ADJUSTABLE THREE-DIMENSIONAL MULTI-LEVEL GAME PLAY AREA APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PLAY

Abstract

A game apparatus having a generally horizontally disposed base unit used to support or contain a plurality of independently hand movable blocks of one or more colors and two or more heights, for use in the playing of board games, such as chess and checkers or any other game utilizing a user modifiable multiple height three dimensional playing area. The rules and or method of play of any such game may be modified with the use of this apparatus due to the independently mobile, multi height, and potentially multi-colored blocks that make up the playing area and create the topography of the board.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/405,399 titled “Adjustable Three-Dimensional Multi-Level Game Play Area Apparatus And Method of Play” filed on Oct. 21, 2010 and incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to three dimensional game boards and game playing areas for use with games such as, but not limited to, chess and checkers.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A traditional chess or checker board is a single two dimensional, one level, horizontal, square board with its playing surface consisting of sixty-four (64) uniform squares. The sixty-four (64) squares are separated into two colors, thirty-two (32) of one color and thirty-two (32) of a second color. The squares are positioned with the two (2) colors in alternating positions on the board as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of a conventional flat chess/checker board.

Although such game boards and games played thereon are enjoyable, what is needed is a reconfigurable game board that allows the user(s) to design a multi-dimensional game board playing area of various heights, thereby allowing for more interesting games and games with various and/or additional rules.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a three dimensional game board and game playing area that may be modified to provide the players with the option to have a different three dimensional playing area every time they play or even between every move they make during a game.

It is a further object of this invention to allow the artful arrangement of the individual blocks for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Setting up the board may be challenging, enjoyable and satisfying as should be the act of playing a game on it.

It is a still further object of this invention to allow the endless modifications of the rules of playing chess or checkers or any other game that utilizes this adjustable three dimensional playing area. The modification of standard rules may result in a greater challenge, use of imagination and additional enjoyment as well as being a catalyst for some potential players to participate.

SUMMARY

The game apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of present invention includes an optional square shaped base grid with sixty-four (64) (more or less) identical square spaces to support sixty-four (64) (more or less) independent and movable square cuboid or cube shape blocks of varying colors (single color blocks or “half and half” colored blocks) and multiple heights, all such blocks preferably having a uniform square base corresponding to the size of the square spaces in the base grid, for use in the playing of games such as chess and checkers and any other game that utilizes a modifiable, multiple block playing area wherein the playing area may include an alternating color and/or multiple height three dimensional playing surface. The upward facing plane or surface of each block serves as a support space in which to place the individual playing pieces of the game being played.

The present invention features, in a first embodiment, an apparatus usable as a game board, the apparatus comprising a base unit having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the base unit including a plurality of block support locations and a plurality of individual movable blocks configured for being arranged in a user configurable arrangement on the upper surface of the base unit, wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks is configured to fit onto any one of the plurality of blocks support locations, wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks include a height which is different than a height of at least one other of the plurality of individual movable blocks, and wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks includes a top surface configured to serve as a playing surface for a game, and wherein the top surface is configured to accept a game piece.

In this embodiment, the upper surface of the base unit may include two or more vertical dividers and two or more horizontal dividers, wherein the two more vertical dividers and the two more horizontal dividers form a plurality of spaces forming the plurality of blocks support locations. The plurality of individual movable blocks may feature a cuboid shape.

A first quantity of the plurality of individual movable blocks may be generally entirely of a first color while a second quantity of the plurality of individual movable blocks may be generally entirely of a second color. The plurality of individual movable blocks may be in the form of a plurality of different shapes.

In this embodiment, the plurality of individual movable blocks may be constructed to display a first color on a first half of each of the plurality of individual movable blocks, and a second color on a second half of each of the plurality of individual movable blocks, wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks is reversible such that either the first color on the first half or the second color on the second half can form a top surface that serves as a playing surface for a game.

Further, in this embodiment, each space on the base unit may be labeled in order to assist a user in setting up the game board in a user predetermined configuration. Each space may be of uniform size. The base unit may be constructed from at least one material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, ceramic and composite material. The base unit may feature nine horizontal dividers and nine vertical dividers, wherein the nine horizontal dividers and the nine vertical dividers form sixty four spaces. The sixty four spaces may be identical in shape and size.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus usable as a game board comprises a generally horizontal base unit having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the base unit includes a plurality of block support locations, the base unit includes at least four perimeter members disposed around a perimeter of the upper surface of the base unit, at least two latching mechanisms are located on the at least four perimeter members each of the at least two latching mechanisms are operable in one of an engaged or a disengaged position and a plurality of individual movable blocks are configured for being arranged in a user configurable arrangement on the upper surface of the base unit, wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks is configured to fit onto any one of the plurality of block support locations, wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks include a height which is different than a height of at least one other of the plurality of individual movable blocks, and wherein each of the plurality of individual movable blocks includes a top surface configured to serve as a playing surface for a game, and wherein the top surface is configured to accept a game piece, and wherein the latching mechanism is configured to securely hold the plurality of individual moving blocks in place on the upper surface of the generally horizontal base unit, such that the plurality of individually movable blocks are not movable when the latching mechanism is engaged.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view drawing of a prior art game board;

FIG. 2 is a side view drawing of a prior art game board;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a game board and plurality of individual game board blocks in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a game board according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the game board and individually movable game board blocks according to one embodiment of the present invention configured in a first configuration;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the game board and individually movable game board blocks according to one embodiment of the present invention configured in a second configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the game board and individually movable game board blocks according to one embodiment of the present invention configured in a third configuration;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the game board and individually movable game board blocks according to one embodiment of the present invention configured in a fourth configuration;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the game board and individually movable game board blocks of according to one embodiment of the present invention each having two different colors; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view the game board and individually movable game board blocks according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention features an adjustable, three dimensional multi-height game board 10, FIG. 3. The game board includes an optional base grid or base unit 12 and a plurality of individually movable blocks 14 having various heights, colors and perhaps even shapes or sizes. Each of the blocks 14 is configured to fit into any one of a number of locations or spaces 16, FIG. 4, located in the base grid 12. The individual spaces 16 may be formed by dividers or simply a location or space, perhaps numbered or otherwise labeled if necessary or desired, to assist in setting up a game board having a particular configuration, although dividers as well as labels and numbers are optional.

In the preferred embodiment, each of the spaces 16 is of uniform size although this is not a requirement of the present invention. Each of the spaces 16 may be separated by a horizontal divider 20 and vertical divider 18, which forms the individual spaces 16. The base unit 12 may be made from wood, plastic, ceramic or any other suitable material.

In one embodiment, the blocks 14 may be all the same height or all blocks a different height, although in the preferred embodiment, the blocks 14 are of a number of (at least two) different heights, such as seven (7) different heights and two (2) or more different colors. However, this is not a limitation of the present invention as there may be a greater or fewer number of varying block heights as well as colors. The individual blocks may be of one color, or the blocks may be of one color at their top region and another color at the bottom region allowing the block to be “flipped over” for presenting a different color to the user. Blocks may also be made of more than one color and may be striped or any other varying color and design configuration as desired.

The top surface or plane 22, FIG. 3 of each of the individual blocks 14 serves as the playing surface for a game. Any individual block 14 (of any height and or color) may be placed in any space 16 reserved for a block 14. Various game pieces 24 may be arranged on the top surface 22 of any block 14. The staggered and varying heights of the individual blocks 14 allows traditional games such as chess or checkers to become more interesting and have additional rules written taking into account the various heights (and color(s)) of the blocks (for example rules may allow two unoccupied blocks to exchange/change location during the playing of a game between moves or player's turns. In addition, new rules for other existing games as well as new games may be created utilizing the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a single level row of blocks 14 supported by an optional square shape base grid 12 with sixty-four (64) identical square spaces 16 to be used with square blocks 14. The blocks 14 may be arranged with a gap 28 between them that is determined either by the presence of the vertical dividers 18 and horizontal dividers 20 in the base grid 12 or by simply arranging the blocks with a space in between them. Alternatively, there may be no space 28 between the blocks. This can be the design of any row in any board design as an option.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a multi-level row of blocks 14 supported by a square shaped base grid 12 with sixty-four (64) identical spaces 16. The blocks 14 have a gap or space 28 between them that is determined by the base grid 12. This can be the design of any row in any board design as an option. One row of eight (8) blocks 14 with each of the blocks 14 being of different height than any of the other seven (7) blocks 14 in the row or of a different height than any of the other three (3) blocks 14 of that same color yields 576 different optional design setups. (4!×4!=576) (((1×2×3×4=24)×(1×2×3×4=24)=576).

FIG. 7 is a side view of a multi-level row of blocks 14 supported by a square shaped base grid 12 with sixty-four (64) identical spaces 16. The blocks 14 have a gap 28 between them that is determined by the base grid 12. This can be the design of any row in any board design as an option. This row of eight (8) blocks 14 has but is not limited to every two blocks 14 being of different height then any of the other six (6) blocks 14.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a multi-level row of blocks 14 supported by a square shaped base grid 12 with sixty-four (64) identical spaces 16. The blocks 14 have a gap 28 between them that is determined by the base grid 12. This can be the design of any row in any board design as an option. This row of eight (8) blocks 14 has but is not limited to every two blocks 14 being of different height then any of the other six (6) blocks 14.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a multi-level row of “half & half” colored blocks 14 supported by a square shaped base grid 12 with sixty-four (64) identical spaces 16. A “half and half” block 14 has a first color on a first half 30 of the block and a second color on a second half 32 of the block. Only two (2) colors are to be used in each board design for the blocks 14. A “half and half” block 14 is reversible and may be turned upside down in order to have a chosen color (either the first color or the second color) as the top half or usable space in the playing of the game. The use of ‘half and half’ blocks 14 in the board increases the amount of different board arrangement and game rule possibilities. The blocks 14 have a space or gap 28 between them that is determined by the vertical dividers 18 and horizontal dividers 20. This design can be the design of any row in any board design as an option. This row of eight (8) blocks 14 has but is not limited to every two blocks 14 being of different height then any of the other six (6) blocks 14.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the base grid or unit 12 may have no dividers but may instead include at least four perimeter members 34 (only three of the four shown in the drawing) disposed around a perimeter of the upper surface of the base unit 12. At least two latching mechanisms 26 are located on the at least four perimeter members, and wherein each of the at least two latching mechanisms are operable in one of an engaged or a disengaged position. There is no space between the individual blocks and the latching mechanism(s) 26 secure the individual blocks 14 together by pressure such that the plurality of individually movable blocks are not movable when the latching mechanism 26 is engaged. Further, although the base grid has been shown as a square, this is not a limitation of the present invention as any shape or configuration is contemplated by the present invention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel and non-obvious game apparatus having a base grid or support for containing a plurality of generally uniform, independent, hand movable cuboid or cube shape blocks of one or more colors and heights, for the use in the playing of board games such as chess and checkers and any other game utilizing a user modifiable multiple height three dimensional playing area. The rules and or method of play of any such game may be modified to no end with the use of this apparatus due to the independently mobile, multi height blocks that make up the playing area and create the topography of the board.

The present invention is not intended to be limited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied objects or features of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus usable as a game board, said apparatus comprising:

a base unit having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said base unit including a plurality of block support locations; and

a plurality of individual movable blocks configured for being arranged in a user configurable arrangement on said upper surface of said base unit, wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks is configured to fit onto any one of said plurality of blocks support locations, and wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks includes a top surface configured to serve as a playing surface for a game, and wherein said top surface is configured to accept a game piece.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks include a height which is different than a height of at least one other of said plurality of individual movable blocks.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said base unit includes two or more vertical dividers and two or more horizontal dividers, wherein said two more vertical dividers and said two more horizontal dividers form a plurality of spaces forming said plurality of blocks support locations.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of individual movable blocks feature a cuboid shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first quantity of said plurality of individual movable blocks are generally entirely of a first color while a second quantity of said plurality of individual movable blocks are generally entirely of a second color.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of individual movable blocks are in the form of a plurality of different shapes.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of individual movable blocks are constructed to display a first color on a first half of each of said plurality of individual movable blocks, and a second color on a second half of each of said plurality of individual movable blocks, wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks is reversible such that either said first color on said first half or said second color on said second half can form a top surface that serves as a playing surface for a game.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each space on said base unit is labeled in order to assist a user in setting up said game board in a user predetermined configuration.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each space is of uniform size.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base unit is constructed from at least one material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, ceramic and composite material.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base unit features nine horizontal dividers and nine vertical dividers, wherein said nine horizontal dividers and said nine vertical dividers form sixty four spaces.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said sixty four spaces are identical in shape and size.

12. An apparatus usable as a game board, said apparatus comprising:

a generally horizontal base unit having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface of said base unit including a plurality of block support locations, said base unit including at least four perimeter members disposed around a perimeter of said upper surface of said base unit,

at least two latching mechanisms located on said at least four perimeter members each of said at least two latching mechanisms operable in one of an engaged or a disengaged position; and

a plurality of individual movable blocks configured for being arranged in a user configurable arrangement on said upper surface of said base unit, wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks is configured to fit onto any one of said plurality of block support locations, wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks include a height which is different than a height of at least one other of said plurality of individual movable blocks, and wherein each of said plurality of individual movable blocks includes a top surface configured to serve as a playing surface for a game, and wherein said top surface is configured to accept a game piece, and wherein said at least two latching mechanisms are configured to securely hold said plurality of individual moving blocks in place on said upper surface of said generally horizontal base unit, such that said plurality of individually movable blocks are not movable when said at least two latching mechanisms are engaged.