Patents Assigned to Creative Kingdoms, LLC
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Publication number: 20120094759Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20120004031Abstract: A wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waiving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 8089458Abstract: The invention provides a unique interactive play experience carried out utilizing a toy “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device. In one embodiment, the wand incorporates a wireless transmitter and motion-sensitive circuitry adapted to actuate the transmitter in response to particular learned wand motions. The wand allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing, touching and/or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects. In other embodiments, a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20110300941Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Rick A. Briggs, Jonathan A. Barney
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Patent number: 8021239Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented and/or group play to achieve a desired effect. The play structure includes play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout the play structure. Each play element can be activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete steps in a chain of triggering events. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water the like. In one example, the effect includes the release of a cannonball from the top of a vertical structure. As the cannonball reaches the end of its descent, it causes water to be radially dispersed from a pool, such as onto nearby play participants. The cannonball is then advantageously returned to the top of the vertical structure through the use of one or more return conduits.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise C. Weston, Rick A. Briggs
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Publication number: 20110081970Abstract: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 7896742Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney
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Patent number: 7878905Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a toy “wand” from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use the wand and/or complete one or more special effects, adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Rick A. Briggs, Jonathan A. Barney
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Patent number: 7850527Abstract: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20100273556Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Weston
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Publication number: 20100203932Abstract: A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 7749089Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Weston
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Patent number: 7674184Abstract: A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Chapman Weston
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Publication number: 20100056285Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney, Rick A. Briggs
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Publication number: 20090305799Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented and/or group play to achieve a desired effect. The play structure includes play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout the play structure. Each play element can be activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete steps in a chain of triggering events. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water the like. In one example, the effect includes the release of a cannonball from the top of a vertical structure. As the cannonball reaches the end of its descent, it causes water to be radially dispersed from a pool, such as onto nearby play participants. The cannonball is then advantageously returned to the top of the vertical structure through the use of one or more return conduits.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventors: Denise C. Weston, Rick A. Briggs
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Patent number: 7614958Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Jonathan A. Barney, Rick A. Briggs
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Patent number: 7572191Abstract: An interactive play structure is provided for facilitating team-oriented and/or group play to achieve a desired effect. The play structure includes play elements disposed at various locations and elevations throughout the play structure. Each play element can be activated or operated by one or more play participants to complete steps in a chain of triggering events. The overall completion of the chain of events results in a desired result or effect, such as a domino-like cascade of various mechanisms, balls, water the like. In one example, the effect includes the release of a cannonball from the top of a vertical structure. As the cannonball reaches the end of its descent, it causes water to be radially dispersed from a pool, such as onto nearby play participants. The cannonball is then advantageously returned to the top of the vertical structure through the use of one or more return conduits.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise C. Weston, Rick A. Briggs
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Publication number: 20090156309Abstract: Interactive handwear devices and methods are disclosed for providing play entertainment. In certain examples, the handwear device includes a waterproof glove that a play participant can manipulate to selectively activate one or more play effects, such as water play effects, visual or audio effects, or the like. For instance, a participant may wirelessly trigger effects by moving the glove in one or more predetermined or particular motions and/or by touching one or more sensors. In yet other examples, a wide variety and/or magnitude of effects can be activated through interaction with one or more handwear devices and/or hand movements. User identities and/or progress in an interactive game can be also stored in one or more databases and be used to determine the availability of effects to a participant or group of participants.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Denise Chapman Weston, Rick A. Briggs
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Publication number: 20090124165Abstract: A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: CREATIVE KINGDOMS, LLCInventor: Denise Chapman Weston
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Patent number: 7524246Abstract: A method of competitive game play is provided utilizing a plurality of balls or other discrete play media. Balls may be tagged or otherwise identified with a differentiating color, size, weight, printed code or other identification/tracking means, as desired. The game is configured such that individual play participants or groups of play participants (e.g., boys vs. girls) can effectively compete with other players or groups of players within the same game based on interactions with various game inputs distributed throughout the game system. The game inputs advantageously enable players to selectively control or direct ball movement and/or other play media movement to various desired collection areas, scoring areas, targets and/or the like. Play participants competitively play and interact with the gaming system and/or with one another to achieve desired goals and/or produce desired effects.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLCInventors: Rick A. Briggs, Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston, Edward J. Frantz