Collapsible Board (e.g., Folding) Patents (Class 273/285)
  • Patent number: 6488280
    Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Milestone Entertainment
    Inventors: Randall Mark Katz, Gary Dawson
  • Publication number: 20020105143
    Abstract: A foldable game board made of a foam material having a fastener. The foldable game board includes a base member having a first fold-line section and a second fold-line section defining a first seating area, a second seating area and a center seating area; the base member being movable to a planar configuration to define an open configuration for playing a game. The foldable game board also includes an upper center playing board member having a specified game layout thereon for play; and the upper center playing board member is attached to the center seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: SLEEP INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Freda Elliott, Bruce Fong, Wendy Ko
  • Patent number: 6419228
    Abstract: The present invention provides a board game adaptable to one, two or three levels of play wherein the game board may be set correspondingly to one, two or three physical levels. The board is preferably round and accommodates two, three or four players. Game pieces are placed on the board, during play, from a choice of spots on an outer ring of the game board and progress inwardly toward the center of the board. When a player is able to position his four different color game pieces at the center of the board on corresponding colored game piece spots, and then move the pieces to a home board, he or she is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick Egli, Rick Derbyshire
  • Patent number: 6382627
    Abstract: A multi-level game board apparatus has a plurality of transparent, planar game boards each having a plurality of marker seats arranged in a pattern for receiving game markers, and a plurality of support shaft assemblies extending at spaced intervals through the peripheral edges of the game boards to secure the game boards together and hold them apart at a predetermined vertical spacing during game play. The apparatus is movable between an upright, deployed position in which each support shaft assembly is in a vertically extended position holding the game boards apart, and a collapsed, storage position in which each support shaft assembly is collapsed downwardly between each adjacent pair of boards to allow the boards to move closer together into a more compact, storage configuration. A locking device releasably secures the boards together in the collapsed, storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 6322485
    Abstract: A portable abdominal exercising mat including a mat portion defined by an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel and the lower panel each have an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposed side edges. The lower edge of the upper panel and the upper edge of the lower panel are foldably coupled whereby the mat portion in an extended orientation has the opposed side edges of the upper and lower panels linearly aligned. The outer surface of the upper panel has a gaming board printed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Marrero
  • Patent number: 6315293
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the board game incorporates a carrying case which includes a base and a lid. The base preferably includes a wall extending upwardly from a periphery thereof, with the wall having first and second ends which are spaced from each other to form a first gap therebetween, with the first gap being sized and shaped for passing a die therethrough. A playing surface is arranged on the base with at least a portion of the playing surface preferably being formed of a flocked plastic material which provides deadening of sound produced by the die impacting the playing surface. Game pieces representative of baseball players and/or their equipment, i.e. bats, batting helmets, etc., also arc provided which arc adapted to be moved about the playing surface in accordance with rules of game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Universal Baseball Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Bush
  • Patent number: 6286835
    Abstract: A basket-like box intended to contain elements for a game which requires a black-board, the black-board also serving as a cover for the box, and this latter on its turn serving as a support for keeping the black-board in a working position. To the rear part of the box there are sideways pivoted the end portions of two levers, to the opposite end portions of which is pivoted the black-board, whereby when the black-board is lowered it places itself onto the opening edge of the box, thus forming the cover thereof, whereas the raised black-board rests onto the box edge, and it is kept in working position. The upper side edges of the box are shaped with a series of teeth which enable obtaining different stable working positions of the black-board resting on said teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Alessandro Quercetti
  • Patent number: 6254097
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a foldable game board 11 for playing bingo or the like having a plurality of playing surfaces 20 upon which surfaces is attached a part of hook and loop material 22 for having attached thereto either playing cards 12 having mating hook and loop material 28 attached to the back thereof or chips 14 having flocking material 18 attached to the back thereof so that when the playing card 12 or chip 14 is attached to the playing surface 20 it will not move until the player so chooses even when the playing surface is jostled about. Furthermore, the face of the playing card 12 has narrow lengths of a part of hook and loop material 16 which is placed between the rows and columns of numbers so that each number is encompassed by the hook and loop material 16 so that the chip 14 with the flocking material 18 attached to the back thereof can be attached securely thereto. The game board 11 is equipped with live hinges 15 so that it can be easily folded upon itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Suzanne Larner
  • Patent number: 6203017
    Abstract: A board game includes a folding board having a plurality of generally planar board segments joined to form a large planar play surface by a plurality of hinges. The folding board is configurable in a closed configuration suitable for storage or transport by successively folding the various planar segments in a generally inwardly rolling succession of folds from each end of the board. The board game further includes a generally rectangular box supported at one end of the folding board which may opened and is therefore a convenient storage for loose items such as game play tokens or the like. The folding board is opened to a generally planar playing position by unfolding the segments about their respective hinges. A plurality of pop-up features are secured to the folding board and collapse to facilitate folding and rise when the board is unfolded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucy K. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6196546
    Abstract: A chess game apparatus provides a chess board in an unrolled condition and an octagonal storage device for chess pieces in a rolled up condition. The chess game apparatus includes a first end board/storage unit which includes a first outside surface which includes a set of eight alternating dark and light squares and which includes four interior storage compartments. A first end hinge is connected to a rear portion of the first end board/storage unit. A set of six intermediate board/storage units are connected to the first end hinge. Five intermediate hinges are provided between rear portions of the six intermediate board/storage units. Each of the intermediate board/storage units includes an outside surface which includes a set of eight alternating dark and light squares. Also each of the intermediate board/storage units includes four interior storage compartments. A second end hinge is connected to a rear portion of one of the intermediate board/storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew V. Iglesias
  • Patent number: 6123334
    Abstract: A board game for two or more players wanting to experience the common pleasures and pitfalls of airline travel, and the method of playing same, which preferably involves a game board, a distinguishable traveler game piece for each player, luggage game pieces which are easily connected and disconnected from traveler game pieces, travel advancing and delaying ticket-styled instruction cards, tokens, and a pair of identically numbered dice. The object of the game is to be the first player to complete a predetermined number of circuits around the game board and return to the Start/Finish "Airport" square by exact count with original luggage. Before play begins, players decide the number of completed circuits required to win.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: L. Wayne Norris
  • Patent number: 5997001
    Abstract: A board game for playing simulated ice hockey comprises a game board having indicia representing an ice hockey rink, perimeter wall sections surrounding at least a portion of the perimeter of said board against which dice are thrown, and a first and second series of spaces sized and shaped for placement of ice hockey player trading cards. The game board also has a pair of parallel folds formed therein approximately equally spaced from the side edges of said game board to form side segments of the game board which are approximately equal to the height of the perimeter wall sections so that the game board is foldable at said folds to place the side segments of said game board in overlying parallel relationship and the wall sections at said side edges of said game board in telescoped relationship with each other. A supply of ice hockey player trading cards, which bear the images of ice hockey players, dice, penalty markers and record sheets are also included for game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Roger K. Doss
  • Patent number: 5868389
    Abstract: A game board is made of a fabric sheet, printed with the game board design, and hemmed at two opposing edges. Two dowels are inserted through the hems. A pair of frame rails include pivotably mounted legs. Holes are provided in the frame rails for insertion of the dowels and for spreading the dowels approximately the length of the fabric sheet. The legs are pivotally mounted to frame rails by pins for storing the legs in a linear relationship with the frame rails, and for deploying the legs in a support attitude against the dowels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher G. Kalivas
  • Patent number: 5586763
    Abstract: A portable Siamese case for storing and playing two games, each having a play board and playing pieces movable thereon. The case is provided with a central section formed by a pair of open boxes in back-to-back relation on a common base in each of which is nested the playing board of a respective game and the play pieces therefor. Also included is a complementary pair of wing sections formed by covers hinged to opposite sides of the base. When either cover is folded over its related box, the closed box is then in a storage mode, and when the cover is unfolded to expose the box and its contents, the box is then in a playing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventors: Edward De Bono, Maurice S. Kanbar
  • Patent number: 5577730
    Abstract: This invention consists of a flexible vinyl chess mat having two handles on opposite sides, both disposed in opposing positions to each other and centered on the perimeter of the square shaped chess mat, so that when the chess mat is folded in half, both handles line up with each other, making a doubled carrying handle. On one side of the chess mat a typical chess board is printed on the rubberized vinyl side. On the reverse side of the chess mat, when turned over, to expose the cloth backing side, a fastening means is positioned around the perimeter of the chess mat, and permanently attached, creating, when folded in half and fastened, an inside pocket area in which chess pieces and accessories may be carried and stored. The chess mat, when unfastened and emptied, and laid flat on a flat surface, is ready for chess play. The same mat can then be converted into a carrying case for convenient transportation and storage of chess pieces and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Michael A. Vannozzi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5540443
    Abstract: A corrugated cardboard game board hinged at a central location so that in transit or when stored prior to use, it is of a convenient half-size, wherein the embodiment of the hinge uses to advantage the corrugated cardboard construction material by cutting only the playing surface upper paper ply and down through the flutes to the depth of the lower paper ply which is left intact, with the result that the board hinges about a fold in the lower paper ply at the site of the cut made in the cardboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventors: Laurinda Ballan, Domenic Palamenti, Joseph Giasi
  • Patent number: 5497998
    Abstract: A tambour game board comprising of a series of adjacent rectangular segments each segment having a top and bottom horizontal surface and two side surfaces each being vertical to the top and bottom surfaces. Each segment consisting of a top surface such as veneer adhesively secured in a unidirectional concavity to the top surface of the substrate. Each segment having a veneered pattern which is an integral part of the whole intended design. Each segment having been cut from a single panel composition veneered substrate being no greater in thickness than 1/8" wherein each segment maintains its planarity or its original relationship to its mated adjacent segment. Each segment in a tight relationship to its mated adjacent segments are adhesively secured unidirectionally to the bottom surface of the substrate by a single sheet of flexible material such as fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Walter J. Horton
  • Patent number: 5490675
    Abstract: Game set and storage system in which game pieces are stored in a preset arrangement relative to their starting positions on the game board. The set includes a game piece holder which has a plurality of compartments for holding the game pieces in an inverted position. The board is placed on the holder in an inverted position with its playing surface facing down and the board serving as a cover for the holder. To set up the game the holder is inverted with the now upright board on the under side thereof, and the board is dislodged from the holder, by pressing against the upper surface of the board with a finger inserted through a hole provided in the holder for that purpose. When the holder is lifted away, the game pieces are left in their proper starting positions on the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventors: Andre M. Persidsky, Maxim D. Persidsky
  • Patent number: 5478085
    Abstract: A magnetic domino set is disclosed comprising a set of dominoes magnetically attracted to a playing surface which, when folded, also serves as an attractive carrying case for the dominoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Bonnie Canner, Joel Berger
  • Patent number: 5456474
    Abstract: A new and improved holder for supporting a plurality of bingo cards during play comprising, a flat rectangular base of a thin flexible material of a size to receive a rectangular array of a plurality of rows of bingo cards and a plurality of columns of bingo cards, the base having linear rows of score lines and four linear columns of score lines corresponding to the rows and columns between bingo cards when on the base; a flat rectangular cover sheet of a thin flexible, transparent material of a width to cover the width of the base and of a height greater than the height of the base; attachment means coupling the top edge of the base to the top edge of the cover sheet with the bottom edge of the cover sheet extending beneath the bottom edge of the base and folded there under; a reusable adhesive layer secured between the base and the bingo cards on the base and adapted to secure a plurality of bingo cards on the base between the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Jacqueline Geshkewich
  • Patent number: 5413352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game board device, more specifically to a chessboard game device having self-setting capability for its game pieces. Disclosed are five different embodiments of chessboard game devices having the capability of automatically setting-up chess pieces on their chessboards. The third preferred embodiment has a chessboard with a magnetically attractive surface covered by a chessboard sticker, and two holders on either side of a game box, with 16 compartments arranged in two rows of eight in each holder. Each holder contains either black or white chess pieces in its compartments in an inverted position and each chess piece has a magnet disposed in its base. The compartments are arranged to match the starting positions on the chessboard, so that when the chessboard is placed upside-down over the holders, the magnetic bases of the inverted chess pieces make contact with the appropriate squares on the chessboard, and are magnetically attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventors: Andre M. Persidsky, Maxim D. Persidsky
  • Patent number: 5407206
    Abstract: An improved cribbage game apparatus includes a cribbage score board having a single scoring path for each player in order to obviate the need to repeat the counting or scoring lap and thus reducing confusion as to the laps completed. The board is larger than standard and the opponents' pegging or scoring paths are widely separated for further ease of use. The board folds for ease of storage, and includes separate storage space therein for each of the scoring pegs and at least one deck of cards when folded. The pegs are symmetrical to provide for ease of manipulation, and are differentiated by color and/or shape for each player for further ease of use. The board and pegs may be formed with differently shaped holes and peg ends for each player, thus precluding placement of one player's peg in another player's board path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Gene D. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5405147
    Abstract: Based on the improvements of the invention it is possible to obtain by a single body, after its corresponding transformation, different boards for practicing multiple games, starting from the development of a rectangular sheet divided in a given number of equilateral triangles equal to each other, each one of which is equipped with a motif or drawing which combined in a given position will form a different game board for each transformed figure, which is obtained after the proper folding of that sheet, through the hinges that the contiguous sides of the triangles constitute, until obtaining a plane body of hexagonal contour formed by six equal triangles, capable of being transformed into another equal hexagon but showing so many other different triangles, up to a total number of five transformations, allowing the attainment of the same number of game boards based on the drawings which are suitably combined in each plane hexagonal figure shaped by each transformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Jose L. Garcia
  • Patent number: 5405141
    Abstract: A football board game has a first game board with a football field depicted thereon and a second game board having indicator and scoring devices thereon. An offensive play option board has a plurality of offensive football play options imprinted on one surface representing actions to be used by an offensive team to advance the football and the yardage gained thereby and a selection device for selecting an offensive play option. A defensive play option board having a plurality of defensive football play options imprinted on one surface representing actions to be used by a defensive team to stop the offensive play options, to cause a loss in yardage, to change possession of the football, and to cause a turnover which allows the defensive team to score a touchdown, and selection devices for selecting a plurality of the defensive play options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: John M. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 5388838
    Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive, easy to manufacture, stiff, two-axis collapsible, repeatably markable/erasable, lightweight game board. The game board is comprised of segments loosely attached to one or more fasteners. Upon expansion said segments interlock and maintain the game board shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: John Bohrer
  • Patent number: 5362063
    Abstract: A folding lap top game table is provided for two persons seated side by side and has a pair of flat, rigid rectangular panels joined together along mutually abutting straight interior edges. The lap table is provided with a raised ridge extending across its front and along its lateral side edges. The panels and the ridges of the lap top game table are covered by a fuzzy, high friction fabric, such as felt. The felt covering extends across the expanses of both the upper and lower surfaces of the hinged panels. The felt covering on the upper surfaces of the panels prevents objects placed thereon from sliding across the top of the game table. At the same time the felt covering on the lower surfaces aids in preventing the lap top game table from sliding off of the laps of the users. When not in use the lap top table may be folded in half for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Clarence L. Cummings
  • Patent number: 5333885
    Abstract: A wheeled cart having a floor including an intermediate shelf and an uppermost shelf, with the uppermost shelf arranged for pivotal mounting relative to the intermediate shelf for access thereto. The side walls of the cart structure are arranged to include accessories for use in the fishing procedure, wherein the handle is arranged for removal relative to associated handle support tubes permitting the cart positionable in a horizontal second position from a first vertical position for transport of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Gene A. Pullman
  • Patent number: 5332215
    Abstract: A football board game is arranged to simulate football play employing a passing attack as the sole means of advancing each team along the game board, that in turn is arranged for furled mounting about a storage mandrel. Advancing of the players is effected by striking the game ball, that in turn is to strike a target offensive player, wherein defensive players are positioned by an opponent to interfere with such completion. Conventional football rules relative to the number of downs and the like are employed in use of the game apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: David J. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 5330197
    Abstract: A folding game board is provided which consists of a unitary thin plastic member divided into segments by at least one pair of parallel grooves having nadirs separated by a zenith. Each folding segment has one or more ridges on its face, preferably at least two of them in non-parallel planes perpendicular to the face, and a main body or segment of the board having corresponding ridges defining surfaces in non-parallel planes perpendicular to the face, non-parallel planes being aligned so that the mating ridge surfaces provide a frictional interface therebetween when the segments are folded at the nadirs into juxtaposition with the main body of the board. Preferably, one of the nadirs will be shallower than the other of the nadirs so as to increase the force exerted by the folding junction to maximize the frictional normal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Willard E. Bair
  • Patent number: 5299808
    Abstract: A board game apparatus is provided, wherein utilizing a die member, tokens associated with each player are directed about a continuous game path, with the game path arranged to assimilate trials and experiences relative to life relative to alcohol, drugs, and the like and provide for direction relative to expenses regarding school, family expenses, etc. A player is awarded an initial dollar total, with movement about the game path requiring receiving and spending of various dollar amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Ethel M. Wood
  • Patent number: 5280913
    Abstract: A modified chess game for play by two opposing players comprises a game board eight squares wide and sixteen squares deep, foldable at its midsection to create a carrying case for the pieces. Each player has a playing pieces set consisting of two kings, two queens, four rooks, four knights, four bishops and sixteen pawns. The pieces are positioned as in conventional chess, except that each row is doubled. Playing pieces are moved pursuant to conventional movements and rules of capture, except that pawns may advance two spaces at a time as long as they are in their own territory, and must reach the sixteenth row to be exchanged for any playing piece but the king. The game may be played so that a player wins by capturing both of his opponent's kings, or by capturing only one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Michael W. Sirk
  • Patent number: 5273289
    Abstract: A picture puzzle assembling platform, that includes at least two inclined panels, symmetrically arranged around a central axis, such that a person can sit facing each panel to assemble a puzzle, from pieces placed on a table surface in front of the panel. Preferably, each person assembles a different puzzle on one of the inclined panels. The inclination of each panel, enables the person facing the panel, to have a direct view of the partially assembled picture puzzle, so that the person can move more quickly to locate the correct puzzle piece for each puzzle space. The panel inclination thus facilitates the puzzle assembling process, and adds to the person's interest in completing the assembly of the picture puzzle. Each inclined panel, forms a support surface for a different puzzle, so that persons sitting in front of the inclined panels, may engage in a contest, with each person trying to complete his/her puzzle before the other person completes theirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Frederick Morse
  • Patent number: 5269524
    Abstract: A folding magnetic, reusable, game board, useful as a puzzle board and in combination with a jigsaw puzzle and associated instructional puzzle placard, having first and second foldable components and a non-foldable component, a magnetic playing surface for engaging magnetically attractive playing pieces, and a non-playing surface opposite the playing surface. A support system with an elongated member, and pivotal leg frame comprised of a pair of braced leg members useable to incline the game board above the horizontal plane upon which it rests. A cooperating closure mechanism with a first closure tab associated with the first foldable component, and a second closure tab associated with the second foldable component engageable with one another to maintain the game board in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Ellouise Womack
  • Patent number: 5255923
    Abstract: The invention relates to a board game typically including counters, playing pieces, pawns or the like. The playing pieces are placed of the board and moved across the board in accordance with the play of the game wherein the game board is comprised of at least two sections, one of which has an aperture. The sections are arranged to be part of a game where during the course of play a player or players move pieces on a first section of the board in a direction which may lead to the aperture so that the piece rests on a second section of the playing board and the first section can be moved clear of the second section in order to reveal a second board on which play can take place in the subsequent playing of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Waddingtons Games Limited
    Inventor: Paul F. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5244212
    Abstract: A chess set game (2) includes a chess set (4), in which two sets of chess pieces (44) are housed within a container (8), and a chess board (6). The board can be divided into four separable quadrants (10-13) which are secured to one another. The chess pieces and the squares (38, 40) of the board have magnets (46, 42) so the chess pieces are attracted to and securely fastened to the centers of the squares. The chess board includes rank and file ID devices (50, 48) which permit the user to change file and rank indicia (54-60) according to which player has the white pieces. The container includes a rectangular bottom (70) and four sides (74-77) pivotally mounted to the outer edge (72) of the bottom. The four sides and the bottom have magnetized spaces (108, 118) against which the chess pieces are secured. Each of the sides has a top portion (82-85) extending therefrom so that when the sides are in their upright, closed positions, the top portions create a closed top (80) for the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Kurt J. Bendit
  • Patent number: 5219168
    Abstract: A puzzle apparatus includes an assembly panel and a plurality of puzzle pieces adapted to be assembled in edge-to-edge contact with one another on the panel. At least one holding panel is also provided. The holding panel is connected to the assembly panel and is movable between a closed storage position overlying the assembly panel and an open assembly position exposing the assembly panel. Suitable structure is provided for retaining the pieces on the assembly and holding panels while permitting detachment of the pieces therefrom by manual manipulation of the pieces. Thus, the puzzle pieces remain in contact with the assembly and holding panels until manually repositioned so that if the puzzle is not completed during one sitting it can be stored for future attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Morris
  • Patent number: 5197742
    Abstract: A chess set game (2) includes a chess set (4), in which two sets of chess pieces (44) are housed within a container (8), and a chess board (6). The board can be divided into four separable quadrants (10-13) which are secured to one another. The chess pieces and the squares (38, 40) of the board have magnets (46, 42) so the chess pieces are attracted to and securely fastened to the centers of the squares. The chess board includes rank and file ID devices (50, 48) which permit the user to change file and rank indicia (54-60) according to which player has the white pieces. The container includes a rectangular bottom (70) and four sides (74-77) pivotally mounted to the outer edge (72) of the bottom. The four sides and the bottom have magnetized spaces (108, 118) against which the chess pieces are secured. Each of the sides has a top portion (82-85) extending therefrom so that when the sides are in their upright, closed positions, the top portions create a closed top (80) for the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Kurt J. Bendit
  • Patent number: 5195750
    Abstract: A three dimensional game--with both alignment and other-than-alignment aspects--including a games-playing structure and playing-pieces. Certain spaces preferably have indicia of relative advantage. The structure comprises four playing surfaces on, respectively, a base, an upper stage substantially parallel with and spaced from the base, and each of two side stages, which also are substantially parallel and spaced from the base but intermediate a lower plane defined by the base and an upper plane defined by the upper stage. Each surface has a configuration of playing-spaces thereon, the four configurations are substantially congruent. The stages are held or carried by columns, and preferably transparent. The configurations of the base and the upper stage are preferably in vertical alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Telly Courialis
  • Patent number: 5190295
    Abstract: Table game board forming a book-shaped box is provided with a game board, a panel forming a base of the book-shaped box, a receptacle adjacent to the game board having four sides cooperating with the panel to form a container capable of storing game pieces, and a band connecting one of the plurality of elements to the panel. The game board includes a plurality of folds and at least one cut dividing the game board into a plurality of elements to permit the game board, when the plurality of elements are folded one upon the other, to have substantially the same dimensions of the panel. The panel, the band and the folded plurality of elements forming the book-shaped box, with the panel forming one cover of the hook-shaped box, the band forming a back panel of the book-shaped box, and the folded plurality of elements forming another cover of the book-shaped box. The panel has a thickness which is substantially equal to that of the folded plurality of elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Louis Togni
  • Patent number: 5178396
    Abstract: A folding game board system is provided for use with game pieces. The system includes a flat game board. The game board has a plurality of side wall panels and a plurality of end panels. Each of the side wall panels is hinged to an adjacent side wall panel and each of the end panels is hinged to at least one of the side wall panels whereby the game board folds into a container. The container forms an enclosure for holding and storing the game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventors: Mark D. Lyon, Charles W. Girsch
  • Patent number: 5154422
    Abstract: A lottery checking template having a bottom panel and a top panel joined at an integrally formed fold line. The bottom panel has printed indicia thereon of an arrangement of the lottery numbers that are playable in the lottery game corresponding to the arrangement of numbers on a lottery betting slip. The top panel has a transparent window portion overlying the indicia of the lottery numbers playable when the bottom and top panels are folded together in superposed relation. Accordingly, the announced winning lottery numbers may be removably marked on the transparent window portion of the top panel. A lottery ticket betting slip may be inserted into the template and the numbers marked thereon compared to the marked winning numbers. The top and bottom panels of the template may include opposing lengthwise extending ridges adjacent the fold line defining an abutment for engaging the lower edge of the lottery ticket betting slip to prevent pinching at the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Lottery Card Reader, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Highsmith, Sr., Jebran M. Sarji
  • Patent number: 5145184
    Abstract: A board game combines elements of chance, strategy, and mental ability to connect or bond a sequence of clues. A triangular game board is divided into three quadrilateral playing areas, each with a peripheral game path consisting of squares or spaces. Each player has three transit pieces, one for each of the three pathways. A category die is rolled to select a particular category or obtain a free roll. There is a set of clueset cards, with each card having on its front face a clueset for each of the categories, and, in addition, a challenge clue set. On the reverse are answers to the category clue sets. The game board folds compactly for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Big Fun A Go Go, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Yearick, Timothy W. Walsh, Edward J. Muccini
  • Patent number: 5112056
    Abstract: A multi-tier checkered gameboard having rows and columns, is disclosed. The multi-tier checkered gameboard includes a first tier which includes 8 rows and 8 columns of 64 equal sized squares. The 64 equal sized squares alternate in color from clear to tinted. A second tier having a center with a hole and is displaced a distance above the first tier, and includes 4 rows and 4 columns of 16 equal sized squares, the 16 equal sized squares alternates in the color from the clear to the tinted. A third tier having the center with the hole and is displaced the distance above the second tier, and includes 2 rows and 2 columns of 4 equal sized squares, the 4 equal sized squares alternate in the color from the clear to the tinted. A fourth tier displaced a distance above the third tier, and including 1 square, the square being the color of clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Edward J. Ching
  • Patent number: 5100151
    Abstract: A folding game board system is provided for use with game pieces. The system includes a flat game board. The game board has a plurality of side wall panels and a plurality of end panels. Each of the side wall panels is hinged to an adjacent side wall panel and each of the end panels is hinged to at least one of the side wall panels whereby the game board folds into a container. The container forms an enclosure for holding and storing the game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Mark D. Lyon, Charles W. Girsch
  • Patent number: 5096204
    Abstract: A construction of book or game board with an open and a closed configuration, made of individual leaves in which the leaves have substantial thickness and in which the outline shape of any individual leaf is defined in essentially two dimensions. The two dimensional shape or size of the leaves varies from one leaf to another so that the closed book is in the form of a distinct three-dimensional sculpture with a recognizable shape. The leaves may be foldably connected so that in the open configuration of the structure, the leaves are capable of lying in a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Peter J. H. Lippman
  • Patent number: 5082288
    Abstract: A game comprising board apparatus and dice is taught for simulating the well known outdoor game of horseshoe pitching. To play the game each of two players drops two color-coded dice down a chute onto a board where indicia on the upper surface of each resting die indicates one of a set of possible results of a horseshoe pitch. Sometimes a dropped die will change the score indicated by an earlier dropped die, just as a later pitched horseshoe may change the scoring position of an earlier pitched horseshoe. Score keeping for the game follows the rules for horseshoes, save for the special requirement that an exact score is needed to win. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, several pegs and a sequence of numbered holes are provided adjacent the game board to aid in score keeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: Elmer L. Swartz
  • Patent number: 5080368
    Abstract: Game equipment, such as board game apparatus, includes a game display, a plurality of sets of game pieces, a recruitment determining device and optionally, several player game pieces. The game display provides a playing area defined by a plurality of basic space units arranged in one or a plurality of levels. The basic space units in each level are arranged to form a plurality of pyramid modules each module including a number of stages of basic space units. The number of basic space units in each stage is determined by a geometric progression of a type used in some "pyramid" or "Ponzi" schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Carl Weisser
  • Patent number: 5078404
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable and collapsible crap table which may be easily transported and assembled as desired. The crap table is formed from a pair of planar board members, one side of which includes a conventional felt covering having casino crap table indicia formed thereon. The end and side walls of the crap table are formed by a pair of articulated members, with the end walls being pivotally mounted to the side walls to allow collapsing of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventors: Atilio J. Barillaro, Alexander Barillaro
  • Patent number: 5050740
    Abstract: A hard case for chess equipment is provided and consists of a housing having three front compartments and a rear compartment. A lid is hinged to the housing over the three front compartments while a door is hinged to the end wall of the housing at the rear compartment. A removable padded receptacle is for protecting and storing chess pieces within the first and third front compartments. A removable tray is for protecting and storing a chess clock within the second front compartment. An elongated tube is for protecting and storing a roll up type chess board within the rear compartment. A handle is attached to one side wall of the housing for carrying the hard case from place to place. In another embodiment the housing has an enlarged compartment directly behind the other compartments with a second lid hinged thereto so that books and the like can be stored therein. A pocket is affixed to the underside of the second lid for holding various papers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Eli Lucero
  • Patent number: 5033751
    Abstract: A multi-tier checkered gameboard having rows and columns, is disclosed. The multi-tier checkered gameboard includes a first tier which includes 8 rows and 8 columns of 64 equal sized squares. The 64 equal sized squares alternate in color from clear to tinted. A second tier having a center with a hole and is displaced a distance above the first tier, and includes 4 rows and 4 columns of 16 equal sized squares, the 16 equal sized squares alternates in the color from the clear to the tinted. A third tier having the center with the hole and is displaced the distance above the second tier, the includes 2 rows and 2 columns of 4 equal sized squares, the 4 equal sized squares alternate in the color from the clear to the tinted. A fourth tier displaced a distance above the third tier, and including 1 square, the square being the color of clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Edward J. Ching