Removable And Discrete Game Piece Changes Status Of Circuit Patents (Class 273/238)
  • Patent number: 4969650
    Abstract: A game machine with an automatic judging function according to the present invention is used to play a game in which a winner is determined according to predetermined rules of the game by moving pieces having their own characters across a game board, e.g., a checkerboard. The game machine includes classified pieces whose characters cannot be known by an opponent, a checkerboard with sensors for detecting the rank characters of the pieces disposed thereon, and a judging unit for automatically determining the winning piece on the basis of the rank characters of the pieces when they encounter on the game board. Accordingly, a game player can enjoy a game by inferring the rank characters and future moves of opponent's pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Electronic Industry, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Magara, Takashi Ishii, Shigenobu Hagimori
  • Patent number: 4848767
    Abstract: An electrical game wherein probes are withdrawn from holes in a game board; only one of the probes is electrically-conductive. When the electrically-conductive probe is withdrawn from the game board an audible alarm sounds, ending the game. The player having the most probes is declared the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Dominic F. Correro
  • Patent number: 4796891
    Abstract: A puzzle of the type having an array of movable tiles enclosed and supported by a frame structure includes circuitry for producing sound to identify each of the tiles. Each tile is formed with contact terminals formed on a surface that confronts a support surface of the frame. The support surface defines a number of predetermined locations at which the tiles can be positioned, each location being provided with contact terminals connected to the sound-producing circuitry. Each of the tiles is equipped with spring biasing so that when a tile is properly positioned at one of the predetermined locations and depressed, the contact terminals of the tile and the location are brought together. Each tile is provided with some electrical characteristic that causes a tone to be produced, identifying the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Applied Design Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Milner
  • Patent number: 4753439
    Abstract: A psychograph, of a type employing a movable indicator to designate indicia on a principal part of the device such as a board, can be constructed so that the indicator will cause a switch to close each time it points to or otherwise designates an indicia. A circuit is used to provide an output in the form of a signal capable of being stored or used by a computer, an electronic typewriter or the like when a switch is closed for a pedetermined time interval. Normally the board or similar part of the device will carry a plurality of indicia and a separate switch will be associated with each so that signals corresponding to all of the indicia can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Edward D. O'Brian
  • Patent number: 4669728
    Abstract: An electronic dice game apparatus includes an internally powered electronic playing piece containing a random number generator which drives a visual display within the playing piece for displaying one or more numbers or dot patterns corresponding to the dots displayed by one or two dice which have been rolled. A magnetic field sensor within the playing piece is responsive to a magnetic field-producing element within a base forming part of the apparatus in causing a high-frequency oscillator within the playing piece to stop, causing a counter connected to the output of the oscillator to transfer random numbers based upon the accumulated count to the display input drive lines, and causing the display, which is dark in the absence of a magnetic field energizing the playing piece sensor, to display the numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Inventor: Patrick M. Carden
  • Patent number: 4616832
    Abstract: A game comprising a game board having at least a pair of substantially identical playing surfaces, one for each game player, with each playing surface positioned so that the playing surface for any one game player is obscured from the view of all other game players, and a plurality of playing pieces. Each playing surface has a plurality of receptacles arranged in substantially identical patterns for positioning playing pieces. Receptacles on one playing surface have respective electrical terminals for common connection to one terminal of an A.C. power source while the receptacles on a second playing surface have respective electrical terminals adapted to be connected to an opposite polarity terminal of the A.C. power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Inventor: Guy H. Groner
  • Patent number: 4545582
    Abstract: An electronic board game comprising a flat horizontal translucent surface with a light source, a plurality of playing pieces and a hand held mover object. The translucent surface has an array of playing positions located on it's top surface and a plurality of light sources located thereunder. The light source consists of a bulb in series with a reed switch and energy source. The playing pieces consist of a magnetic pawn type object, with all pawns having the same polarity at their tops. The hand held mover object contains a magnet having the same polarity at it's top as the playing pieces, therefore, when the mover object is placed in close proximity to a playing piece it will repel it along the board's surface across the plurality of playing positions. The mover object can take the form of a ring, pistol, finger or any other shape, depending on the game logo. The light source is activated by the magnetic flux of the playing piece as it advances over a playing position having a reed switch located thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Inventor: Walter H. Andrews
  • Patent number: 4541633
    Abstract: An electronic strategy game featuring playing fields comprising two chess-like boards each of which may contain 64 squares and be separated from each other by a partition of suitable size to conceal the moves made by each player and two sets of chessmen positioned on each board. Each square has a sensor embedded in its base arranged to transmit to an electronic processing unit the location of all chessmen on the game boards. The electronic processing unit determines the game status, controls announcements to the players, and includes logic whereby the position of all chessmen are maintained in a memory and moves are regulated in accordance with predetermined rules such as the rules of chess. Requests for additional status information and the selection of optional game features are transmitted to the electronic processing unit via two control panels located one on each game board. The electronic game includes features not normally available to players utilizing a human referee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventor: Leston L. Newbill
  • Patent number: 4492581
    Abstract: A game apparatus enabling a person to learn the standard orders of development in or to solve a problem of the game of Go, shogi (Japanese chess), chess or the like. In the case of learning the standard orders of development in the game, this game apparatus detects and displays the move of a game piece, and in the case of the game problem, the game apparatus counts the number of error moves of the game piece and does not display the correct move of the game piece until the counted number of error moves of the game piece is greater than a predetermined value, and then displays the correct move of the game piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Arai, Takeshi Shimamoto
  • Patent number: 4417732
    Abstract: A puzzle-game consists of a plurality of jig saw-type puzzle boards with identical pictures and puzzle parts for play. The game is played competitively with suitable chance devices, such as dice. The number of playing pieces corresponds to the numbers which can be generated by the chance devices, i.e. eleven pieces where a pair of dice are used in the play. The individual playing pieces are numbered and the spots on the board where the pieces are to be played bear the same respective numbers. The pieces must be played in ascending order of the numbers from three to twelve and finally piece number two. Each player is allowed a predetermined, e.g. three, rolls of the dice on each turn of play to try to roll the number of the next piece to be played. The roll of a double one, i.e. "snake eyes", during play incurs a penalty. The play of the last piece requires the roll of the double one, hence the name of the game "snake eyes".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Inventor: Andrew J. Guill
  • Patent number: 4410181
    Abstract: An electronic board game includes a playing board having a surface upon which a matrix of squares are defined. The board squares are divided into three categories. One category of squares include several groups of six contiguous squares each with each group having a group color. The second category comprises single squares spaced apart and of different colors. The remaining squares define the third category. A handheld controller includes a microprocessor which is programmed to impose a set of game rules. Player tokens are used by each player to mark each player's position on the board. Under microprocessor control and prompting, the actions and conduct of the game are carried forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1983
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Lapp, Luan G. Tran
  • Patent number: 4399995
    Abstract: A data processing unit for chess with a central unit, with input keys for the central unit and with a start key for the initiation of the program for the calculation of a subsequent move of the game, and with a printing unit, comprising a control unit, a storage device, a power stage and a printer, the central unit being connected via a data collecting cable to the printing unit. The problem of the invention is the automatic continuation of the course of the game with any desired default time. For this purpose, a switching stage which responds to the print command transmitted in the data collecting cable is provided for. A relay is up-circuit from this switching stage, the normally-open contact of this relay being connected to the central unit, in parallel with the start key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Inventor: Dieter Tunnerhoff
  • Patent number: 4398720
    Abstract: The computer robot arm chess game assembly is provided with a chess board, magnetized chess pieces, auxiliary parking locations for the chess pieces, and an articulated radially moving robot arm. The robot arm can perform all the functions of an opponent including setting up the chess board, captures, promotions, castling, etc. The chess board and parking locations include magnetic members to not only activate resilient switches but further to spatially position the chess pieces for accurate location to assist the robot arm. Among the other interesting features, the robot arm can show emotional characteristics which can be accompanied by appropriate sounds and lights contemporaneous with a significant occurrence during the progress of the chess game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: California R & D Center
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Ashley Howden, Mark S. Knighton, Anson Sims, David L. Kittinger, Richard E. Hollander
  • Patent number: 4391447
    Abstract: An electronic game for positional games such as chess comprises a playing board and a plurality of playing pieces, each piece being movable between playing positions on the playing board in accordance with a predetermined pattern which is influenced by the locations of other playing pieces. Each playing piece is encoded in accordance with its identity, and each playing position automatically responds to the encoding when it is occupied by a playing piece. An electrical circuit associated with the playing position causes other positions to which the playing piece is capable of moving to be illuminated with an appropriate color. Each playing piece includes light sources which are illuminated when the playing piece is in jeopardy of being captured by an opposing playing piece or is covered by a friendly playing piece. The intensity of attack and the depth of cover may also be indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Inventor: Raymond Dudley
  • Patent number: 4376538
    Abstract: An educational game is provided not only for entertainment but for the teaching of the construction and recognition of electrical and electronic circuits. Electrical or electronic circuits can be constructed by the positioning of modules or playing pieces representing certain electrical functions on a game board imprinted with positions for the placement of the modules and the completion of an electrical or electronic circuit between a positive and negative lead of a power source. The game lends itself to actual electrically working versions as well as simulated electrical and electronic versions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Inventor: Michael P. Keenan
  • Patent number: 4372558
    Abstract: A game apparatus for enabling players present at remote places from each other to easily play the game through a connected common communication network like a telephone line. The game apparatus has functions for detecting and displaying the moved arrangement of a game piece, for transmitting and receiving the detected signals via the communication network, and for collating the reproductive motion of the one player, performed by watching the displayed moved arrangement of a game piece, with the intended motion carried out by the other player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Shimamoto, Kazuo Arai, Kazutsugu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4365811
    Abstract: A battle type game, which is readily constructed, includes simple electric circuitry for actuating signals to indicate hits made. The signals are actuated by completion of an electric circuit due to contact of an electrically conductive piercing portion of a piercing probe member, which may be a bulletin board type tack, with an electrically conductive head portion of a contact member, which may be a substantially flat headed metal thumbtack, representing a target or a part thereof. The invention is preferably made from a kit of components, readily assemblable by a youthful prospective player of the game. Also within the invention is the provision of cover sheets, having grid indicia thereon, for use to cover a corresponding marked sheet on a circuit board, for playing of the game, on which the target members are placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Inventor: Casey S. Krzes
  • Patent number: 4343609
    Abstract: A chess instruction apparatus comprises a board defining a playing area consisting of an array of playing squares, and a plurality of playing pieces of opposing colors. Each playing square contains a spacial configuration of switches, the configuration being the same in each square, and each playing piece provides a set of switch actuating members positioned to engage selected ones of said switches when the playing piece is placed on the square, the switch actuating members being arranged in a coded configuration corresponding uniquely to the color and function of the playing piece. A plurality of display circuits are provided to display the pattern of control, each display circuit being assigned to a respective playing square and being operable to denote control of the square by a playing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Inventor: David V. Cardinal
  • Patent number: 4331333
    Abstract: The game comprises a tray containing a plurality of removable tiles which may be arbitrarily placed in the tray. Two players are each provided with individual pieces which can be placed on tiles after the tiles have been arbitrarily placed in the tray. Each player takes a turn in moving one of his pieces from one tile to a next adjacent tile. The first move of each player is arbitrary as to which adjacent tile is chosen to move his piece. The second move of each player and every alternate move thereafter is a "forced" move determined by a direction resulting when the piece is placed on the tile. In other words, each tile has an assigned direction which is hidden from the player but which becomes indicated when the player places his piece on the tile. The players alternate turns and attempt to reach a center tile which constitutes a winning point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventor: Martin E. G. Willcocks
  • Patent number: 4327920
    Abstract: An electromechanically controlled board game for two players, each of which has a set of playing pieces which are advanced on a board in rank or file increments to attack pieces of the opposing player. The pieces are so configured that the relative value of each piece is visible only to the holder of the piece during play. An attacking piece is compared in value with the piece attacked by comparing a four bit code assigned to each piece with a corresponding code assigned to the piece attacked. The lower valued piece is considered captured, and is retired without disclosure of its relative value to the opposing player. Each side has one piece designated "flag" the object of the game being to capture the flag of the opposing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Ideal Toy Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Becker, Julius Cooper, Fredric M. Kuriloff
  • Patent number: 4326719
    Abstract: An electronic maze game having a housing containing control circuitry and supporting a matrix of position keys. When energized, the control circuitry generates a unique, invisible maze through which the players are required to proceed.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control circuitry positions a treasure to be captured by the players within the maze and controls the movements of a monster which hunts the players during their progress through the maze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Luan G. Tran, Timothy A. Effler, Karen K. Wat
  • Patent number: 4324405
    Abstract: A game board includes an electrical circuit grid underlying a playing surface having a plurality of paths for game pieces each capable of being electrically activated by being placed in a circuit with grid elements disposed in the path along which the game piece is moved. An electrically actuated piece produces a visual and/or audible indication to a player that the game piece is in electrical contact with a "live" portion of the circuit grid. Whether a particular portion of the grid is or is not "live" is determined by the location of a circuit selector switch which closes or opens electrically distinct areas of the grid when operated by a player in accordance with instructions received from a spinner whose operation is governed entirely by the laws of chance. Advancement of the playing pieces along their paths is effected by players according to the instructions received from the spinner, after the circuit selector has been adjusted to a new position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Product Dynamics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Kruger, Jr., Warren E. Bosch
  • Patent number: 4323243
    Abstract: An electrical board game device is described in which a plurality of slidable elements are mounted on a housing for relative sliding movement with respect to each of the other elements on the housing. Each element has a uniquely arranged pattern of electrical contacts in circuit with a light emitting diode. A pair of matching contacts are arranged on the housing in a position to complete an electrical circuit with the contacts on the element when the element is appropriately positioned. The elements, which appear to the player to all be identical, are slid relative to each other in an attempt to correctly position each element atop its matching contacts on the housing so that the light emitting diode of each element is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Steven P. Hanson, Howard J. Morrison, Douglas P. Montague
  • Patent number: 4300770
    Abstract: An electrical board game is disclosed which includes a track described on a foldable game board and having starting and finishing points and dividing into multiple parallel paths at various points along the track.The players moves a players piece along one of the multiple paths and the game detects which path was chosen by the use of electrically conductive circuitry on the board in conjunction with a conductive players piece.The game includes the ability of the players to randomly designate which of the parallel paths are safe and which are danger through the use of conductive switching elements placed on the game board in a physical orientation which determines the designation of the paths.An electronic sound generator is provided which is placed on the board and electrically responds to the players choice of path and the designation of that path, and generates either a safe or a danger sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Knetzger
  • Patent number: 4274638
    Abstract: A game switch particularly useful as a bingo table used by a bingo caller has greatly increased reliability over conventional microswitch actuated tables. A matrix of conductive flexible strips are used, whereby when a ball is depressed at an intersection of a vertical and horizontal strip, a contact is made. The resistance of the contact is particularly suitable for use with CMOS gate inputs to an electronic matrix position determining circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: James J. Oqilvy
    Inventor: Graham A. Jullien
  • Patent number: 4231577
    Abstract: Two playing boards with a matrix array of apertures are positioned so that one board only is displayed to each player. Electric circuitry including contacts are printed on one side of a flexible sheet which is folded so that contacts face each other adjacent each of the apertures. The circuitry is arranged so that the insertion of plugs into corresponding apertures of the two boards moves the contacts carried on the sheet towards each other to close a circuit energizing an audible signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventors: Wendl Thomas, Holly T. Doyle, Robert O. Doyle
  • Patent number: 4210335
    Abstract: A baseball game including a gameboard having a baseball field design, four decks of cards and moveable pieces shaped as a baseball player. The decks of cards include a pitcher's deck, a batter's deck, a defense deck and a catcher's deck. The pitcher's deck comprises (a) strike cards which include an indicia designating infield or outfield and (b) ball cards. When a strike card is exposed, a batter card is exposed which may be a clean hit card, a ground ball card or a fly ball card. If a ground ball card or a fly ball card is exposed, the position on the batter card must match that of the strike card otherwise a strike is called. If the positions on the batter card and the pitcher card match, a defense card or catcher's card is exposed and the outcome of the hit ball is determined by the instructions on the defense card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Inventor: Bartholomew A. Licciardi