Having Three-dimensional Pattern Patents (Class 273/241)
  • Patent number: 5069459
    Abstract: The invention is a game apparatus (10) useable with numerically differentiated playing disks (16). The apparatus has multiple vertical slots (18) and horizontal recesses (19) and (21) on a playing surface (12) each for receiving a single playing disk (16). The apparatus principally includes a combination cover/playing surface (12) and a removable base (14). The two components define a storage space where playing disks (16) may be stored between uses of the apparatus (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Sandor J. Zarnoti
  • Patent number: 5058296
    Abstract: A calendar, particularly an Advent calendar comprises a calendar part provided with a stair edge having stair steps which form respective day regions, a marking arranged to mark respective days, the stair steps and the markings being formed so that the marking can be consecutively arranged on the stair steps, and orienting means for orienting the calendar part so that the stair steps extend each in a substantially horizontal direction and are spaced from one another horizontally and upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Wohlfahrt GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Notzel
  • Patent number: 5052691
    Abstract: This game incorporates a quadrangular-prismatic body (1) on which a plurality of quadrangular pieces (3) are set up according to an orthogonal reticle, connected to one another by a tongue and groove joint, so that these pieces can move on any of the two axis of the game platform along annular line ups forming two perpendicular groups, the body (1) and the annular line ups set up around it, being conveniently held in the cavity of a framework, which comprises four lateral deposits (8) which collect chips placed on pieces (3) when these pieces are moved by operating push buttons (10) placed on the front of each of its own deposits (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Jose L. Fernandez Jimenez de Castro
  • Patent number: 5048840
    Abstract: A gameboard apparatus made up of a gameboard adapted to have assembled thereon stacking pieces and top pieces that are frictionally interlockable onto the gameboard and with each other. The gameboard comprises a plurality of adjacent gameboard or playing-position squares arranged in an equilateral matrix and is preferably divided into equal sections. The squares each comprise within their bounds vertical walls adapted to frictionally interlock with complementing vertical walls of stacking pieces and top pieces. The stacking pieces are hermaphroditic in nature having on one end interlocking male wall and on the other interlocking female walls whereby stacking pieces are adapted to frictionally interlock with complementing vertical walls of the gameboard, top pieces and each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Albert L. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5037105
    Abstract: Decorative or display device for game-playing, amusement or aesthetic purposes comprises a three-dimensional array of switchable indicators in a transparent matrix. The indicators may be light sources e.g. led's and may be used to play games such as noughts and crosses in 3-dimensions. A non-electric version has a stack of separable layers with beads insertable in recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Benjamino P. L. J. Klein
  • Patent number: 5033751
    Abstract: A multi-tier checkered gameboard having rows and columns, is disclosed. The multi-tier checkered gameboard includes a first tier which includes 8 rows and 8 columns of 64 equal sized squares. The 64 equal sized squares alternate in color from clear to tinted. A second tier having a center with a hole and is displaced a distance above the first tier, and includes 4 rows and 4 columns of 16 equal sized squares, the 16 equal sized squares alternates in the color from the clear to the tinted. A third tier having the center with the hole and is displaced the distance above the second tier, the includes 2 rows and 2 columns of 4 equal sized squares, the 4 equal sized squares alternate in the color from the clear to the tinted. A fourth tier displaced a distance above the third tier, and including 1 square, the square being the color of clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Edward J. Ching
  • Patent number: 5031917
    Abstract: A Chess game has eight similar conventional 64 square chess boards. The boards can be stacked vertically, one above the other or can be laid out flat, one adjacent to the other. One set of chessmen is initially arranged in normal fashion on one side of the topmost board while the other set of chessman is arranged in normal fashion on the lowermost board on the side thereof opposite to that one which the first set is arranged. A second row of pawns is provided for each set, one of which is arranged in the first row of the board directly below the topmost board and the other of which is arranged in the first row of the board directly above the lowermost board. The pieces are moved as in a regular game of chess except that moves can be made both vertically and horizontally with the proviso that a piece cannot be moved both fore or aft and up or down in the same move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: Leonard M. Greene
  • Patent number: 5026068
    Abstract: Game equipment, such as board game apparatus, includes a game display, a plurality of sets of game pieces, a recruitment determining device and optionally, several player game pieces. The game display provides a playing area defined by a plurality of basic space units arranged in one or a plurality of levels. The basic space units in each level are arranged to form a plurality of pyramid modules each module including a number of stages of basic space units. The number of basic space units in each stage is determined by a geometric progression of a type used in some "pyramid" or "Ponzi" schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Carl Weisser
  • Patent number: 5004245
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the playing of a game disclosing in the preferred embodiment of the invention the use of a multi-level pyramid game board 10 which is collapsible into a generally planar arrangement 52. Dice 78, 80 are used both to determine an amount of movement upon the board 10 as well as the direction associated therewith. Additionally, game players are to do battle by the generation and the later comparison of a plurality of hand symbols 100-104 that define which token, if any, is to be moved upon the game board 10. The invention relates to a method and apparatus for playing a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventors: Dean P. Schumacher, William F. Blume, John C. Bonds
  • Patent number: 4986547
    Abstract: The invention is a game apparatus useable with numerically differentiated playing disks. The apparatus has multiple vertical slots and horizontal recesses on a playing surface each for receiving a single playing disk. The apparatus principally includes a combination cover/playing surface and a removable base. The two components define a storage space where playing disks may be stored between uses of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Sandor Zarnoti
  • Patent number: 4979748
    Abstract: A token aligning three-dimensional strategy game for a number of players includes aligned tubes defining passageways with each tube having an opaque upper portion and a transparent lower portion. Graphically distinguished sets of tokens are provided for each player. The tokens are capable of passing from the top of the opaque upper portion through to the bottom of the transparent lower portion. However, passage of the tokens is blocked by a removable pin extending through all of the passageways so that tokens are retained in the opaque upper portion until the pin is pulled. Each player, in turn, place tokens in the passageways attempting to obtain a predetermined number of the tokens in a line. Once a player thinks the required alignment has been achieved in the opaque upper portion, the player pulls the pin and all of the tokens drop down into the transparent lower portion to disclose whether or not the alignment has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Ann C. Danielak, Jeffrey Breslow
  • Patent number: 4955615
    Abstract: A set of hexagonal playing pieces, of a shape which when played side to side in beehive pattern create a base, for successive interlocking levels of play. Each player attempts to place his tiles in the most strategically advantageous position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Brian Daniel Eck
    Inventor: Brian D. Eck
  • Patent number: 4953870
    Abstract: A tossable, tri-dimensional strategy-type game comprising a tri-dimensional body adapted to be tossed and caught during playing, the body including a playing surface enclosing the body with the playing surface being divided into distinct areas defining a regular pattern of at least first and second visually distinguishable surface areas. A plurality of flexible playing pieces are associated with at least the first surface areas, the playing pieces each having attachments for releasably attaching the playing pieces to selected surface areas with sufficient strength to retain the playing pieces attached to the selected surface areas during tossing while enabling the playing pieces to be manually detached from the selected surface areas. The strategy-type game according to the invention enables players to interact on a common tri-dimensional playing surface without the players being forced to remain in close proximity to one another while the game is in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Profitable Entertainment Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Norman, Sonja Norman, David Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 4946168
    Abstract: The invention herewith is a board game consisting of a Mount Olympus Game Board with a 3-dimensional mountain protruding about one foot high in the center of the aforesaid board, a War Game Board consisting of 64 squares, and game pieces, all having a mythological theme. The object of the game is to move around the Mount Olympus Game Board until reaching the top of the mountain; however, in the process, if a player lands on a War Space, that player must go to war on a separate War Game Board with another player. If a player lands on a space with a mythological character portrayed on it, that player must pick a god/goddess Card, which will either request something good or bad for the player to do. When a player lands on the Trinket Space, the player must play the Creature Game, which requires guessing which creature holds the Trinket in captivity and, thereby, has the Trinket within its hollowed out portion. If the player guesses correctly, he/she wins that Trinket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Sean P. Fauls
  • Patent number: 4938472
    Abstract: A stacking game in which square shaped markers are placed on an inclined surface and supported directly or indirectly by raised portions forming notches extending along the lower edge of the surface. A plurality of such surfaces can be joined together in a pyramid or other configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Murray J. Gould, James R. Longacre
  • Patent number: 4927157
    Abstract: A chess-like board game apparatus (110) is disclosed. The apparatus (110) includes a first game board (112) having forty-two playing positions arranged in six file rows and seven rank rows. Two of the positions include obstructions thereon such that they are not available for occupancy by a playing piece. The game is played by two opponents, each using four playing pieces corresponding to the king, knight, rook and bishop of the conventional game of chess. A die is utilized to introduce the element of chance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventors: Clayton Riihiluoma, Kurt R. Miller
  • Patent number: 4884817
    Abstract: A three dimensional game played by two players each having five identical playing pieces. The game is played on three similar boards or grids lying in three vertically spaced parallel planes. Each board contains thirteen spaces, nine of which form a central square with one of the four remaining spaces lying adjacent to the center of each of the four sides of the central square. To begin the game, the first player places one of his five pieces in the four outermost spaces and in the central space of the uppermost gameboard called the Alpha grid while the opposing player places his five pieces in the corresponding spaces of the lowermost gameboard called the Omega grid. The middle board is called the neutral grid. The central space of the Alpha and the Omega grids is that player's base and the object of the game is to capture the opponent's base by landing a piece on it or by first capturing all of the opponent's pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: Terrence A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4883278
    Abstract: A multi-level game is set forth wherein an upper, lower and central board game playing surface are secured together by an upper and lower post wherein each playing surface has formed thereon thirty-six squares of six rows and six columns each. Each board includes a demarcation double line on opposed sides to delineate a first row on each side of each respective game board with each space therein including a marker for indication of Home spaces for each opposing player. Eighteen tokens are provided each player with a six-sided die including six differing colorations thereon associated with six decks of playing cards with each deck of playing cards of a differing coloration equal to that of a die surface. Rolling of the die presents a coloration on a top surface thereof and indicates to alternating players a card to be picked from a corresponding deck associated with the coloration indicated by the top surface of the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Philip A. Scott
  • Patent number: 4875687
    Abstract: A three dimensional game including a base element (10) including a plurality of bores (20, 22, 24) each rotatably containing a cylindrical member (32, 23, 36). Each cylinder has a plurality of radial shallow bores (40) for receiving game pieces (26) which are selectively placed in one of the bores (40) by passing through one of the openings (26, 28, 30) in the top of the bore element (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Alsip & Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Alsip
  • Patent number: 4861040
    Abstract: A multi-level board game is set forth wherein a pair of players each are protective of their individual castle or "Keep". Each player is provided with a plurality of tokens representing Vassals, a Wizard, a plurality of Archers, and an Earthstone. The object of the game is to travel the board game from a player's Home Keep to an opposing player's Keep or to alternatively remove the opponents players, overpower the opponents Earthstone, or move the Demon player to overtake an opponent's Earthstone. The players are moved by a predetermined orientation relative to each other or alternatively may use pyramidal dice to determine the number and type of movement employed. Each player's Wizard and three Archers have powers to destroy opponents during the course of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4776597
    Abstract: There is disclosed a game board with playing pieces in which the game board is provided with a plurality of square bosses arranged in a waffle pattern. The playing pieces are each provided with a peripheral skirt about their lower edge and an offset shoulder about their upper edge. The bosses and playing pieces are square and are of the same shape so that the playing pieces can be stacked on a respective boss of the board and on each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: Elliot A. Rudell
  • Patent number: 4696477
    Abstract: An amusement device is provided, including a square base having a path formed thereon made substantially of movable projections, each projection including a plurality of plateaus; a first, small figure resembling a human or animal which is manually movable about the path; a plurality of loose members resembling eggs or rocks capable of being temporarily received by the first, small figure; a second, larger figure resembling a dinosaur fixedly attached to the base and having a movable mouth; and an operating mechanism including a push button and being connected between the movable projections and the mouth of the second, large figure for moving the movable projections and the second figure's mouth, when the push button is pushed. When a first figure is located on a projection that is moving while supporting a loose member, the first figure and/or the loose member may be caused to fall off of the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Tomy Kogyo Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Akio Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 4696476
    Abstract: A multi-stepped gameboard apparatus which is preferably made in a checkerboard design and divided into separate sections constructed in monotonic steps. The sections may be arranged in a variety of configurations to form a "mountain", "valley", or mixed mountain-valley configuration. Furthermore, the stepped gameboard sections are nestable to form an assemblage for carrying and storing the gameboard when not in use. Preferably, magnets or any other acceptable means known in the art are used to hold the sections together in the variable configurations. Storage areas for playing pieces are provided in each section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventor: Gene W. Eplett
  • Patent number: 4666162
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a horizontal playing surface divided into individual playing areas by vertical intersecting walls. Play involves the assembly of geometrical building blocks within each playing area to progressively construct an identical segment of a building structure that is symmetrical across the walls and that includes the walls themselves. The building blocks must be arranged in predetermined layers of diminishing width and length to form a pyramidal structure. The upper wall surfaces are configured as stairways, causing the completed building structure to have the appearance of a Mayan temple. The method of play involves use of chance instructions to regulate assembly of the layers of building blocks. The players alternately add or remove building blocks as instructed until one player has completed a segment of the building structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4653759
    Abstract: The disclosure is of a three-person chess game and board having a central playing area in the form of an equilateral triangle bordered at each of its three sides by a rectangular playing field or area having at least two rows of eight squares each according to at least part of the conventional chess or checker board. Each rectangular field is contiguous with its side of the triangle and moves are made from the rectangle into the triangle and subsequently into either of the other rectangles according to prescribed rules. At least some of the moves are dictated by an element of chance, such as the roll of one die. The rectangles are identical and three conventional chess sets are used, albeit these may be of contrasting colors as may be the markings of the chess board squares as well as the smaller triangles into which the basic central triangle is subdivided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventors: Todd L. Anderson, Craig L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4648601
    Abstract: A multiple level board game utilizes the fields of real estate, banking, and general business to maximize a player's financial wealth at the expense of opponent players. A multiple level board having a continuous playing field is divided into playing spaces representing utilities, transportational businesses, and real estate which are subject to acquisition. Playing spaces are disposed generally around the perimeter of the lower level of the board game, continuing to the upper level and back down to the lower level affording continuous playing field. The game accessories include tokens for each player, title deed cards, bogus money, instructional cards, loan chart, account boards, and buildings which are subject to acquisition and are used against an opponent player to force him into bankruptcy. Also provided is a chance device for determining the advance of tokens around the multiple level playing field of the board game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Tracy J. Carmichael
  • Patent number: 4629192
    Abstract: A building puzzle block includes an elongated body portion in the form of a rectangular parallelepipedon. Spheres are attached to the body portion along edges thereof and at spaced distances. An equal number of receiving sockets are formed at spaced distances. An equal number of receiving sockets are formed at spaced distances on the edges of the body portion for interconnecting the blocks with other similar blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: Franklin Nichols
  • Patent number: 4573688
    Abstract: The invention comprises a plurality of playing fields across each of which particular plateaus or levels are mounted, in parallel relationship to one another and having on each thereof a series of stations therealong. The fields are disposed in a three-dimensional environment and the levels or plateaus in each field is traversed by a marker for each player so that upon the marker's return to a finish point in its corresponding field first, its player can be declared the winner of a game or competition played with or on the apparata. Means are provided to climb from one level or plateau to the next. A novel gamepiece or element is utilized to advance each player's marker, in turn, across the plateaus' stations and playing fields. This element itself separates at different times in its use into two members. And it also is itself a basis for self-use in a game played with it in contrast to use with a gameboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: John T. Grimes
  • Patent number: 4566697
    Abstract: A game apparatus "Ambush the Double Dealing Western Game of Skill and Risk". The game has a game board having a continuous path around its perimeter divided into consecutive spaces, having alternate paths, and bearing instructions representing amounts to be paid or received during the game. Each of the spaces define a playing position. There is also provided a plurality of playing pieces one for each player in the forms of a bullet, a stagecoach, a saddle and a wagon. Also provided is play money of different denominations for partial distribution to each player, and playing cards bearing instructions. A novel chance determining device is provided to represent the number of playing positions to be moved by the playing pieces and a card area encased by vertical walls for storing the used and unused playing cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventor: Kenny B. Vickers
  • Patent number: 4552363
    Abstract: A game in which the players construct a three dimensional playing field during the course of play using pieces that include assigned tokens and common tiles. Each of the tiles is divided into a number of spaces such that each space is adapted to support either an assigned token or a portion of another tile with latter establishing a new level. A board provides a base surface with markings for the placement of the first level of tiles. Each of the tiles is constructed such that its upper surface can support other tiles or tokens. The tokens are supported by recesses located on the upper surface of the tiles. Other tiles are supported by intersecting slots located on the upper surface of the tiles. The game is won by the first player to place an assigned token atop a preselected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Steven F. Rehkemper, Donald A. Rosenwinkel, John V. Zaruba, Jeffrey D. Breslow
  • Patent number: 4535993
    Abstract: A push peg game apparatus (10) comprising a block of material formed into a geometric configuration such as a cube element (14), wherein at least three cube faces (15) are provided with apertures (16) that extend into, and intersect with one another at an angle of 90.degree. within the cube element (14), wherein each of the apertures form elongated holes (17) that are dimensioned to receive one of a plurality of elongated peg elements (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventor: John Topits
  • Patent number: 4534565
    Abstract: Improved board game with plurality of rectangular planar elements, each marked with a rectangular array of playing squares includes a game board with a plurality of squares designated as entrance squares and located on opposite sides of a central division into two kingdoms between opposed positions for two players. At the left of each player position a sanctuary is located and comprises an intermediate size planar element at a level above the game board, with a control square and a passage square, and a smaller size planar element at a level above the intermediate size element, with a control square, a passage square and a royal chair square. At the right of each player position a domain is located and comprises three planar elements, the first two like the intermediate and smaller size elements of the sanctuary and the smallest uppermost and having a throne designation on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Hube
  • Patent number: 4504060
    Abstract: A chess-like board game apparatus (110) is disclosed. The apparatus (110) includes a first game board (112) having forty-two playing positions arranged in six file rows and seven rank rows. Two of the positions include obstructions thereon such that they are not available for occupancy by a playing piece. The two obstructions also act as supports for a second game board held in spaced relationship above the first game board. The game is played by two opponent's, each using four playing pieces corresponding to the king, knight, rook and bishop of the conventional game of chess. A die is utilized to introduce the element of chance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventors: Clayton Riihiluoma, Kurt R. Miller
  • Patent number: 4477080
    Abstract: A multi-tier board game arrangement is disclosed including a game board with a playing surface having a center and a perimeter, the playing surface including a plurality of segmented endless paths and interconnecting paths therebetween. Each of the segmented endless paths is generally concentric with the center of the playing surface, with the endless paths spaced radially therefrom and preferably in a regular geometric shape, such as a regular hexagon with the paths being generally centered one with another. A plurality of interconnecting or transverse paths interconnect adjacent endless paths, with a plurality of segmented home bases adjacent the center of the playing surface and connected to the endless path nearest the center. A plurality of sets of playing pieces are also included in the game board arrangement, such playing pieces each having a designated permitted movement, such as movement only in a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction, or in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: Bruce W. Baker
  • Patent number: 4456258
    Abstract: The invention refers substantially to games and their construction. The games are played on the outer surface of a geometric solid necessitating piece and gaming surface construction adequate to permit piece and surface adherance. Also the geometric solid utilized is scribed or covered with an appropriate map or grid pattern to provide separate playing positions and thus specific moves of play are possible. The geometric solid chosen is a three phase icosahedron geodesic sphere. The icosahedron geodesic sphere is supported by support pins projecting from the sphere resting in a concave support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Lodrick
  • Patent number: 4452455
    Abstract: A puzzle game comprises a base having a plurality of steps extending upwardly from a circular wall to a top platform. A circular well or raceway extends between the circular wall and the lower of the steps and receives a circular ring therein for rotation thereabout. A plurality of additional rings are rotatably supported on the steps and a center member is supported on the platform. The faces of the rings are slanted upwardly and have line indicia thereon forming a maze pattern. A player rotates the rings which come to a click-stop in a random manner. A maze is created from the outer edge of the device to the center member and vice versa. Scores are awarded to a player in proportion to the length a playing piece is moved by the player through the maze for a given time period. The highest score is awarded the player who negotiates a path through the maze with a playing piece within a specific time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Inventors: Jon Bergstrom, Jerice Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4448420
    Abstract: A game of skill is disclosed which consists of a playing grille having square shaped openings formed of sheet material of a depth such that the openings are each substantially cubic in dimensions. The grille is supported with the openings disposed horizontally in parallel relation with one opening at the bottom and succeding rows of 3, 5, 7, 5, 3 and 1 openings, respectively. The grille therefore consists of 25 openings, accessible from either side, in an array as just described. The game also includes 25 dice, each of a size just fitting the openings in the grille. The game is played by two players inserting individual dice, in turn, from opposite sides of the grille. Whenever a player inserts a die which produces a sum of three or more dice equal to a multiple of seven, he scores such a sum. The sums of dice may be up-down, sideways or diagonal. The game continues, restarting if necessary, until one player reaches 1000 points (or other agreed score).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Ricardo Escamilla-Kelly
  • Patent number: 4440395
    Abstract: A variable geometric board game playable by two or more persons. The game utilizes the six sides of a cube as playing surfaces. The cube is constructed from articulated subcubes that can be rotated about each of three mutually perpendicular axes for changing the playing surfaces. Each of the subcubes has an aperture for receiving marking pegs in accordance with the game rules. The marking pegs are storable in a base unit which interlocks with the subcubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Inventors: Joseph F. Hyland, Joseph J. Wetherell, Mark Setteducati
  • Patent number: 4437667
    Abstract: A geometric game which includes markers and a playing unit. The playing unit has a multi-faced geometric configuration, such as a cube, with each face having a number of facets corresponding to facets on the other faces. The markers each carry one of a variety of indicia, such as letters of the alphabet, and have an adhesive surface opposite the side carrying the indicia. Markers carrying the indicia desired are chosen and removably adhered to each facet of the playing unit to provide a starting configuration. The playing unit contains an internal mechanism which allows any group of facets lying in a single plane to be pivoted about the perimeter of the playing unit to shift the group of facets from one face to another, thereby disorganizing the marker configuration. The internal mechanism must be operated to return the markers to the starting configuration. The markers are then removed for commencement of another game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Inventor: Ronald L. Miller
  • Patent number: 4348027
    Abstract: A multi-level game board apparatus, adapted to be played with playing pieces such as chess men or the like, consists of a chess or checker board divided into a plurality of levels for play. The board appears, in plan view, to have the arrangement of bilaterally colored dark and light squares of the shape and number of squares of a conventional chess or checker board. The board, however, is separated into a central portion at one level and a plurality of surrounding portions of square configuration separately supported at least at one other level. The separate square portions supported at another level are separately supported on support members permitting rotation of each square portion about its center. In the play of the game, the playing pieces are placed on the board initially, and are moved, as if all of the portions of the board were in a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: Ricardo Escamilla-Kelly
  • Patent number: 4339136
    Abstract: A board game including a playing board having a plurality of triangular spaces delineated thereon with the spaces being arranged in concentric rows with the triangular spaces in each row being alternately arranged with the triangles having two distinctive colors and arranged to represent a geodesic dome and either 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional. Playing pieces representive of geometric shapes are provided including two sets of playing pieces of distinguishable color to enable opponents to play a game. Each set of playing pieces includes one square, three circles and three triangles in which the square playing piece can move three triangular spaces at a time, the circle can move two triangular spaces at a time and the triangle can move only one triangular space at a time with the object of the game being to block your opponents square game piece from any further movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Inventor: Neil A. Gittings
  • Patent number: 4333654
    Abstract: Game methods and apparatus, the apparatus comprising a single-level or multi-level game board, and a suitable number of distinguishable markers for plural players. Each player commences play with a predetermined number of markers, arranged on the single or multiple game board levels. The players play repeatedly in predetermined order, each player moving a single marker to any unoccupied space on the game board apparatus, each board having plural aligned spaces not less than three in number in each of perpendicular directions. A board level is eliminated as to any player when that player has no more than three markers remaining on that board level, and a board level is eliminated as to all players when only one player has more than three markers remaining on that level. The last player having more than three markers remaining on the last active board level is the winner of the game. Captures of another player's markers is accomplished by surrounding of the captured marker in any of specified manners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignees: Regina Gonsoulin Allain, John Russell Allain, Timothy Stephen Allain, Christina Rita Allain
    Inventor: John C. Allain, deceased
  • Patent number: 4333655
    Abstract: A board game includes an upright playing surface representative of a mountain having trails or paths thereon with openings for releasably receiving playing pieces, there being missiles or other hazards slidably or movably related to the mountain and which are adapted to strike the playing pieces to physically knock them off of the mountain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: Elliot A. Rudell
    Inventors: Elliot A. Rudell, Joseph S. Cernansky, Richard P. Kamrath
  • Patent number: 4319754
    Abstract: The specification of the present invention discloses a game board apparatus which allows two parties to efficiently play numerous games in which both parties move simultaneously and the observation of the opponent's playing surface is limited. The apparatus includes two parallel upright members with a removable shield disposed between these members. Blocking means are also provided for each upright member to selectively limit the observable area of the opposite upright portion when the shield is removed. According to an aspect of the invention, specialized playing pieces are provided which co-operate with said blocking and are engagable with the upright members such that a portion of the playing piece is visible when the blocking means is closed, thus simplifying the recordal of game data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Inventor: James J. Yaworsky
  • Patent number: 4280703
    Abstract: A game for play by two persons which includes a three-colored game board divided into squares wherein three-dimensional play is involved. Combinations of chess and checker moves are employed for the game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: Keith W. Slone
  • Patent number: 4257609
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in performance of a game or puzzle comprises a base and a set of playpieces in the form of cubes or pieces notionally composed of cubes. The base defines a number of recesses each of which is arranged to seat playpieces such that an internal diagonal of each cube is vertical. The base recesses are so ordered with respect to each other that when each seats a playpiece, further playpieces can be seated on the pieces already seated to build up a structure. In one form of the apparatus, the playpieces are cubes carrying parts of a number of pictures on their faces so that when the cubes are correctly stacked the pictures are severally recomposed from their parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Inventor: Robert F. Squibbs
  • Patent number: 4243227
    Abstract: An action toy game comprises a flat hollow frame having an actuating lever mounted at each end and an arcuate slot extending from one lever to the other and forming a passageway for the travel of disc-shaped playing pieces propelled therethrough by manual actuation of the levers. At its central portion the arcuate slot communicates with an underlying display section of the frame, the display section being formed with a plurality of vertical compartments and having windows communicating with the vertical compartments and arranged in a square grid pattern. When each actuating lever is actuated by a player, a playing piece is propelled through the arcuate slot and drops into one of the vertical compartments where it is exposed through a window. The game pieces fill the slots until one player forms a line of game pieces according to a game plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Inventor: Ned Strongin
  • Patent number: 4232864
    Abstract: The specification discloses a game apparatus having at least two identical playing surfaces and playing pieces adapted to releasably engage the playing surfaces. The apparatus also includes means to superimpose the playing surfaces wherein at least one of said playing surfaces is movable from the superimposed position. The playing surfaces and playing pieces are at least partially transparent providing observation of nonoverlapping playing pieces and at least recognition of overlapping playing pieces when the playing surfaces are superimposed. The game structure allows for simultaneous movement of the playing pieces by all players and increases the possibility of confrontation with a number of players. The game apparatus is designed to allow realistic observation from above superimposed playing surfaces, or in some instances, side viewing along the plane of these surfaces. The game apparatus allows for infinite variation of the board surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Inventor: James J. Yaworsky
  • Patent number: 4225137
    Abstract: Game apparatus comprising a first polyhedronal body suitably in the form of a tetrahedronal pyramid and a second polyhedronal body suitably in the form of a tetrahedronal pyramid are interconnected in spaced parallel relationship by an elongate member which extends through the vertices of and which is aligned with the axis of the two pyramids. Either pyramid can serve as the base for the other during play. The side surfaces of both pyramids are divided into a plurality of areas formed by lines intersecting the mid-points of the adjacent edges of the surfaces of each pyramid. Either pyramid can be used individually or they both can be used together during play. Also, a third pyramid can be placed on top of either of the two pyramids to alter the game apparatus for other types of games. A plurality of markers, suitably magnetic in character and divided into two individually distinct sets, are selectively positionable within the spaces of the first and second pyramids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Hebner
  • Patent number: 4219196
    Abstract: A mathematics game board apparatus including an indicia board having a plurality of indicia spaces including numbers and mathematical function indicia for rotary movement upon a base board, a matching board having a plurality of circular matching openings therethrough and adapted to be rotated independently of and above the indicia board, and a transparent sheet member having a playing surface fixed to the base board above the matching board for supporting at least one playing piece, the position of the playing piece and the rotary positions of the matching board and the indicia board indicating a number upon which a mathematical function is to be performed.The game board apparatus further includes a rotary registry board mounted concentrically between the matching board and the transparent sheet member and having registry openings identical in number and location to the matching openings, for alternatively concealing and exposing the indicia spaces through corresponding matching openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Inventors: Joseph F. DeCanto, Deborah L. Griffey