Nonrectangular Or Extended Pattern Patents (Class 273/261)
  • Patent number: 12226706
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an apparatus and method for playing modified chess game. The apparatus includes an expandable game to operate between a conventional mode and a powered mode. The apparatus further includes two sets of playing pieces, visually distinguished from each other are configured to operate in the conventional mode. The at least two bishops, the at least two knights, the at least two rooks, and the at least eight pawns of at least one set of the two sets of playing pieces are provided with a toggle switch. The toggle switch is adapted to form corresponding powered playing pieces during the modified chess game. The powered playing pieces are operated based on a set of powered rules. The apparatus further includes a power zone provided on a portion of the expandable game board to regulate movement of the powered playing pieces in the powered mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Inventor: Arsenio P. Santos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11426650
    Abstract: A fantasy-based variant of chess that can be played by two to six players on one of several distinct game boards. Game boards are two-dimensional, and comprise a plurality of square or hexagonal play spaces arranged into a variety of polygonal shapes. Square play spaces alternate in color (e.g., light, dark), while hexagonal play spaces may be arranged in concentric rings or “circuits” of alternating color (e.g., light, dark). New types of pieces are introduced, including Dragons, Giants, Beasts, Wizards, and Mercenaries. The number and arrangement of game pieces per player varies depending on the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Dowell
  • Patent number: 10173125
    Abstract: A circular logic puzzle The “CIRCULAR” puzzle has similarities to Sudoku and Latin squares in problem solving, and in this new circular format the many different varieties of game play and playing surfaces can be produced gives many new challenges and perspectives for those who enjoy solving logic puzzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Mark David Kunz
  • Patent number: 9962587
    Abstract: A convertible tiered game system comprising a plurality of tiered platforms, each tiered platform having at least one of a width and a length that is greater than any higher tiered platform, a plurality of tiered overlays configured to be seated upon each tiered platform among the plurality of tiered platforms, at least three of the tiered overlays comprising a center opening and having at least one of a width and a length that is greater than any higher tiered overlay, and a plurality of beverage container placement markers located on at least one of a tiered platform and a tiered overlay. The system may further comprise a lowest tiered overlay configured to rest on a same surface as the lowest tiered platform. The tiered overlays may comprise a lip extending downward along a vertical side wall of a tiered platform on which the tiered overlay is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Siepmann
  • Patent number: 9694289
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a chess game variant comprises a game board and four sets of eighteen chess pieces each. The game board has an inner zone and four panel zones thereabout. The inner zone presents eighty-one playing positions in a nine-by-nine square array. Each panel zone presents twenty-seven playing positions arranged in a three-by-nine rectangular array. The board includes universal rows which adapt for chess-like play on an unbalanced board. Each set of game pieces include institutional pieces and citizen pieces. Most of the citizen pieces are matched in status with corresponding institutional pieces, and are subject to rules of promotion which are driven, in part, by these status relationships. Most of the game pieces include covert or overt markings, which also drive game play and strategy. In certain aspects of game play, a player may take control of the game pieces of one or more opposing players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Elgin Delome Thomas
  • Patent number: 9333417
    Abstract: A cooperative tile game played on a surface and having bifurcated tiles formed of conjoined hexagons each having an indicia of value. Play is initiated by selecting and placing one or more tiles on the surface in a three-tile triangular initial configuration. Players first exchange tiles from their hand with those in the initial configuration to achieve a predetermined set of tiles in the initial configuration. Subsequent rounds begin with a tile from the previous round. During play tiles are placed in turn such that at least one edge of a hexagonal portions is adjacent to an edge of a hexagonal portion of a previously placed tile having the same indicia of value and such that no edge of is adjacent to a side having a different indicia of value. Play proceeds until all playable tiles are placed. The value of waste tiles is subtracted from the value of created assets to achieve a score. All players achieve the same score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Paul Gregory Harris
  • Patent number: 9141248
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a touch panel capable of preventing a moire phenomenon from being generated by forming an electrode pattern so as to have rotational symmetry rather than translation symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Jun Kim, Youn Soo Kim, Ho Joon Park
  • Patent number: 9039011
    Abstract: A game apparatus and a method using trays as the game board with vertical support columns, two sets of playing pieces and two launching devices. The one or more vertical support columns attach to the one or more trays to support the trays horizontally above a support surface. On the surface of each of the trays is a matrix and each element of the matrix has a recessed compartment orthogonal to the surface of the tray. Each recessed compartment is sized to hold a multiplicity of both types of playing pieces in a stacked manner. The recessed compartments may also be created so that the order and the number of the playing pieces in each recessed compartment are observable for additional variety in game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Steven Van Ness
  • Patent number: 8932133
    Abstract: A system for playing board games includes a game board and at least one pawn. The game board includes a display configured to display on a board surface a game board layout. The display is further configured to display a pawn input image on the board surface. The pawn includes a contact surface for supporting the pawn on the board surface, and an image input part cooperating with the board surface to receive the pawn input image. The pawn also includes an image surface to display a pawn output image, and a device for relaying the pawn input image from the image input part to the image surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Hubertus Maria Rene Cortenraad, Martin Ouwerkerk, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Publication number: 20140333023
    Abstract: A board for playing games, especially strategy games and in particular variants on the game of chess, which is rotationally asymmetric in orders greater than 2, such that different players have differently sized “home” playing areas. The main embodiment is a four player board, with variants which have additional diagonals to allow attacking routes against players adjacent to each other. A number of rule variants for four player chess are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Bennett
  • Patent number: 8857817
    Abstract: A game board surrounded and partially supported by perimeter walls that extend above and below the playing surface of the game board. The game board has a plurality of sockets for holding either covers, projectile coins, or player tokens, and a smaller plurality of those sockets have holes through the game board. Supporting the game board from underneath is a deflection structure that deflects projected tokens which fall though the holes and urges them out through elongated openings at the bottom of each wall. Projectors, such as catapults, are mounted slidingly on each perimeter wall. Players have covers with which they can cover a portion of the holes on their “properties. The board has designated paths for player token movement according to turn and a die role. An elevated socket is provided. The rules for an exemplary game to be played with the game board are explained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Edwin Arsenio Cruz-Rivera, Janet Adriana Cruz
  • Publication number: 20140239589
    Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement device having a board or other field and game-pieces movable over said board or field by contestants according to pre-set rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Emory O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140203506
    Abstract: Battlefield Chess (BC) differs from conventional chess (CC). First BC has a number of moves in addition to the moves of CC. For example, the knight in CC can move forward, backward, and sideways in an L-shape, for example, 2 spaces forward and then 1 space right or left. Two other differences are the size of the board [22 by 22 (=484 playing spaces)] for BC, compared to 8 by 8 (=64 playing spaces) for CC], and the number of playing pieces. CC has 8 pawns, 2 rooks, 2 knights, 2 bishops 1 queen, and 1 king for each of the 2 teams or individuals playing the game. In BC, each side has 22 pawns, 6 rooks, 6 knights, 6 bishops, 3 queens, and 1 king. The larger playing board, more playing pieces, and additional allowed moves make BC much more challenging than CC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Fisher, Doc Wilson
  • Patent number: 8678390
    Abstract: A chess-like game has a two-dimensional game board made up of 49 regular hexagonal play spaces assembled into a clustered, stylized diamond shape where seven spaces are arranged side-by-side, contiguously in a central, latitudinal row. Each successive parallel latitudinal row has one less space and its spaces are offset. By the sixth row away from the central row, a single hex space is provided at either end of the board. The color of each space is selected from three available. No space of a first color shares a hex side with a space of a similar color. A reduced set of game pieces are used where each side has one king, one queen, one bishop, one rook, one knight, and five pawns. Each piece has defined legal moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jim P. Guyer
  • Publication number: 20130320623
    Abstract: A game board surrounded and partially supported by perimeter walls that extend above and below the playing surface of the game board. The game board has a plurality of sockets for holding either covers, projectile coins, or player tokens, and a smaller plurality of those sockets have holes through the game board. Supporting the game board from underneath is a deflection structure that deflects projected tokens which fall though the holes and urges them out through elongated openings at the bottom of each wall. Projectors, such as catapults, are mounted slidingly on each perimeter wall. Players have covers with which they can cover a portion of the holes on their “properties. The board has designated paths for player token movement according to turn and a die role. An elevated socket is provided. The rules for an exemplary game to be played with the game board are explained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Edwin Arsenio Cruz-Rivera, Janet Adriana Cruz
  • Patent number: 8585480
    Abstract: A shove board game system and playing method thereof includes: a game host to process a shove board game program and provide a picture of a chessboard and an information window and reset status of all pieces on the chessboard, a display device communicating with the game host to display the chessboard, pieces and the information window and related information, and an input device communicating with the game host to receive operations of players to proceed the shove board game. The chessboard is octagonal and has multiple longitudinal and transverse lines in directions of X and Y axes and diagonal straight lines formed at an angle of 45 degrees against the X and Y axes. The lines cross one another to form points of intersection. The pieces are positioned on the points of intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Chien-Yu Wang
  • Publication number: 20130157740
    Abstract: A chess-type game played on a game board of ten columns and eight rows, or ten columns and ten rows. The game is played with traditional chess game pieces plus additional wizard game pieces. During a turn the wizard game pieces can be moved one space away in any direction, or alternately can be exchanged with any other game piece on the board belonging to the same set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Rick Steven Louie
  • Patent number: 8430404
    Abstract: The present invention features a game apparatus having a game board having game spaces and game pieces. The apparatus comprises fabulous five game pieces and blank game pieces with indicia on one side identifying the game piece is a traveler. Only a traveler can move in a forwards and backwards direction on the game board in one or two game spaces. The game pieces move in a diagonal motion two diagonal game spaces or a ricochet motion, which is in a curved motion to one game space in the first column and then to a second game space in the second column. The player who cannot move or the player who has no remaining game pieces on the board loses the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Shannon Lakeith Donald
  • Patent number: 8387988
    Abstract: A game apparatus and a method using trays as the game board with vertical support columns, two sets of playing pieces and two launching devices. The one or more vertical support columns attach to the one or more trays to support the trays horizontally above a support surface. On the surface of each of the trays is a matrix and each element of the matrix has a recessed compartment orthogonal to the surface of the tray. Each recessed compartment is sized to hold a multiplicity of both types of playing pieces in a stacked manner. The launching devices are used to launch the playing pieces from the launching devices into the recessed compartments on the trays. Games are played with two or more players and the object of the game is for one player to be the first to build a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Steven Van Ness
  • Publication number: 20120306154
    Abstract: The present invention features a game apparatus having a game board having game spaces and game pieces. The apparatus comprises fabulous five game pieces and blank game pieces with indicia on one side identifying the game piece is a traveler. Only a traveler can move in a forwards and backwards direction on the game board in one or two game spaces. The game pieces move in a diagonal motion two diagonal game spaces or a ricochet motion, which is in a curved motion to one game space in the first column and then to a second game space in the second column. The player who cannot move or the player who has no remaining game pieces on the board loses the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Shannon Donald
  • Publication number: 20120025463
    Abstract: A chess-like game has a two-dimensional game board made up of 49 regular hexagonal play spaces assembled into a clustered, stylized diamond shape where seven spaces are arranged side-by-side, contiguously in a central, latitudinal row. Each successive parallel latitudinal row has one less space and its spaces are offset. By the sixth row away from the central row, a single hex space is provided at either end of the board. The color of each space is selected from three available. No space of a first color shares a hex side with a space of a similar color. A reduced set of game pieces are used where each side has one king, one queen, one bishop, one rook, one knight, and five pawns. Each piece has defined legal moves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jim P. Guyer
  • Patent number: 7857312
    Abstract: A puzzle game of the present invention consists of a field of play having associated positions upon which place-indicators are placed during game play along a predetermined game path. Placement of the place-indicators represents a sequential series of steps from a starting point along a game path in the field of play to an end point. Each of the steps is dependent on a predetermined step pattern and the place-indicator is placed on the position upon which the end of the step pattern falls. The solution to the puzzle is achieved by the placement of all place-indicators between the starting point and the end point. In order to indicate a particular game path, at least two place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in the solution. The place-indicators may be, by non-limiting example, numerals, letters or a group of shapes with a predetermined series displayed on the game play interface, but outside of the field of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Gyora Mihaly Pal Benedek, Shai Seger
  • Publication number: 20100181723
    Abstract: Disclosed is an amusement device having a board or other field and game-pieces movable over said board or field by contestants according to pre-set rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Martin Emory O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7748713
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus for allowing players to explore decisions made in response to changing circumstances and to engage with the contradictions of competing needs. The gaming apparatus comprises a game board and game pieces. The game board is divided into an inner play area and an outer play area that surrounds the inner play area. An outer game piece traversing the outer play area determines functionality of one or more inner game pieces positioned on the inner play area. In each round of a game play, a player is either a Giver or a Taker, and moves inner game pieces according to their Point of View. Players' Points of View may exchange in every round. A player's goal is to be the Giver, since only the Giver can win. However, the Giver only wins when all four blue human being game pieces from a pyramid and meet Eye to Eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: John Edward O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7744469
    Abstract: In a computer program product which makes a computer operate as a game apparatus, the computer is operated by a “load value determining means” that, when a “remaining quantity” of an energy value representing the quantity of energy owned by the character is less than a “variable value” set as the energy consumed as an equivalent value for using a skill at the time that an operation for instructing the performance of the skill set for the character is proceeded, performs the skill, and determines a load value based on a difference between the remaining quantity of the energy value and the variable value; and a “restriction processing means” that places a restriction according to the load value on a parameter relating to an ability of the character during the time that the energy value is restored up to a predetermined basic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventors: Yoichi Shimosato, Naoyuki Ukeda
  • Patent number: 7722044
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a logical board game having a rectangular playing area made up of primary playing fields, the primary playing fields being congruent squares that are in contact with the adjacent primary playing fields on at least two of their sides; furthermore, having two equal, counter-interested sets of pieces of different colors that are designed to look identical to the pieces of traditional chess; and being complete with a computer and/or computer program that makes possible the playing and/or teaching of the game, wherein the fact that one or two further square-shaped primary playing fields are connected to the playing area in such a way that one corner of the newly added primary playing field adjoins the corner of the playing area at a common point, and this additional primary playing field plays a role in the game as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Laszlo Polgar
    Inventor: László Polgár
  • Patent number: 7717428
    Abstract: A game board and rules that allow three players to play a game based on traditional checkers but requiring additional moves through a triangular central field of play. In one version, the central field is composed of three concentric equilateral triangles made up of discs. In another version there are two concentric equilateral triangles of discs arranged around a triangular central void. The rules of play differ between the two versions because of the difference in configuration of the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Turner, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7708279
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a logical board game featuring hexagonal primary playing fields as a playing area, and pieces, the primary playing fields being congruent geometrical figures that form a regular six-pointed star-shaped playing area that has axes of symmetry, one playing field of which is at the center of the playing area, and that the primary playing fields adjoin, by at least two of their sides, their neighboring primary playing fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Laszlo Polgar
  • Publication number: 20100078889
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for playing chess with more than two players. The apparatus implemented for playing chess with more than two players according to the invention includes a game board having a plurality of hexagonal playing spaces contiguously disposed thereon, the game board having setup areas where players position their playing pieces prior to the start of a match. In addition the apparatus includes the hexagonal playing spaces having three different designations, the hexagonal playing spaces designations being alternatively arranged such that no two adjacent hexagonal playing spaces are the same. Furthermore, the hexagonal playing spaces being present on the game board in a predetermined number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Owen
  • Publication number: 20100078890
    Abstract: A bidirectional board game includes a playing board, and a plurality of playing pieces. The playing board has a matrix of squares defined by horizontal lines and vertical lines configured on a surface of the playing board. The squares are allocated in two regions identified for the two players, respectively. Each square allocated to both of the players includes a diagonal line. The playing pieces are divided into two distinguishable families each controlled by one of the two players. Each family includes a sovereign piece and a plurality of numeral pieces indicating a numeral 1 to 5. When playing the board game, the two players alternate moving the playing piece. The numeral indicated on the numeral piece is the maximum number of steps allowed to move in one action. Which hostile playing pieces can be captured by the numeral piece is determined by the numeral indicated thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Chia-Yen LIN, Ying-Jen Chen
  • Publication number: 20100072703
    Abstract: An extended chess game comprising a board divided into a first area, the Spirit World, consisting of all squares on the border forming a square ring and a second area, the Cardinal World, consisting of all the squares enclosed by the Spirit World. The pieces comprise conventional chess pieces, non-conventional chess pieces that are present at the beginning of the game and non-conventional chess pieces that are not present on the board at the beginning of the game. The rules allow the pieces to change color, to move from the Spirit World to the Cardinal World and vice versa, to kill members pieces of their own color, to move in lock step, two at the time, to come back to life after they have been killed by an opponent's piece, to be cloned, and to acquire abilities of belonging to pieces that have been killed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Antonio Gascon Samaniego, Kimberly O'Brien Samaniego
  • Publication number: 20090243215
    Abstract: A game board and rules that allow three players to play a game based on traditional checkers but requiring additional moves through a triangular central field of play. In one version, the central field is composed of three concentric equilateral triangles made up of discs. In another version there are two concentric equilateral triangles of discs arranged around a triangular central void. The rules of play differ between the two versions because of the difference in configuration of the game board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Turner, SR.
  • Patent number: 7549931
    Abstract: A modified chess set and method of playing the same includes a chessboard comprising nine ranks and nine files of checkered alternating colored squares. A first set of chess pieces including nine pawns, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, two princes and one king. A second set of chess pieces including nine pawns, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, two princes and one king. The first set of chess pieces are visually distinguishable from the second set of chess pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: William L. Faulk
  • Publication number: 20090051112
    Abstract: A game for one player or more that can be played on a board, on a computer program game or even on realty TV quiz show over real money. The game involves thinking, calculation, planning and knowledge. The aim of the game is to accumulate as much money as possible by creating lines of similar sums of money by shifting pyramid of cubes on a board to a preplanned direction after answering questions correctly. A supreme aim of the game would be to reach a three millions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: KOREN PALMON, Arik Nadot
  • Publication number: 20080296838
    Abstract: A game apparatus and corresponding method of playing chess on a substantially spherical playing surface marked with playing positions of fourteen ranks and eight files with each file forming a continuous loop around said spherical surface. Ranks terminate or are bordered at the top and bottom of the sphere, therefore not continuous. Two sets of chess pieces are provided for in said game apparatus; each set comprising eight major chess pieces and sixteen pawns with eight of the sixteen pawns being distinguishable from the other eight, each set of eight pawns traveling opposite directions across ranks. Means are provided for adherence of the chess pieces to the spherical playing surface such that gravity would not remove the chess pieces from said playing surface. Said game apparatus does not require players to learn variations to the well known rules of chess play while providing a novel means to play chess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Richard Peterson
  • Patent number: 7448629
    Abstract: A board game device having a plurality of tri-squares, four corners and a diagonally arranged border row of eight tri-squares of a conspicuous hue extending between two corners of the board and dividing the board into two triangular sections, with a plurality of parallel rows with the center row thereof perpendicular to the border row, having a contrasting hue on different sides of the border, with proximal and distal ends thereof forming player positions at the other corner wherein each game piece has at least a tetrahedron first body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Rollando Robinson
  • Patent number: 7434806
    Abstract: A chess variant includes (a) one of an order 8 board, an order 10 board, and an order 12 board; (b) a conventional chess piece set; and (c) a non-convention chess piece set, wherein the pieces of the non-conventional chess piece set perform non-standard movements defined by a combination of movements corresponding to two or more of the conventional chess pieces. The non-conventional chess pieces have rules associated therewith to govern how the pieces enter the board. The non-conventional chess pieces may also have specialized functions including serving as diodes, transportation pieces, and turning movement pieces. A method of playing the chess variant is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Budden
  • Publication number: 20080224399
    Abstract: That which is new in the art is a game of strategy played on a board configured with a symmetrical maze of intersecting pathways made of straight lines, curvilinear lines, and straight lines connected to curvilinear lines. The pathways include loops and circles. Players start at designated intersections and move pieces on the pathways in order to first reach designated intersections across the board; all pieces move in the same manner; a player can move a piece through as many intersections as desired on a single move as long as movement is on the same pathway. The pathways, with the given number of pieces in play, and by their configuration, create blocking of the movement of pieces, as well as opportunities for intentional blocking and for avoiding blocking. Rules variations include taking more than one move on a turn, telling an opponent to move a piece, trapping, dice, and capturing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Howard Leo Schambelan
  • Publication number: 20080136100
    Abstract: The invention relates to a game apparatus and a corresponding method, where the game apparatus comprises a game board (1, 4) comprising a plurality of rows (R) and a plurality of columns (CO), said rows and columns defining fields (2) on said game board (1, 4), and a plurality of playing pieces (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), one set of playing pieces for each individual player of said game and furthermore a plurality of 3D-members (9) for providing different three-dimensional structures or landscapes on said game board (1, 4), the 3D-members (9) comprising a bottom face (32) for placement on said board or on an adjacent 3D-member, a top surface (22, 31) for placement of an adjacent 3D-member or one of said playing pieces (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) and side faces (30), where the side faces (30) during a play can represent fields (2) that according to specified rules of the game are able to affect permitted movements of said playing pieces (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth JORGENSEN
  • Publication number: 20080128989
    Abstract: An electronic game board and DVD system in which the game board is provided with a plurality of game squares or spaces arranged on the surface of the game board. Each of the game squares or spaces is provided with a depressable switch. The depression of the switch would indicate a particular square or space on which a player has landed and this information is transmitted to a microprocessor by either a wired or wireless connection. A display associated with the microprocessor would project an appropriate scene, word, phrase or question based upon the position of the game piece as relayed to the microprocessor by the depression of the appropriate switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Mary Ann Cogliano
  • Publication number: 20080116636
    Abstract: A chess game set is disclosed which contains a chess board, said chess board comprising a harlequin pattern of eight by eight alternately colored square spaces with four additional rows of eight alternately colored square spaces adjacent each side of the main playing area. Additionally, the set comprises from two to four complete sets of chess pieces, each set of said chess pieces comprising flat circular disks having a different color from at least one other said set of chess pieces. The flat circular disks have the ability to fit within each space on the chess board, with each flat circular disk having a chess piece symbol positioned on at least one side of the flat circular disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Donald McCray
  • Publication number: 20080093802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing a game conventionally based purely on skill comprising the steps of: providing a board divided into squares having light and dark colors; providing a set of ordinary playing pieces selected to move conventionally in selected paths; providing denoted squares constituting home squares for additional playing pieces known as stop pieces; providing a random device in addition to the said board and the said set of playing pieces; wherein each of the players making consecutive moves one at a time starting each move by using the random device for selecting either a conventional move or a stop piece move followed by a conventional move; wherein each stop piece blocks each moving path of any other piece on the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Per-Olof Lyrberg
  • Patent number: 7287754
    Abstract: “Tora” is a classical strategy board game, constructed as a two-tiered, three-pronged, battlefield simulation. Using 7, 27 or 28 classical pieces at their disposal, players have the option to contend on a limited (9.times.9) or expanded (17.times.17) field of contest to determine the future course of history.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Joel Conner
  • Patent number: 7219895
    Abstract: A chess game playing array assembly including a plurality of three-dimensional playing segments is disclosed. The playing segments are disposed relative to one another to define an array of playing spaces on which a game of chess may be played. One or more of the plurality of three dimensional playing segments may be spaced apart by one or more voids or in abutting relation with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Robert H. Hutchins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7182341
    Abstract: “Tora” is a classical strategy board game, constructed as a two-tiered, three-pronged, battlefield simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Joel Conner
  • Patent number: 7100918
    Abstract: A new and improved game kit and associated methods of using are disclosed for use in learning facts about art subjects. The game kit comprises a bucket; a pail; question tabs; bonus tabs; reference cards; a first set of play pieces; a second set of play pieces; a collection of first award tokens; a collection of second award tokens; and a checkerboard design like game board. The checkerboard design like game board has a generally square shape and a playing facade 30, in which the playing facade comprising a plurality of alternately spaced dark and light squares. Each dark square has a unique art image affixed on each corresponding dark square of the plurality of dark squares. The method of using comprises the steps of adding, agreeing, attaching, depositing, enlisting, inserting, letting, obtaining, placing, positioning, putting, resolving, mixing, sitting, unfolding, and volunteering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Anita M Selsky-Quezada
  • Patent number: 7021628
    Abstract: A game board includes a square central playing area having a relatively large number of playing positions thereon, with each edge of the central playing area having two matrices of three rows and eight columns of playing positions extending therefrom. These playing position extensions provide for the initial placement of conventional chess or checker playing pieces thereon at the beginning of multiple player games, and permit play by up to eight players. The initial playing position extensions are colored differently from one another over the lighter colored squares of the alternating dark and light colored playing positions, with the playing pieces assigned to each starting position being similarly colored. Rules are for the most part similar to conventional chess and checker rules, but allow chess pawns and checkers to make larger moves than in conventional play in order to compensate for the larger central playing area of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6955354
    Abstract: A variation of the game of chess featuring reserve pieces used to replace captured pieces. Reserve pieces are gained by capturing the opponents remaining pieces on the board at checkmate. In one embodiment the replacement pieces are placed on the square they originated on at the beginning of the game or the next available open square in the file. In another embodiment the pieces are replaced on the square they were captured at thus retaking the square and the opponents piece. Replacing the captured piece may be optional or mandatory and may occur at the turn of the capture or later. The game can be played by two or more players in person or at distant locations. A scoring system can be used for tournaments. Computers can be used to keep track of the reserves, scoring, matching of players in the tournament and communications for remote players over the internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Andjelic
  • Patent number: 6913261
    Abstract: A method of playing a modified chess game by introducing a new piece in the shape of a lion to be called Leo. The Leo moves two squares in any direction selected from any of the diagonal, vertical or horizontal directions, moving forward and backward, leaping over other pieces and may capture in its destination squares in addition to the two square diagonally adjacent to the front of its only. Each of the two playing sets consists of the sixteen pieces of the orthodox chess game plus two Leo pieces and two extra pawns. The game board consists of 100 squares in alternating light and dark colors, arranged in ten rows by ten columns. The Leos' starting positions are one beside the king and one beside the queen. When castling, the king moves to either of the knight's starting positions and the involved rook moves over the king to the corresponding bishop's starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Mourad Khalil Aziz Khalil
  • 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