U.S. patent application number 17/504258 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-21 for cylindrical board game components and game methods of play.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dan G. DIMITRIU, Dana Corrina DIMITRIU. Invention is credited to Dan G. DIMITRIU, Dana Corrina DIMITRIU.
Application Number | 20220118347 17/504258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220118347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DIMITRIU; Dan G. ; et
al. |
April 21, 2022 |
Cylindrical Board Game Components and Game Methods of Play
Abstract
A challenging set of two-player (or multi-player) games of skill
with increased levels of difficulty that greatly enhance the
players' abilities to visualize in 3-D. The games can also be
developed to be played electronically and on-line. The basic
objective of the game components of the present invention is to
adapt 2-D board game surfaces into 3-D cylindrical configurations.
By bending a 2-D board game into 3-D and connecting it back onto
itself, additional skills associated with 3-D visualization are
required of the players. A variety of traditional 2-D board games
are translated into 3-D cylindrical board game structures and
methods. In its basic form, the game method of play involves two
players alternately placing game pieces into apertures on the
cylindrical game board. Although most of the games associated with
the objective of the present invention are two-player games, a
variety of multi-player games are also possible.
Inventors: |
DIMITRIU; Dan G.; (San
Antonio, TX) ; DIMITRIU; Dana Corrina; (San Antonio,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DIMITRIU; Dan G.
DIMITRIU; Dana Corrina |
San Antonio
San Antonio |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/504258 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63093273 |
Oct 18, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Claims
1. A game apparatus configured as a two-dimensional game board
curved into three-dimensions to provide an additional visual
challenge to game players beyond a conventional two-dimensional
game method of play, the game apparatus comprising: a longitudinal
cylindrical structure having a length, diameter, external surface
and a central axis, the cylindrical structure defining an array of
apertures, generally arranged on the external surface in columns
parallel to the central axis and rows in planes orthogonal to the
central axis; and a plurality of playing pieces structured to be
handled by the game players and to be partially inserted into the
apertures of the aperture array.
2. The game apparatus of claim 1 further comprising end caps
positioned on the ends of the longitudinal cylindrical structure to
facilitate handling of the structure.
3. The game apparatus of claim 2 wherein the cylindrical structure
is hollow and comprises a cylindrical wall and wherein the end caps
are removable from the ends of the cylindrical structure to
alternately close off and open the hollow interior of the
cylindrical structure.
4. The game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of playing
pieces comprise at least two sets of contrasting color playing
pieces.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United
States Code .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 63/093,273; Filed: Oct. 18, 2020, the full disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to games and
educational tools. The present invention relates more specifically
to game components and two-player game methods of play that
facilitate three-dimensional recognition skills.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] The ability to visualize in a 3-D environment is an
essential skill for communication through graphics. It has been
defined as "the ability to mentally imagine, understand, rotate,
and manipulate 3-D geometric objects". Spatial skills are very
important for a large variety of careers. There are at least 84
career areas for which spatial skills are considered important.
Studies have also shown that spatial visualization skills are a
strong predictor of the success and confidence of students in
various fields of study.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a challenging new set of
two-player (or multi-player) games of skill with increased levels
of difficulty that greatly enhance the players' abilities to
visualize in 3-D. The games can also be developed to be played
electronically and on-line. The basic objective of the game
components of the present invention is to adapt 2-D board game
surfaces into 3-D cylindrical configurations. By bending a 2-D
board game into 3-D and connecting it back onto itself, additional
skills associated with 3-D visualization are required of the
players. A variety of traditional 2-D board games are translated
into 3-D cylindrical board game structures and methods. In its
basic form, the game method of play involves two players
alternately placing game pieces into apertures on the cylindrical
game board. Although most of the games associated with the
objective of the present invention are two-player games, a variety
of multi-player games are also possible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the game components of a
first preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Mini (3.times.3) version of the game method of
play.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the game components of a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Quad (4.times.4) version of the game method of
play.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the game components of a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Penta (5.times.5) version of the game method of
play.
[0008] FIGS. 4A-4D are elevational views of the game components
used with the Quad game of the present invention showing the
placement of game pieces in various winning configurations.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game components of a
fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Checkers/Chess (8.times.8) version of the game
method of play.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the game components of a
fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Go 3D Column (13.times.13) version of the game
method of play.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game components of a
sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Go 3D Scroll (19.times.19) version of the game
method of play.
[0012] FIGS. 8A & 8B are perspective view and a detailed end
cap view of the game components of a seventh preferred embodiment
of the present invention structured with the lids having flanges
with ridges.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game components of an
eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured
with spikes or prongs instead of holes and caps or rings instead of
pegs.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the game components of a
ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured with
a non-circular cross section for the cylinder.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the game components of a
tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured with
a non-circular cross section for the cylinder and multiple
spike/prong attachment points.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective assembly view of an alternate
manner of constructing the cylindrical component of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention with multiple cylindrical
sections attached together to form the cylinder component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The basic components of the game structure of the present
invention are disclosed in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
the game components of a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention structured for carrying out the Mini (3.times.3) version
10 of the game method of play. The components include a hollow
cylindrical tube 12 with an array of apertures 16 positioned
through the walls of the tube. The otherwise open ends of the
cylinder are covered by appropriately sized caps or lids 14. The
game pieces 18 & 20 as shown are sized and structured to be
easily manipulated by the players of the game and to have at least
a portion of the game piece inserted securely into the apertures 16
through the wall of the cylindrical game board 12. Every embodiment
of the present invention, the descriptions of which follow,
incorporate these basic concepts of a cylindrical game board with
game pieces that are played by inserting the piece into an aperture
in the cylindrical wall, as well as providing end caps that allow
the game pieces to be stored within the cylindrical container
formed by the 3-D game board.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the game components of a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Quad (4.times.4) version 30 of the game method of
play. The components include a hollow cylindrical tube 32 with an
array of apertures 36 positioned through the walls of the tube. The
otherwise open ends of the cylinder are covered by appropriately
sized caps or lids 34. The game pieces 38 & 40 as shown are
sized and structured to be easily manipulated by the players of the
game and to have at least a portion of the game piece inserted
securely into the apertures 36 through the wall of the cylindrical
game board 32.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the game components of a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Penta (5.times.5) version 50 of the game method of
play. The components include a hollow cylindrical tube 52 with an
array of apertures 56 positioned through the walls of the tube. The
otherwise open ends of the cylinder are covered by appropriately
sized caps or lids 54. The game pieces 58 & 60 as shown are
sized and structured to be easily manipulated by the players of the
game and to have at least a portion of the game piece inserted
securely into the apertures 56 through the wall of the cylindrical
game board 52.
[0020] FIGS. 4A-4D are elevational views of the game components
used with the Quad game 30 of the present invention showing the
placement of game pieces in various winning configurations. Once
again, the components in the Quad version 30 include a hollow
cylindrical tube 32 with an array of apertures 36 positioned
through the walls of the tube. The game pieces 38 as shown in FIGS.
4A-4D are sized and structured to be easily manipulated by the
players of the game and to have at least a portion of the game
piece inserted securely into the apertures 36 through the wall of
the cylindrical game board 32. In the Quad (4.times.4) version 30
of the game method of play "winning" combinations may, for example,
be any series of playing pieces 38 positioned in an adjacent line
of apertures 36. It is preferable that some manner of indicia ("A";
"B"; "C"; and "D") be present on the cylindrical tube to easily
identify the column of apertures/pieces in view on the cylindrical
game board. The bottom row of four apertures 36 shown in FIGS.
4A-4D each contain a game piece 38 to provide a "winning" four in a
row. In a similar manner, column "B" (best seen in FIG. 4B) of four
apertures 36 each contain a game piece 38 to provide a "winning"
four in a line in a single column. A third manner of establishing
four in a line may be seen across all four of FIGS. 4A-4D wherein:
a playing piece 38 is positioned in the aperture 36 of the bottom
row of column "A", a playing piece 38 is positioned in the aperture
36 of the second from the bottom row of column "B", a playing piece
38 is positioned in the aperture 36 of the second from the top row
of column "C", and a playing piece 38 is positioned in the aperture
36 of the top row of column "D". Alternate game methods of play
could utilize different requirements for establishing "winning"
combinations or arrangement.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the game components of a
fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Checkers/Chess (8.times.8) version 70 of the game
method of play. The components include a hollow cylindrical tube 76
with an array of white square apertures 82 and interspersed black
square aperture 84 positioned through the walls of the cylindrical
tube 76. The ends of the cylinder 76 are covered by appropriately
sized rotational support cradles 74. The support cradles 74 are
fixed on base 72. The game pieces 78 & 80 as shown (light and
dark colors) are sized and structured to be easily manipulated by
the players of the game and to have at least a portion of the game
piece inserted securely into the apertures 82 & 84 through the
wall of the cylindrical game board 76.
[0022] Some embodiments, such as the structures shown in FIGS. 6
& 7, may further include small separate cup containers with
caps or lids into which the smaller game pieces may be stored with
the closed cups themselves sized to be stored within the
cylindrical game board structure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of
the game components of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention structured for carrying out the Go 3D Column
(13.times.13) vertical version 90 of the game method of play. The
components include a vertical cylindrical tube 96 with an array of
apertures 95 positioned through the walls of the tube. The
otherwise open top end of the cylinder is covered by an
appropriately sized cap or lid 94. The bottom end of the cylinder
is supported by stand base 92. The game pieces 98 as shown are
sized and structured to be easily manipulated by the players of the
game and to have at least a portion of the game piece inserted
securely into the apertures 95 through the wall of the cylindrical
game board 96. Once again, small separate cup containers 91 &
93 with caps or lids into which the smaller game pieces may be
stored with the closed cups themselves sized to be stored within
the cylindrical game board structure 96.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game components of a
sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured for
carrying out the Go 3D Scroll (19.times.19) horizontal version 100
of the game method of play. The components include a horizontal
cylindrical tube 106 with an array of apertures 105 positioned
through the walls of the tube. The otherwise open ends of the
cylinder are covered by appropriately sized caps or lids 104, which
in the embodiment shown also act as rotational cradle supports that
allow the tube to be turned. The cradle supports are fixed on stand
base 102. The game pieces 108 & 110 as shown are sized and
structured to be easily manipulated by the players of the game and
to have at least a portion of the game piece 103 (for example)
inserted securely into the apertures 105 through the wall of the
cylindrical game board 106. Once again, small separate cup
containers with caps or lids into which the smaller game pieces may
be stored with the closed cups themselves sized to be stored within
the cylindrical game board structure 106.
[0024] Game Methods of Play--Each type of game is played similarly.
The typical game starts with pegs taken out of the holding tube and
each player chooses a color. Each player alternately places one peg
in a hole. The winner (in the first three of the preferred
embodiments described herein) is the player that puts the pegs in a
full formation (column, level, or spiral). The players continue to
play until all pegs are placed and one or two holes remain open.
The players take turns and remove one of their pegs and place it in
an open hole. Labeling of holes helps when creating problems
(similar to the game of chess), study past games, and analyze
various play strategies.
[0025] Basic Components:
[0026] One holding tube with two caps to close the tube and a
specific number of red and blue pegs for each type of game.
[0027] Game Types:
[0028] Mini (3.times.3) game (see FIG. 1 for example): Four red
pegs and four blue pegs.
[0029] Quad (4.times.4) game (see FIG. 2 for example): Seven red
pegs and seven blue pegs.
[0030] Penta (5.times.5) game (see FIG. 3 for example): Twelve red
pegs and twelve blue pegs.
[0031] Hexa (6.times.6) game (not shown): Seventeen red pegs and
seventeen blue pegs.
[0032] The drawing figures appended hereto provide examples of the
Mini, Quad, and Penta versions of the basic game method of play
with a correspondingly larger number of game pieces for each
version of the game. In addition, the cylindrical game boards shown
in these basic versions include alpha numeric indicia that help the
players identify and reference where the game pieces are being
positioned and played.
[0033] Although not shown in the drawing figures, the Hexa game
identified above with a (6.times.6) cylindrical game board provides
a further example of the increased size of the game board and
number of game pieces. Larger cylindrical game boards with a larger
array of apertures are anticipated. The number of game pieces is
determined such that there are an equal number of red pegs as blue
pegs (or alternate colors as appropriate) and that full use of the
game pieces will leave either one or two empty apertures in the
cylindrical game board such that the game play may continue by way
of the movement of a game piece from one aperture to another.
[0034] While FIGS. 4A-4D provide examples of various winning
configurations of game pieces, alternate rules associated with
alternate arrangements of game pieces are certainly anticipated.
Groups of four game pieces positioned in a square configuration or
a diamond configuration, for example, could serve as winning
combinations. A variety of additional games that involve
surrounding an opposing player's game piece and thereby causing its
removal might also enjoy the benefits of the cylindrical game board
structure of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 5-7 provide further, more complex, examples of
traditional 2-D board games implemented onto the cylindrical game
board structure of the present invention. As the number of
apertures and game pieces increase, some accommodation is made to
adjust the size of the cylindrical game board and the size of the
individual game pieces so as to provide game pieces of a manageable
size and number.
[0036] The game pieces themselves may be constructed of any of a
variety of rigid or partially resilient materials such as resins,
plastics, and other materials with similar rigidity and mass.
Variations in size are also anticipated subject primarily to
limitations associated with being easily handled by the players.
The game pieces are preferably stored in the cylindrical game board
itself but may also be stored in a separate container. The game
apparatus may also contain one or more game piece holders (such as
the cylindrical end cap cups shown in FIGS. 6 & 7) into which
the players might place the game pieces to hold and access them
during the play of the game.
[0037] FIGS. 8A & 8B are a perspective view and a detailed end
cap view of the game components 120 of a seventh preferred
embodiment of the present invention structured with the lids 124
having flanges with peripheral ridges as well as a concentric
insert ring 125. In addition to serving as end caps for closing off
or allowing access to the interior of the cylindrical component
122, the end caps 124 may preferably be structured with extended
flanges to elevate the cylinder (and therefore the pegs attached to
the cylinder) up off of the flat surface on which the game
components are placed. The ridges on the edges provide relative
stability, rolling across the surface only when directed to do so
by a player. This structure allows the cylindrical game board 122
to roll over a surface without disturbing the either the pegs 128
in the apertures 126 on the cylinder 122 or the pegs 130 & 132
remaining on the flat surface.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the game components 140 of
an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured
with spikes or prongs 146 instead of holes and caps 148 or rings
instead of pegs. Providing essentially an inverse structure to that
shown in the previous embodiments, the embodiment of FIG. 9
structures spikes or prongs 146 in an array on the cylindrical
component 142 and uses miniature caps 148 (shown) or rings (not
shown) instead of pegs as the playing pieces. As with previous
embodiments, the end caps 144 used for closing off or allowing
access to the interior of the cylindrical component 142, may
preferably be structured with extended flanges to elevate the
cylinder (and therefore the spikes/prongs 146 and caps/rings 148 on
or attached to the cylinder 142) up off of the flat surface on
which the game components are placed and any extra caps/rings 148
& 150 on the flat surface. Any of the above embodiments
structured with holes and pegs may be alternately structured with
spikes/prongs and caps/rings.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the game components 160 of
a ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured
with a non-circular cross section for the cylinder 162. In the
embodiment shown the circular cross section cylinder is replaced
with an octagonal (eight sided) cross section cylinder 162 with
apertures 166 and similarly shaped end caps 164. Other cross
sections may include triangular (three sided) for the "mini"
version of the present invention, square (four sided) for the
"Quad" version, pentagon (five sided) for the "Penta" version, and
hexagon (six sided) for the "Hexa" version. The octagonal version
shown in FIG. 10 lends itself well to the "chess" version of the
invention. It should also be noted in reference to FIG. 10 that the
end caps may be used for the placement of brand or advertising
indicia.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the game components 170 of
a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention structured
with a non-circular cross section for the cylinder 172 and multiple
spike/prong attachment points 176. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11
provides the structure of the octagonal cross section shown in FIG.
10 with multiple arrays of spikes/prongs in place of the holes on
the cylinder. These spike/prong arrays match with playing pieces
with attachable cap/ring arrays. Although two by two arrays are
shown, any number of spikes/prongs may be used in the arrays.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a perspective assembly view of an alternate
embodiment 180 having a cost-effective manner of constructing the
cylindrical component 184 of a preferred embodiment of the present
invention with multiple cylindrical sections 182 attached together
to form the cylinder component 184. Manufacturing costs associated
with construction of the cylindrical component of the present
invention may be address by assembling the cylindrical structure
from multiple longitudinal cylinder sections as shown. These
cylindrical sections may be snapped or clipped together with
connectors 186 or may be chemically or thermally welded together.
This technique for assembling the cylindrical elements of the
present invention may be used with any of the above-described
embodiments.
[0042] While the preferred embodiments of the construction of the
game components herein have been presented as hollow tubes with
apertures in various directions that serve to form the various
positions on the game board, other means for providing the same
visual impressions are anticipated. Other variations as to game
component construction and game rules will be apparent to those
skilled in the art of games and educational tools.
[0043] In addition to the hole/peg, spike/cap, prong/ring
structures for placing a playing piece on the cylindrical "board",
other ways of removably attaching the playing pieces are
contemplated, such as magnetic components or hook and loop
surfaces.
[0044] The game device structures, and game methods of play also
lend themselves to virtual reality and/or augmented reality
embodiments. The important elements of the game and game methods of
play involve the ability to visualize the game "board" in three
dimensions. Such elements can be recreated digitally to allow the
games to be played without a physical game cylinder or playing
pieces. Computer animation techniques can be applied to the devices
and methods of the present invention to allow for their
implementation in a digital environment.
* * * * *