Board Games, Pieces, Or Boards Therefor Patents (Class 273/236)
  • Patent number: 7156393
    Abstract: A fishing board game to assist in anglers learning the fishing requiremtns in various areas of fishing, such as local fishing regulations, legal sizes, legal limits, boating safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Wagnon, Evelyne Wagnon
  • Patent number: 7118107
    Abstract: Provided herein is a role-playing game with physical game devices, cards, and dice as well as rules for their use. Gamers assume the roles of imaginary characters in a fictitious storyline and use game devices, cards and dice to facilitate conflict resolution in the domains of physical combat, magical forces, and technological abilities. Game devices are interactive slide rules that force strategic resource allocation and exhibit dynamic attrition. Cards representing skill with certain devices may be inserted into ports of those name devices to modify their performance. Cards representing maaic words combine together according to the desian on the card perimeter and rules of grammar, allowing characters to compose many magic effects from a relatively smaller set of magic words. Gamma components are customizable and may be obtained from retail outlets. Internet download sites, trading with other enthusiasts, and winning components at tournaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: Matthew Frederick Niedner, Barton Frederick Niedner, Kelly Dwayne Cope
  • Patent number: 7118110
    Abstract: Briefly stated, the present invention is an orthography board game having an apiarian theme. The game consists of a game board having a plurality of hexagonal playing spaces arranged in an overall hexagonal pattern. Selected playing spaces on the board are assigned predetermined characteristics which alter the play of the game, creating bonus locations and penalty locations. A plurality of hexagonally shaped game tiles are provided, each game tile sized to fit within a playing space on the game board and assigned a letter or symbol having a predetermined distribution with the complete set of game tiles. A plurality of six-sided game cubes or dice are provided, together with a rolling cup, and are utilized to determine a players score during each round of game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick Michael Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 7114719
    Abstract: A multi-phase analytical game activity, is prefaced with a construction phase, in which are constructed from component elements, a plurality of [co-operatively-disposed] playing pieces (11), such as hollow, co-operatively inter-nesting cubes; with coded marking of individual facets (15), according to designated topics and subsidiary categories; whereby cube and facet juxtaposition reflect topic inter-relationships and hierarchies; in a follow-on board game phase, progress around a designated playing area is determined by random chance selector means, and coding of placement areas triggers selection of topic query cards for topic exploration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel Steenstra, Jane Steenstra
  • Patent number: 7093832
    Abstract: A plate or other utilitarian object for generating conversations is provided comprising a substantially flat central portion for holding on object and a raised side surface positioned coaxially with the substantially flat central portion. A circular perforation is formed coaxially with the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface and is positioned at a border between the substantially flat central portion and the raised side surface. A plurality of axial perforations are formed in the raised side surface extending along an entire width thereof from the circular perforation to an outer edge of the raised side surface. Each adjacent pair of the plurality of axial perforations and a corresponding portion of the circular perforation defines a selectively removable tab, the selectively removable tab including text material thereon. The text material preferably comprises an open-ended opinion-evoking statement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Subject Matters, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Louise Parker
  • Patent number: 7090218
    Abstract: A strategy board game is disclosed. The board for the game or playmat is comprised of several distinct regions each with a specific purpose and/or rules associated with the region. The Battlefield region is where opposing players challenge one another with various game pieces. There is also a region for keeping certain game pieces while they await to be summoned to the Battlefield. Another region, the Graveyard, is were game pieces are placed after such game pieces are taken by an opponent. Another region of the playmat is designated for the storing of currency used during play. Certain game pieces have fixed properties and other have properties that can be changed by the player during the course of the game at strategic times. A player can change the properties of a game piece by paying the cost associated therewith using the currency he or she has earned by moving game pieces and/or taking an opponents game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Bandai America Incorporated
    Inventor: Koichi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7086645
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game including a playing surface, collectible playing pieces, marking pieces, and collectible cards. Players take turns trying to create specific hands by throwing the playing pieces. The first player to successfully claim ownership of four consecutive placeholders on the playing surface is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeannie Burns Hardie
  • Patent number: 7086646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kissing shield game and method teaching safe affection to at least one person playing the kissing shield game. The kissing shield game includes a plurality of removable pegs, a playing surface, a gaming member, a plurality of frames and a plurality of thin, flexible membranes forming a kissing shield, and a resetable timer. The playing surface has a plurality of holes arranged in a predetermined pattern with each of the plurality of holes being capable of receiving at least one of the plurality of removable pegs. Each side of the gaming member has a different color associated therewith as well as a predetermined set of alphanumeric symbols associated therewith. The kissing shield is used when a selected person or object determined by a player is kissed so that the player learns safe affection and the proper use of the kissing shield through repetition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Deloris Gray Wood
  • Patent number: 7080837
    Abstract: A Mexican Train Dominoes game includes a game board that defines a central recess corresponding to the train station hub of the game. The recess includes a platform on which an “engine” domino tile is placed to commence the game. The platform can be depressed to activate a sound generation component that is operable to produce simulated train sounds. The game board can include a circuit board that carries a resiliently depressible switch that is operably coupled to the platform. The switch can support the platform in its normal position and can restore the platform to that normal position after the “engine” domino and platform have been depressed during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fundex Games, Ltd.
    Inventor: Carl E. Voigt, IV
  • Patent number: 7052010
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player. A negative result could be an additional strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Milestone Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Randall Mark Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 7040623
    Abstract: A scoring kit of materials and method of using the materials of the kit to facilitate scoring of a game such as cornhole. The kit comprises a scoring strip having score indicia printed on one side and adhesive applied to the other side, a release overlay strip covering the adhesive of the scoring strip, a Velcro score marker holding strip having Velcro material on one side and adhesive on the other side, a release overlay strip covering the adhesive of the Velcro score marker holding strip, and a plurality of differing color Velcro score markers. Additionally, the kit may include a Velcro storage holder strip having Velcro material on one side and adhesive on the other side with a release overlay strip covering the adhesive on the Velcro storage holder strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas Poffenberger
  • Patent number: 7040622
    Abstract: A game apparatus and a method of playing a game are described. According to the method, a plurality of images on a game board is viewed. Each image has a board identifier and shows a subject at a first date. A plurality of cards is viewed. Each of the cards has a card image and a card identifier, and shows one of the subjects at a second date. The method includes matching the cards with the images in response to perceived similarities. Multiple players or teams can perform the method and a winner is determined according to the player or team achieving the greatest number of correct answers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sebesta Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Sebesta, Helen Marie Sebesta
  • Patent number: 7017910
    Abstract: A game, including a plurality of Message Cards. In another aspect, a method of playing a card game, including providing a plurality of Message Cards to each player and each player in his or her turn providing one or more Message Cards from his or her hand to one or more other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Saundra Faye Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7007952
    Abstract: An educational game comprises a planar game board having printed thereon a plurality of images of postal stamps. The educational game further comprises a plurality of player placeholders. The educational game further comprises a plurality of question cards. A first portion of the question cards contain questions of reduced difficulty having associated therewith a first quantity of points. A second portion of the question cards contain questions of intermediate difficulty having associated therewith a second quantity of points. A third portion of the question cards contain questions of increased difficulty having associated therewith a third quantity of points. A portion of the question cards contain questions having subjective answers. A portion of the question cards contain an image of a postal stamp. When a player answers a question correctly, the player's score is incremented by the quantity of points associated with that question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Christine Nelson
  • Patent number: 7008316
    Abstract: An electronic game board assembly includes a game board for defining a playing surface grid and a plurality of ports connected thereto. The assembly further includes a plurality of player display panels removably connectable to the plurality of ports. An output device includes a mechanism for verifying and displaying player data. Such an output device is connectable to the game board and communicates with the plurality of player display panels for sending player data thereto. The assembly further includes a plurality of game pieces selectively positionable onto the grid. The plurality of game pieces include an interface circuit removably attachable to the grid and further include a smart chip connected to the interface circuit for containing data therein, respectively. The assembly further includes a mechanism for communicating with the plurality of game pieces and for determining data contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Kwyne A. Pugh
  • Patent number: 6994344
    Abstract: The game is conducted on a flat surface, for example, a floor, with flat pieces which depict warriors, war animals, standards, weaponry, military equipment and fortifications, each typical to a corresponding historical period. The opposing players take turns during which they imitate the shooting using models of projectiles and a special device, and movement of game pieces. When a physical contact between opposing units occurs, hand-to-hand combat takes place, which is decided by a throw of standard playing dice. The rules for administering a battle military action and rules for evaluation of military actions regulate the manner in which the game is carried out according to a chosen historical period and serve in eventual determination of a winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Gennadiy Kitaygorodskiy, Aleksandr Temnorod
  • Patent number: 6979000
    Abstract: A racing game permits two or more players to compete by taking turns incrementally moving their game pieces around a race track comprising a plurality of discrete track positions. Each track position corresponds to a game command or to a race vehicle. Landing on a game command requires the player to perform that command, which may have bonus or penalty effect, depending on the particulars of the command. Landing on a race vehicle provides the player to purchase the vehicle for a defined purchase price, unless another player already owns the vehicle. If the vehicle is owned by another player, the player that lands on that position must pay a vehicle fee to the owner. Becoming race-qualified by purchasing a complete team of race vehicles is an overriding game play goal. Race qualified players are permitted to race for game points and game money, and may engage in a series of races reminiscent of real-world racing series, such as NASCAR, INDY RACING LEAGUE, or FORMULA 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Anthony Vahala
  • Patent number: 6978999
    Abstract: A game apparatus and method for playing a game is disclosed. The game includes a board and a first set of cards bearing indicia of a situation to be enacted by the players and a second set of cards bearing indicia of at least one of a role, style or feeling for the situation to be enacted by the players. The game includes moving a player piece along a path of movement on the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventors: Beverly Kline, Emilie Ward
  • Patent number: 6962337
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for gaming that arranges and uses numbers on its game board in a manner consistently with the first several rows of Pascal's Triangle. The gaming method and apparatus includes the use of tokens or chips that bear indicia corresponding to the same numbers of the game board, and the use of personages and their characteristics according to a point system. The chips may be acquired/discarded and traded for personages according to a point system. Furthermore, a subset of the chips may include a bonus indicator on the back which may be traded for bonus cards that are advantageous for play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Rose M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6957812
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus that can be used for easily relating properties of a miniature to an off-miniature reference. Because the game properties are off the miniature, there is unlimited space available for tracking them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Brian Wittig
  • Patent number: 6938898
    Abstract: A combination role playing and board game comprising a plurality of action figures configured with detachable arm and head members, and which are moved within a grid-like board surface that represents an arena, wherein confrontations and other events are simulated. Multiple types of dice are used to direct the locations of the action figures and the type of event that may occur upon confrontation with an opposing figure. Each action figure is capable of being disassembled as a result of such confrontation and has certain confrontational qualities which lend themselves to enhanced types of attacks and resistances thereof. Playing cards are used to represent the “health” of each game character, and a plurality of other game cards and chips may be placed on the grid board to represent traps and other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Gilbert S. Merritt, III
  • Patent number: 6938899
    Abstract: A board game including game pieces and rules for playing a game for a plurality of players, the goal of which is to defeat an opponent through battle of game pieces. The invention provides a board, multiple tile-like pieces, and at least one die. The tile-like pieces are used to block or challenge an opponent through the use of indicia on the outer periphery of each piece. Several levels of play are provided through the use of several game piece sets, which may be obtained independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Kenney, Tadd Callies
  • Patent number: 6926274
    Abstract: A board game for providing hours of challenging and fun play, having a board having an interior, an integrally attached rotating bottle, and a plurality of instructional cards. The board game has a tubular base, having a top and bottom end, and an axis. The top end extends outwardly from the interior of the board, while the bottom end is located within interior of the board. A belt has two ends and is removably hooked at each end to the top end of the tubular base for securing the bottle to the tubular base. The bottom end of the tubular base is swivel mounted to the axis for allowing the bottle to rotate thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Portella
  • Patent number: 6902165
    Abstract: Methods for playing variations of the game of chess include a playing area having 144 playing stations arranged in a 12 by 12 matrix. Two, three, or four players can utilize the playing area to play a game of chess. The game may be played using common chess pieces of a “phantom” player, wherein the real players take turns moving the common chess pieces. In a preferred playing embodiment, when a player is checkmated, all of the players chess pieces are removed from the playing area. In another preferred embodiment, when a player is checkmated, only the checkmated player's king is removed from the playing area, with all the other chess pieces of the checkmated player remaining immobile on playing area. In another preferred embodiment, one or more master pawns may replace conventional pawns. The master pawns move diagonally and capture straight ahead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas C. Hunt, Thomas C. J. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6893264
    Abstract: A professional educational game provides continuing education for the staff and others in a professional environment. Players play independently of one another as their schedules permit. A round of the game may extend for a few days, up to a few weeks. A relatively large game board includes a series of cover flaps attached thereto. Each flap conceals a statement relating to the profession of the players; statements are preferably in the form of a response to a question. The statements are preferably arranged in a matrix according to subject area and degree of difficulty. Players take one or more response sheets from a receptacle, lift the cover flap(s) to the statement(s) or question(s) selected, and note their response(s) to the statement(s) or question(s) on their response sheet(s). The game organizer may provide one or more prizes for the top placing player or players, at the end of each round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Martha E. Reed
  • Patent number: 6889980
    Abstract: A modular hidden maze game for multiple players is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, partition pieces, covering pieces and game pieces are provided to each of at least two players. The game pieces include at least one base piece for each player. A playing board is also provided; the board has a plurality of playing spaces and is adapted to receive the partition pieces, covering pieces and game pieces thereon. Each player places one of the base pieces on one of the plurality of playing spaces and also places the partition pieces on the playing board in a manner that defines a plurality of paths. At least one of the paths must allow access to the base piece placed on the board by the player. Each player then conceals his base piece and at least a portion of the plurality of paths with the covering pieces to form a hidden maze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Martin Pepper
  • Patent number: 6871853
    Abstract: A game wherein players move their game pieces around a pathway collecting tokens from a plurality of stores while trying to avoid sharing a space with a commonly controlled chaser piece is described. Moreover, the game may be portable. In some cases, the game apparatus may be carried in a plastic case that resembles a hard-backed book. The game components may be based on an individual chapter from a published children's book or novel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Bedford
  • Patent number: 6834856
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to games, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for a racing game wherein a player attempts to complete a target number of laps and/or to accumulate a winning point value, and wherein general play and outcome are governed by events having substantially pre-determined odds of outcome, including movement directed by essentially random number generation leading to direct and indirect action commands and controls via track position and cards and resulting player interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy Wilson
  • Publication number: 20040239030
    Abstract: The invention comprises a board game in which each player moves a playing piece along a continuous path, where the moves are determined by, for example, a roll of one or more dice. The path may be subdivided into spaces, some of which may require various actions by the players. These actions may result in the player accumulating an item. At the conclusion of the game, the tokens possessed by each player may be used to determine a possible fate, fortune, or destiny, for that player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Sargent, Lucy Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040227288
    Abstract: A game apparatus and a method of playing a game are described. According to the method, a plurality of images on a game board is viewed. Each image has a board identifier and shows a subject at a first date. A plurality of cards is viewed. Each of the cards has a card image and a card identifier, and shows one of the subjects at a second date. The method includes matching the cards with the images in response to perceived similarities. Multiple players or teams can perform the method and a winner is determined according to the player or team achieving the greatest number of correct answers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Erik Sebesta, Helen Marie Sebesta
  • Publication number: 20040222586
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Randall Mark Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Publication number: 20040178577
    Abstract: A game apparatus including: a first set of cards, each card of the first set of cards (enactment cards) bearing a situation that calls for an improvisation; a second set of cards, each card of the second set of cards bearing a role (villain, mother, lawyer, etc.) for the player (or client) to enact the situation in the role drawn; a third set of cards, each card of the third set of cards bearing a style or genre (musical comedy, soap opera, etc.) for the player (or client) to enact the situation in the style drawn; a fourth set of cards, each card of the fourth set of cards bearing a feeling (love, hate, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Beverly Kline, Emilie Ward
  • Patent number: 6789797
    Abstract: A mystery role playing game system optimized for children suitable in terms of level of difficulty for all participants; that does not require any participant to play the role of a criminal and/or “bad guy”, that allows responsible supervision of the course of the game, that provides positive social rewards to a selected individual (for example a particular child whose birthday party is the occasion for the game), that provides a carefully structured format for progression of the game, and which includes one or more modest “physical” challenges such as hunts for treasure and/or clues. A central “detective” character may supervise other player's rounds, and non-player supervisors may also supervise revelation of each character's clues. Non-player characters may take the negative roles (such as suspects), and the central character may have sufficient information to solve the mystery at the end of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Cindy W. Vincent
  • Publication number: 20040155402
    Abstract: Tableware capable of facilitating conversation between guests and a method of using the same is provided that includes: a) providing a set of open-ended questions or commands each being separately printed on a surface of a dining-piece; b) distributing one or more of the dining-pieces to each dining partner; c) having each dining partner read aloud the open-ended question or comment printed on their dining-piece; d) having one of the dining partners answer the open-ended question; and e) engaging all of the dining partners in open discussion of alternate answers to the question.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Mary L. Parker
  • Publication number: 20040140614
    Abstract: A board game system for promoting positive and healthy relationship skills includes providing a game apparatus, rolling a die, moving the players game piece, drawing a card based upon the space landed upon, answering the question listed on the card, checking the answer in the answer guide, and subsequently moving the game piece depending upon the instructions of the answer guide. The game is won by the player who reaches the finish line first. The game apparatus may include a game board having a path for advancing the player's game pieces, a plurality of game spaces along the path, a die, game pieces of different colors, and a plurality of cards having questions designed to stimulate conversation regarding relationships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Peggy Kligman
  • Patent number: 6764395
    Abstract: A game of skill wherein a database of advertisement segments from published advertisements is generated and stored and selections of the advertisement segments are displayed or presented to a player for sponsor source identification. The player makes identifications of sponsor sources for the respective advertisement segments presented and these identifications are evaluated for correctness and then displayed to the player. A reward for winning may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Irvin P. R. Guyett
  • Patent number: 6761634
    Abstract: An interactive game includes a playing surface defining playing positions, a display operable to display a visual game image on the playing surface, a sensor operable to optically detect a playing piece placed on the playing surface, and a game controller connected to the sensor and the display. The game controller creates the game image on the display and alters the game image in response to a location or orientation of the playing piece on the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Peterson, A. Franklin La Barbara, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6755739
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for identifying a winner in a bingo game. Players may obtain bingo cards from point-of-sale (POS) terminals that physically prints bingo cards for players in an embodiment where the player appears in person to purchase tickets, or from point-of-sale (POS) terminals that permit players to play bingo in an on-line environment. A game processor maintains a linked list identifying each card in play containing each possible value. Each entry in a linked list includes a pointer to the next element in the linked list. Each bingo card is represented as a bitmap containing an entry corresponding to each square on the bingo card. Each entry in the linked list also identifies the particular square on the bingo card containing the corresponding value, thereby allowing the appropriate entry in the corresponding bitmap to be identified. As each number is drawn, the game processor utilizes the linked list to identify all of the bingo cards in play having the drawn number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Bingo Innovation Software
    Inventor: John A. Santini, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040113365
    Abstract: An educational learning game has a learning sheet where the information to be learned is entered. A cover is provided for hiding the learning sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Charles M. Martin
  • Publication number: 20040113361
    Abstract: The card game scoreboard is a round peg tally board with concentric scoring tracks, lap tracks and game tracks with each track color coded to corresponding pegs for the respective players or teams. Provisions allow for the display of the bid and/or a named trump suit for card games using these features. Negative scoring can also be accommodated. The design provides a clear visual display of scoring for any game whose requisite number of points and/or games to win can be accumulated with pegs on a combination of scoring, lap and game tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Diane R. Stephens, Donald D. Benedict, Brian R. Benedict
  • Patent number: 6749199
    Abstract: A dice-less Craps game is disclosed. The game may be played by dealing, by a dealer, a pair of cards having numerical indicia thereon; determining whether the pair of cards are of a like suit; if the cards are not of a like suit, then adding the numerical indicia together to determine a roll in accordance with the rules of Craps; and if the pair of cards are of a like suit, then arriving at a predetermined result other than a roll in accordance with the rules of Craps. In a further disclosed aspect, the first predetermined result comprises a NoCall. In a further disclosed aspect an apparatus for playing a dice-less Craps game is disclosed, comprising a deck of cards comprising 48 cards having numerical indicia thereon including four like-suited pairs each of Aces, Twos, Threes, Fours, Fives, and Sixes; and a Craps playing surface having additional indicia thereon for wagering on a predetermined result if a pair of dealt cards are of a like suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: David A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 6749198
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Milestone Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Randall Mark Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Patent number: 6726206
    Abstract: A board game includes hexagonal game pieces that are rotatable between discrete orientations at array locations on a game board as well as being movable between array locations, with game outcomes being dependent on facing indicia of adjacent game pieces of opposing players. Exemplary game pieces are hexagonal representations of turtles, the game board array locations also being hexagonal. Edge margin segments of each game piece have associated indicia representing the integers 1 through 6, and a moving piece having equal or superior indicia facing an opposing piece can “take” the opposing piece. Also disclosed is a method for using the board game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Donald J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6715762
    Abstract: A method or system by which two or more people can improve communication, understanding and/or relationships. The persons engage in a game or other activity where there are triggering events, such as completing a hand of a game of cards, or expiration of a time period. When there is a triggering event, one person selects an item of information at random (e.g. by drawing a card from a stack of information cards). The person reads the information and expresses a thought relating to the same. The other participants are then also able to comment. If this discussion becomes objectionable in some way, one of the participants can activate a “defuser” to either divert the line of discussion or terminate the discussion, after which the activity phase (e.g. a card game, a counseling session, etc.) is continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Jo Ann F. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040046319
    Abstract: A combination role playing and board game comprising a plurality of action figures configured with detachable arm and head members, and which are moved within a grid-like board surface that represents an arena, wherein confrontations and other events are simulated. Multiple types of dice are used to direct the locations of the action figures and the type of event that may occur upon confrontation with an opposing figure. Each action figure is capable of being disassembled as a result of such confrontation and has certain confrontational qualities which lend themselves to enhanced types of attacks and resistances thereof. Playing cards are used to represent the “health” of each game character, and a plurality of other game cards and chips may be placed on the grid board to represent traps and other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Gilbert S. Merritt
  • Patent number: 6702290
    Abstract: A table configured for play of the game Monte in a casino includes a number of player positions and a dealer position. It further includes a number of card areas and a number of bet areas. Chips are used to place bets. The casino pays bets in an amount less than the original bet for a window winner and in an amount equal to the bet for a match winner. The bets are paid in chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Blas Buono-Correa, Juan A. Rodriguez Morell, Heriberto Ramos
  • Patent number: 6702375
    Abstract: An activity center for a vehicle includes a base defining a storage area and a panel having first and second surfaces. The base is connected to the rear surface of a vehicle seat back. The panel, in turn, is connected to the base for movement between a closed position, which prevents access to the storage area and an open position which allows access to the storage area. The panel is also preferably coupled to the base so that either the first or second surface thereof may face away from the base. The two surfaces of the panel may be configured for a wide variety of educational, entertainment or work-related uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Laskowski, Ronald R. Siegrist, Lance E. Larsen, Neil J. Bush, Roger A. Whitley, Daniel J. Koester
  • Patent number: 6695312
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wagering card game played with a standard fifty-two card deck of cards in which a dealer deals two cards to each of the players. The player must in turn choose whether to try to get one hit card that is numerically between the values of the two dealt cards or to get two hit cards that are above and below, respectively, the values of the two dealt cards. In either case, if the dealt cards constitute a pair, the player automatically loses. As dealt cards, aces are automatic loss cards and also are as hit cards unless assurance, a fee that allows an ace dealt as a hit card to be replaced by another hit card or to be put in play, depending on which option of the game the player has chosen to play, has been purchased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Randall Ward
  • Publication number: 20040026856
    Abstract: A method of playing a game that includes the steps of providing a plurality of categories, selecting a category from the plurality of categories and communicating the categories to one or more teams of two or more players. Other steps include two or more of the players of one of more of the teams recording one or more responses to the category and ranking the one or more responses in an order, comparing the ranked responses between two or more of the players on the one or more teams, and determining a point total for each team based at least in part on the comparison of the ranked responses. Another step includes taking an action based at least in part on the point total.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Stanford L. Loveman, Edward D. Greenberger
  • Publication number: 20040026855
    Abstract: A bracelet kit (10) for constructing a bracelet (70) as a group activity at a party or other such gathering. A plurality of beads (12,14) and a charm (18) are strung onto a bead string (16) according to an instruction sheet (50). Participants record sentiments (41) along with their names (39) on a sentiment sheet (30), as a part of the activity. The bracelet (70) and the sentiment sheet (30) are retained as a keepsake by the guest of honor at the activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Lori T. Johnson, Laura Heimlicher