TOY AND PROMOTIONAL ELEMENT

Abstract

Collectible playing pieces and methods of playing games with such collectible pieces are provided. The playing piece is generally discus-shaped and includes a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell. The top shell may be connected or attached to the bottom shell using any of a variety of attachment mechanisms. The top shell, the bottom shell, or both shells of the playing piece may be decorated with a graphic design, image, logo, symbol, print pattern, etc., so as to render the playing piece distinct among a plurality of other such playing pieces comprising, for example, a set or group of playing pieces. The playing piece can be manually flipped into the air during a game so as to land on a playing surface in one or more orientations.

Description

The present application claims priority to Patent Application No. 211112 filed in Israel on Feb. 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of toys and promotions. More particularly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a discus-like collectible piece that can be used as a playing piece in a game.

BACKGROUND

At one time, children created game competitions by using conventional items such as fruit or plant seeds, glass marbles, and the like. When these items or elements are decorated, children can create their own private collections, exchange the items with friends, win or lose them while playing competitive games, and/or utilize the items in a variety of other enjoyable ways. As the market of toy games is very dynamic, there is a need to continuously innovate and create new games based on new ideas.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This Summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. This Summary merely presents some of the concepts of the disclosure as a prelude to the Detailed Description provided below.

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a collectible playing piece, where the playing piece is generally discus-like in shape and comprises a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell. Each of the shells may include an outer face, an inner face, and an attachment face, and the top and bottom shells can be removably attached at their attachment faces so as to form a circumferential edge of the playing piece. Additionally, the playing piece is adapted to stably land on either its top shell or its bottom shell when flipped onto a surface as a result of force being exerted or applied directionally downward on the edge.

Other embodiments of the disclosure relate to method of playing a game, where the game includes a set of rules for playing the game, a playing surface, and a plurality of generally discus-shaped playing pieces. Each of the playing pieces used in playing the game may have a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell which, when attached, form a circumferential edge of the playing piece. The method of playing the game comprises the following steps: placing, on the playing surface, a first playing piece and a second playing piece, each playing piece being placed with its top shell facing upwards; arranging the first playing piece partially underneath the second playing piece such that a portion of the edge of the first playing piece remains unobstructed by the second playing piece; applying a downward force on the portion of the edge of the first playing piece that remains unobstructed to cause each of the first playing piece and the second playing piece to flip upwards into the air and land on the playing surface in one of two orientations: with the top shell facing upwards or with the top shell facing downwards; and determining an outcome based on the orientation in which each of the playing pieces landed on the playing surface.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the Detailed Description given below. However, it should be understood that the Detailed Description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collectible playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell according to an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and the outer face of the top shell facing downwards.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the bottom shell separated from the top shell and the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing an attachment face of the top shell.

FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing an attachment face and an attachment ring of the bottom shell.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing an alternate attachment mechanism according to another embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and including the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the top shell attached to the bottom shell using the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and including a removable insert piece.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1, showing the top shell connected with the bottom shell and including the removable insert piece of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell, where the top shell contains an aperture according to another embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 5A, showing the top shell containing the aperture separated from the bottom shell.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 5A, showing a small embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell and a virtual image of the small embodiment created near the aperture in the top shell.

FIG. 5D is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece of FIG. 5C, showing a reflective coating plated on the inner faces of the top and bottom shells according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell according to another embodiment described herein.

FIG. 6B is an elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 6A, with the top shell containing an aperture according to another embodiment described herein.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B, showing the inner face of the top shell and the attachment receptacles contained on the attachment face of the top shell.

FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B, showing the outer face of the top shell facing downwards.

FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B, showing the outer face of the top shell facing downwards and the attachment face containing one of attachment receptacles facing upwards.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B, showing the inner face of the bottom shell and attachment pins protruding from the attachment face of the bottom shell, and also showing a holographic icon area protruding from the inner face of the bottom shell and visible through the aperture contained in the top shell.

FIG. 8B is an elevation view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B, showing the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards and showing the attachment pins protruding from the attachment face of the bottom shell facing upwards.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B, showing the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards and some of the attachment pins facing upwards, and also showing the holographic icon area protruding from the inner face of the bottom shell.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a stack of collectible playing pieces according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of two collectible playing pieces with an attracting force between them according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of two collectible playing pieces with a repelling force between them according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a collectible playing piece including top shell, a bottom shell, and a removable connecting ring between the shells according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for playing a game using at least one playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a playing piece being flipped from a playing surface into a gaming console according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing two playing pieces being flipped from a playing surface and landing on one of their top or bottom shells according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a playing piece, showing an array of micro lenses or prisms contained along the outer surface of the top shell according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece of FIG. 16A, showing interlaced printing embodied along the outer surface of the top shell at the focal locus of the micro lenses of prisms according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an accessory device adapted for use with a playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates example dimensions for a top shell of the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates example dimensions for a bottom shell of the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates example dimensions for an insert piece that may be included in the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 21A is a top view of a collectible playing piece attached to a connecting frame element according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 21B is an elevation view of the playing piece attached to the connecting frame element of FIG. 21A according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 21C is a top view of a playing piece cluster including a plurality of playing pieces attached to connecting frame elements according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 21D is a pictorial representation of one example use of the playing piece cluster of FIG. 21C.

FIG. 22A is a top view of a playing piece accessory that may be used with the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 22B is an elevation view of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 22A.

FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 22B.

FIG. 23A is an elevation view of another playing piece accessory that may be used with the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a component of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23C is a front view of an arrangement of two components of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 23D is an elevation view of an arrangement of two components of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 23A.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals and any acronyms identify elements or acts with the same or similar structure or functionality for ease of understanding and convenience. The drawings will be described in detail in the course of the following Detailed Description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the invention can include many other obvious features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to playing pieces and various methods of playing games with such playing pieces. As will be described in greater detail herein, these playing pieces may also be considered collectibles (e.g., collectible items) that can be purchased, sold, traded, won or lost, displayed, and the like. It should be understood that although embodiments of the present disclosure are described using the term “playing pieces”, numerous other terms or phrases may also be used in addition to or instead of “playing pieces” without departing from the intended meaning of the term. For example, the “playing pieces” described herein may also be referred to as “game pieces”, “toy pieces”, “collectible items”, “collectibles”, etc. The term “playing pieces” is used entirely for illustrative and simplicity purposes, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example playing piece 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the playing piece 10 is generally discus-shaped and includes a top convex shell 20 and a bottom convex shell 30. The top shell (e.g., upper shell, cover, lid, etc.) 20 may be removably connected to (e.g., joined with, attached to, secured to, etc.) the bottom shell (e.g., lower shell, base, etc.) 30 using any of a variety of attachment mechanisms.

In one example, the top shell 20 may be secured to the bottom shell 30 using a full circumferential attachment ring or protrusion extending outwards from an attachment face (e.g., surface) of the bottom shell 30 (e.g., attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of the bottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2E, which will be described in greater detail herein). In another example, the top and bottom shells comprising the playing piece 10 may be connected using a combination of two half-circumferential attachment rings, one extending outwards from an attachment face of the top shell 20 and another extending outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell 30 (e.g., attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of each of the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C, which are described in greater detail herein).

In yet another example, the two shells comprising the playing piece may be secured using a set of attachment pins protruding outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell and a corresponding set of attachment receptacles contained on an attachment face of the top shell (e.g., attachment pins 51 protruding outwards from attachment face 54 of bottom shell 50 and corresponding attachment receptacles 41 contained on attachment face 44 of top shell 40 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 8A-8C and FIGS. 7A-7C, respectively, all which will be further described in detail herein).

In addition to being a collectible item, the playing piece 10 is adaptable for use as a game piece in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games, and can also be used in conjunction with numerous accessory devices configured to enhance the enjoyment and/or competitiveness of such games. Further details regarding some of the games in which the playing piece 10 may be used, as well as some of the accessory devices, are provided below.

According to embodiments described herein, the top shell 20, the bottom shell 30, or both shells of the playing piece 10 may be decorated with a graphic design, image, logo, symbol, print pattern, etc., or any combination or variation thereof so as to render the playing piece 10 distinct among a plurality of other such playing pieces comprising, for example, a set or group of playing pieces. For example, the top shell 20 and/or the bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 may be decorated with a design particular to only that playing piece 10, where the playing piece 10 is part of a series of (e.g., 20, 30, 40, etc.) playing pieces that may be collected by an individual. In such a scenario, the design decorating the top shell 20 and/or bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 will not be found decorating the shells of any other playing piece belonging to the same series.

In at least one embodiment, the outer face or surface of one or both of the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 comprises an array of transparent micro lenses or prisms combined with interlaced printing, which together create an illusion of depth and/or animation to a user viewing the playing piece 10. An example of such an embodiment of the playing piece is illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 16A provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece 10, where the outer surface of the top shell 20 contains an array of transparent micro lenses (or prisms) 70 and interlaced printing 72 is embedded in the area within the lenses 70. As described above, in another embodiment the outer surface of the bottom shell 30 may similarly contain the array of micro lenses 70 and interlaced printing 72, and this may be in addition to or instead of the top shell 20 also containing such micro lenses and printing.

FIG. 16B provides an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece of FIG. 16A, where the portion is indicated by a broken-line circle in FIG. 16A. FIG. 16B shows additional detail of the micro lenses 70 and the interlaced printing 72. In an embodiment of the playing piece such as that shown in FIG. 16B, the interlaced printing 72 may be embodied or embedded at the focal locus of the micro lenses 70, as represented by the broken-lines. Furthermore, the interlaced printing 72 may be comprised of linear strips presenting numerous images of a single object, thereby creating a virtual three-dimensional image that can be perceived by a user looking at the playing piece 10.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various features of one embodiment of the example playing piece shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2A and 2B provide perspective views of a top shell 20 and a bottom shell 30, respectively, of the playing piece 10. Each of FIGS. 2A and 2B shows only one of the shells of the playing piece 10, with the counterpart shell having been separated and removed for purposes of illustration. As shown in FIG. 2A, the top shell 20 includes an outer (external or outward-facing) face/surface 28, an inner (internal or inward-facing) face/surface 26, and an attachment face/surface 24. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the bottom shell 30 similarly includes an outer face/surface 38, an inner face/surface 36, and an attachment face/surface 34. Additionally, in at least the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E, the bottom shell 30 includes a circumferential attachment ring or protrusion 32, which extends outwards (or upwards in the case where the bottom shell 30 is oriented as shown in FIG. 2B) from the attachment face 34 of the bottom shell 30.

FIG. 2C provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece 10, showing the top shell 20 separated from the bottom shell 30. The arrows shown in FIG. 2C indicate the respective directions in which the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 connect or attach to form the playing piece 10. When the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 are brought together in the direction indicated by the arrows, the attachment ring 32 (which may also be referred to as the “attachment protrusion”) of the bottom shell 30 extends into the opening of the top shell 20, thereby securing the two shells in place and forming the complete playing piece 10.

FIGS. 2D and 2E are enlarged cross-sectional elevation views of portions of the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30, respectively, of the playing piece 10. In particular, FIG. 2D shows a portion of the attachment face 24 of the top shell 20 and FIG. 2E shows a portion of the attachment face 34 and the attachment ring 32 of the bottom shell 30.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate features of another embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 1. According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the top and bottom shells of the playing piece (e.g., the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 as shown in FIG. 1) are of similar construction with regard to portions of an attachment mechanism included as part of each shell. As such, certain features that are similar across the top and bottom shells of the playing piece are identified using similar reference numerals in FIGS. 3A-3C.

FIG. 3A provides a perspective view of one of the shells of the playing piece 10, where the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 each include a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 (which also may be referred to as a “half-circumferential attachment protrusion”) that extends half the distance around the circumference of the shell and outwards from an attachment face 37 of the shell. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 are joined in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2C, but with each of the shells including the half-circumferential attachment ring 39 that extends into the other shell to securely hold the two shells in place to form the playing piece 10.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate features of another embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece 10 where the top shell 20 is separated from the bottom shell 30, and a removable insert piece 35 is included between the two shells. According to at least one embodiment, the removable insert piece 35 may be generally elliptical in shape and have a diameter similar to the largest diameter of the playing piece 10 such that the insert piece 35 substantially spans across the space between the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30. The arrows shown in FIG. 4A indicate the respective directions in which the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 connect or attach to form the playing piece 10. When the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 are brought together in the direction indicated by the arrows, an attachment ring of each shell similar to the attachment ring 39 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and described above extends into the counterpart shell, and thereby secures the two shells in place to form the complete playing piece 10.

In at least one embodiment, the removable insert piece 35 may be generally transparent or clear, such that the inner surface of each of the shells may be visible from an aperture contained in the opposite shell (e.g., aperture 27 contained in top shell 40 of the playing piece shown in FIG. 5A, which is described in greater detail below). In another embodiment, the removable insert piece 35 may contain a reflective coating on each of its two larger surfaces (e.g., the surface of the insert piece 35 that faces the space inside the top shell and the surface that faces the space contained inside the bottom shell). In such an embodiment where the removable insert piece contains a reflective coating on each of its two main surfaces, a viewer may see a reflection of an image contained on the inner face of the top shell, a reflection of an image contained on the inner face of the bottom shell, or a split-image reflection of both such images contained on the inner faces of the shells.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various features of another embodiment of the example playing piece shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the playing piece 10 in which the top shell 20 includes an aperture 27 through which a user may view various optical effects and virtual images produced within the playing piece 10. FIGS. 5B-5D show cross-sectional elevation views of the playing piece 10 illustrated in FIG. 5A to provide additional details regarding such optical effects and/or virtual images. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the playing piece 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 5A may include an attachment mechanism similar to the attachment mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C and described above. For example, the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 may each include a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 that extends outward from an attachment face 37 of the shell, and that together hold the two shells securely in place to form the playing piece 10.

Referring to the views of the playing piece 10 shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, in accordance with at least one embodiment, the inner face 26 of the top shell 20 and the inner face 36 of the bottom shell 30 may both be plated with a reflective coating 62. When a small embodiment 33 (represented in FIG. 5C as solid ellipsoid and in FIG. 5D as a half-ellipsoid) is attached to (e.g., securely placed on, inserted on, etc.) the reflective inner face 36 of the bottom shell 30, the embodiment 33 may reflect off (e.g., the reflective coating 62 plated on) the inner faces 26 and 36 of the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30, respectively, thereby creating a virtual image 21 (represented in FIG. 5C as an empty ellipsoid and in FIG. 5D as an empty half-ellipsoid) near the aperture of the top shell 20. In different arrangements, the embodiment 33 attached to the inner face 36 of the bottom shell 30 may be a small icon, graphical image, or the like. The reflection of the embodiment 33 off of the reflective inner faces of the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 (e.g., inner faces 26 and 36 plated with reflective coating 62) is represented as broken lines in FIGS. 5C and 5D.

FIG. 5D provides an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece as shown in FIG. 5C to illustrate additional detail regarding the reflective coating 62 and the creation of the virtual image 21 near the aperture 27 in the top shell 28. The virtual image 21 of the embodiment 33 can be observed (e.g., by a user or viewer of the playing piece 10) near the aperture 27 of the top shell as though the virtual image 21 is floating in the space within the playing piece 10 and/or floating in the space slightly above the aperture 27 in the top shell 20 (e.g., in the space outside of the playing piece 10). Accordingly, depending on the location of the aperture 27 in the top shell 20, the virtual image 21 may be observed as a three-dimensional virtual image floating above the playing piece 10.

In different embodiments, the aperture 27 may be located at any of a variety of places in the top shell 20 of the playing piece 10, and the aperture 27 may also differ in size across embodiments. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment the top shell 20 may include multiple apertures 27 located at different positions throughout the top shell 20 of the playing piece 10 so as to provide a user with a variety of optical effects. For example, the aperture 27 may be centrally-located in the top shell 20 or may be asymmetrically off-center within the top shell 20. One advantage of the aperture 27 being asymmetrically off-center in the top shell 20 is that such a configuration provides better visibility of a virtual image created when an icon is placed within the shells. Another advantage of the aperture being off-center is that more surface area is available on the outer face 28 of the top shell 20 for decorative purposes and uses.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 5A, the playing piece 10 may include a transparent connecting ring configured to securely connect the top and bottom shells and enable additional light to enter the space between the two shells. An example of such a transparent connecting ring is shown in FIG. 12. In particular, FIG. 12 provides an exploded perspective view of the playing piece, showing the top shell 20 containing aperture 27, the bottom shell 30, and a transparent connecting ring 60 between the two shells as described above. Among other advantages, the transparent connecting ring 60 enhances the visibility of any icon or image contained on the inner face of the bottom shell 30.

The playing pieces 10 may be formed from any suitable material that provides the desired weight properties, and may have any suitable dimensions that enables the playing pieces 10 to be collected in a practical manner and/or used as game pieces in the variety of games described herein. The curvature of each playing piece 10 is selected so as to create a flipping effect when force is exerted downwards on the edge areas of the playing pieces. Force may be exerted by a user (e.g., a player or participant in a game involving the playing piece 10) or by application of an accessory device or mechanism. In an embodiment where the playing piece 10 has a diameter of about 50 millimeters, the curvature radius is generally about 42 millimeters. In any of the embodiments described herein, the radius of the curvature of the playing piece 10 should not exceed 70 millimeters or be smaller than 30 millimeters.

In at least some of the embodiments in which the playing piece is comprised of a top shell containing an aperture (e.g., top shell 20 in the embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 5A), the top shell may be of the dimensions provided in FIG. 18.

Additionally, in some embodiments of the playing piece described herein, the bottom shell may be of the dimensions shown in FIG. 19.

Further, in embodiments of the playing piece in which a removable insert piece (e.g., removable insert piece 35 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) is included, the removable insert piece may be of the dimensions provided in FIG. 20.

It should be understood that the dimensions for various components of the playing piece provided in FIGS. 18-20 are exemplary in nature, and that variations to these dimensions are contemplated within one or more of the embodiments described. As such, the illustrative dimensions shown in FIGS. 18-20 are not in any way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather are provided for purposes of example.

FIGS. 6A and 6B provide elevation views of a playing piece according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The playing piece 10 comprises a top convex shell 40 and a bottom convex shell 50, with each of the shells having incorporated into its structure an exterior flange (e.g., rim, lip, etc.) 48a and 48b. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the top shell 40 and bottom shell 50 are brought together, the exterior flanges 48a and 48b form an extended edge around the circumference of the playing piece 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the circumferential edge formed by the flanges 48a and 48b of the top shell 40 and the bottom shell, respectively, allow the playing piece 10 to be more easily grasped, flipped, launched, rolled, etc. when being used in a variety of games. The version of the playing piece 10 shown in FIG. 6B includes an aperture 27 (not clearly illustrated in the view provided) in the top shell 40 and, in at least some embodiments, also contains a holographic icon area (not shown) located on the inner face of the lower shell 50, as will be described below in relation to FIGS. 8A-8C.

FIGS. 7A-7C and 8A-8C provide various views of the top shell 40 and the bottom shell 50 of the embodiment of the playing piece 10 as shown in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A provides a perspective view of the top shell 40 of the playing piece shown in FIG. 6B, where the top shell 40 is oriented with its outer surface facing downwards and hidden from view. As shown in FIG. 7A, the top shell 40 includes aperture 27, flange 48a, attachment face (e.g., surface) 44, and a plurality of attachment receptacles 41 contained on the attachment face 44. Additional details about each of these features of the top shell 40 are shown in FIG. 7B, which provides an elevation view of the top shell 40, and FIG. 7C, which provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the top shell 40.

FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of the bottom shell 50 of the playing piece shown in FIG. 6B, where the bottom shell 50 is oriented with its outer surface facing downwards and hidden from view. As shown in FIG. 8A, the bottom shell 50 includes flange 48b, attachment face (e.g., surface) 54, and a plurality of attachment pins 51 contained on the attachment face 54 and protruding outwards from the bottom shell 50. In at least the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the bottom shell 50 also includes a holographic icon area 55, which may be adapted to provide a holographic image visible to a viewer through the aperture 27 included in the top shell 40. Additional details about each of these features of the bottom shell 50 are shown in FIG. 8B, which provides an elevation view of the bottom shell 50, and FIG. 8C, which provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the bottom shell 50.

In the various embodiments of the playing piece described herein, the playing piece (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1, 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) may be balanced between the top shell and the bottom shell, and each of the top shell and the bottom shell may be balanced around its respective axis such that the playing piece is uniformly balanced at its center. One of the advantages of the playing piece being balanced this manner is that multiple playing pieces can be stacked one on top of the other so as to form a stack of playing pieces. An example of such a stack of playing pieces is shown in FIG. 9, where playing pieces 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are shown stacked one on top of the other.

In some embodiments, the playing piece may include one or more magnets, magnetic pieces, and/or magnetized components or materials. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate example playing pieces 10a and 10b, where each of the playing pieces 10a and 10b includes some type of magnet or variation thereof. FIG. 10 shows the playing pieces 10a and 10b being pulled towards each other by an attracting (magnetic) force, while FIG. 11 shows the playing pieces 10a and 10b being pushed apart from each other by a repelling (magnetic) force. In embodiments of the playing piece such as those shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the magnets may be contained or positioned in the top shell, the bottom shell, or both shells (either separate magnets in each shell or one or more magnets spanning both shells) of each of the playing pieces 10a and 10b.

In addition to being collectibles, the playing pieces (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1, 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) may also be used as game pieces in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games. While some of these games are primarily based on using manual force to flip the playing piece up off of a playing surface and having the playing piece land back down on the playing surface in one of two orientations (e.g., with the top shell facing downwards or the bottom shell facing downwards), certain other games include the use of one or more accessory devices or components. For example, the playing pieces may be flipped from a playing surface towards a specific target or into a selected container or other designated area using a handheld launching, flipping, shooting or rolling device, or any other similar such propulsion device suitable for use in the particular game and with the playing pieces.

FIGS. 14 and 17 illustrate two examples of such accessory devices and components. FIG. 14, various features of which will be described in greater detail below, shows a playing piece arena or stage 70, which may be adapted to receive one or more playing pieces flipped from a playing surface (e.g., by a player involved in a game being played). In at least the arrangement shown in FIG. 14, the arena 70 includes a target receptacle 75 (e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.) into which participants can attempt to flip their playing pieces during a game.

Additionally, FIG. 17 provides a perspective view of a playing piece launcher 80. The launcher 80 includes a launch pad 85 upon which a playing piece may be placed prior to being launched. In at least one embodiment, the launch pad 85 may include a dimple or divot adapted to provide greater steadiness to a playing piece that is going to be launched using the launcher 80.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of playing a game using at least one playing piece (e.g., the example playing piece 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1, 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the game illustrated in FIG. 13 and described in detail below is exemplary in nature and is not in any way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Instead, numerous other similar games or variations thereof may also be played using one or more of the playing pieces described herein in addition to or instead of the game shown.

In the following description of the game playing method of FIG. 13, reference will be made to the diagram shown in FIG. 15 for purposes of example and illustration. As will be described in greater detail below, FIG. 15 shows two playing pieces 10A and 10B arranged on a playing surface 15 being flipped upwards into the air as a result of a downward force being applied or exerted to an edge of playing piece 10A. In a scenario where playing piece 10A is of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the downward force may be applied to the edge or rim formed by exterior flanges 48a and 48b of the top shell 40 and bottom shell 50, respectively. It should be noted that the downward force may be applied or exerted by a player or by application of an accessory device or mechanism.

FIG. 15 also illustrates an example trajectory and landing orientation of each of the playing pieces 10A and 10B. The trajectory of playing piece 10A is represented as a series of broken-line playing pieces following the indicated path of travel for playing piece 10A. Similarly, the trajectory of playing piece 10B is represented as a series of broken-line playing pieces following the indicated path of travel for playing piece 10B.

The game playing method of FIG. 13 starts at step 1300 with two players (indicated in FIG. 13 as “Player 1” and “Player 2”) each selecting a playing piece. For example, referring to FIG. 15, Player 1 may select playing piece 10A and Player 2 may select playing piece 10B.

In step 1305, the two playing pieces are placed on the playing surface 15 with their top shells 20 facing upwards. In step 1310, Player 1 moves her playing piece 10A slightly underneath Player 2's playing piece 10B. In at least one embodiment of the game method of FIG. 13, step 1310 may be performed such that playing pieces 10A and 10B are in the arrangement shown in FIG. 15, where playing piece 10B is stacked on top of playing piece 10A. In other embodiments of the game method, playing pieces 10A and 10B may be arranged in a slightly different manner than that shown in FIG. 15 when performing step 1310.

In step 1315, Player 1 exerts a downward force on the (unobstructed) edge of playing piece 10A in a manner that causes both of the playing pieces to flip upwards off of the playing surface 15 and into the air. The downward force may be exerted or applied by Player 1 using her hand(s) or by application of one or more accessories or devices (e.g., a hammer-like device designed for use with the playing pieces).

In step 1320, a determination is made as to whether Player 2's playing piece 10B landed back down on the playing surface 15 in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10B is facing downwards. If the top shell 20 of playing piece 10B is facing downwards in step 1320, then in step 1325 it is determined whether Player 1's playing piece 10A landed back down on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10A is also facing downwards.

If it is found in step 1325 that Player 1's playing piece 10A also landed on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10A is facing downwards, then the process moves to step 1345 where Player 1's turn is over and Player 2 takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320. On the other hand, if it is instead found in step 1325 that Player 1's playing piece 10A did not land on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10A is facing downwards (e.g., the top shell of playing piece 10A is facing upwards), then in step 1330 Player 1 receives 1 point and continues with her turn as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320.

If in step 1320 it is determined that the top shell 20 of Player 2's playing piece 10B is not facing downwards, then the process goes to step 1335, where it is determined whether Player 1's playing piece 10A landed on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10A is facing downwards. If the top shell 20 of playing piece 10A is found to be facing downwards in step 1330, then in step 1340 Player 1's turn ends and Player 2 receives 1 point and also takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320.

As shown in FIG. 13, if in either step 1325 or step 1335 it is found that Player 1's playing piece 10A and Player 2's playing piece 10B both landed with their top shells 20 facing upwards (“yes” in step 1335) or both landed with their top shells 20 facing downwards (“yes” in step 1325), then the game moves to step 1345 where Player 1's turn ends and Player 2 takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320.

The game playing method of FIG. 13 continues until step 1350 in which the first player to receive 3 consecutive points during a given turn wins the round and receives the other player's playing piece. Various alternatives may be used to determine which player wins the round in addition to or instead of the first player to receive 3 points consecutively during a turn.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative arrangement for playing a game using one or more playing pieces (e.g., one or more of the example playing pieces 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1, 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) of the present disclosure. The example arrangement shown in FIG. 14 includes an accessory device that may be used as a component of a game played using such an arrangement. In one embodiment, this accessory device is a playing piece arena or stage 70, which may be adapted to receive one or more playing pieces 10 flipped (e.g., by a player involved in the game) from the playing surface 15. For example, the arena 70 may include a target receptacle 75 (e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.) into which participants attempt to flip their playing piece 10.

It should be understood that numerous other components may also be included as part of the arena 70 in addition to or instead of the target receptacle 75. For example, the arena 70 may include a plurality of such target receptacles 75, of similar or varying size, a deflector piece or pad adapted to deflect the playing piece 10 in the direction of the target receptacle 75, and/or a variety of other such features that enhance the enjoyment, competitiveness, or skill level involved when playing a game using the arena 70.

It should be understood that various structural additions and/or alterations may be made to one or more of the embodiments of the playing piece described herein so as to create a variety of promotional items. For example, an additional hook or loop may be added to a playing piece (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in FIG. 1) to create a key-chain or a charm for a bracelet or a necklace. Such promotional items can be created so as to have any of the various optical effects and/or visual illusions described in the above embodiments of the playing piece. Further, promotional slogans may be created by decorating the external surfaces of the playing piece or creating a hidden image on one or more of the internal surfaces, which results in a virtual image being produced.

In the various embodiments of the playing piece described above, the top and bottom shells can be detached (e.g., disconnected) from each other so as to enable easy access to the inner space. As such, various features of the playing piece may be changed or altered to provide new characteristics to the playing piece. For example, the shells of the playing piece may be detached in order to replace a hidden internal image or, in some embodiments, to hide a small item such as a candy or a toy icon.

At least some of the embodiments of the playing piece described above can be produced by injecting one or more plastic shells and connecting them together using ultrasonic welding or other connecting means. In one or more embodiments, it is preferable to leave the inner space of the playing piece empty so as to maintain a lightweight embodiment which, among other things, sounds interesting when hitting or landing on the ground. However, in one or more other embodiments, the inner space of the playing piece can be filled with, for example, foamed compound or the like, without affecting the weight of the playing piece.

A variety of techniques may be utilized for decorating the external and/or internal surfaces of the shells comprising the playing piece. For example, the surfaces of the playing piece may be decorated using Tampon printing, engraving, embossing, labeling, as well as other techniques known by those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 21A-21D provide various views of a connecting frame element that may be used in conjunction with one or more of the embodiments of the playing piece described herein (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1, 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.).

FIG. 21A provides a top view of the playing piece 10 inserted into the connecting frame element 85. Depending on the embodiment of the playing piece 10 used with the connecting frame element 85, the playing piece 10 may be clipped or snapped into the frame element 85, turned (e.g., wound or screwed) into the connecting frame element 85, or otherwise inserted into the frame element 85 in a manner such that the playing piece 10 is secured in place. Furthermore, each of the connecting frame elements 85 may be connected to one another in a suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. Additional details of the playing piece 10 inserted into the connecting frame element 85 are shown in the cross-sectional elevation view of FIG. 21B.

As shown in FIG. 21C, connecting frame elements 85 may be used to create a playing piece cluster 88 comprising a plurality of the playing pieces 10. The playing piece cluster 88, which may be a group, string, or other arrangement of the playing pieces 10 may be formed by connecting together corresponding connecting frame elements 85 containing the playing pieces. For example, as shown in FIG. 21D, in at least one embodiment a user (e.g., a child) may clip several of the playing pieces 10 into the connecting frame elements 85 so as to create a playing piece cluster 85 in the form of a variety of clothing items and/or accessories, such as a chain or other such personal exhibition.

FIGS. 22A-22C and 23A-23D show various views of two optional accessory items or devices that may be used with one or more of the various embodiments of the playing piece described herein (e.g., one or more of the playing piece 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1, 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.).

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate a playing piece arena 90 that includes a variety of components that can be used to play a number of different games with the playing pieces 10. As shown in FIG. 22A, the arena 90 includes playing piece slots 92, which are formed in the general shape of the playing piece 10 to securely hold the playing piece in place, one or more ramps 94, a landing area 98, and a target bowl 96.

FIG. 22B provides an elevation view of the playing piece arena 90, and shows how the playing pieces 10 may sit in the playing piece seats 92 oriented around the circumference of the arena 90. FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the arena 90, where the portion is indicated as “cross-section A” in FIG. 22B. The enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 22C provides additional details of the landing area 98 and also further illustrates how the playing piece 10 sits in the playing piece seat 92.

FIGS. 23A-23D illustrate various views of a playing piece stadium 100 comprised of a top or upper bowl 105 and a bottom bowl 110. In at least one embodiment, the bottom bowl 110 may sit in a base 115, and the top bowl 105 may include a removable playing surface 120. The removable playing surface 120 may include a center area 125 made of an elastic or similar material suitable for a playing piece to bounce or reflect off of.

The collectability of the playing pieces may be enhanced by incorporating rarity aspects. As used in the present context, rarity relates to the limited distribution or availability of certain variations of the playing pieces. For example, playing pieces having a particular design (e.g., promotional logo, fictional character or personality, etc.) or including one or more additional features or enhancements as compared with other similar playing pieces, may be made more desirable by limiting their availability.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of alternative materials.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A collectible playing piece for a game, the playing piece being generally discus-shaped and comprising a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell, each of the shells including an outer face, an inner face, and an attachment face, wherein the top and bottom shells are attached at their attachment faces so as to form a circumferential edge of the playing piece, and wherein the playing piece is adapted to stably land on the top shell or the bottom shell when flipped onto a surface by having force applied directionally downward on the edge.

2. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the attachment face of the bottom shell includes an attachment ring extending fully around the circumference of the bottom shell and protruding outwards from the bottom shell, the attachment ring being adapted to securely hold the top shell and the bottom shell in place when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached.

3. The playing piece of claim 2, wherein the top shell is adapted to receive the attachment ring protruding outwards from the attachment face of the bottom shell when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached.

4. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the attachment face of the top shell includes an attachment ring extending partially around the circumference of the top shell, and the attachment face of the bottom shell includes an attachment ring extending partially around the circumference of the bottom shell in an orientation opposite that of the attachment ring included on the top shell.

5. The playing piece of claim 1, further comprising an insert piece that may be inserted between the top shell and the bottom shell, the insert piece being generally disc-shaped and including a first face and a second face.

6. The playing piece of claim 5, wherein the insert piece is transparent in appearance.

7. The playing piece of claim 5, wherein one or both of the first face and the second face of the insert piece are reflective.

8. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the top shell includes one or more apertures that allow for visibility into the playing piece when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached.

9. The playing piece of claim 8, wherein at least one of the apertures is located asymmetrically off-center in the top shell.

10. The playing piece of claim 8, wherein the inner face of the bottom shell contains an image that, when viewed through the one or more apertures in the top shell, appears as a three-dimensional image.

11. The playing piece of claim 8, wherein the inner face of the bottom shell contains a holographic image that is visible through the one or more apertures in the top shell.

12. The playing piece of claim 1, further comprising a transparent connecting ring that provides a connection between the top shell and the bottom shell and is adapted to provide additional illumination within the playing piece when the top shell and the bottom shell are connected.

13. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the attachment face of the bottom shell includes a plurality of attachment pins, and the attachment face of the top shell includes a corresponding plurality of attachment receptacles adapted to receive the plurality of attachment pins when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached and securely hold the top shell and the bottom shell in place.

14. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein one or both of the outer face of the top shell and the outer face of the bottom shell include an array of micro lenses containing a plurality of interlaced images.

15. The playing piece of claim 14, wherein the plurality of interlaced images is located at the focal locus of the micro lenses.

16. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the inner faces of the top and bottom shells are reflective, the top shell includes an aperture located at the center of the shell, and the playing piece further comprises an embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell such that a virtual image can be observed near the aperture of the top shell.

17. The playing piece of claim 16, wherein the virtual image can be observed near the aperture of the top shell as though the virtual image is floating in the space within the playing piece.

18. The playing piece of claim 16, wherein the embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell is a graphical image located on the inner face of the bottom shell.

19. The playing piece of claim 16, wherein the top shell includes at least one aperture located asymmetrically off-center of the shell.

20. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the top shell and the bottom shell have different curvatures.

21. The playing piece of claim 1, wherein the top shell is removably attached to the bottom shell to form the playing piece.

22. The playing piece of claim 21, wherein an inner space of the playing piece may be accessed by detaching the top shell from the bottom shell.

23. A plurality of playing pieces of claim 1, wherein the plurality of playing pieces are adapted to be stacked one on top of the other.

24. At least two of the playing pieces of claim 1, wherein the at least two playing pieces are adapted to be partially stacked such that both of the playing pieces are flipped into the air by having force applied directionally downward on the edge of one of the playing pieces.

25. A method of playing a game including rules for playing the game, a playing surface, and a plurality of discus-shaped playing pieces, each playing piece having a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell which, when attached, form a circumferential edge of the playing piece, the method comprising:

placing, on the playing surface, a first playing piece and a second playing piece, each playing piece being placed with its top shell facing upwards;

arranging the first playing piece partially underneath the second playing piece such that a portion of the edge of the first playing piece remains unobstructed by the second playing piece;

applying a downward force on the portion of the edge of the first playing piece that remains unobstructed to cause each of the first playing piece and the second playing piece to flip upwards into the air and land on the playing surface in one of two orientations: with the top shell facing upwards or with the top shell facing downwards; and

determining an outcome based on the orientation in which each of the playing pieces landed on the playing surface.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein a point is awarded to a player associated with the first playing piece if, when the playing pieces land, the top shell of the first playing piece is facing upwards and the top shell of the second playing piece is facing downwards.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein a point is awarded to a player associated with the second playing piece if, when the playing pieces land, the top shell of the second playing piece is facing upwards and the top shell of the first playing piece is facing downwards.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein no points are awarded if, when the playing pieces land, the top shells of the first playing piece and the second playing piece are both facing upwards or are both facing downwards.