Word, Sentence, Or Equation Forming (e.g., Scrabble, Hangman) Patents (Class 273/272)
  • Patent number: 7601059
    Abstract: A method for hosting a word-based lottery game having a plurality of players is disclosed. A player selects a plurality of cells from a playslip and these cells will be converted to a plurality of letters and symbols by a lottery game machine. The player will use these letters and symbols along with one or more letter(s) drawn by the lottery to form words and compare these words with a list of words. For each formed word that is on the list, a point is awarded and extra bonus points may be awarded to some special words. The total points obtained by the player is compared with a prize table and the player is awarded a prize according to the prize table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Kyle Bozeman
  • Publication number: 20090236802
    Abstract: A word game in which a participant attempts to decipher a word formed from a plurality of stylized alphabet letters that share a common side. The alphabet letters are majuscule English language alphabet letters in a block style font formed of line segments on a square grid. A portion of the alphabet letters is assigned a first level of difficulty, another portion is assigned a second level of difficulty different than the first level of difficulty, and yet another portion may be assigned a third level of difficulty different than the first and the second levels of difficulty. A word score is determined by adding together the level of difficulty assigned to each of the alphabet letters. A word formed from the alphabet letters may be assigned a level of difficulty determined by the word score of the word and the number of letters in the word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Sean J. Colas
  • Patent number: 7591469
    Abstract: A word puzzle game includes a grid (20) of blank answer spaces displayed on a gaming surface. The grid (20) includes a reference mark (32) that visually assists a user of the word puzzle game. The reference mark (32) associates a first answer space to a symmetric location of a second answer space in the grid of blank answer spaces. One example method of determining a location of symmetrically located space includes determining a location of a first space in the grid of blank answer spaces, associating the location of the first space with space with the reference mark, and determining a location in the grid (20) of the symmetrically located spaces based upon the association of the location of the first space with the reference mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Dowe
  • Publication number: 20090174142
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for educational spelling games wherein players are required to spell words of various levels of spelling difficulty and a player's degree of advancement depends on the difficulty level of the word. One version is a game board with a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of spelling cards, each spelling card comprising a plurality of spelling words wherein different words on each of those spelling cards comprise different levels of spelling difficulty within at least one educational grade level or age level, preferably within two consecutive educational grade levels, and a die for randomly determining the level of spelling difficulty of the word which a player will be asked to spell. Preferably, there are at least three words of different levels of spelling difficulty on each spelling card. Also disclosed are electronic versions comprising an annunciator to announce the words, game show versions, computer game versions and internet-based versions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Richard J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090160131
    Abstract: A plurality of Sudoku-type games are provided within a single matrix, using one or more “key cells” for presenting to the player the number of different answers possible for the respective cell. A scoring system is included to yield different scores for the different game outcomes. In accordance with the invention, game publishers can accommodate players of different skill levels with a single matrix, players can choose the level of difficulty of the selected game, and a each matrix can yield several games for the player to solve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jeng-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090160130
    Abstract: A game apparatus for playing hangman, the game apparatus includes a game body and a display that is coupled to the game body and operable to depict at least progress of the game while the game is being played. Further, a display element is provided in the display, wherein the display element is activated to indicate the progress of the game while the game is being played. Also, a counter is coupled to the game body and is operable to display a number of remaining turns for at least one player while the game is being played. Moreover, an activator is coupled to the body and operable to adjust the counter in response to the at least one player's progress in the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Aymeric LE COTTIER
  • Publication number: 20090134576
    Abstract: A tile-based game is used for teaching symbolic notation corresponding to alphabetical notation, such as found in music and code or sign language, by having players attempt to spell word with the symbolic notations that appear on one side of the tiles. Players are given points for the correct assembly or deciphering of a word with the tiles and check for correct answers by viewing the corresponding alphabetical notations on an opposite side of the tiles. The game can be implemented virtually on a computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard Hacker
  • Publication number: 20090072480
    Abstract: A board game employs a combination of rules and apparatus 1) to motivate each player to truthfully answer the questions which asks her/his opinions, and 2) to promote cooperative play at the right time to make the game not only fun, but also meaningful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: SAU TIN LEE
  • Publication number: 20090066022
    Abstract: A method of playing a word construction game wherein one character, letter or stroke is added at a time to a defined space appearing on a paper surface, computer interface, mobile communication device screen, personal digital assistant or a non-paper erasable surface displaying discrete blank spaces. Each player aims to add at least one character, letter or stroke in turn anywhere within the array of previously played content and available blank spaces that continues the formation of a valid word without completing it. The completion of a valid word subjects the active player to challenge and a penalty in scoring. Absent losing a challenge, players receive points for each character, letter or stroke added without successful challenge during a round of play. Valid words must read without skipping any characters, letters or strokes or any blank spaces, be a predetermined minimum length, and meet other conditions as prescribed by preset rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gregory John Yu
  • Publication number: 20090045574
    Abstract: The invention is a word-building board game played on a double-sided board whose grid on both sides comprises horizontal and vertical rows of circles overlaid with smaller circles. Using single-letter and multiple-letter tiles, words are built on a plurality of multi-directional pathways, a number of which are imbedded on one side of the board. Coloured overlays highlight words other than those built orthogonally. Instructional pieces direct players in certain initiatives, including the execution of the ‘Ploy Move’ which allows a word to be built away from the main body of words. Letters on multiple-letter tiles are expressed obliquely in a downward direction. The multi-dimensional pathways and ‘Ploy Pieces’ have the effect of increasing the scope and enhancing the concept of the crossword format that derives from building.words orthogonally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Marilyn Fay Quinlan
  • Patent number: 7458580
    Abstract: A lottery game card including a plurality of squares distributed in a matrix format, and a plurality of game indicia initially covered by a removable material. Each squares of the matrix are populated with a game symbol and some of the squares of the matrix are covered by the removable material, forming a Sudoku puzzle. A player may play the Sudoku puzzle using the matrix. The player may remove the removable material from the game indicia and covered squares. If the squares identified by the game indicia form a predefined pattern, a prize is awarded to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Martineck, S. Kyle Rogers, Jennifer M Welshons, Paul Guziel
  • Publication number: 20080265508
    Abstract: My child educational board game, “Word Battle”, requires players to approach word learning, sequencing, and construction from a naval/military strategist point of view in that instead of targeting objectives in a mere hit-or-miss situation, where the goal in and of itself is to reach and eliminate occupied coordinates, he/she must locate and actually identify the quality of opponents' pieces (these being letters) before the other competitors capture or eliminate out of play all his/her own word patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Milner Benedict
  • Publication number: 20080258387
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a board game that includes a game board and game pieces for placement on the game board during game play. The game pieces have letters, phonic symbols, wild card symbols, or other language symbols or indicia on both sides of the pieces that are in different colors corresponding to the two players but which show the same letter or symbol on both sides. The game board of the preferred embodiment includes a grid arrangement of spaces of a size and shape to permit the game pieces to be laid on the grid spaces. Words or phrases are spelled out by the arrangement of game pieces on the game board, the words or phrases being formed by game pieces in straight lines. The game pieces are placed on the game board by the players during turns and if one or more words or phrases are formed by the just-placed letters or language symbols in conjunction with other game pieces on the board, the player placing the most recently played game piece owns all the game pieces in the new words or phrases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Ling Lu, Hengzhong Liu
  • Patent number: 7438291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game in which a game surface, a plurality of game pieces, and a plurality of game cards are provided for use in games involving names of people. In the preferred embodiment, the game surface comprises a plurality of ladders having starts, finishes and various spaces; the spaces are associated with certain subjects like Entertainment or Politics. The game cards have clues printed on one side; answers are printed on the other side. Game pieces advance one space along a ladder if a team is able to guess the correct answer; play is ceded to the other team for an incorrect answer. Wipe out spaces permit the other team to select the subject of the game card; game pieces advance one space if the word card is answered correctly, and retreat two spaces if answered incorrectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick Kilbane
  • Publication number: 20080252008
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mathematical game. Such method comprises (1) generating a separate set of calculating numbers for each individual player or team; (2) designating certain math operations (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) available to each player; (3) generating a target number applicable to all players; (4) players calculating the target number by combining all of their calculating numbers with any combination of some or all of the designated math operations; and (5) players announcing their calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Joel Harden
  • Patent number: 7431295
    Abstract: A lottery ticket has printed thereon a matrix of nine rows and nine columns defining eighty one locations some of which are pre-marked with numbers from 1 to 9 and is arranged such that the player can select and enter the numbers in open locations to provide an arrangement of the numbers in which the marked locations and the open locations contain a number selected from the numbers 1 to 9 where all columns and all rows have the nine locations thereof each containing one of the numbers 1 to 9 with each number appearing once only. Prizes are awarded, according to a set of rules relating to the lottery ticket, depending on the appearance of at least one of the numbers in at least one of the locations or depending on the total number of correct rows or columns or other matrix shape of nine locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Pollard Banknote Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Lyle Harold Scrymgeour, Jevne Scott, Douglas Pollard, Brad Thompson, Julie-Anne McCallum
  • Patent number: 7422214
    Abstract: A method for playing language puzzle games involving a unit of meaning in the Chinese language made up of a string of characters in which each character in the string is decomposed into radicals having from one to four strokes and all of the radicals are combined, and randomly mixed, to become a group of radicals. A player is given a category clue for the unit of meaning, the combined group of radicals and a number of characters in the string of characters, and then the player is allowed to attempt to guess the unit of meaning based upon a preselected method of revealing information relating to the combined group of radicals to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Gamelot, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Publication number: 20080203661
    Abstract: An interactive, entertainment floor game with multiple start points from which players attempt to move in one direction and return by spelling words.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Owen Oliver Daniels
  • Publication number: 20080187890
    Abstract: A board game for enhancing spelling and word-forming skills that can be played by multiple players and enjoyed by people of all ages. The game comprises a playing board and a set of cards that have a set of characters, such as letters, on one side. To play, one or more cards are selected and each player attempts to form as many words containing the displayed letters as he or she can in the allotted time. Points are awarded based at least in part on the number of words formed. The game is won when a player earns enough points to move his or her playing piece from the START position to the FINISH position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Lori M. Podurgiel
  • Publication number: 20080174069
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a game board and system for playing multiple Sudoku type problem-solving games. The system comprises a three-dimensional board having a first array of n2 identical cavities arranged in a square matrix and at least one second array totaling at least n2 identical cavities arranged in at least n series of n cavities, at least n identical series of n pegs adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite angular positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first and second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face bearing one of a series of n different indicia. The body preferably has a polygonal cross-section and the system may further comprise a plurality of rings adapted to slide about the perimeter of said body. A method of playing Sudoku type problem-solving games using the system is further provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Denis Ouellet
  • Publication number: 20080132304
    Abstract: An entertainment system includes a playing surface divided into discrete fields each having distinct indicia such as a color. The system includes a plurality of game pieces, such as letter tiles, each having an indicia corresponding to a respective field as well as having an alphanumeric or user-choice indicia. The entertainment system includes an input device for actuating a timer or processor. A display is included for displaying instructions, aesthetic elements, or even a sound emitter. A method of playing the entertainment system includes a plurality of players initially selecting a predetermined number of game pieces and then, in turn, arranging game pieces on playing surface fields having like color indicia to form words, selecting additional game pieces or taking other actions relative to game pieces, and rearranging game pieces to form other words. Electronic components are included to provide elements of chance, instructions, or aesthetic appeal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Patricia L. Fleury, Martha K. Carter
  • Patent number: 7367564
    Abstract: A method for playing a mathematics game includes the steps of providing playing cards including a plurality of numeric cards, at least one operational card, and at least one equal sign card; constructing a numeric sentence framework; dealing a select number of the plurality of numeric cards to a select number of players to provide each player with a hand of numeric cards; and creating a first true numeric sentence by playing into the numeric sentence framework at least one or more of the numeric cards in a player's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Latell
  • Publication number: 20080099992
    Abstract: A board game comprising a playing board having a surface marked with an array of vertical and horizontal rows of abutting squares, each square having a number marked within it and a pack of cards having on one side a plurality of questions and on the other side the answers to those questions, the questions and answers on each individual card of the pack being different from those on each other card but relating to the same subject. The cards may have an axis of symmetry about which they can be folded such that both the questions and the answers on a card can be viewed by the player holding that card but that one or the other of the questions and the answers is concealed from the other players during play. The game may also include a word insertion guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Wee Hock Soh, Diane Lesley Soh
  • Publication number: 20080099991
    Abstract: A side best is added to the play of a game of Craps. A player places a side bet wager on an occurrence of at least two consecutive Pass events, and establishing a third Point without rolling a seven. After the third Point is made, a payout is awarded. All subsequent rolls gain a payout until the shooter rolls a seven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Roger M. Snow, Todd A. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 7344137
    Abstract: An alphabet challenge game for a group of players, the game includes a deck of seventy-two cards each having an alphabet indicia on a front face for creating words during a participant's turn. The deck includes wild cards and special function cards to be used by players only after a recognizable first word is formed and cast. Twelve cards are dealt to each player. The indicia distribution for each deck is designed to provide each player a time of entertainment and challenge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Loke
  • Patent number: 7341253
    Abstract: A board game wherein the players state in advance of their turn any words they choose to form, then state their choice to roll both dice to maneuver the game board with their game piece or to roll one die to pick the corresponding number of lettered squares. A player must earn twenty points in any form before using the point board. The player earns their choice of point chips for later usage or pegs for the point board for forming words. A player must fill each section on the point board before the player proceeds with the game piece to the corresponding level on the game board. A player must complete all other sections on the point board before completing the final section, where the player must form five words of any length, only one per turn, to complete the final section and win the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lynda Lee Lingenfelser
  • Publication number: 20080029961
    Abstract: A game utilizing a game board includes a net positioned at one end of the game board, a stripe positioned on the game board, and a display of a mathematical operation on the game board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Abu Yousuf Zobayerullah
  • Publication number: 20080001357
    Abstract: A method of playing a game includes scrambling letters, presenting identical sets of the letters in scrambled form in multiple display areas for viewing by multiple players of the game, and communicating a first word formed by a player from the scrambled letters, the first word having a minimum number of characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Henry Atkins, Ramon Callanta
  • Publication number: 20070290440
    Abstract: A game apparatus comprised of: a plurality of player game cards, each different from all others and including thereon a combination of randomized words arranged in rows and columns, and each randomized word pertaining to a hobby; a plurality of selection discs, each different from all others and containing one of the randomized words; and a plurality of blank marker discs in which one selection disc is selected and one randomized word on each player game card is covered using one of the blank marker discs. When one of the player game cards is covered by the blank marker discs in a pre-designated pattern (such as a designated line, shape, or four-corner configuration), an item related to the hobby is won.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Hannah Braun-Allen, Margaret Braun
  • Publication number: 20070267815
    Abstract: An integrated word-search, word-link, trivia puzzle and word-scramble includes a number of preprinted letters in a grid region. The region contains letters which are solutions to the word-search, word-link, trivia puzzle and word-scramble, and disguising letters filling in the rest of the puzzle. Through solving the puzzle, the individual letters of the puzzle word solutions are circled in turn and linked together with a straight line. The lines linking the individual letters of the solution cross out the disguising letters which lie directly in between the solution letters. The letters which are circled cannot be crossed out with a line, and letters which are crossed out with a line cannot be circled in a subsequent part of that word solution or in a later word solution. Any remaining letters which have not been circled or crossed out with a line may be combined and unscrambled to form a word-scramble solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Jeremy Lee Graybill
  • Patent number: 7287755
    Abstract: A group interaction method comprising: randomly selecting a plurality of indicia; requiring a first set of one or more persons to generate one or more texts containing words corresponding to the plurality of indicia; and having a second set of one or more other persons record one or more words that one or more of the first set is likely to use in one or more of the texts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Kristina Kershner
  • Patent number: 7281714
    Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Wilk, David F. Kunitz, Thomas C. McCarthy, Henry S. Winters
  • Publication number: 20070235935
    Abstract: A game for developing cognitive and literary skills, particularly including flash cards that display a word of up to n alphabetic character positions in which the characters are taken from a set of characters, as the alphabet. A plurality of n random symbol generators can generate one of a subset of characters, for example one of eight characters, thereby to define a subset of the character set. Play includes selecting a flash card and then operating the random symbol generators until each displays one of the characters in the word displayed on the flash card so the random symbol generators collectively spell the word.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Michael A. Vien
  • Patent number: 7275746
    Abstract: The crossword puzzle board game provides for competitive play in the solving of a crossword puzzle by two or more players. Players attempt to solve the puzzle by solving selectively revealed clues determined by a row or column determination die and selection of a row or column selection card. An answer is verified by removing concealing markers previously placed over the solution on a puzzle sheet. Alternatively, the solutions may be optically concealed, with a special viewer allowing them to be viewed. Points are distributed for correct answers according to the order in which the clues are solved; points are deducted for incorrect or misspelled answers. A player may attempt to solve one clue, or to “SNEAK A PEEK” under one marker and receive zero points at his or her turn. The game ends when all clues are answered; stalemates are not possible. The highest scoring player wins the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Richard L. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7267341
    Abstract: A method of playing a game. More than one tableau spaces are provided, and a group of letters are provided arranged in a random sequence corresponding to each tableau space, wherein the letters available for play are the endmost letters. Words or beginning of words are formed by rearranging the endmost letters of the sequences, wherein the words or beginning of words are formed by the endmost letters of each sequence such that the last letter of the sequence is the last letter of the word or the last letter of the beginning of the word, and wherein the endmost letter of a sequence may be moved onto the endmost letter of another sequence if a word or the beginning of a word is formed on the other sequence, or more than one of the endmost letters may be moved onto the endmost letter of another sequence if the endmost letters are the beginning of a word or if a word or the beginning of a word is formed on the other sequence. Words formed from the endmost letters of the sequences are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Kashan Shah
  • Patent number: 7267340
    Abstract: A method for playing an interactive game (10) between a first player and a second player includes the steps of the first player obtaining a plurality of active first game pieces (14A) that each includes a word-forming indicia (24A), the first player positioning a first active first game piece (14A) onto one of a plurality of designated positions (22) of a game board (12) to at least partially form a first word, and the second player choosing one of two options. The options can include (i) attempting to identify the first word, and (ii) indicating that the second player does not believe the first player can form any word with the first active first game piece (14A) and the remaining active first game pieces (14A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Upper Deck Company
    Inventors: Matt Hyra, Justin Gary, Daniel Scheidegger
  • Patent number: 7252289
    Abstract: The Dragon-Name Game is a unique letter, word, and number dice game consisting of; a special six-sided, six-colored die having the letters D.R.A.G.O.N. individually placed, one letter and color per each face side, see FIG. 2; a partitioned six-sided blank-surfaced die used for the inscription of the letters of a player's name, see FIG. 3; and a score card to record the numerical points, see FIG. 1; and played with a standard six-sided dotted casino die. The Dragon-Name Game is a competitive dice game designed particularly for children of grammar school age, whereby, the object of said game is to match the letters from the D.R.A.G.O.N. die to respective letters on the score card, while accruing numerical points from the casino die. By substituting the blank-sided die, other selected words and names can also be used as reference words. The player with the highest score after four rounds of play, wins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Tamian
  • Patent number: 7219896
    Abstract: Games for at least one player may include at least one game card, each game card including a plurality of letter indicators each indicating a letter and arranged to spell a word, a plurality of letter tokens, each letter token including a letter indicator, a selection device operable to randomly indicate one of a plurality of groups of two or more letter indicators, and a set of rules to play the game. Methods of playing the game may include spelling a word on a selected game card by matching letter tokens to the letter indicators on the game card. Each game card may include a first side and a second side, each side including a word, such that the word on the first side is more difficult to spell than the word on the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter MacIver, Arron Mack
  • Patent number: 7216868
    Abstract: A method of playing a word forming game for two to four players utilizing a game board marked off in a grid pattern. There are a plurality of tiles, equally distributed between the players, having various letters imprinted thereon. Such game board having the word CHANGIT reading left to right disposed on tiles in a center of the game board to begin the game. The goal of the game being to get rid of a persons tiles before the other players get rid of theirs by changing words and forming new words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: John C. Groz, Robert Groz
  • Patent number: 7198271
    Abstract: A combined instructional tool (10) is provided for imparting theological or other thematic knowledge to a plurality of participants while experientially reinforcing a core principle relating thereto. The tool (10) generally includes a game board (100), a plurality of categorized knowledge stores (200–230), at least one supplemental store (300), and a user-operable selector (400). The game board (100) defines a plurality of spaces (110) which progress between designated starting and end points, wherein at least a portion of the spaces (100) are formed with at least three types of indicia. The question stores (200–230) each include a plurality of predetermined thematic questions for selection and consideration by the participants, whereas the supplemental store (300) includes a plurality of redemptive tokens (3010).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Darryl Thomas
  • Patent number: 7182342
    Abstract: A game for teaching arithmetic skills involves having a player spin a wheel twice, the first time determines the arithmetic operation to be performed and the first number and the second spin determines the second number. The player then moves his or her game piece according to the results of the arithmetic operation, if the player correctly performs the operation and obtains the correct result. The player will forfeit his turn if he incorrectly performs the operation. Rules of the game control the direction of movement of the game pieces and the number of spaces the game piece can be moved on any one turn. A winner is determined by the first player to reach a finish position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Verdell Fulton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7140613
    Abstract: A scrambled word game includes a plurality of cards forming a card set. Each card has printed thereon a scrambled version of a word. The scrambled word game also includes a plurality of blank letter tiles for each player and a plurality of blank Word-Sticks of varying word length. Each player forms as many permutated words from the displayed scrambled word and writes each of the permutated words on one of the blank Word-Sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin L. Glikmann
  • 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: 7100920
    Abstract: A game is provided that utilizes a code caller card that is used to direct each step of play. The code caller card identify passages of the Bible, and are analogous to a “question” that the player in turn must answer. In combination, word tiles are drawn and held by the players, and are used to create an “answer”, the answer being the phrase or quote identified by the “question” on the caller card. These word tiles are used in conjunction with previously played tiles. The word tiles can be used with or without a board and on a flat, horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Mayme E. Onstad, Alvin C. Onstad
  • Patent number: 7044467
    Abstract: A sentence forming board game and its associated method of play. The game apparatus utilizes a board that defines a plurality of spaces. Some of the spaces are identified as specialty spaces. Players are provided a plurality of playing pieces that have a word printed on them. The words printed on the various game pieces are interrelated in that they share a common topic theme. Players are given a starting number of playing pieces. When it is a player's turn, that player tries to form or alter a sentence on the game board using the playing pieces in hand. If a player does form a sentence, that player gets points proportional to the complexity of the sentence that is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Christine A. Dimmig
  • Patent number: 7000919
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and kits for facilitating the solving and/or resolution of diagramless crossword puzzles. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for completing a diagramless crossword puzzle having a solution grid defining a rectilinear array of cells, is provided. The completion system includes a plurality of overlays each having a first and a second surface. Each overlay includes a grid formed on the first surface thereof. The grid of each overlay defines an array of cells. Accordingly, the overlays are selectively placable on a surface of the solution grid such that the array of cells of the overlay correspond with the rectilinear array of cells of the solution grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth M. LiDonnici
  • Patent number: 6986513
    Abstract: A board game where the winner is the first to form a ten character word. To speed play, a round ends and points are awarded for formation of an eight or nine character word. If no player wins in a preselected number of rounds, the highest point total wins. Play begins with game pieces following a set-up walk until five characters are accumulated, at which time a player is awarded a spot on a final walk. Landing on a “V,” “C,” or “Ideation” square enables a player to acquire a vowel, a consonant, or to follow instructions on a card drawn from a stack of Ideation cards, respectively. If a player is required to move backwards on any move, and if that player's game piece lands on a vowel, consonant, or choice of vowel or consonant square, that player must discard a vowel or consonant or either one, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: John A. Ferrante
  • Patent number: 6986512
    Abstract: The present invention provides a word game apparatus and a method of playing said game. The word game apparatus comprising one or more sets of word units having a front, wherein said front has indicia identified thereon comprising an original word, one or more amended words and one or more location identification positions; a plurality of playing pieces having a front having indicia identified thereon representing a letter of an alphabet or a symbol, wherein during play of the game said playing pieces are arranged to form words and a particular formed word is assigned to a particular word unit and said particular word unit is assigned to a particular player, and a playing surface providing a means for displaying said word units such that only an original word is visible. The word game is played according to a playing procedure which provides for the stealing a word unit assigned to an opponent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Prodijeux Inc.
    Inventor: Rodolphe Charpentier
  • Patent number: 6966556
    Abstract: A card game is used to teach spelling and word building. The card game includes letter cards, number cards and category cards. Each player is dealt a certain number of cards and must build a word that fits into a category set forth on a selected category cards using the number of letters set forth on a selected number card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventors: Geoffrey B. Culley, Jason J. Barry
  • Patent number: 6945532
    Abstract: A word game relating to verbal communication and word association. The present invention comprises several six sided dice with letters, a six sided die with numbers, a game board, 4 pawns, one or more timers, and a deck of cards. Each set of lettered dice comprise 4 dice, each with six faces, each face thereof containing one letter of the alphabet, covering the full 26 letter alphabet, excluding X and Z. 100 or more cards are in the deck each card containing a title and sequentially numbered answers. Each team is assigned a pawn to move about the board. The numbered die is used to determine the number of spaces to move a pawn forward. A timer is used to limit time during various turns. The board comprises spaces with colors, numbers and indicia. The colors determine which teams are allowed to participate in a turn. Each pawn color is represented on the board. As an example, the colors of the 4 pawns may be red, blue, green and yellow respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventors: Jonathan Isaac Orner, Alexander Chen