Game Board Structure Patents (Class 273/287)
  • Patent number: 11865472
    Abstract: A toy comprising a frame and an inverting toy. In some embodiments, the inverting toy includes an invertible shell having a first surface and a second surface, the invertible shell configured to protrude outward in a first direction with respect to the frame until a depressing force on the first surface or the second surface in a second direction causes the shell to invert and protrude in the second direction with respect to the frame, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially opposite, an edge member formed at an edge of the invertible shell and configured to secure the invertible shell to the frame, and a pulling member formed on and protruding outward from the first surface of the invertible shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: FAT BRAIN TOY CO., LLC
    Inventors: Adam Carson, Mark Carson
  • Patent number: 11869315
    Abstract: A system and method for sports gaming and wagering. A game system includes a game server and user gaming devices in communication over a network. A wagering game involves multiple players in virtual gaming rooms, each player must complete a series of bets over a predefined time period or over a predefined sporting event or tournament, with the participating players competing against each other to achieve the highest score, winnings, or ranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Brian Dobski
  • Patent number: 11808484
    Abstract: A droplet infection suppression system includes an airflow generator capable of generating an airflow for separating a space into first regions, a first detector that detects human presence in each of the first regions, a second detector that detects coughing or sneezing in the space, and a controller which, when the second detector detects coughing or sneezing, controls the airflow generator to generate an airflow such that a second region including one or more first regions including a first region where human presence has been detected by the first detector is separated by the airflow from other regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 11623132
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing an entertaining experience of war between players over a plurality of areas of a game board. The game board includes a plurality of areas, which may be depicted as a world map, a plurality of board playing cards, and connectors, where the connector makes adjacent a first board playing card of a first playing area with a second board playing card of a second playing area. Each player is delt a plurality of holding cards including the suit assigned to that specific player. The objective of the game is for players to alternate swap requests, swapping holding cards with board playing cards until a player accumulates a winning hand including a straight flush. The defined areas and connectors on the game board increases the interaction and frequency of battles between players making it more difficult to accumulate a winning hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Franklin Dull
  • Patent number: 10870065
    Abstract: The invention is generally a burstable balloon entertainment device comprised of a burstable balloon filled with articles or party items such as toys, confetti, candy, and the like. The burstable balloon may be inflated using one or more hand-held pumps in fluid communication with an interior of the balloon, which are generally configured to pump air into the balloon so that the balloon eventually explodes once the inflation has reached a certain threshold. In exemplary embodiments, the burstable balloon will explode or burst once the balloon has sufficiently expanded so as to touch a balloon bursting device, which may include an extended rod having a protruding pointy or sharp tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Uriel Macias-Castillo
  • Patent number: 10602628
    Abstract: A one-piece structural frame for use with an enclosure, such as an enclosure that houses one or more electronic components is described. The one-piece structural frame includes cutouts that enable the frame to be deformed into a shape conforming to an enclosure to provide additional structural support for the enclosure. The techniques described herein provide a lighter, less expensive method for creating an enclosure frame and for ease in manufacturing the frame and an enclosure that includes the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AmpThink, LLC
    Inventors: Dion Joe Casto, William C. Anderson, III
  • Patent number: 10316486
    Abstract: A containment material for a containment system to provide protection against the diffusion of contaminants in a containment area. A structured felt geotextile surface layer is joined with a geomembrane barrier layer to form a lamination. The geomembrane barrier layer is substantially impervious to liquid diffusion. The structured felt geotextile surface layer comprises a needle-punched, non-woven felt with an upper surface structured to have a surface pattern of peaks and valleys. A containment system is formed from a plurality of strips of containment material joined by liquid-impervious bonds to provide coverage to the containment area. A process for forming a containment material comprises providing a structured felt geotextile layer formed with first and second needling operations to produce a surface pattern and a liquid impervious geomembrane barrier layer and joining the layers to form a lamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel A. Weinstein, Reuben Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10058769
    Abstract: The bingo card holder system is configured for use in a game of bingo. The game of bingo further comprises one or more bingo cards and a plurality of bingo markers. The bingo card holder system organizes the one or more bingo cards. The bingo card holder system displays each of the one or more bingo cards. The bingo card holder system secures each of the one or more bingo cards in a fixed position during game play. The bingo card holder system comprises a master surface and a fastening loop. The master surface is a modular structure that receives, displays and secures the one or more bingo cards such that the position of each of the one or more bingo cards does not shift during game play. The fastening loop is used to truss the modules of the master surface during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Jerry Schmitcke
  • Patent number: 9269276
    Abstract: A music teaching aid may incorporate a pinball-like game. The music teaching aid may comprise a playing field depicting a musical staff and a keyboard. Lines and spaces on the staff may contain pockets into which a ball may fall and be contained. The pockets may correspond to notes on a staff, which may correspond to notes on the keyboard. A ball launched into the playing field may fall into a pocket. A user may select a note on the keyboard. If the selected note matches the note corresponding to the pocket having the ball, the ball may be released from the pocket. The note may be audibly rendered. The ball may be released into or out of the playing field. The music teaching aid may be implemented mechanically, electrically, or any appropriate combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Baby Grand Products LLC
    Inventor: Shavonna D. Dupree
  • Patent number: 9053639
    Abstract: An educational device comprising a game board demarcated with a plurality of positions, each position having associated with it and actuator, actuation of which causes the communication device to provide instruction to the player as to what the player is supposed to do. A player can activate a random number generator to determine how many positions to move. Once instruction has been received, the player utilizes game pieces on the game board to execute the instruction. By going through this process, any player can learn a particular skill or gain particular knowledge that can be applied in life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Ward
  • Publication number: 20140374990
    Abstract: The present invention is a 4-D game board, 4-D graph/grid paper, and 4-D galaxy chart of an idealized universe made from a four-dimensional (4-D) hypercube or tesseract projected onto 2-D space. As a 2-D object this grid or game board can be represented in a dart board, book, and especially computer screen/display for any applications for electronic display such as for iPads, and phones. This tesseract is displayed in X, Y, Z, and T axes with coordinates at endpoints and midpoints to make a unique grid with 81 game spaces or nodes. Any number of games can be played on its surface. When used as 4-D graph or grid paper, 4 variables can be graphed at one time and additional nodes can be added to increase precision. Similarly the coordinates/nodes on the board can represent galaxies or sets of galaxies on each side and in the middle of an idealized universe in the X, Y, Z and T directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Ross McNeel
  • Publication number: 20140312566
    Abstract: A board game and method of play for a game which involves rapid paced action, chance and attention to detail. The board includes a plurality of game cards on a game board having a matrix of number with letters as column headings. Players purchase cards (locations on the board) and have a hand held duplicate for markup. In addition to game cards, players can purchase select special number sequences to win. The game is accelerated by providing a numerical designator adjacent or on the card which is the winning combination of numbers so that the player can see the combination without looking to the matrix of number on card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Indy Cowboy LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Rubin, Stanley M. Hubbard, Frank Wendt
  • Patent number: 8857817
    Abstract: A game board surrounded and partially supported by perimeter walls that extend above and below the playing surface of the game board. The game board has a plurality of sockets for holding either covers, projectile coins, or player tokens, and a smaller plurality of those sockets have holes through the game board. Supporting the game board from underneath is a deflection structure that deflects projected tokens which fall though the holes and urges them out through elongated openings at the bottom of each wall. Projectors, such as catapults, are mounted slidingly on each perimeter wall. Players have covers with which they can cover a portion of the holes on their “properties. The board has designated paths for player token movement according to turn and a die role. An elevated socket is provided. The rules for an exemplary game to be played with the game board are explained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Edwin Arsenio Cruz-Rivera, Janet Adriana Cruz
  • Patent number: 8851477
    Abstract: An educational device comprising a game board demarcated with a plurality of positions, each position having associated with it and actuator, actuation of which causes the communication device to provide instruction to the player as to what the player is supposed to do. A player can activate a random number generator to determine how many positions to move. Once instruction has been received, the player utilizes game pieces on the game board to execute the instruction. By going through this process, any player can learn a particular skill or gain particular knowledge that can be applied in life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Ward
  • Patent number: 8827270
    Abstract: A modular game board system includes a game board housing. The game board housing includes a transparent top wall that is configured to allow viewing of a media insert removably positioned in the game board housing. Each of plurality of pawn housings has a front wall, a rear wall and an intermediate wall that is attached to the front and rear walls. The front wall is transparent and each of the pawn housings has an opening therein configured for slidably receiving a media insert. A plurality of bases is provided and each of the pawn housings has one of the bases attached thereto. The media inserts may be removed and replaced to alter game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Fiore
  • Patent number: 8820746
    Abstract: A realistic professional team sports board game, including an On-The-Roll mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, opposing teams continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle and a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation that maps various combinations of offensive and defensive strategies and dice rolls into realistic game situations and the progression among them. Both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. A variety of play cards affect the overall game momentum of either team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Poulos
  • Patent number: 8783687
    Abstract: Three-dimensional game devices and methods of their use and manufacture are provided. One game device is disclosed for use with a plurality of game pieces and includes a three-dimensional pathway segmented into a plurality of distinct spaces in which the game pieces fit. The pathway rises and falls in elevation with at least one portion of the pathway passing over at least one other portion of the pathway such that the game pieces pass over the underlying portion and under the overlying portion when traveling along the pathway. The pathway is at least partially defined in a housing. An entrance portion of the pathway may be sloped downwardly and at least partially covered; and an exit portion of the pathway may be sloped downwardly, at least partially covered, and include an opening through which the game pieces pass to exit the pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Sara Hoestje
  • Publication number: 20140135124
    Abstract: An multi-dimensional game comprises a physical component including a game board and game pieces and a virtual component including a virtual environment displayed on a display device. A user is able to play the game by interacting with the virtual or physical component, wherein in order to complete tasks in the game the user must transition between interacting with the virtual component and the physical component. The physical component comprises game blocks, which are able to couple to each other and form objects that are then represented in the virtual component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: TWEEDLETECH, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Jaqua, Michel Martin Maharbiz, Theodore Morichau-Beaucchant
  • Patent number: 8690155
    Abstract: A pathology board game includes a colored game board comprising (a) an illustration of the human circulatory system comprising organs and limbs; and (b) a colored circle or wheel comprising a plurality of diseases, each disease having its own number and color; a plurality of treatment/remedy cards, wherein each card comprises at least one treatment or remedy for a disease and is colored to match a corresponding disease on the colored circle; and a plurality of preventative cards, wherein each card comprises at least one preventative modality to prevent a disease and is colored to match a corresponding disease on the colored circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Dionne Riley
  • Patent number: 8628090
    Abstract: Children and adults are often seen collecting shells at the beach. Most don't know the name of the shell or anything about it. There's a need to create interest and education about seashells. There is literature which identifies seashells but nothing in the form of a game which would spark that interest. I've invented a seashell game geared for specific geographic locations that identifies indigenous seashells. The game consists of a plastic board with several indentations for specific shells to be placed into. A picture of that shell, its name and interesting information is printed next to the appropriate indentation. The object of the game is for players to fill each indentation with the proper shell within a time limit. The game provides a fun way to learn about seashells and occupy one's time while at the beach. Once filled, the game can be displayed in home, school or office.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Levin
  • Patent number: 8590897
    Abstract: A role playing game having a plurality of character cards with a surface on which a character summary is written and includes at least a Character Name, Character Information, and Character Abilities, a board having a status bar with indicators that can slide between actions, a dodge meter that can move to indicate a number of dodges available, a stamina wheel that can rotate to indicate a number of stamina points available, a character spot for accepting a character card, a Solo Defense Bar with indicators to indicate a number of defense points available, a Team Defense Bar with indicators that can slide to indicate a number of defense points available, and an Enhancement Bar with an indicator that can slide to indicate a number of lives remaining or a value of enhancement points, a plurality of Numbered Ability Cards and Special Ability Cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Micah McCarey, Michael Wald
  • Patent number: 8567785
    Abstract: Present invention provides an intellectual game model which includes a base with several grooves, level selector and 7 chain hexagonal bricks. There are 8 hexagon docks with numbers, and player is capable of selecting the level of difficulty of the game by moving level selector. There is also a hexagonal stud which is for increasing the difficulty of the game. Player uses 7 chain hexagonal bricks with different shapes to complete the shape which is built by empty grooves. The game inspires player's intelligence and is suitable for beginner or the one who want to challenge difficult levels of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130277914
    Abstract: Present invention provides an intellectual game model which includes a base with several grooves, level selector and 7 chain hexagonal bricks. There are 8 hexagon docks with numbers, and player is capable of selecting the level of difficulty of the game by moving level selector. There is also a hexagonal stud which is for increasing the difficulty of the game. Player uses 7 chain hexagonal bricks with different shapes to complete the shape which is built by empty grooves. The game inspires player's intelligence and is suitable for beginner or the one who want to challenge difficult levels of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Cheng
  • Patent number: 8556265
    Abstract: A combination game table having a plurality of games therein includes a mechanism for scrolling a sheet having different game surfaces thereon. The combination game table includes a table frame assembly having side members and a bottom surface, and a cavity located in the table frame assembly. The mechanism is positioned in the cavity and in contact with the sheet to translate the sheet from one position to a next position. In this regard, an operator is able to view a desired game surface by translating the sheet via the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Justin L. Voden
  • Patent number: 8550463
    Abstract: A transaction product includes a first cover panel, a second cover panel, and an intermediate sheet, and an account identifier. The intermediate sheet transitions between a collapsed and an extended position and defines fold lines dividing the intermediate sheet into sections. When the intermediate sheet is in the collapsed position, the sections form a stack. The first cover panel is coupled with one of the sections that forms a top of the stack, and the second cover panel is coupled with another of the sections that forms a bottom of the stack. The account identifier is coupled with at least one of the first and second cover panels and the intermediate sheet and links the transaction product to an account or record configured to track a value available for use toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Other products, combinations, and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Pompei, Jonathan Erickson
  • Patent number: 8540247
    Abstract: A realistic professional team sports board game, including an On-The-Roll mechanism where, once play begins, real time play continues, generally against a clock, opposing teams continue to roll dice continuing sub-play actions or elements, until a play is completed, as by a touchdown, tackle and a series of rules and charts, based on statistical compilation that maps various combinations of offensive and defensive strategies and dice rolls into realistic game situations and the progression among them. Both teams: secretly choose a strategy, generally by selecting a card placed face down; roll dice; reveal strategy choices by turning cards face up; determine a situation chart to consult, and further determine which result is selected from within the chart, based on some combination of which cards were played and the results of the dice rolls. A variety of play cards affect the overall game momentum of either team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jeff Poulos
  • Patent number: 8540569
    Abstract: A method for electronic board game play by producing on a display surface a first image which is a field of play image that senses at least one object on the display surface. The object is proximate or in contact with the display surface thus forming on a table-top horizontal display surface, at least one game piece image overlaid on the field of play image, and determined by sensing a position of the object on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Eric Gustav Orlinsky, Charles A. Morris
  • Publication number: 20130228973
    Abstract: One embodiment of a nautical trivia game kit is set forth as an educational and teaching tool directed at consumers for enhancing knowledge and theoretical nautical situation preparedness. A securable transportable container 3 is formed with lid securable to said container for maintaining contents stored therein. Said container formed with a plurality of foam pockets 4D for the positioning and storage of various elements of said game kit including a plurality of cards 5, a plurality of vessels 7, and a plurality of tokens 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Omar Jesus Cruz
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8505917
    Abstract: A board game incorporating binary conversions to entertain and educate players, comprising a multi-tiered playing field, a plurality of counters, of control pads, and playing cards. The playing field comprises a plurality of rooms, doors, roof hatches, and lights. Players enter the values from the playing cards into the control pads. The control pads electronically communicate with the counters to display the binary conversions. Based on the binary conversions, the lights on the playing field indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened or closed allowing players to navigate through the playing field. The winning player wins by being the first player to exit the playing field. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Cleveland Haig Richards, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8454022
    Abstract: A game set for education and amusement includes a plurality of large cylindrical game pieces of nine different colors and a plurality of small game pieces of nine different colors preferably corresponding to the nine colors of the large game pieces. Pieces of a given color are also provided with a corresponding number selected from one through nine on one side. All pieces of a given color share the same numerical indicia. Large game pieces also include either a white or a black mark on a second side. A game board includes eighty-one depressions formed therein having a cylindrical shape corresponding to that of the eighty-one large pieces. A customized tray allows for holding all game pieces. An instruction manual containing written instructions for playing Sudoku, Checkers and Go using the large and small pieces and the game board is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Qinghua Zou
  • Patent number: 8430405
    Abstract: Electronic wagering game tables (a.k.a. e-tables) are described herein. Some embodiments include a wagering game table for presenting a wagering game. The wagering game table can include a projection surface, and a first projector configured to present, at a first resolution, a first background image on the projection surface, wherein the first background image is associated with the wagering game and includes elements of the wagering game that are shared by the plurality of players, and wherein the first background image includes blank areas that are not substantially illuminated with content from the first projector. The wagering game table can also include a plurality other projectors configured to present, at a second resolution, wagering game content in the plurality of blank areas, wherein the wagering game content indicates results of the wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Gagner, Timothy C. Loose, James M. Rasmussen, Alfred Thomas
  • Patent number: 8419017
    Abstract: The King of the Mountain board game includes a board game having a mountain located on a portion of the game board surface. The mountain is composed of differently numbered squares at varying tiers; whereas the remaining flat surface of the game board includes differently numbered squares ordered sequentially and up to the mountain. The board game is collapsible such that the mountain folds up and down before and after use. Rules of play are provided on a small portion of the game board. The game further includes uniquely characterized dice that when rolled, and accordingly to the rules of play, move a player's piece along the game board. The objective of the game is to be the first player to traverse the game board, and ascend to the top of the mountain, and pursuant to the rules of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Joel E. Lazare
  • Patent number: 8419432
    Abstract: The Tactile Sudoku Game Display for the Blind has 4 control buttons used by the blind game player to manually direct the attached computer to change the current game square up and down and left and right. The Game Display has 27 electromechanically raised and lowered dots similar to Braille dots arranged in 3 squares each with 9 dots arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns. The raised dots in the Game Display's lower-right square communicate the current status of 1 of the 81 Sudoku game squares to the blind game player by touch. And 1 raised dot in each of the Game Display's other 2 squares communicates the column number and row number of the current game square to the blind game player by touch. The game author's given starting game squares have only 1 of the 9 dots raised; and, the blind game player touches and depresses all but 1 of the 9 dots in each remaining game square to complete the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: William Lewis Duke
  • Patent number: 8403328
    Abstract: Game board having a wavy relief structure formed of a series of rises and dips extending at regular distances from one another in at least two different directions and whereby one or several game pieces are further formed as sliding pieces with one block or with several blocks which are connected to one another and whereby the lower contact surface of every block has a sloping shape which is predominantly complementary to the shape of the dips of the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Rolf Vandoren
  • Patent number: 8376363
    Abstract: A game, effective for stimulating enjoyment and interaction between family and friends, the game comprising a game board, a timer, a deck of cards, five game pieces, and a set of chains wherein players are divided into teams and one player from each team is designated a chain handler, where the chain handler must use a chain to describe words drawn from one of the cards and the other players on the chain handler's team must guess the word being drawn with the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Norman A. Lizotte
  • Patent number: 8353515
    Abstract: A three-dimensional game shaped as a pyramid or prism with four or more faces, in which each face has nine terraced levels that attenuate to the peak of the pyramid. Each level has a plurality of circular depressions for the placement of each player's playing pieces. The corresponding level of each face has the same number of circular depressions, and each consecutive higher level has two fewer depressions than its immediate lower level. The peak of the pyramid is truncated and has a single circular depression. The peak can only be occupied by one playing piece at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Wei Chuan Cheng, Chiat Jin J Lee, Jasmine Hannah Sze En Lee, Jeanette Faith Sze Yee Lee
  • Patent number: 8353516
    Abstract: A toy play set for containing at least one predetermined board game includes a generally elongated body having a hollow interior, first and second opposing longitudinal ends, and a generally curved side wall extending around the hollow interior between the first and second ends. The first and second ends and side wall generally surround the hollow interior in a closed configuration of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow interior is at least partially accessible. A playing surface is operably engaged with the body and is configured to play the predetermined board game. The playing surface is shaped and sized to enable the playing surface to be completely stored within the hollow interior of the body with the body in the closed configuration. The playing surface is accessible at least with the body in the open configuration for playing of the predetermined board game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Collins, Stephen Lau
  • Publication number: 20130001875
    Abstract: An automatic tile-based game machine includes a table. The table is provided with a shuffle mechanism, four conveying mechanisms, four stack mechanisms, four lift mechanisms and a central lift mechanism. The four conveying mechanisms the four stack mechanisms and the four lift mechanisms are disposed on four sides of the table. The central lift mechanism is disposed at the center of the table. The present invention has a simple configuration and the tiles can be shuffled quickly. Only one set of the tiles is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Hu Wang, Guo-Xin Wu
  • Patent number: 8333382
    Abstract: A game board has a first side and a second side. The first side of the game board includes a plurality of markings associated with a game. The markings can be associated with a particular tourist destination, such as, for example, a national park. The game board is configured to fold such that the game board is moveable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. When the game board is in its expanded configuration, the game board is substantially planar. When the game board is in its collapsed configuration, at least a portion of the game board is folded to form at least one pocket adjacent the second side of the game board. The pocket is configured to receive at least a portion of an object, such as, for example, a picture and/or other memorabilia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Scrapbooks That Teach, LLC
    Inventors: Heidi R. Willard, Russell J. Willard
  • Patent number: 8328196
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a board game with a start point, end point, and a path between. The object of the game is to advance all of one's pawns from the starting point to the end point before any other player. In various exemplary embodiments, the game also includes a sweeper arm that comes into play at the occurrence of an arbitrary and/or random event (e.g., a particular roll of a dice or die), but the direction of movement is selected by a player (e.g., the player during whose turn the sweeper arm will be moved). The sweeper arm moves about the playing board and effects the position of pieces thereon (e.g., sending them back to the start point or changing their location on the board). In various exemplary embodiments, the playing pawns are stackable on one another. Moreover, multiple pieces may become stacked and move as a group, including pawns belonging to any number of different players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Kihslinger, Judy Kihslinger
  • Patent number: 8297620
    Abstract: A marble board game which may be played by two to four players. In one embodiment, the game board includes an orange player's station, a red player's station, a blue player's station and a white player's station. The object of the game is to move a player's marbles from their colored box into a start position and then across the board to the opponent's station. In another embodiment, the game board includes only two player's stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Aleigh Qubty
  • Patent number: 8292298
    Abstract: A folding game board is provided for use with game pieces. The system includes a flat game board which comprises four panels. Each panel comprises a playing surface and a compartment opposite the playing surface. Certain panels are hinged together to permit each of two pairs of compartments to fold and close independently to form two storage areas within which playing pieces may be stored. Other panels are hinged together to permit the two storage areas to be folded together, thereby stacking the four panels of the game board. The depth of the storage areas is based on the size necessary to accommodate playing pieces and accessories to be stored within the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Strum
  • Patent number: 8282102
    Abstract: A board game based on the sport of fishing having a board surface having various features and players are given special privileges in order to catch fish according to a set of rules and steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Samuel Garnier Letourneau
  • Publication number: 20120220357
    Abstract: A method for playing lotto games creating many random sequences of betting elements containing all types of combinatorial structures and providing various possibilities for betting, wherein said betting elements of each type comprise single betting elements and sub-elements of at least two kinds, forming said single betting elements, said method comprising: betting according to selected by a player bet amount and a chance to win; picking out all betting elements at random from a set of said betting elements; picking out at random and returning to the set, one by one a particular number of said betting elements; picking out at random at least two additional betting elements; checking the results of bets after each part of the presented method, and in case of one or more successful bets, granting the players winning amounts according to the probabilities of success of their bets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Stern
  • Patent number: 8220799
    Abstract: A transaction product includes a first cover panel, a second cover panel, and an intermediate sheet, and an account identifier. The intermediate sheet transitions between a collapsed and an extended position and defines fold lines dividing the intermediate sheet into sections. When the intermediate sheet is in the collapsed position, the sections form a stack. The first cover panel is coupled with one of the sections that forms a top of the stack, and the second cover panel is coupled with another of the sections that forms a bottom of the stack. The account identifier is coupled with at least one of the first and second cover panels and the intermediate sheet and links the transaction product to an account or record configured to track a value available for use toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Other products, combinations, and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Alicia Pompei, Jonathan Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120129599
    Abstract: The present invention is a game of verbal charades. In one embodiment, the game is played using a game board, game pieces, a die, a timer, various sets of cards, and an electronic medium containing imitations of people. The game may be played with multiple teams or players or with one person. In another embodiment, the game is played on a portable media device. In another embodiment, the game board includes electronic features allowing the game to be played primarily using the game board. In another embodiment, the game board, cards, timer, and die are represented on a television or other electronic screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MOCKINGBIRD GAME, LLC
    Inventors: John E. R. McGovern, Sarah B. McGovern
  • Publication number: 20120098196
    Abstract: A game apparatus having a generally horizontally disposed base unit used to support or contain a plurality of independently hand movable blocks of one or more colors and two or more heights, for use in the playing of board games, such as chess and checkers or any other game utilizing a user modifiable multiple height three dimensional playing area. The rules and or method of play of any such game may be modified with the use of this apparatus due to the independently mobile, multi height, and potentially multi-colored blocks that make up the playing area and create the topography of the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Dana Roberts
  • Patent number: 8123225
    Abstract: A game apparatus for play by at least two players, having game pieces that are manually rotated in at least four slideably mounted, apertured slats, each having at least four apertures with a rotating game piece, and a base assembly for slideably mounting the slats, such that the slats can be moved, and the game pieces rotated in the apertures, at the option of each of the players who take turns in playing the game. The game pieces are generally grouped in two different colors. The number of slats are generally the same as the number of apertures, and are preferably four or eight in number. The method of play by two players of apparatus involves each of the players taking turns that are selected from two possible moves: rotating a game piece in one of the apertures on one of the slats or linearly displacing one of the slats one stop. The game commences with all pieces on the board rotated to a neutral color, and with no home area for determining opening and winning of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Patricia Marie McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20120013073
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be automatically moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be manually moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods that allow a user to provide a payment mechanism, and upon the acceptance of the payment mechanism, a game table will move a plurality of cups from a storage position to a playing position. In some embodiments, provision is made for the dispensing of a liquid drink or other reward when predetermined actions occur during play of the game. Although the presently disclosed embodiments will work with any game requiring cups for play, the disclosure makes reference to the game of Beer Pong for convenience of description.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan Wyland