0131]
Pay Per Play Venues (Internet and cable TV programming); [0132]
Controlled Casino betting machines (slot machines); [0133]
Controlled Lottery (power ball and state lottery); [0134] Personal
gaming devices (Nintendo.RTM., X Box.RTM., Game Boy.RTM., etc.);
and [0135] Television game show adaptations.
[0136] In the electronic embodiment, the method disclosed herein
may be implemented as a combination of hardware and software. The
method disclosed herein is accessed and operated through the
internet via a website accessible by a user through a standard
internet browser. Any combination of computing devices, personal
gaming devices, etc. may access the internet through a cable modem,
a DSL modem, a dial-up modem, or a wireless router based on the
various IEEE standards 802.x, where x denotes the various present
and evolving wireless computing standards, for example IEEE 802.11;
802.11 a, b, g, n; WiMax IEEE 802.16 and WRANG IEEE 802.22.
Alternatively, digital cellular communications formats compatible
with for example GSM, 3G, CDMA, TDMA and evolving cellular
communications standards may be implemented.
[0137] In the electronic embodiment, players will select a skill
level of play. Based upon the skill level of the player, a timer
element will be triggered. Players will be tasked with placing a
brick in the correct position and orientation within that time
limit. The faster the player places the brick, the more structural
integrity the particular game being played possesses. In addition,
the timer element may be tied to the speed of the fall of a brick
towards the site. This embodiment is particularly useful in
personal gaming devices and multiple player scenarios over a
computer network.
[0138] The various components of the game set may be constructed
from any suitable material and therefore, may result in variation
in overall design to the size, shape, texture, color, material,
etc. of the bricks and accompanying game pieces. In the preferred
embodiment, the bricks are constructed of expanded PVC. Use of
expanded PVC creates a surface ideal for imprinting the various bit
designs and creating a friction surface on the sides and ends of
each brick facilitating the construction of three-dimensional
structures of varying heights. The various bit designs may be
etched, carved, imprinted, painted, or affixed to the surface of
the bricks made from any number of available materials. The
material used to construct the bricks will dictate the appropriate
method of applying the bit designs and is well known to one of
ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.
[0139] Solid or opaque bricks can be made from many different
materials which include natural wood species and man made
composites. The different "mediums" available are all common to the
marketplace. Wood species and wood composites provide a solid brick
shape in which the two face surfaces can be covered with the
combination of header and footer game designs. These game designs
are required for players to view the front and back and place their
bricks for making a play, whether horizontally or vertically.
Different wood species or the composite materials can be used to
change the brick color for a constant or exotic presentation.
[0140] Transparent bricks are another way to play the game. The use
of clear materials such as acrylic, glass or plastics allows each
player the ability to see the single game design image to make a
play. The design can be etched by laser, or any other etching means
known in the art, into the core of the brick or a printed design on
plastic film can be pressed between two halves to form the
brick.
[0141] The use of the transparent bricks facilitates a unique
illuminating effect while the game is being played through the use
of a light source in the table or playing surface or within the
brick itself. This use of light brings out the color or etched
design in the bricks with greater detail.
[0142] The use of foam materials may be desired for younger
children. The brick design is the same as the solid hard bricks,
but can be handled safely by younger players. The foam bricks are
typically larger for ease of use. There is no chocking hazard and
the bricks are more age appropriate for the given skill set in
younger children. A variety of brick color and design patterns can
be achieved by foam materials and techniques well known in the
art.
[0143] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
[0144] The inventions illustratively described herein can suitably
be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation
or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for
example, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," etc.
shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the
terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of
description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the
use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of
the future shown and described or any portion thereof, and it is
recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope
of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that
although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by
preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and
variation of the inventions herein disclosed can be performed by
those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and
variations are considered to be within the scope of the inventions
disclosed herein. The inventions have been described broadly and
generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric
groupings falling within the scope of the generic disclosure also
form part of these inventions. This includes the generic
description of each invention with a proviso or negative limitation
removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether
or not the excised materials specifically resided therein.
[0145] In addition, where features or aspects of an invention are
described in terms of the Markush group, those schooled in the art
will recognize that the invention is also thereby described in
terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the
Markush group. It is also to be understood that the above
description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Many embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims along with
the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent
publications, are incorporated herein by reference.
* * * * *