Game Board Having Movably Attached Piece Patents (Class 273/281)
  • Patent number: 11691078
    Abstract: A controller receives a message from a first user terminal of user terminals belonging to a chat group. In a case where the type of the message is of a normal message, the controller transmits the message to each of the user terminals. In a case where the type of the message is selection of the game icon, the controller generates a game message according to logic corresponding to the game icon and transmits the game message to each of the user terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Gree, Inc.
    Inventor: Yusaku Kamekawa
  • Patent number: 11642591
    Abstract: A game processing system according to an aspect is a game processing system for processing a game having a first mode and a second mode, the system comprising: a storage storing a game parameter relating to the game; and one or more computer processors. The one or more computer processors execute computer-readable instructions to: provide, in the first mode, an interaction with a virtual character in accordance with first detection information obtained by an information processing device not mounted on a head of a player; provide, in the second mode, an interaction with the virtual character in accordance with second detection information obtained by a head mounted display mounted on the head of the player; and update the game parameter in accordance with progress of the game in the first mode and the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Kuwatani, Makoto Chida
  • Patent number: 11517811
    Abstract: A dice game assembly that is easy to assemble, disassemble, store and transport in a low-profile configuration, including: a left sidewall; a right sidewall; a backwall; wherein the left sidewall, the right sidewall, and the backwall form a dice collection region for collecting thrown dice proximate thereto; and twelve numerical gaming pieces, wherein the twelve numerical gaming pieces are independently rotatably displaceable between a first, unplayed position and a second, played position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Cal L. Tardiff, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11235228
    Abstract: The board game includes a board game apparatus that is adapted to be placed on a table. The apparatus includes a board and a plurality of chips. The board includes a stand to support the board on the table. The stand is attached to the bottom surface of the board. With the stand, a player can tilt the board in different directions. Before the board is tilted, the board lies flat on the table. A player can tilt the board in a manner such that one side of the board contacts the table surface and another side of the board opposite to that side lifts up from the table surface. The board includes rows of grooves. The chips include a protrusion configured to fit in the grooves and move in the grooves. The chips are configured to slide on the board in response to the tilting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventors: Renato Sasdelli, Stephen Yee Hung Yau
  • Patent number: 8870185
    Abstract: A game apparatus for allowing players to turnover building blocks, including block and flat for overturn, which are characterized in that: the building block is consisted of two to eight cubes, including at least eight corners and twelve ridges; the ridges are designed with balls outside and every balls has the same diameter outside; the flat has the same distance with the hole, which is a dimple, and the distance between two holes equals to the side length of cube ball; thus balls of the building block can function with hole and makes building block stands on the flat after the ball is inserted into the hole; the building block can work with any two balls as rotate axis to rotate 90 degrees of front, back right and left side on the flat; through many times of overturn, the building block can go from beginning place to the end and reach the effect of fun competition and brain exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130341866
    Abstract: The present invention is a traveling dice game that includes a base casing, a pair of dice rolled to control a plurality of actions one or more players take while playing the traveling dice game, a pencil and a writing tablet that maintains a record of a plurality of notes or information related to the traveling dice game. The game also includes a plurality of pins, a top cover removably placed on the base casing to cover the base casing, a handle disposed on the base casing that is grasped to facilitate carrying the traveling dice game and a fastener disposed on the traveling dice game to releasably secure the top cover to the base casing. The pair of dice determines a number of plurality of pin combinations that are placed upward and downward that determine a number of points generated by each player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Judith Sampson, Robert Sampson
  • Patent number: 8511686
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus including a top surface and four side walls connected each other and to the top, the top having a game surface such as a 64 block checkerboard pattern of a first and second color, the game surface having cutouts; eight rods running crossways under the top surface and attached to two side walls; multiple rollers accessible to a player through the cutouts in the top surface. Preferably the game surface is angled on two opposing sides of each cutout to aid in rotation of the rollers underneath the game surface. The game apparatus may be adopted to play checkers, chess, backgammon or similar games. The game apparatus may also be embedded into tables or walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Delroy Davis, Barbara Davis
  • Publication number: 20120200036
    Abstract: A board game device is disclosed in which each player has a board and a plurality of game pieces which movably cooperate with a series of fixed locations on the board. The arrangement is such that when a game is being played, movement of the game pieces between the fixed locations depends on a value indicated by a thrown die. The game device includes a plurality of the boards which are substantially identical to each other so that several players can interactively play the game with each player being assigned one of the boards. Each board has a first surface and a second surface which is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first surface. The first surface of each board defines the series of fixed locations, the series including a base row for each of the player's game pieces. Each board defines a first interlocking portion and a second interlocking portion, the second interlocking portions being spaced relative the first interlocking portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Jack Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 8132814
    Abstract: An apparatus to solve Sudoku puzzles, wherein each one of the 81 single-squares has nine sub-area squares, each having one of the 1 through 9 digits, with all digits set to ‘at-display’ at start, and by selectively setting to ‘no-display’ 8 digits at each one of the initially given number's single-square location of a given puzzle so as to set up the puzzle, followed by logically setting other digits to ‘no-display’ at other single-squares needing solutions, the process of ‘no-display’ setting can be continued until all the single-squares have for each one only one digit ‘at-display’ as per Sudoku rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Sastry Ganti
  • Publication number: 20110001289
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus including a top surface and four side walls connected each other and to the top, the top having a game surface such as a 64 block checkerboard pattern of a first and second color, the game surface having cutouts; eight rods running crossways under the top surface and attached to two side walls; multiple rollers accessible to a player through the cutouts in the top surface. Preferably the game surface is angled on two opposing sides of each cutout to aid in rotation of the rollers underneath the game surface. The game apparatus may be adopted to play checkers, chess, backgammon or similar games. The game apparatus may also be embedded into tables or walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Delroy DAVIS, Barbara Davis
  • Patent number: 7784792
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus including a plastic top surface and four side walls connected to the top, the top having a 64 block checkerboard pattern of a first and second color, the checkerboard having cutouts in the blocks of the first color of the checkerboard pattern; eight rods running crossways under the top surface and attached to two side walls; eight six sided rollers fitting on each of the eight rods, the rollers accessible to a player through the cutouts in the top surface, the rollers include on each side of the roller, color the same as the first color or the second color or the first or second color with the image of at least one game piece thereupon. Preferably a six sided roller is provided to represent either no game piece present, a first player's game piece present, a first player's kinged game piece present (two game pieces of the same color on the same block), a second player's game piece present, or a second player's kinged game piece present on that particular block of the checkerboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Delroy Davis, Barbara Davis
  • Patent number: 7553236
    Abstract: A casino gaming station includes a free standing gaming table and a free standing canopy which can be positioned above the gaming table where the canopy is supported by a pedestal positioned adjacent to the table. The gaming table has an upper surface with markings thereon for use in the playing of one of the games of chance of a casino. The pedestal supports an upwardly extending vertical post with the upper end of the post extending horizontally outward of the pedestal and over the table. At the outer end of the vertical extension is the canopy having a motion video camera therein directed downward towards the surface of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony C. Parra, Debra L. Parra
  • Patent number: 6983937
    Abstract: A dynamic non-static game board is formed at the beginning of each game by the players each placing tiles having playing spaces which may have side walls. The walls create a maze configuration through which pieces move. To win, one must move all of one's pieces, 1–5 depending on difficulty level, from one side of the board and off the opposite side. A random number selection means such as dice indicates the number of spaces to be moved. On some turns at least one visual indicator for a “stack” move and another for side a “slide” move appear simultaneously with a number. A stack allows a player to stack a tile on top of an existing tile to alter the configuration of the maze. A slide allows a player to slide another tile into one end of one row, thus pushing an existing tile off the other end of the row and possibly altering the maze configuration. The strategy game may be programmed and displayed on a visual media such as a video game or on the world wide web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Joel S. Levinson
  • Patent number: 6942218
    Abstract: The domino and dice game includes a series of dominos having counts thereon which correspond to the possible counts generated by a pair of conventional cubical dice. The dominos are initially positioned face up, and the dice are tossed. Dominos having counts corresponding to the resulting count on the dice, are turned face down. Play continues by a single player until no more domino moves are possible, whereupon play transfers to the next player. Score is according to the number of dots displayed upon the remaining face up dominos after a turn is completed, with low score winning the round after all players have played. The present game also includes a playing box, with the box having at least one row of dominos pivotally secured thereacross and a dice tossing area. The playing box may include additional domino rows for doubles and blank dominos, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Dalton W. Davis, Dalton W. Davis, II, Jarrod Davis
  • Patent number: 6942217
    Abstract: A new game is provided that involves strategy and racing through the use of game units comprising a plurality of game pieces, wherein the game promotes teamwork and cooperation. This game is governed by at least one rule requiring that the plurality of game pieces of each game unit be within a predetermined number of spaces. Although this rule is a constraint on the movement of the game pieces, this game preferably gives players the opportunity to use this rule as a shield or sword. The game can be played in solitude, but is preferably played with multiple persons. The game ends when a game unit returns to a home position, but the player with the greatest number of points, preferably treats, is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Fernando Cipullo
  • Publication number: 20040232617
    Abstract: A logic gate board game with a board having a logic tree marked thereon with spaces for placement of tile playing pieces. Each tile has a particular logic gate symbol marked thereon. Each space has receptacles defining inputs and outputs. Colored pegs for insertion into the board receptacles on the game playing board identify the logic input and output state of the logic gate on the board. Players draw logic gate tiles from a non-transparent bag. Players take alternate turns to place tiles and pegs on the board. The object of the game is to complete a path of logic outputs of one player's pre-selected colored pegs to the top of the pyramid before his or her opponent completes a path of logic outputs of his or her pre-selected colored pegs to the top of the pyramid. The first player to reach the top is the winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Randall Britt
  • Publication number: 20040178578
    Abstract: The drawing toy includes a rigid transparent panel having first and second oppositely directed surfaces and drawing utensils. Each player has access to a different one of the surfaces such that the player can draw upon the surface with the drawing utensil. The panel is maintained in an upright position such that the players can draw on the respective surfaces while simultaneously observing both surfaces, and hence what each player has drawn, by looking at and through the panel. Grid or game outline carrying flexible plastic sheets can be removeably mounted on the panel such that the players can play a board game. Stick-on flexible plastic cells can be used for other art related activites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: John Weiss, A. Joseph Lipton
  • Patent number: 6578848
    Abstract: A game with moveable play space. The invention allows any user playing the game to modify the play space at any number of given times and in response to any number of different conditions. Certain spaces (tiles or blocks) within the play space are wildcard spaces that independently initiates modification of the game play space. Any game play space can benefit from the invention, including conventional game boards including chess and checker boards. The modifications of the game play space include any number of manipulations including column shuffling, rotating, flip-flopping, and other types of manipulation. The selection of which portion of the game play space is made by the players of the game. If desired, the selection of which portion of the game play space is governed by the space on which a game piece resides, or the particular type of game piece that is being moved or used in that game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Team Smartypants!, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario M. Champion, Mark Christopher Zatopek, Frank Matthew Champion
  • Publication number: 20030006553
    Abstract: A solitaire game for use while traveling in vehicles and the like that includes a game board having a number of flip-over discs that are flipped-over in a systematic fashion to play a game of solitaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Nazario Veguilla
  • Patent number: 6345822
    Abstract: Game apparatus (1) has a plurality of playing locations (11) at each of which is rotatably mounted a playing piece (60). Each playing piece (60) has at least one indicium (65,66) thereon so that rotation of a playing piece (60) to a selected orientation presents said indicium (65,66) to a player. The apparatus (1) has retaining means (36) for retaining each playing piece (60) in a selected orientation. The apparatus (1) further has reset means (30) operable to reset the playing pieces (60) for a new game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel Europa B.V.
    Inventor: John Dudley Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6257575
    Abstract: A plurality of vertically adjustable squares on a game board assembly having 1) a game board frame assembly provided with a bottom wall section and side wall sections defining an open cavity therebetween; and 2) a plurality of actuator square assemblies mounted within the open cavity of the support base assembly of the game board frame assembly. The bottom wall section has a plurality of actuator support openings therein to receive and support a respective one of the actuator square assemblies therein. Each actuator square assembly includes 1) a stationary block support assembly with a stationary tube member having a lower end anchored in the respective actuator support openings in the bottom wall section; 2) a movable support tube assembly mounted about the stationary tube member and being vertically movable thereof; and 3) a movable game square member secured to and supported on a respective one of the movable support tube assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Herbert A. Ortega
  • Patent number: 6247696
    Abstract: A novel board game utilizing a two-dimensional game board having a plurality of bi-directional rotatable wheels with spaces for player movement arranged on the circumference of the wheel surface. Numbered cards determine the orientation and resulting magnitude of rotation of the wheels. Two dice randomly determine player movement. Each player is assigned a plurality of playing tokens and a wheel of origin. A path of play begins in a “START” circle on the periphery of a player's wheel and proceeds in a defined path around said wheel back to the “HOME” circle. A detour in the path of movement from a player's wheel to an opponent's wheel is through unidirectional alleyways. A path change occurs when the wheels are rotated, moving a player's token to a new position on the board. The object of the game is to be the first player to get all of his or her tokens to the “HOME” space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Dennis Lackender
  • Patent number: 6042117
    Abstract: A game board has playing pieces. In the form of indicators which are permanently attached to a game board base. A push button approach that simulates the play of well known games is used to effectively move pieces around a game board. The indicators are push buttons that can occupy either of two positions. In the up position the indicator could represent the presence of a piece or player, or that a particular location or region is occupied. The number of push buttons use will depend on the game and its rules. There could be one, two or four push buttons for each region. One push button could simulate the golf tees of a peg board game. Two buttons could be used to simulate a tic-tac-toe game, while four push buttons could simulate a checkers type game. The permanence of the indicators means that pieces cannot be lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis J O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5890717
    Abstract: An interactive game is disclosed which may take the form of a board game, a hand held game or a yard game. It includes a series of printed circuits or devices which may be concealed within a playing surface and an electronic detector for the circuits. Easily as many as 8 or 16 different discrete device may be detected and distinguished. Stored messages associated with each device or combinations of devices is displayed or audibly reproduce the messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventors: Fenton Rosewarne, Howard H. Berger, Jack Star, Richard Perkins
  • Patent number: 5799944
    Abstract: An assembly made of an indented tracked game board with a movable playing piece that cannot be removed from the track in the game board. Each playing piece has an enlarged head and base with a reduced diameter section in between, which section rides in the game board's track system. The width of the playing piece's head and base is sufficiently greater than the width of the track such that it cannot be removed therefrom. There are several playing stations for the different players each having their own tracks which are connected to the tracks of adjacent playing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Sean Christian Lemmon
  • Patent number: 5791987
    Abstract: A game software is devised for a user to play the Kung-Ming Chess on a microprocessor-based system having at least a CPU, a memory unit, a screen, and a cursor position control device. In playing the Kung-Ming Chess, the user plays on screen against a deployment selected from a predefined set of deployments stored in the database of the game software. Each deployment is entitled with the name of a particular stratagem originated from Chinese heritage. While playing the Kung-Ming Chess, the game software allows the user to learn these stratagems and related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Huai-Yen Fred Chen, Wen-Kang Andrew Li, Yu-Ying Anita Liang
  • Patent number: 5687970
    Abstract: A gameboard includes a plurality of top-slotted, intersecting channels to define a grid of tracks for movement of playing pieces along and between the tracks. Each of the playing pieces includes a head projecting from the channel and a base within the channel. The head and base are interconnected by a neck having a collar so as to expand its cross section over a portion of its length. The neck passes through the slot to allow free movement of the piece along the tracks and inhibit removal of the piece from the plane of the gameboard. The collar is seated within the track intersections to restrict movement of the piece out of the intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: William H. Clark
  • Patent number: 5639090
    Abstract: A geoboard has a board member with a plurality, advantageously four edges. An array of holes which is preferably in the form of a matrix, is provided in the board member for receiving slidably mounted push-up pins. Each push-up pin has upper and lower positions and the pins are arranged in the matrix for engagement by an elastic band to form shapes on the board member. Each of the edges includes spaced-apart notches for receiving fixed slider pins which extend in a row on a slider. Each slider is slidably mounted along one of the edges for extending the matrix of push-up pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Kenneth V. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5558336
    Abstract: A board game, and a method of playing thereof, in which a plurality of directionally-oriented playing pieces are slidably advanced through a grid of intersecting grooves of the game board to achieve a predetermined sequence of playing pieces in a desired configuration while blocking advancement of an opposing player's playing pieces. The game board is supported in an inclined position to cause the playing pieces to advance into position under the force of gravity. The method of playing the game requires strategic analysis and foresight so as to achieve desired sequential alignment of playing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Donald Sapello
  • Patent number: 5542673
    Abstract: A manipulable self-contained game puzzle with a base, multiple slider members mounted on the base through a switch and movable coded transfer members transferably mounted on the slider members for selective movement of the coded transfer members relative to the slider members and the base so as to permit manipulation of the individual coded transfer members into a selected pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Binary Arts Corporation
    Inventor: Ferdinand Lammertink
  • Patent number: 5497997
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a game board assembly which includes a base portion and a plurality of piece-guidance portions located on top of the base portion. The piece-guidance portions include bottom guiding portions supported by the base portion and include top guiding portions supported by the bottom guiding portions. The top guiding portions extend outward beyond the bottom guiding portions, such that grooves are formed by the top guiding portions, the bottom guiding portions, and the base portion. The piece-guidance portions are spaced apart from each other on the base portion so that guidance channels are provided between adjacent piece-guidance portions and so that game-piece-reception areas are provided at selected positions on the base portion. A plurality of game pieces are adapted to be placed on the base portion. Each game piece includes a foot portion, a body portion, and a head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Dimitrios Nikas, Harry Jakoncic
  • Patent number: 5437459
    Abstract: A horse racing game for use with cards and dice comprising, in combination, board pieces in a horse-like shape at the upper extents and an enlargement at their lower extents and a narrow neck therebetween, a board having a lower plate and an upper plate of similar shape and parallel vertical side walls coupling the upper and lower plates, a plurality of parallel slots formed from one end of the upper plate to adjacent the opposite end of the upper plate, the opposite end of the upper plate constituting the finish line with the board having a rectangular section at its lower extent and a triangular section at its upper extent whereby the central slot is longer than each adjacent side slot with the shortest side slots located outermost from the central slot adjacent to the side walls, the upper surface being provided with indicia indicating the number of the lane and with point amounts and the starting line adjacent to the midpoint of the rectangular section whereat the pieces are located to start play whereby
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Gerald Kirby
  • Patent number: 5427379
    Abstract: A gameboard includes a platen having intersecting channels that define a grid of tracks. Playing pieces are movable along the tracks and are retained by a bae on the playing piece that co-operates with the re-entrant walls of the channels. The flanges of the channels extend into the interstices of the tracks to retain the playing pieces while allowing their movement through the interstices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Wondergame Corporation
    Inventor: De-Lei Lee
  • Patent number: 5333877
    Abstract: An improved board game apparatus is provided which consists of a game board having a continuous path around its perimeter divided into consecutive playing spaces of alternate colors with each of the two diagonal corner spaces being a start/home space and every corner having three additional inner playing spaces located thereby. A plurality of playing pieces are for each of the game players, with the playing pieces being of a size to fit within each of the playing spaces and are stackable one upon the other. A die operable by the game players is for determining the possible number of spaces the playing pieces shall move counterclockwise along the continuous path of the game board from the start/home space back to the start/home space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventors: Jay G. Pridgeon, Patricia Green, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5310190
    Abstract: A board game is provided to have a board defining a plurality of pockets symmetrically situated around a periphery of the board and a plurality of depressions for accepting movable game pieces. A rotating shaft of an electric motor is positioned in the center of the board, the electric motor being powered by a battery and controlled by a switch. An outwardly extending arm is attached to rotate with the shaft. A horse figure is permanently attached to the rotating arm, the horse figure being configured to pass over the plurality of pockets. Atop the horse figure is positioned a cowboy figure separate from and removably connected to the horse figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Richard D. Morris
  • Patent number: 5261668
    Abstract: A logic game having a plurality of courses connected to each other by a common connecting course in which game pieces are inserted. In particular, the game comprises three courses of equal length having guide grooves with varying widths decreasing towards the ends of said courses distal from the common connecting course. The game pieces each have a guide tang of a different size which engages the guide grooves. A prize is displaceably disposed at the distal end of one of said courses. A distal end of another of said courses forms an opening through which said prize can be removed by logical shunting of the game pieces in the courses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Christoph Hausammann
  • Patent number: 5219170
    Abstract: An action board game apparatus includes an inclined game board having openings therein, game pieces mountable on the game board partially through selected ones of the openings and capable of being pushed through the openings upon application of a sufficient predetermined force on an upper portion of each game piece extending above the game board, and a rotary driver movable across the game board. The driver has an elongated shaft and wheels attached to opposite shaft ends. The game board includes parallel linear tracks attached along opposite side edges of the board. The game board openings are arranged in parallel side-by-side rows also extending parallel to the guide tracks. The tracks receive the wheels and permit rolling movement to adapt the driver to move across the game board by itself with its shaft spaced above the game board and passing over upper portions of the game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Kevin D. Ledford
  • Patent number: 5205557
    Abstract: A mazy puzzle comprises mainly an upper housing, a lower housing, an intermediate plate, a maze plate, a movable piece, and maze blocks. The maze plate consists of a plurality of positioning frames, into each of which a maze block is inserted. The mazy pathways having therein obstacles which are located in the space surrounded by maze blocks and maze plate. The movable piece has a lower portion insertable into the pathway via an inlet and an upper portion extending beyond the surface of maze blocks. The movable piece is moved by the player along the mazy pathways to a prescribed destination without interference only when the movable piece is guided successfully by the player to avoid hitting the concealed obstacles set up along the pathways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Jewry Kuo
  • Patent number: 5165692
    Abstract: A game board includes six longitudinal tracks and thirty-six discs of two different colors arranged six in each track. There are eighteen discs of each color, so that three of each color are in each track with the colors alternating. The two colors alternate between adjacent tracks as well as within each track, with the first and last disc in each adjacent track having different colors. Two players face each other at opposite ends of the board and choose a color. Moves are made by the roll of a die which determines the number of discs each person must move across a center line. Each player moves the selected color disc, with the other color disc in its path included in the number. Moves can be split between different tracks and can go back and forth across the center line. The number on the die must be completed in two moves. The object of the game is to establish six of the selected color discs at the ends of the six rows closest to the center line. The first to obtain that arrangement is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Angelo A. D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 5114151
    Abstract: A race game includes an oval track structure arranged with a plurality of contiguous concentric tracks, wherein the tracks each include a plurality of spaces. The game includes tokens and die members, and wherein each of the spaces is formed with contrasting enumeration in associated with the die members, wherein players in turn direct respective tokens along the spaces in diametrical, horizontal, and straight-line orientations to correspond to a movement of a token from adjacent enumerated spaces corresponding to enumerated spaces directed by the die members. A plurality of the spaces are associated with directional cards of reward and punishment types to introduce an element of change into play of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Dana D. Bergerstock
  • Patent number: 5096203
    Abstract: A board game apparatus is provided and consists of a plurality of changeable playing indicating pieces that are each built into a top surface of a playing board housing being a playing field zone so that one portion of each playing indicating piece will always extend above the top surface to be utilized during the play of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventors: Moshe Elstein, George Spector
  • Patent number: 5041048
    Abstract: A multiple graphics selection toy having a plurality of graphics-bearing elements that are individually rotatable between a position in which the graphics are concealed and a position in which the graphics are revealed, and having a manually operable selector control by which an individual graphics-bearing element is moved from either of the positions to the other. The graphics may be two or three-dimensional representations of animals and other characters of interest to children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventors: Roger W. Lehmann, Michael I. Satten
  • Patent number: 5027540
    Abstract: A graphical display system utilizes an array of base units, which are disengageably affixed to one another so as to form a base board of variable extent, having a grid of slots in the front face thereof. Cover pieces have elements for slidably engaging them upon the front face of the base board, enabling them to be shifted in both of two mutually perpendicular directions within the grid of slots. The cover pieces are of various sizes and dimensions, and appropriate decorative or characterizing elements are applied to their surfaces to permit use for creating effective graphical display components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Fred M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5013043
    Abstract: A game comprises a frame and a plurality of independently rotatable members held captive, in play, in the frame, wherein the rotatable members are set in a predetermined array and each is provided with a plurality of surface markings which define distinct, independently distinguishable rotational settings for each member. The members are rotatable between the settings and the frame is marked with pathways which are used in conjunction with rules to determine a player's progress. The game may also be embodied as a video game using a display screen and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Walter Halliday
  • Patent number: 4988109
    Abstract: Domino boards exploit an array of dominoes rotatably mounted to the top surface of each of the boards so that the array may be quickly reset by a single manipulation of the board by a user. A plurality of board shapes may be linked into modules and each module may also be reset by a single manipulative action. A plurality of modules are combined to form a game configuration.A game of challenge is introduced by mounting dominoes at strategic locations on a specially designed board. An identifier such as color is associated with each of the dominoes on the board and a mathematical algorithm founded in "game theory" is deployed to generate a location for each domino based on its identifier. According to one set of game rules, there are two players, each player controls a color and the players alternate turns in knocking down a domino under one's control. Because of the placement of dominoes, one or more dominoes may be toppled by a single move by a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Shuo-Yen R. Li
  • Patent number: 4961581
    Abstract: A board game having a rectangular support for carrying arrays of images. Each image has a set of six manually variable rotatable drum indicators, each set, one for each player, being located are at each of the peripheral sides of the support. Each drum bears a number of peripheral images. Only one of which is visible at any one time. The number selected by throwing dice direct players to rotate the corresponding drums. An objective of the game is to display common numbers through a player's set of arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Rotation Limited
    Inventors: David Barnes, Alick M. Sharp
  • Patent number: 4927156
    Abstract: A property dealing game that is played in two phases requires the players to acquire properties without always actually knowing the intrinsic value of the property. Cards are provided which, in combination with one or more properties, make the property worth more than its intrinsic value to a player holding one or more particular cards. The intrinsic value of the property is determined by the amount of money inserted into a closed property box during the course of play. In the initial phase, players proceed around peripheral pathway spaces on a board. However, in the second, less structured phase, the winner is determined as a result of deals made among the players without moving around the board. Additional cards are provided for affecting the holding of opposing players and influencing the bidding play in the acquisition of properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Breslow, Morrison, Terzian & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Breslow, John V. Zaruba, Donald A. Rosenwinkel
  • Patent number: 4890845
    Abstract: A game apparatus comprising a plurality of spherical members, a frame member and detent means for biasing the rotation of the spherical members is disclosed herein. Each spherical member has an axle projecting from it and includes a plurality of indicia disposed about an equatorial periphery thereof. The frame member includes a plurality of stations configured to receive one of the spherical members. The frame member further includes bearing means for supporting the axle of the spherical member so that the spherical member is rotatable in its station. The rotation of the spherical member allows for a player to select a particular display of indicium located on the spherical member. The game apparatus further includes a detent means for biasing the rotation of the spherical member to a preselected position, the position corresponding to a particular display of indicium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Sidney Gatewood
  • Patent number: 4886278
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game comprising a board (1) and a plurality of playing pieces (6), the board defining at least two sets of intersecting grooves (2, 3), each intersection (4) forming a playing location during the playing of the game and the playing pieces (6) being locatable within the grooves (2, 3) so as to be slidably displaceable between the play locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventors: Avril M. Salter, John O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 4817957
    Abstract: A game played on a playing board having a plurality of intersecting lateral and longitudinal grooves defining a grid of squares. A plurality of laterally and longitudinally oriented movable bars on the grid define a maze therewith. The movable bars are operatively connected to the grooves and respectively move laterally and longitudinally along the grooves. The movement of the bars changes the maze paths. Each bar has a width of one square and a length of three squares of the grid. The game apparatus also includes a plurality of playing pieces, objects for indicating random numbers of permissible movements of the playing pieces and the bars, and a surrounding frame to definitize the playing area and to retain the bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Gregory L. Reeves