GAME DEVICE

Abstract

A game device having a set of blocks and a tray. The blocks include pyramid-shaped recesses and the tray includes a complimentary set of pyramid-shaped protrusions that the blocks rest on. The blocks also include cylindrically-shaped guide recesses and the try includes complimentarily-shaped cylindrical guide protrusions. When a block is moved from one protrusion to another, a guide recess engages and pivots about a guide protrusion, which forces the puzzle to tip when being moved.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to puzzles.

A wide variety of puzzles and puzzle devices are available, including both mechanical and electronic puzzles. In such puzzles, the user manipulates the puzzle to achieve a desired result or to solve a problem. The well-known Rubik's Cube is an example of such a puzzle, wherein the user is required to rotate portions of a cube that are each made up of smaller cubes having differently colored sides. The objective of Rubik's Cube is to manipulate the cube in a matter that results in a desired pattern of colors, the simplest being a single color on each side of the cube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one respect, the invention comprises a set of blocks that are manipulated on a tray. Each block includes opposing faces that intersect to form edges. A block guide is located along each of the edges. The tray includes seats and tray guides located between adjacent seats. The faces and seats are configured to be received into one another. In one embodiment, the faces are recessed and the seats are protrusions that are complimentary in shape to the faces. This configuration could be reversed in an alternate embodiment. The block guides and tray guides are configured so that a block guide can pivot about a pivot axis when the block guide engages a tray guide. In one embodiment, the block guides comprise cylindrically-shaped recesses and the tray guides comprise cylindrically-shaped protrusions. The structures could be reversed in an alternate embodiment.

In another respect, the invention comprises at least one block, each block including faces, edges, and block guides. Each edge is located along the intersection of two of the faces. Each of the block guides is located along one of the edges. A tray is also provided. The tray includes seats and tray guides. Each of the tray guides is located between two of the seats. Each of the faces and each of the seats are shaped to nest when a face is placed atop a seat. Each of the block guides and each of the tray guides are shaped to enable a block guide to pivot about a pivot axis when that block guide engages one of the tray guides and a horizontal force that is perpendicular to the pivot axis acts on the block on which that block guide is located.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a game device, including a tray and a plurality of blocks in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a single block;

FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tray that could be used with the blocks shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a top view thereof, and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the puzzle from FIG. 1 with a block shown at a partially tipped position on the tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The ensuing detailed description provides preferred exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

To aid in describing the invention, directional terms are used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, X and Z coordinate axes, etc.). These directional definitions are merely intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features.

The essence of the invention is a game device consisting of a tray and a plurality of blocks located on the tray. Each block preferably has a different design or color on each of its faces, or, alternatively, a pattern of colors (e.g., one color or pattern on three of the faces and another pattern or color on the other three faces, etc.). In the interest of simplicity, all of the faces in the blocks shown in the attached drawings are shown in the same color.

Block movement is guided and movement is limited by the physical attributes of the block and tray, which will be described herein in detail. Each block is moved by rotation about the X and Z axes as referenced in FIGS. 4 & 5. The blocks and tray are designed to enable each block to be moved about the X and Z axes with little effort or digital dexterity required of the players. The blocks are independent of each other and are not attached to the tray. Therefore, the blocks may be initially arranged and moved in any sequence chosen by the player or players that is allowed by the physical constraints inherent in the physical attributes of the blocks and the tray.

The blocks and tray of the present invention can be used as the basis for a wide variety of games and puzzles. For example, one potential use is as a puzzle for a single player in which the player manipulates the blocks so that a desired color is shown on their visible upward facing surfaces, such as a single color, pattern, or desired configuration of colors or patterns in a specific arrangement on the tray. Alternatively, another potential use of the invention is as a multi-player game in which the winner is the player who can move his or her blocks into a particular position or pattern first.

The principles and operation of the game device of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the provided drawings and the following description.

Referring now to FIG. 1, this embodiment of the game device 10 having a plurality of identically-shaped blocks 12 and tray 14. It should be understood that differing shapes may be used to accomplish the same or similar end results and that they would not, given similar function, represent a new invention. FIG. 1 also shows an example of an initial configuration that may be chosen by the player. The upward-facing visible colors may be the same or dissimilar as the beginning point for game or puzzle play.

The details of one of the blocks 12 are shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 & 3. In this embodiment, each block 12 is a semi-solid polyhedron having six faces arranged in a cubic configuration. Each block 12 is also generally cubic in overall shape, and therefore, the six faces are arranged in three opposing pairs. One face 13 is shown in FIG. 3 and is also identified in FIG. 2. In the interest of simplicity, only one face 13 will be described in detail. It should be understood that the other five faces of each block 12 are identical thereto.

The face 13 comprises a pyramid-shaped pocket 25 (also referred to herein as a recess) that is truncated to a square tip 15. The truncated tip 15 is included to provide greater structural integrity and to facilitate mold-release during manufacture. The walls of each pocket 25 comprise four triangular-shaped and planar sides 16, 17, 18, 19. The sides 16, 17, 18, 19 are each identical in shape.

Each of the sides 16, 17, 18, 19 terminates at one of four edges 20, 21, 22, 23, respectively. The edges 20, 21, 22, 23 define lines of intersection between adjacent faces 13 of the block 12. The edges 20, 21, 22, 23 intersect at rounded corners 35, 36, 37, 38 and are arranged in a square configuration. One of the edges 20 will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the other edges 21, 22, 23 are identical in structure to the described edge 20.

The edge 20 is linear in the length-wise direction and has a convex, rounded surface 40. A cylindrically-shaped recess 26 is located in the center of the edge 20. As will be explained herein, this recess 26 functions as a block guide that cooperates with a complimentarily-shaped part on the tray 14 (i.e., a tray guide) to stabilize blocks 12 during rotational movement. The recess 26 preferably comprises no more than a half-cylinder and is oriented at a 45-degree angle (i.e., coming out of the page at a 45-degree angle when looking at FIG. 3). The recess 26 preferably terminates at an end 41, 42, each of which is preferably located near each of the corners 35, 36. Each of the ends 41, 42 is preferably spherically-shaped (each end 41, 42 comprising no more than a quarter-sphere).

The size of each block 12 and the overall size of the tray 14 are selected to enable the block 12 to be easily manipulated by a single finger of a user and for the tray 14 to be held in one hand or set in the lap of a user. In this embodiment, each side 16 of each block 12 is preferably 15-30 mm in length. The blocks 12 are preferably made from molded plastic, but could alternatively be machined from metallic materials, crafted from wood or other man-made composites common to woodworking, cast from molten metallic material or otherwise formed from polymeric materials. In the case of game device 10, the blocks 12 are preferably molded from a common polymer, such as polypropylene or polycarbonate, for example.

Referring to FIG. 4, the tray 14 includes a top surface 43 that comprises an array of seats 30 and an array of cylindrically-shaped tray guides 33, 34. Both the seats 30 and tray guides 33, 34 are arranged in a single plane (which is co-planar with the X and Z axes shown in FIG. 4). A perimeter wall 44 is also provided, which is preferably tall enough to prevent blocks 12 from easily falling or tipping out of the tray 14, but low enough to allow blocks 12 to be easily moved/tipped from the side. The preferred height of the perimeter wall 44 is between ¼ and ⅓ of the height of the blocks 12 (see FIG. 6), and is preferably not greater than ½ of the height of the blocks 12.

In this embodiment, each of the seats 30 comprises a truncated pyramidal protrusion. The seats 30 are arranged in linear rows and columns in a four-by-four matrix, all having the same shape and orientation. Other configurations could be provided, such as a two-by-four or six-by-six matrix. In this embodiment, the ratio of blocks 12 to seat 30 is 1 to 2 (see FIGS. 1 & 6). Obviously, other ratios could be provided, depending upon the rules and objectives of the game or puzzle with which the game device 10 is being used. In the interest of simplicity, one of the seats 30 will be described in detail and it is to be understood that all of the other seats 30 in the tray 14 are identical thereto in structure.

Referring to FIGS. 4 & 5, each seat 30 is complimentary in shape to each of the pockets 25 of each of the blocks 12. Like each pocket 25, the seat 30 is a truncated pyramid, having four planar, triangular-shaped sides 45, 46, 47, 48 that meet at a truncated square tip 49. The seat 30 is preferably truncated at a slightly lower point than the pockets 25. The shape and arrangement of the seats 30 is intended to facilitate rotational movement of the blocks 12 and to provide a stable rest position for the blocks 12. The shape of a pocket 25 of any block 12 matches the shape of any seat 30, thereby providing a stable rest position after a move.

The tray guides 33, 34 are oriented in the direction of the Z and X axes, respectively, and are positioned between adjacent seats 30. Each of the tray guides 33, 34 is complementary in shape to the recesses 26 of the blocks 12. In order to facilitate identification, the tray guides 34 that are parallel to the X axis will be referred to as X-axis tray guides 34 and the tray guides 33 that are parallel to the Z axis will be referred to as Z-axis tray guides 33. An X-axis tray guide 34 is located between each adjacent seat 30 extending in the direction of the X axis. Similarly, a Z-axis tray guide 33 is located between each adjacent seat 30 extending in the Z-axis direction.

The purpose of the tray guides 33, 34 is to force proper rotation of a block 12 as it is moved from one seat 30 to an adjacent seat 50. For example, as a block 12 is moved along the Z axis from a resting position on a seat 30 (see FIG. 4) to a partially-rotated position (see FIG. 6), the X-axis tray guide 34 engages a recess 26 (not visible in FIG. 6). The recess 26 (block guide) pivots about the X-axis tray guide 34, which forces rotation of the block 12 about a pivot axis (the pivot axis of the block 12 being along the longitudinal axis of the tray guide 34), prevents non-rotational movement of the block 12, and prevents rotation of the block 12 in any other direction. Similarly, the Z-axis tray guide 33 performs the same function if a block 12 is rotated from one seat to an adjacent seat in a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

This configuration enables the user to be less precise in the direction of the force required to tip a block 12 from one protrusion 30 to an adjacent protrusion. Under most conditions, the block movement described in the preceding paragraph will occur as long as a significant component of the force vector being applied to the block 12 is both perpendicular to the pivot axis and parallel to the plane in which the seats 30 and tray guides 33, 34 are located.

In this embodiment, the tray 14 is preferably molded of a common polymer such as polypropylene or polycarbonate to enable economical and efficient manufacture of the shapes required. This will also result in a tray 14 that is light, reasonable to handle, dimensionally accurate and durable. In this embodiment the tray 14, to be compatible with the previously described block 12, would be sized from 80 to 160 mm square. Alternatively, the tray 14 could be machined from metallic materials, crafted from wood or other man made composites common to woodworking, cast from molten metallic material or molded from polymer materials.

FIGS. 4 & 6 show the blocks 12 in one initial configuration utilizing eight blocks 12 on a tray 14 with a four-by-four seat 30 arrangement. This arrangement is only one of a wide variety of formats and configurations that are possible and will be used as an illustration of the object of the puzzle, understanding there are numerous possible combinations involving the number of the blocks 12, their initial location and orientation and configuration/size of the tray 14.

One possible game device 10 solution, when used as a single-player puzzle, could involve the blocks 12 initially oriented in two parallel rows as shown in FIG. 6 with a common color presented on the upward facing triangular face 24 of each pocket 25. The object could be to move each of the blocks 12 by rotating them along the X or Z axis, one move at a time, in such a sequence as to result in a pre-chosen color being presented on the pocket 25 of the upward-facing face 13 as the blocks 12 are aligned in a mirror arrangement on the tray 14.

Numerous other initial and final formats are possible utilizing the concept of the block 12 and tray 14 with complementary shapes and a block 12 with distinguishing face characteristics such as color or design. This example is used for illustration is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with preferred embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A game device comprising:

at least one block, each of the at least one block including a plurality of faces, a plurality of edges, and a plurality of block guides, each of the plurality of edges being located along the intersection of two of the plurality of faces, each of the plurality of block guides being located along one of the plurality of edges;

a tray including a plurality of seats and a plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray guides being located between two of the plurality of seats;

wherein each of the plurality of faces comprises a first recess or a first protrusion and each of the plurality of seats comprises the other of a first recess or a first protrusion, the first recess and first protrusion being complimentarily shaped, so that the first protrusion can be received into the first recess;

wherein each of the plurality of block guides comprises a second recess or a second protrusion and each of the plurality of tray guides comprises the other of a second recess or a second protrusion, the second recess and second protrusion being shaped so that the second recess can pivot on the second protrusion when the second recess engages the second protrusion.

2. The game device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of faces comprises a pyramid-shaped recess and each of the plurality of seats comprises a pyramid-shaped protrusion that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of faces.

3. The game device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of faces comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped recess and each of the plurality of seats comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped protrusion that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of faces.

4. The game device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of block guides comprises a cylindrically-shaped recess and each of the plurality of tray guides comprises a partial cylinder that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of block guides.

5. The game device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tray guides comprising a first set of tray guides and a second set of tray guides, the first set of tray guides all being parallel to a first axis and the second set of tray guides being parallel to a second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.

6. The game device of claim 5, wherein the first axis is co-planar to the second axis.

7. The game device of claim 6, wherein all of the plurality of seats are positioned on a first plane.

8. The game device of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of seats is oriented the same as each other of the plurality of seats.

9. The game device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of faces comprise pairs of opposing faces.

10. The game device of claim 1, wherein the at least one block comprises a plurality of identically-structured blocks.

11. The game device of claim 1, wherein the at least one block comprises at least one cube-shaped block.

12. The game device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of faces is of a different color or design than the other of the plurality of faces on that one of the at least one block.

13. A puzzle comprising:

a plurality of blocks, each of the plurality of blocks having a plurality of pockets arranged in opposing pairs, a plurality of edges defined by the intersection of at least two of the plurality of pockets, a plurality of block guides, each of the plurality of guide recesses being located along one of the plurality of edges, each of the plurality of pockets being substantially identical to all other of the plurality of pockets; and

a tray including a plurality of protrusions that are complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of pockets, a plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray guides being located between two of the plurality of seats and substantially identical in shape to all other of the plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray guides being shaped to engage one of the plurality of block guides and enable one of the plurality of block guides to pivot about a pivot axis, the plurality of tray guides comprising a first set of tray guides and a second set of tray guides, the first set of tray guides all being parallel to a first axis and the second set of tray guides being parallel to a second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.

14. The game device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of faces comprises a pyramid-shaped recess and each of the plurality of seats comprises a pyramid-shaped protrusion that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of faces.

15. The game devices of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of faces comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped recess and each of the plurality of seats comprises a truncated pyramid-shaped protrusion that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of faces.

16. The game device of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of block guides comprises a cylindrically-shaped recess and each of the plurality of tray guides comprises a partial cylinder that is complimentary in shape to each of the plurality of block guides.

17. The game device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of tray guides comprising a first set of tray guides and a second set of tray guides, the first set of tray guides all being parallel to a first axis and the second set of tray guides being parallel to a second axis, the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis.

18. The game device of claim 17, wherein the first axis is co-planar to the second axis.

19. The game device of claim 18, wherein all of the plurality of seats are positioned on a first plane.

20. The game device of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of seats is oriented the same as each other of the plurality of seats.

21. A game device comprising:

at least one block, each of the at least one block including a plurality of faces, a plurality of edges, and a plurality of block guides, each of the plurality of edges being located along the intersection of two of the plurality of faces, each of the plurality of block guides being located along one of the plurality of edges; and

a tray including a plurality of seats and a plurality of tray guides, each of the plurality of tray guides being located between two of the plurality of seats;

wherein each of the plurality of faces and each of the plurality of seats are shaped to nest when one of the plurality of faces is placed atop one of the plurality of seats; and

wherein each of the plurality of block guides and each of the plurality of tray guides are shaped to enable one of the plurality of block guides to pivot about a pivot axis when one of the plurality of block guides engages one of the plurality of tray guides and a force having a component that is perpendicular to the pivot axis acts on the at least one block.

22. The puzzle of claim 21, wherein plurality of seats and a plurality of tray guides are all located on a first plane and the component is parallel to the first plane.