U.S. patent number 3,572,718 [Application Number 04/687,879] was granted by the patent office on 1971-03-30 for board game apparatus.
Invention is credited to Robert L. Moore.
United States Patent |
3,572,718 |
Moore |
March 30, 1971 |
BOARD GAME APPARATUS
Abstract
A game construction comprising a playing board having indicia
thereon defining a path of travel on the board. Playing positions
are included in the path of travel to be occupied by playing pieces
with some of the playing piece positions being interconnected by a
plurality of lines of travel whereby alternatives are available to
the players. Vehicles are provided for playing pieces, and the
distance of travel available is determined by the vehicle selected
by the player. Pictorial representations are displayed on the board
at playing piece positions with a plurality of such representations
being displayed adjacent those playing piece positions having a
plurality of lines of travel extending therefrom. The
representations provide locating positions for vehicles as well as
means for determining which vehicles can be used for travel from a
particular playing piece position. The appearance of each of said
representations is sufficiently similar to that of the
corresponding simulated vehicle to enable identifications of the
vehicle by comparing its appearance with that of the
representation.
Inventors: |
Moore; Robert L. (La Grange,
IL) |
Family
ID: |
24762247 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/687,879 |
Filed: |
December 4, 1967 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/254; 273/256;
273/288 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
3/00088 (20130101); A63F 3/00006 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
3/00 (20060101); A63f 003/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/134,131 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,139,866 |
|
Feb 1957 |
|
FR |
|
191,600 |
|
Sep 1937 |
|
CH |
|
619,894 |
|
Mar 1949 |
|
GB |
|
915,550 |
|
Jan 1963 |
|
GB |
|
979,214 |
|
Jan 1965 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Lowe; Delbert B.
Claims
I claim:
1. In a game construction comprising a board defining a playing
surface, a plurality of marked playing piece positions located
along a path of travel on said board, and a plurality of playing
pieces, the improvement comprising indicia on said board indicating
lines of travel between playing piece positions, a plurality of
such indicia extending away from selected playing piece positions
whereby alternative lines of travel are available at these selected
playing piece positions, a plurality of simulated vehicles of
different designs, and pictorial representations displayed on said
board at playing piece positions, a plurality of such
representations being displayed adjacent said selected playing
piece positions and each adjacent a particular line of travel
whereby the representations serve as means for designating the line
of travel which can be used for a particular vehicle, the
appearance of each representation being sufficiently similar to
that of a corresponding one of said vehicles to enable
identification of the particular vehicle by comparison of its
appearance with that of the representation.
2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said vehicles
have means for receiving said playing pieces whereby the playing
pieces can be placed on the vehicles for movement therewith between
playing piece positions.
3. A construction in accordance with claim 2 wherein at least some
of said vehicles have means to carry two or more playing pieces
simultaneously.
4. A construction in accordance with claim 1 including a plurality
of cards located on said board, and wherein at least some of the
cards contain instructions which affect the travel of the playing
pieces.
5. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said playing
positions have indicia associated therewith designating cities, and
including a plurality of cards on said board, and wherein at least
some of said cards provide for the simulated happening of an event
when the playing piece of the player receiving the card reaches the
city designated on the card.
6. A construction in accordance with claim 5 wherein said event
involves picking up a game piece.
7. A game construction comprising a board defining a playing
surface, a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of marked
spaces defining a path of travel on said board, said spaces serving
as playing positions to be occupied by said playing pieces, the
improvement comprising a plurality of simulated vehicles separate
from said playing pieces and having different designs, means
defined by said vehicles for the temporary physical association of
a playing piece therewith, said playing piece positions being
spaced apart from each other on said board, a plurality of indicia
displayed on said board and defining lines of travel on said board,
some only of the playing piece positions being connected by
alternative lines of travel with other playing piece positions, and
pictorial representations displayed on said board at said playing
piece positions, a plurality of such representations being
displayed adjacent said some playing piece positions and each
adjacent a particular line of travel whereby the representations
serve as means for designating the line of travel which can be used
for a particular vehicle, the appearance of each representation
being sufficiently similar to that of a corresponding one of said
vehicles to enable identification of the particular vehicle by
comparison of its appearance with that of the representation.
8. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein indicia
designating values assigned to lines of travel are displayed on
said board, the values for lines covering greater distances on the
board being higher.
Description
This invention relates to an improved game construction which
involves the movement of playing pieces on a playing board.
There are a large number of game constructions available on the
market, and many other constructions which have been devised but
which have not been accepted by the public. Successful game
constructions must be original and must have a method of play which
will hold the interest of the players. In many cases, an attempt to
provide originality will lead to very complicated games which do
not have wide appeal because they cannot be enjoyed by children. On
the other hand, if the game pattern is unduly simplified, it is
very difficult to hold the interest of players, particularly where
games are designed for use by adults.
It is a primary object of the invention to provide a game
construction which is characterized by a high degree of novelty,
whereby interest in the game can be maintained.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a game
construction which is relatively uncomplicated, whereby the game
can be played by children, but which is at the same time
characterized by several unique features whereby the game will hold
the interest of adults.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a game
construction which includes an infinite number of playing
variations during play whereby the outcome of the game is
completely unpredictable, thereby providing for continued
interest.
These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter
and for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, specific
embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings
in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the playing surface of a game
construction characterized by the features of this invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating a section of
the game board;
FIGS. 3 through 10 are perspective views illustrating vehicles and
playing pieces utilized in the game construction;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an additional game piece used in
the playing of the game;
FIGS. 12 through 16 comprise perspective views of playing
implements including dice, play money, stock certificates and
information cards; and
FIGS. 17 through 19 are fragmentary views illustrating modified
forms of the invention.
The game construction of this invention generally comprises a board
defining a playing surface with a plurality of marked spaces
illustrated on the board. These spaces define a path of travel on
the board and serve as playing positions to be occupied by playing
pieces.
The basic concept of the game involves the provision of alternative
means which a player can use when moving his playing piece around
the game board. The alternative means of travel may comprise
different vehicles which a player can select for moving the game
pieces. Alternative lines of travel may be selected based on the
ability of a player to pay for a particular method of travel and
also based on the player's decision in this regard.
The game also preferably includes a plurality of cards which
include instructions for the players. The instructions may direct a
player to proceed to a particular playing piece position in order
to secure materials which will assist the player in achieving the
object of the game. On the other hand, some cards may call for
immediate advantages or penalties for the players. The provision of
these cards, therefore, greatly adds to the novelty of the game,
and tends to maintain a high degree of interest.
The game construction illustrated in the drawings comprises an
arrangement embodying various aspects of the instant invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the game is called "Circus," , and the game
board 10 defines a plurality of playing piece positions 12. Each of
the playing piece positions is connected with other positions by
means of one or more lines 14. These lines represent the paths of
travel which playing pieces must follow when moving from one
playing piece position to another.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the playing piece positions 12 is
designated by the name of a city. It will, therefore, be apparent
that if a playing piece is located at Rochester, this piece must
move to New York by means of the line 14 interconnecting these two
playing piece positions. On the other hand, if a playing piece is
in Cleveland, it can be moved to New York by either of two lines of
travel, one of which is a direct route to New York and the other of
which requires an intermediate stop in Rochester.
The playing board also illustrates a plurality of vehicles 16.
These vehicles represent a variety of modes of travel by land, sea
and air. Adjacent each illustration of a vehicle is a price
representing the fare for the particular vehicle. As shown in FIG.
1, the city of Chicago has an illustration of a supersonic plane, a
conventional airliner and a train adjacent thereto. The fare for
the supersonic plane travel is $400.00, for the airliner $150.00
and for the train $30.00. As indicated by the line 14 adjacent the
supersonic plane, the $400.00 fare provides for direct travel to
London. The airliner, on the other hand, flies nonstop to New York,
while the train moves to Cleveland.
Adjacent the city of Edmonton, there is illustrated a cycle which
provides for travel from Edmonton to St. Paul and to several
intermediate stops on to New York. Each trip between cities calls
for a fare of $10.00.
The cities at the four corners and at the centrally intermediate
locations between the four corners are referred to as home base
cities. Adjacent each of these cities, there is an illustration of
a circus train 18. Each of the trains carries three cars and, as
shown in FIG. 2, each of the cars is adapted to carry a pair of
circus acts, as will be explained.
The playing board also includes two locations 20 and 22 for the
placement of stacks of directional cards. The cards at 20 are
circus act contract cards, and, as shown in FIG. 15, these cards 24
provide instructions directing a player to a particular city to
pick up a circus act.
The cards placed at 22 are referred to as "unforeseen event" cards,
and each of these cards contains instructions for the player
picking up the card. These instructions may vary considerably in
their content, and will usually provide some advantage or
disadvantage for the player. For example, the player may be
assessed a fine or given a reward. In other instances, the player
may be immediately directed to a certain city, requiring him to
bypass all intermediate cities, or the player may be caused to lose
a turn, etc.
The board is also provided with a plurality of positions 26 which
are designated "work areas." Each of these positions is provided
with an opening 28 which is adapted to receive the stem 30 formed
on playing piece 32 (see FIG. 6). The rules of the game permit a
player to place his piece in a work area in lieu of taking a turn
and a designated sum is provided to the player when this action is
taken. Accordingly, the game provides a means for helping players
whose funds are exhausted during the game.
FIGS. 3 through 10 illustrate various vehicles which can be
utilized during the game. It will be understood that the rules of
the game can be arranged so that actual vehicles need not be
provided as part of the game. Thus, the illustrations of the
vehicles on the playing surface can serve as means for indicating
the modes of travel available, and the cost thereof, and the
players can move their playing pieces depending on the mode of
travel selected. A preferred form of the game, however, provides
vehicles such as shown in FIGS. 3 through 10 so that a player must
have a vehicle available in order to move from one position to
another.
The vehicles illustrated comprise a supersonic plane 34, a
conventional airliner 36, a ship 38, a train 40, a bus 42, a cycle
44, a dog sled 46 and a junk 48. Each of the vehicles includes at
least one bore 50 for receiving the stem 30 of a playing piece 32.
The larger vehicles have a plurality of such bores so that more
than one playing piece can be accommodated. The smaller vehicles
are only provided with a single bore.
The dice 50' and play money 54 are conventional materials used for
the game. The cards 56 shown in FIG. 14 are the "unforeseen event"
cards which are placed on the board at 22. The "circus act
contract" cards 24 are located at 20.
An additional set of cards 58 is provided for purchase by the
players during the course of the game. In the circus game
described, these cards comprise stock certificates, and each
certificate is applied to a specific one of the circuses at the
eight home base cities. As will be indicated, a further object of
this game calls for an accumulation of such certificates so that
ownership of a circus can be achieved.
The actual circus is represented by circus wagons 60 as illustrated
in FIG. 11. The wagon illustrated designates a side show act, and
an individual wagon is provided covering each of the acts for a
train. In the drawing, each of the train cars provides a space for
two of the wagons. A player strives to collect a complete set of
acts for his train as one of the objects of the game.
The operation of the game will be described with reference to a
specific set of rules. It will be understood that variations in
these rules are clearly possible without departing from the basic
concepts of this invention.
The game may be played by from two to eight players, each acting
individually or in partnership. Each of the players is provided
with a playing piece 32 referred to as a circus agent. In addition,
each player receives an initial travel allowance of $800.00.
Finally, the players are assigned to a specific one of the eight
home base cities available. Various means may be provided for
determining the home base city of a particular player, such as
throwing the dice, with the high number selecting a city, and so
on, in order.
The vehicles illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 10 are placed on the
board in the designated locations. Thus, four airliners are
provided and are placed in position at Chicago, London, Tokyo and
Rome. Similarly, two supersonic planes are located at Chicago and
Rome, respectively.
The players move in turn with the particular moves being determined
by the vehicle which a player selected. The fare for the vehicle
must be paid in advance, and the vehicle selected must be one that
is available at the time that the player's turn arrives. For
example, the player at the New York home base may take the boat
situated at this base, if the boat is available when the player's
turn arrives. This player may also take the plane normally based at
Chicago in the event that this plane has been moved to New York.
The lines 14 are preferably given different colors, with these
colors designating the limit of travel of a vehicle on that line.
For example, the plane at Chicago may have a route designated by a
green line, and this line may extend from Chicago to New York and
then from New York to London. When the plane arrives at London, it
must be returned to its home base.
"Unforeseen event" cards 56 must be drawn by each player at each
turn. As indicated, these "unforeseen event" cards will give
instructions to a player which may be beneficial or harmful. In
addition, a player draws a "circus act contract" card 24 whenever
the player arrives at a home base city.
When a player draws a "contract" card, he will be told to travel to
a particular city for purposes of picking up a particular circus
act. For example, when a player arrives in New York, he may be
directed to Rome for purposes of picking up an animal act. The
player will then arrange his traveling so as to arrive at Rome at
which time he will be given a piece 60 designating an animal act.
The player can then place this piece in the designated wagon
position in the train in his home base city. As the players move
their pieces around the board, they will collect additional
contract cards which direct them to other cities and, therefore,
the players must keep constantly aware of their position relative
to other cities so that they can pick up additional acts.
A degree of skills and foresight is required to properly play the
game since the availability of vehicles and the ability to pay
determine how effectively a player moves around the board. It
should be noted, for example, that a player situated in London
cannot use the plane based at this city if he wishes to travel to
Amsterdam or Hamburg. This player must wait for the ship to arrive
from New York in order to secure proper transportation. A player
who wishes to travel to Amsterdam or Hamburg can, therefore,
anticipate the possibility of being temporarily stranded in London.
He can then avoid this by traveling on the ship from New York and,
therefore, he is assured of the ship being available when in
London.
In addition to the skillful maneuvering required, the game also
includes a degree of unpredictability primarily because of the
"unforeseen event" cards. These cards can result in complete
disruption of the travel plans of a player by requiring the player
to move his playing piece to an out-of-the-way city or the player
may be depleted of money or other assets, for example, if the
unforeseen event comprises loss of one or more circus acts. On the
other hand, the unforeseen event may result in a substantial
benefit to the player.
The game is subject to many variations. It is contemplated for
example that a player at the conclusion of his regular turn can
throw the dice, and if an even number turns up, the player will be
entitled to one more move. The game also contemplates the use of an
insurance policy which can be purchased in order to avoid the loss
or circus acts because of instructions on an "unforeseen event"
card.
As indicated, players can secure income by working in a particular
city rather than using their turn for traveling. In addition, each
of the circus acts becomes a working act for the player after it is
acquired. A fee, for example $100 per act, is paid by the bank to a
player for each turn. The accumulation of money is necessary in
order to purchase stock. The stock certificates are relatively
expensive, for example $1,000 for each 20 percent ownership. With
this arrangement, a player must concentrate on acquiring circus
acts in order to acquire sufficient cash to permit purchase of
stock.
Where partners are involved, they can engage in various cooperative
activities, for example picking up circus acts for their partner if
they are closer to the designated city. Exchanging of circus acts
or "circus act contract" cards can also be engaged in where the
game is played as singles. Short versions of the game are also
contemplated where only a limited amount of time is available.
Thus, the game could be played with a time limit involved with the
winner being the individual having the most money and other assets
accumulated at the expiration of the time. In other shortened
versions, circus act contracts could be distributed at the
beginning of the game so that each player can immediately make
travel plans for purposes of picking up circus acts.
The circus game described represents only one type of game
employing the concepts of this invention. It will be appreciated
that, in this instance, a circus agent is traveling around the
world for purposes of picking up circus acts. Obvious variations
would involve traveling for different purposes, for example, a
reporter traveling around the world to pick up stories for
publication. The reporter, for example, might pick up "news tip"
cards at each home base city with these cards telling him to travel
to a different city to pick up the story. Thus, the "news tip"
cards would be similar to the "circus act contract" cards
described.
The news items which are picked up may only form part of the total
story, and the player may, therefore, be required to develop a
complete story by picking up several items. Again, this bears
similarity to the accumulation of circus acts.
The game construction can also be employed with the object simply
being to travel around the world at the least possible expense, and
in the least possible time. Thus, there may be nothing which is
accumulated by the player except cash; however, it will be
appreciated that the necessity for using the vehicles to provide
for travel makes a trip an uncertain matter and, of course, the
"unforeseen event" cards further add to the unpredictability of the
outcome of the game.
The object of the game may be similar to a race wherein the players
attempt to move from a starting point to a finishing point in a
minimum amount of time. The vehicles could comprise cars, horses,
etc.; and, again, the availability of vehicles at particular points
on the board will be a critical factor in determining the outcome.
The use of the "unforeseen event" cards and the provision of cash
which must be used along the way will also add to the enjoyment of
the game.
In the variations described, the player has a choice of vehicles,
depending upon which are available and depending upon the player's
ability to pay. It is contemplated, however, that some element of
chance could enter into the game at this point, for example, the
player could be required to throw the dice to determine which
vehicle he is entitled to take.
Where the vehicles comprise separate game pieces, provision should
be made for attaching the playing pieces thereto. The illustrated
game pieces are adapted to fit into the bores 50 in the vehicles as
described above. Other obvious means for attaching the pieces to
the vehicles are contemplated, for example magnetic attachment.
Instead of locating the vehicles on the game board in the manner
indicated, the vehicles may be placed in a pool, and a player may
be required to purchase a vehicle in order to accomplish a
particular travel plan. The vehicle would then be owned by the
individual player for use when the occasion arose. The type of
vehicle used on one particular occasion would determine the
distance which the player could travel on that occasion.
The game board need not designate the specific lines of travel
since the playing piece positions could provide all the necessary
information relative to the travel possibilities for a particular
vehicle. With such an arrangement, the playing piece positions
could be located immediately adjacent to each other, thereby
increasing the number of such positions on the board.
The circus game described calls for the use of specific pieces 60
which serve as evidence of assets accumulated by a player.
Obviously, direct payment of cash could be utilized instead of such
pieces or other means could be employed to indicate the property
accumulated.
FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative arrangement embodying certain of
the variations discussed above. It will be noted that the playing
piece positions are not separated by lines of travel, providing a
more compact design which could increase the number of playing
piece positions.
It will be noted that each of the cities is provided with a
stopping point for the train whereby a player could pay the higher
fare for the train to secure passage to Cleveland; however, the
player may choose to stop in Detroit when his turn arrives.
Similarly, the plane fare of $150.00 can, in this variation, allow
the player to move nonstop to New York in one turn or to make
intermediate stops if desired.
To add to the compact nature of the board in FIG. 17, the circus
train is located inside of the playing piece positions while the
work areas are located along the periphery of the board.
FIG. 18 provides an illustration of the manner in which the game
concepts can be applied to other games. In this instance, the
players purchase vehicles for the prices illustrated. The vehicles
are capable of various modes of travel, and provide different
numbers of moves as indicated. Each player can be assigned a
particular class of vehicles, and operate as a broker for the
vehicles, and one object of the game could be the acquisition of
all types of vehicles. As indicated, a house can also be purchased
with the acquisition of the house being an object of the game.
Houses may be located in several locales so that each play may
acquire a residence in different cities. In any event, the purchase
of a vehicle would be necessary in order to provide for movement
around the board.
FIG. 19 illustrates another possible variation wherein the mode of
travel selected determines the number of moves available to the
player. For example, the purchase or selection of an available
water vehicle will entitle the player to move up to three positions
if desired. The road vehicle, on the other hand, could only move
one or two positions. Again, the ability of a player to move will
depend upon the availability of a vehicle.
In all instances, indicia indicating a line of travel are provided,
and cost values are assigned. Obviously variations in these indicia
are possible.
In addition to the peripheral playing piece positions illustrated,
it will be obvious that other piece positions, constituting side
trips, could be made available. For example, space travel, mountain
climbing, exploring, or shortcuts could be provided and special
bonuses or hazards may be included in the event that such
alternatives are selected.
In the concepts described, the vehicle or playing piece movement is
controlled simply by the fact that a player's turn has arrived.
Another possible variation involves a system where the vehicle
selected, and/or the direction of movement, would be determined by
cards selected, by throwing the dice, by spinning a wheel, etc.
Individual playing pieces may be used as illustrated; however, the
travel concepts also lend themselves to the use of plural playing
pieces by the players, for example, an entire family may travel
together. This, of course, will provide further interest, for
example with respect to the availability of vehicles.
It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be
made in the above described construction.
* * * * *