BOARD GAME FOR STIMULATING INFANTS

Abstract

A board game for stimulating infants and for use by two or more players or teams for use with an infant as an active part of the board game. The game board sized to allow an infant to be placed thereon, having score/progress/position indicia thereon and two or more score markers for placement at or on the indicia to indicate the position/progress/score of each player/team. In one form, the game also includes a ball-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players/teams vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the ball-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point or advancement. Preferably, the game board is covered in a soft fabric, similar to a baby blanket, and is sized similarly to a baby blanket or larger. In another preferred form the ball-like element is replaced with a die-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players/teams vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the die-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point or advancement. The die has six sides, with indicia on the sides of the die matching up with positions on the game board. In one form, the indicia are letters and the positions on the game board have matching letters so that when the infant “rolls” the die, the die indicates indicia representing a position on the game board and the player can advance to that position.

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/292,082, filed Jan. 4, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of games and infant stimulation, and more particularly to a board game for stimulating infants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred form the present invention comprises a board game for stimulating infants and for use by two or more players or teams. The board game is for use with an infant as an active part of the board game. The board game comprises a game board sized to allow an infant to be placed thereon, the game board having score-indicator/progress indicia thereon and two or more score markers for placement at or on the score-indicator indicia to indicate the progress/score of each player/team. The game also includes a ball-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players/teams vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the ball-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point or advancement.

Preferably, the game board is covered in a soft fabric, similar to a baby blanket, and is sized similarly to a baby blanket or larger. Optionally, the game board is foldable into a compact configuration.

In another preferred form the present invention comprises a board game for stimulating infants and for use by two or more players or teams. The board game is for use with an infant as an active part of the board game. The board game comprises a game board sized to allow an infant to be placed thereon, the game board having score-indicator/progress indicia thereon and two or more score markers for placement at or on the score-indicator indicia to indicate the progress/score of each player/team. The game also includes a die-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players/teams vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the die-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point or advancement. The die has six sides, with indicia on the sides of the die matching up with positions on the game board.

In one form, the indicia are letters and the positions on the game board have matching letters so that when the infant “rolls” the die, the die includes indicia representing a position on the game board and the player can advance to that position.

Advantageously, the board game promotes the interaction between a baby/infant and two or more players or teams. Typically, a suitable age infant is aged two months to twelve months or so. Typically, the game is played by two players or two teams of players. The game is ideal for encouraging older siblings to be involved with the baby in a fun, wholesome way. The game is also an effective way to monitor a baby's development.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view according to an example embodiment of the present invention and showing a game board, an infant thereon, and two players.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the game board of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a schematic, perspective view of the game board of FIG. 1, depicting fold lines formed therein for folding up the game board.

FIG. 3B is a schematic, elevation view of the game board of FIG. 3A, showing the game board in a compact, folded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of a game board according to another form of the invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B are schematic, perspective views of a die for the game board of FIG. 4, showing the die having various indicia matching up to the indicated spaces on the game board of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a board game 10 and includes a game board GB for use by two or more players P1 and P2 (or teams). The game board is adapted for use with an infant I as an integral part of the game. The game also includes a ball-like element B, here depicted as a soft ball, like a tennis ball. Other balls can be employed, as desired.

Score markers T are utilized in conjunction with indicia presented on the game board GB to indicate progress or scores as the game is played. As shown, the players may stand, or optionally may sit while playing (sitting is preferred). Also, while six scoring/progress locations are shown, fewer or greater number can be employed as desired. In a preferred form, there are five scoring locations indicating five points or advancements to win the game. So as depicted, a player starts off at with his marker T a beginning location and advances five locations to win the game. Alternatively, the first location can be dispensed with and the player places his marker T on the first location after winning a first point. While in a preferred form a winning score is five points, those skilled in the art will recognize that greater or fewer points can be designated as a winning tally, as desired.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the game board of FIG. 1. As shown herein, the game board GB includes a rigid or semi-rigid backing and a soft fabric covering. The backing can be a relatively soft foam with sufficient stiffness to merely hold the game board relatively flat. Alternatively, the backing could be firmer and a cushioning layer could be interposed between the backing and the soft fabric covering.

FIG. 3A is a schematic, perspective view of the game board of FIG. 1, depicting fold lines formed therein for folding up the game board. FIG. 3B is a schematic, elevation view of the game board of FIG. 3A, showing the game board in a compact, folded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a portion of a game board according to another form of the invention. As shown herein, the game board GB2 includes a rigid or semi-rigid backing and a soft fabric covering. The backing can be a relatively soft foam with sufficient stiffness to merely hold the game board relatively flat. Alternatively, the backing could be firmer and a cushioning layer could be interposed between the backing and the soft fabric covering. The game board GB2 includes a central region 20, flanked by player progress zones 21, 22. In the central region 20 is printed the name of the game (here, for example “LOROJO”). In each of the player progress regions 21, 22 a series of player progress position indicia 31-36, 41-46 are provided. In this example embodiment, the player progress position indicia spell out the name of the game “L-O-R-O-J-O”. The players start at “L” and the first to reach the final “0” is the winner. While the game board is shown with optional “Start Here” indicia, such can be omitted as desired. The game board can be a foldable mat with a smooth upper surface, to make the game board easily wiped clean.

FIGS. 5A, 5B are schematic, perspective views of a die 50 for the game board of FIG. 4, showing the die 50 having various indicia matching up to the indicated spaces on the game board of FIG. 4. As shown the die 50 has indicia 51-56 matching the player progress position indicia 31-36, 41-46. Thus, the die 50 has indicia of “L-0-R-0-J-0” formed on its six faces.

The game board optionally has a semi-firm backing to prevent the blanket from folding/wrinkling during the game. Optionally, the backing can detachable so that the blanket can be used as the baby's “blankie” as he/she gets older.

Preferably, the board is of a flat design. An optional area along the long axis of the board in its center designates the location to place the baby.

In one preferred form, five circles, numbered 1 thru 5 (or A-E or similar progressive location indicators), are present along the long axis of the blanket between the space designated for the baby and the edge of the blanket. A scoring disc is placed on each successive circle, 1 thru 5, with each scored “point.” Alternatively, instead of a scoring disc other types of game pieces can be used, such as figurines, miniatures, chips, etc.

Preferably, a baby-safe ball-like element is used. Most preferably, the ball-like element is a soft ball, approximately the size of a tennis ball. In the case of using a die-like element, the die preferably is large enough to avoid choking should the infant try to put the die in its mouth.

Preferably, players' (or teams') progress is indicated using two baby-safe soft discs to be placed on the board. Optionally, the diameter of the disc is approximately that of a tennis ball, although those skilled in the art will recognize that various shapes and sizes of progress indicators can be used. In one optional form, the height of the disc is approximately ½ inch.

The goal of the game is to get the ball to roll to a player's side by getting the baby's attention, which typically will cause the baby to turn slightly toward the player and resulting in the ball or die rolling off the baby and toward the player, earning a point (or move) for the player. Thus, a point is scored each time the ball rolls toward a respective player's side. The winning player is the first to get five points (although the game can be designed with a greater or lesser winning total). Alternatively, the game can be played requiring movement to specific locations on the board in order and limiting the movement of the player to those locations until the die rolls the specific location.

To play, the baby/infant is placed on the board on the designated site (in the center with the body parallel to the long axis of the blanket/board) with the baby facing up (supine position). Each player is positioned on one side of the long axis of the blanket such that the “scoring circles” or spaces are between the baby and the player. The players can be seated or standing (as depicted in the drawing). The ball (or die) is placed on the baby's chest. The baby may or may not grasp the ball depending on its age. Many babies start grasping at 3 months of age. Once the ball is upon the baby's chest, both players try simultaneously to attract the baby's attention by speaking, singing, or making funny noises. Optionally, any loud/abrupt noise that causes the baby to cry automatically loses the game for the offending player. Optionally, any loud/abrupt noise that causes the baby to cry causes the offending player to lose two places causes the opposing player to advance two places. Other variations on penalties for causing the baby to cry can be devised.

When the baby's attention is “caught,” he/she typically will turn his/her head toward the respective side depending on its age. Many babies will turn their head toward sound beginning at 4 months of age. With development and continued encouragement, once the baby turns its head toward a side, it typically will continue to roll toward that side. Most babies begin to purposefully roll over between the ages of 4 and 6 months. When the baby does turn or roll toward a side, the ball will roll off of its chest (or from its hands if the ball was grasped) toward a player who thus scores a point. The player on that side advances his or her scoring disc to the appropriate scoring circle (1 thru 5). The first person to score 5 points wins the game (although different winning totals can be employed). An important benefit to be derived from the game is that it promotes the interaction between babies and older siblings (the players). It also helps a parent in guiding a child in the ways to interact with a new sibling infant. This can help assimilate a newborn into the family with a minimum of distress.

Alternatively, instead of accumulating points, the players can be required to progress through specific spaces upon rolling the equivalent indicia on the die, with the winner being the first to reach a final destination space.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A board game for stimulating infants and for use by two or more players and for use with an infant as an active part of the board game, the board game comprising:

a game board sized to allow an infant to be placed thereon, the game board having score-indicator/progress indicia thereon;

two or more score markers for placement at or on the score-indicator indicia to indicate the progress/score of each player; and

a ball-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the ball-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point or advancement.

2. The board game as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game board is covered in a soft fabric, similar to a baby blanket.

3. The board game as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game board is covered with a baby blanket-like material.

4. The board game as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game board is sized similar to a baby blanket or larger.

5. The board game as claimed in claim 1 wherein the game board is foldable into a compact configuration.

6. A board game for stimulating infants and for use by two or more players and for use with an infant as an active part of the board game, the board game comprising:

a game board sized to allow an infant to be placed thereon, the game board having score/progress/position indicia thereon;

two or more score markers for placement at or on the score/progress/position indicia to indicate the progress/score/position of each player; and

a die-like element to be placed upon the infant so that when the players vie for the attention of the infant and get the infant to turn in their direction, the die-like element rolls or slides off the infant toward the player(s) to earn a point/advancement/position.

7. The board game as claimed in claim 6 wherein the die-like element has indicia matching the progress/score/position indicia on the game board.

8. The board game as claimed in claim 6 wherein the game board is covered in a soft fabric, similar to a baby blanket.

9. The board game as claimed in claim 6 wherein the game board is covered with a baby blanket-like material.

10. The board game as claimed in claim 6 wherein the game board is sized similar to a baby blanket or larger.

11. The board game as claimed in claim 6 wherein the game board is foldable into a compact configuration.