Game Piece Patents (Class 273/288)
  • Patent number: 7748713
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus for allowing players to explore decisions made in response to changing circumstances and to engage with the contradictions of competing needs. The gaming apparatus comprises a game board and game pieces. The game board is divided into an inner play area and an outer play area that surrounds the inner play area. An outer game piece traversing the outer play area determines functionality of one or more inner game pieces positioned on the inner play area. In each round of a game play, a player is either a Giver or a Taker, and moves inner game pieces according to their Point of View. Players' Points of View may exchange in every round. A player's goal is to be the Giver, since only the Giver can win. However, the Giver only wins when all four blue human being game pieces from a pyramid and meet Eye to Eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: John Edward O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7731194
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for use by a player in a game or as a collectible figure, comprising a first portion comprising a representational figure and a second portion affixed to the first portion and comprising a coupling member arranged to be coupled with a preexisting support structure so that a user of the article of manufacture is enabled to couple it with the support structure and uncouple it therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventors: Tsunekazu Ishihara, Kouichi Oyama, Masayuki Miura
  • Patent number: 7701344
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating tracking locations of players and/or wireless communication devices in a casino network. In at least one embodiment, an electronically switched Doppler antenna array may be utilized to detect a first wireless signal from a first signal source. Bearing information may be generated using information from the detected signal. In at least one embodiment, the bearing information may include a first directional bearing to the first signal source. Using at least a portion of the first bearing information, a first location of the first signal source may be determined. According to specific embodiments, the first signal source may correspond to a wireless communication device such as an RFID-enabled player tracking card or gaming chip. In at least one embodiment, a current location of the wireless communication device may be automatically tracked in real-time as the wireless communication device is moved through a first region of the casino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Harold E. Mattice, Chris Gadda, Chan Griswold, James Stockdale, Richard Wilder
  • Publication number: 20100090401
    Abstract: A board game uses a board (1) which is marked with centre (2) middle (3) and outer (4) playing circuits and player tokens (107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 113) which move on the board (1). The game ends when a player's token (107, 111) lands on an End of Game square (6, 7) and that player also holds an End of Game card which has been obtained by the player's token (107, 111) landing on a square that is marked with a star (12, 13, 14, 16). Player tokens (108, 112) moving on the middle circuit (3) may land on mystery (17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25), Score (34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48), and Question squares (27, 28, 29, 31, 32 and 33). Player tokens (109, 113) moving on the outer circuit (4) may land on mystery (57, 58, 59, 61), decision (62, 63, 64, 66) and Question squares (67, 68, 69 and 71). Player tokens may also land on six squares (49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56) which are marked with the words “Miss a Turn”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Karl Martin Jacklin
  • Publication number: 20100075280
    Abstract: A game includes a plurality of disparate game pieces and a tangible medium having instructions provided thereon. A plurality of game pieces each visually resembling a turtle are provided. Each one of the turtle resembling game pieces is distinctly identified for allowing each player of the game to be associated with a respective one of the turtle resembling game pieces. Also provided are a plurality of game pieces visually resembling a rock, one or more game pieces visually resembling a lily pad, and one or more game pieces visually resembling a cluster of cat-tails. The instructions are configured for specifying a manner in which the rock resembling game pieces, the one or more lily pad resembling game pieces and the one or more cat-tail cluster resembling game piece can be arranged to form a game path along which the turtle resembling game pieces are to be moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Pamela Piton
  • Publication number: 20100038852
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for use by a player in a game or as a collectible figure, comprising a first portion comprising a representational figure and a second portion affixed to the first portion and comprising a coupling member arranged to be coupled with a preexisting support structure so that a user of the article of manufacture is enabled to couple it with the support structure and uncouple it therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Tsunekazu Ishihara, Kouichi Oyama, Masayuki Miura
  • Publication number: 20100001465
    Abstract: This invention discloses collectible game pieces used as random outcome generators and designed in the form of miniature figurines that are cast onto a playing surface to land in one of multiple stable orientations for various embodiments of games of chance and strategy. Also disclosed is a novel game and method of game play utilizing the collectible game pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Housel Todd, Scott A. Housel, Donald S. Collins
  • Patent number: 7604237
    Abstract: A math game is described herein which can effectively improve one's math skills while being simple, entertaining, and eye-pleasing. Players attach randomly selected octagonal tiles that bare digits in the middle and math operation symbols on their sides creating various numbers. Then they join two of his/her numbers to the number from the table creating math equation. The player that exhausts his tiles first is the winner of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Marek Czekanski
  • Publication number: 20090256312
    Abstract: The Texture Game 1 is provided for determining the texture of a pair of game pieces 5 that are enclosed in a cylindrical enclosure 2 with open ends, a fabric 3 covers the enclosure 2 and overlaps the open ends, and elastic means 4 sewn into the ends of the fabric substantially closing the open ends but allows a players hand to be inserted into the enclosure 2 for determining the texture of the pairs of game pieces 5 and for withdrawing the matching game pieces from within the enclosure 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Susan Polodna
  • Patent number: 7568699
    Abstract: A game board is divided into squares, and is partitioned into an inner play area and an outer play area that surrounds the inner play area. The outer play area acts as a game engine in that it controls the functionality of one or more game pieces within the inner play area. The inner play area preferably comprises a 6×6 array of squares, and the outer play area includes a perimeter of squares which surround the inner play area. A position of a game piece traversing the outer play area determines functionality of certain game pieces positioned within the inner play area. Functionality of these game pieces in the inner play area are in a constant state of change relative to the changes of position of the game piece in the outer play area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: John Edward O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20090189348
    Abstract: A design game of creative investigation and fun. The invention includes corresponding game parts and means of using via manner of play to create designs using game pieces. Game parts include a plurality of game pieces, at least one indicator, and at least one container. Plurality of game pieces includes at least one game piece having a free-form shape. Game pieces are primarily usable independent of a substantially conforming backing board and interfitting elements. Players position game pieces on a playing area to create designs. Designs are primarily inspired by themes. Players can build on their ideas quickly with relatively little time to review and “fix” their designs. Players can share their designs with each other before creating a new design. An emission can accompany a design. Indicia can be used for themes, turn, timing, number of game parts, playing area, procedure, emission, and scoring. Game parts can be customized and supplemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Karen A. Kucharski
  • Patent number: 7530573
    Abstract: A game is provided including cards and puzzle components. The cards may include collection cards, assembly cards, and action-altering cards that may affect assembly or manipulation of the puzzle components. The players work together to complete assembly of the puzzle or another joint task, such as matching of the cards. Consequently, the players are encouraged to cooperate as a team towards a common goal. The game also provides participants with an opportunity to practice their memorization, matching, and assembly skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly V. Matilla, Benjamin Blagg
  • Publication number: 20090104981
    Abstract: A game chip writer for writing at least identification information in a game chip used for a game includes an encryption unit for encrypting at least part of recording-information with use of a private key and a writing unit for writing the encrypted information. A game chip reader includes a reading unit for reading the encrypted information from the game chip and a decryption unit for decrypting the read information with use of a public key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE CORP.
    Inventor: Toshimi KOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20090014952
    Abstract: The present invention is an adult role playing game that involves relationships and interaction. The game relies on communication, negotiation, and agreement between individuals with varied and similar interests. Once the decision to play is established the game pieces and apparatus and choices determine the game(s) played by the participants. Communication by the numbers is part of the game and apparatus. Communication by the numbers allows information to both be actively and passively transmitted and received among participants visually and verbally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Keith C. Fox
  • Publication number: 20090014957
    Abstract: A game piece for transferring an object across the surface of a board game or the like. The game piece generally comprises a carrier body having an upper end, a lower end, an entry opening proximate the lower end, and a socket in communication with the entry opening. The entry opening is sized to allow the transfer object to pass therethrough so that the transfer object is thereafter retained within the socket. Additionally, the socket is adapted to receive a second game piece having a similarly configured socket and entry opening. When the entry opening of the second game piece is pushed over the transfer object, the object is transferred from the socket of the original game piece to the socket of the second game piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: DESIGNOMITE, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Hoeting
  • Patent number: 7441779
    Abstract: A game piece for transferring an object across the surface of a board game or the like. The game piece generally comprises a carrier body having an upper end, a lower end, an entry opening proximate the lower end, and a socket in communication with the entry opening. The entry opening is sized to allow the transfer object to pass therethrough so that the transfer object is thereafter retained within the socket. Additionally, the socket is adapted to receive a second game piece having a similarly configured socket and entry opening. When the entry opening of the second game piece is pushed over the transfer object, the object is transferred from the socket of the original game piece to the socket of the second game piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Designomite, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Hoeting
  • Publication number: 20080261482
    Abstract: A method and kit for playing a game using figurines. The method includes: providing a plurality of figurines; and providing instruction associated with linking the plurality of figurines according to a selected condition. Each figurine is formed to substantially include physical characteristics associated with the figurine, and each figurine is representative of a story element selected from the group consisting of: a plot object, an anthropomorphic object, a setting object, and any combination thereof. The plurality of figurines include: one figurine representative of a plot object; one figurine representative of an anthropomorphic object; and one figurine representative of a setting object. The selected condition comprises one or more of: a story, an alphabetical order, removing one figurine from a set of figurines, moving one figurine in a set of figurines, adding one figurine to a set of figurines, and correlating the plurality of figurines according to a figurine characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Randy Compton, Julie Lake
  • Publication number: 20080224395
    Abstract: A playing piece (10, 20) for use in a board game, and comprising at least one shapeable segment (11, 21), an input (12) and shaping means (13). An input signal from an outside control unit (17) is received at the input (12), the input signal representing a particular shape and/or size of the playing piece (10, 20). The shaping means (13) couples the input (12) to the shapeable segment (11, 21) to deform the shapeable segment (11, 21) in dependence of the input signal, for obtaining the particular shape and/or size of the playing piece (10, 20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Michel Marcel Jose Decre, Johannes Theodorus Adriaan Wilderbeek, Ralph Kurt, Jacob Marinus Jan Den Toonder
  • Publication number: 20080211185
    Abstract: This invention is a game apparatus that has a unique bean shaped head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Zora B. McPherson Douglas
  • Publication number: 20080176642
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a casino chip including a morphable surface including an alterable characteristic and a processor. The morphable surface is adapted to change the alterable characteristic. The processor is adapted to control the morphable surface to change the alterable characteristic in response to an input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY, LTD.
    Inventors: Gareth Phillips, Scott Olive, Lattamore D. Osburn, John Denlay, Christine J. Denlay, Michael Dugan, Gary Frerking, Kent Reisdorph
  • Publication number: 20080111305
    Abstract: At least part of the cooperating parts of a game is made luminescent to glow in the dark or under appropriate lighting conditions. The luminescence may be due to self illuminating internal stored energy (phosphorescent) of the part or alternatively coated with material that is stimulated light of a wavelength out of a normal viable spectrum, such as ultraviolet. All or selected surface areas of parts are made sufficiently visible that a player is able to recognize that parts and correlate movement between the parts required to play the game in the darkness. The invention applies to table tops or portable game boards for such purposes as providing boundary markers to find field of play and other areas and marking game pieces. Alternatively, the game may involve a court or field or a specially provided stand or table to support a playing area which requires the marking of target areas as well as the field of play, and game pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Sylvia London
  • Patent number: 7347421
    Abstract: A chess set for blind players. The board includes squares having different tactile patterning to distinguish different colors. Each square contains a hole extending through the board. A border includes indicia, both visual and tactile, to indicate the file and rank. The bottom of the board includes the holes which extend from the top. The holes are connected with lines which can be felt connecting the holes in the horizontal, vertical and diagonal directions. The pieces include projections which extend through the holes and which have some indication of both the color and type of piece so that a blind player can feel possible moves on the bottom of the board by the various pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: James Roy Ibach
  • Patent number: 7347422
    Abstract: A game system with game pieces that have combinations of capture indicia and defense indicia spaced at angular increments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Z. Wadowski, Katrina Wadowski
  • Publication number: 20080054569
    Abstract: A novel method of game play and circular game components that in one embodiment are in the form of trading poker-style game chips. Wherein some of the game chips utilize both circular sides with different non-matching game effecting indicia allowing for two-sides of play, and combined with the associated rules of play being determinative of how the two-sided game chips attack, defend, are flipped, linked, moved, placed, stacked, and stunned, on a playing surface designed for the game. In one form, the circular game components comprise of life, enhancement, action, and super chips, with each player utilizing the variety of chips to build playing stacks, which involves purchase, trading, collecting and careful examination of the chips to create winning strategy combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Rick C. Medina
  • Publication number: 20080048396
    Abstract: A game piece used in playing a game includes a depiction of a character and a random outcome generator attached to the depiction of the character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Home Focus Development Limited, a corp. of the British Virgin Islands, TrustNet Chambers Limited
    Inventor: Jacob R.S. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20080036147
    Abstract: A special poker chip is manufactured to have special indicia thereon. The chip will be formed of special materials and will have special markings and colors. The value of the poker chips depends on the markings and the value of one chip relative to a second depends on the dominance of the marking on the one chip relative to the second chip. The chips can be collected in the manner of coin collecting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hostettler, Zachary King
  • Patent number: 7325804
    Abstract: A game piece in the nature of a hand manipulated capsule containing a visible and recognizable figure with assigned characteristics, a game field, and a method of using the game piece in the playing of games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Bowling
  • Patent number: 7290767
    Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Wilk, David F. Kunitz, Thomas C. McCarthy, Henry S. Winters
  • Patent number: 7281714
    Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Wilk, David F. Kunitz, Thomas C. McCarthy, Henry S. Winters
  • Patent number: 7281713
    Abstract: A combined adult dice and card party game, which directs and leads the players into a variety of tasks throughout the entire game using colored numbered cards, colored numbered dice, one larger die with different symbols, specialty cards and set of rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Randal Kieth Marksberry
  • Publication number: 20070216095
    Abstract: A single piece body foldable along hinges between a three-dimensional generally closed configuration and a generally rectangular two-dimensional configuration. The body includes a plurality of components. The components are foldably interconnected through lateral and longitudinal hinges. A display face is provided on one side of body. A number of separate permanent magnets are embedded within the body Some of permanent magnets are positioned to magnetically interengage one another when the body is in the three-dimensional generally closed configuration. Some or all of the permanent magnets serve to retain objects in various predetermined locations on the display face when the body is in the generally rectangular two-dimensional configuration. An object collector is provided for collecting magnet containing playing pieces from the display face. The object collector is designed to be grasped by a user and dragged across the display face to magnetically collect the playing pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7267342
    Abstract: Various game embodiments and methods of playing the same comprising a plurality of game components that can be projected onto a surface. The game components can have a plurality of indicia thereon with some indicia being determinative of how a particular game component can interact with other game components and some indicia signifying a distance within which a game component must be deployed to another game component in order for the game component to affect the another game component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Hidden City Games, LLC
    Inventors: Jesper Myrfors, Paul Peterson
  • Patent number: 7178804
    Abstract: This invention is directed to chess pieces for playing chess, more specifically to large three dimensional game pieces that are associated with outdoor game playing surfaces in which oversize game pieces are physically moved about a board representation that the player actually walks on. Each of the game pieces has a plurality of radially positioned interconnected panel elements which are removably secured to a support base and are collapsible upon one another after use for storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Traylor
  • Patent number: 7172197
    Abstract: An entertainment machine (100), for example a pusher-type entertainment machine is provided with one or more special features. These special features may be taken from the following examples: using in the machine (100) a playing piece (40, 40i) for which higher awards are made when compared to other playing pieces (40, 40i); using in the machine(100) playing pieces (40, 40i) of variable appearance; using in the machine(100) playing pieces (40, 40i) which may be locatable within the machine(100); providing the machine (100) with a mechanism to detect when it may be unattractive to the prospective players thereof and a mechanism to allow it to introduce further playing pieces into the field of play at that time; providing the machine (100) with a payout controlling mechanism, which may be arranged to keep the percentage payout of the machine within predetermined limits; providing a prize dispenser arranged to dispense non-monetary prizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Bell-Fruit Games Limited
    Inventors: Richard Wilson, Ian Griffiths, John Laurence Wain
  • Patent number: 7114722
    Abstract: Apparatus that interconnects the twenty-one pieces used to play the ancient backyard target-throwing game “kubb”, pronounced “coob”, into a portable self-contained carrying case that looks like a briefcase. An improvement over transporting kubb in heavy crates, boxes, or bags. To assemble: five throwing dowels fit horizontally through five evenly spaced holes drilled through a large vertically standing block with carved crown top called the “king”. Each exposed dowel-half jetting right and left from each king hole receives a smaller block or “kubb”, each containing a matching drilled hole. Ten kubbs completely cover dowel halves and slide up snug against king. Cord attached to the king and looped at both ends receives a sixth dowel, creating a handle. Four playing-field boundary pegs drop into matching king-top vertical holes. Apparatus constructed from waterproof, virtually indestructible plastic lumber that comes in any color and won't splinter or chip like traditional wood kubb sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Jon Short
  • Patent number: 7104543
    Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Wilk, David Kunitz, Thomas C. McCarthy, Henry S. Winters
  • Patent number: 7086645
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game including a playing surface, collectible playing pieces, marking pieces, and collectible cards. Players take turns trying to create specific hands by throwing the playing pieces. The first player to successfully claim ownership of four consecutive placeholders on the playing surface is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeannie Burns Hardie
  • Patent number: 7077400
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to rules and apparatus for playing a combat-style board game including playing pieces and more specifically where the playing pieces have indicia relating to game play. In addition, the present disclosure relates to rules and apparatus for playing a game including playing pieces that link together to form a larger playing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler Kenney
  • Patent number: 7059601
    Abstract: A combination snack food and game piece assemblage and method of use of same as an entertainment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Wesley Adair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6997458
    Abstract: A game piece has a continuous wall closed on itself so as to define a hollow space within. The wall is made-up of a plurality of flat plates, where each of the plates is shaped as a polygon with straight side edges. Corresponding pairs of the side edges of adjacent pairs of the plates are aligned in parallel, and each pair of the adjacent side edges of the adjacent plates is joined by a rigid compression clip having opposing C-clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Darrick Yokomi
  • Patent number: 6983936
    Abstract: A sports trivia board game includes a game board having a substantially planar top surface and indicia thereon for illustrating a baseball field. The game board further includes a six-sided die, a plurality of playing cards for providing trivia questions for players to ask one another, and a mechanical mechanism for displaying a player's ball and strike count. The board game further includes a plurality of game pieces including upper and lower portions and a plurality of spring members for connecting the upper and lower portions to each other. When select ones of the plurality of game pieces are moved across the game board, the upper portion of a game piece is thereby caused to oscillate about the spring member. The board game further includes a plurality of score pads, a plurality of writing utensils, and a reusable scoreboard having a dry-erase surface for keeping track of a player's score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Edward A. Clapper
  • Patent number: 6926279
    Abstract: Modular checker game pieces for playing a game of checkers includes a plurality of first base members. Each of the first base members resembles a lower body and includes an upper portion and a pair of legs that are attached to and extend downwardly from the upper portion. A plurality of second base members each resembles a horse having a saddle positioned thereon. Each of plurality of top pieces comprises an upper body. The top pieces each have a bottom surface. A plurality of couplers selectively couple each of the top pieces to one of the first or second base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Manuel E. Alvarado
  • Patent number: 6926275
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fair five-sided dice which has a pair of oppositely opposed triangularly shaped faces and three rectangular shaped faces. Indicia are disposed on each of the faces for indicating the numerals one through five. One of each of the numerals one and five are disposed on one of each of the triangular shaped faces while the numerals two and three are disposed on one rectangular shaped face, the numerals three and four are disposed on a second rectangular shaped face and numerals two and four are disposed on a third rectangular shaped face in such a way that if the numerals two, three or four are cast they appear upright to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Louis J. Zocchi
  • Patent number: 6918590
    Abstract: A toy figure, such as a baseball player, which may or may not represent an actual identifiable person, is mounted upon a cylindrical base. Carried in the base is a rotatable disk having a grooved, serrated, knurled or otherwise textured outer peripheral wall. An arcuate access opening in the side wall of the base exposes a segment of at least the textured peripheral wall facilitating spinning or rotation of the disk by the user's thumb or finger. On the upper face of the disk, as disposed in the base, are a number of sectors, each of which contains indicia for determining an outcome in the play of a game. A viewing opening in the upper surface of the base permits viewing of a single sector on the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Big Monster Toys L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert E.G. Annis, Hiram P. Johnson, Donald A. Rosenwinkel
  • Patent number: 6899332
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus by which rules and record keeping in games employing miniature figures as game pieces are incorporated onto the base of the miniature figures themselves. Counters or wheels keep track of a character's characteristics and how they change as a game progresses. Values can be customized for each character by providing differently numbered wheels for the bases. Also, a method for providing collectable game pieces with varied features by providing them to the consumer concealed in packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: WizKids LLC
    Inventor: Jordan K. Weisman
  • Patent number: 6866266
    Abstract: A game system and method of playing a game for providing amusement for a plurality of players. The game system includes a plurality of game tokens is designed for being selectively placed on a support surface. The game tokens comprise a plurality of sets of game tokens whereby each of the sets of game tokens is designed for representing one of a plurality of players. Each of the game tokens comprises plurality of side faces whereby at least one of the side faces of one of the game tokens abuts one of the side faces of an adjacent one of the game tokens when the associated one of the game tokens is placed on the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Thorne
  • Publication number: 20040262840
    Abstract: The present invention is an attachable and detachable playing piece used primarily for representing a player in a game. The feature of being able to easily attach and detach itself from another similarly constructed playing pieces is for the purpose of allowing the playing piece to be used for games that allow for or require players to partner-up. When partnered, for example, players may attach their playing pieces together, thereby allowing them to move together in the course of the game. And if the game requires subsequent splitting-up of the partnership, the playing pieces may easily detach themselves from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Sau Lee
  • Publication number: 20040256801
    Abstract: A strategic board game includes a game board formed with forty-two positioning spaces for placing game pieces. The positioning spaces include first to seventh positioning spaces located on a common circular line and angularly spaced apart from each other such that each of the first to seventh positioning spaces is spaced apart from four other ones of the first to seventh positioning spaces by an adjacent pair of the first to seventh positioning spaces. Each of the first to seventh positioning spaces is connected to each of the four other ones of the first to seventh positioning spaces by four of a total of fourteen connecting lines radiating from the first to seventh positioning spaces. The fourteen connecting lines intersect each other at thirty-five intersection points, where the remaining positioning spaces are respectively disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Lun Lin
  • 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: 20040119230
    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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Fernando Cipullo