Stackable Or Nestable Feature Patents (Class 273/290)
  • Patent number: 8757623
    Abstract: Tiles (7) having significant depth are placed on a gameboard (1) having projections (2) on its upper surface. The protrusions (2) engage recesses (8) formed on the corners of the tiles (7) in order to locate the tiles (7) in position on the game board (1). The recesses (8) may extend for only part of the depth of the tiles (7) so that they are not visible from the top of the tiles (7), thereby affording visual continuity between the (tiles 7). The protrusions (2) may engage the recesses (8) as a friction fit, to hold the tiles (7) firmly in place. Alternatively, they may engage the recesses (8) as a loose fit, thereby to afford location of the tiles (7) while allowing their easy removal from the game board (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bucher and Harrison Limited
    Inventors: James Harrison, Michael Bucher
  • Patent number: 8672328
    Abstract: A method of playing a word forming game comprises distributing a predetermined number of tiles to a set of players so as to form a hand of play associated with each player. Each tile has a character value associated with the tile, and at least one tile has a special feature value. The players form words on a playing surface, and the words comprise one or more tiles from a player's hand of play and one or more tiles already on the playing surface. Exemplary special feature values instruct players to skip a turn, to reverse the order of play, or to redistribute tiles. Each tile has a nesting portion and a nested portion. The nesting portion is characterized a concavity into which another playing tile may be nested and the nested portion is characterized by a convex edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Warren Bazarko
  • Publication number: 20130341868
    Abstract: Game piece in the form of a polyomino or polycube or similar, consisting of a number of blocks (5) that are put together in an orthogonal pattern, characterised in that the game piece (4) comprises at least two parts (6) that are each formed by a number of aforementioned blocks (5) connected together in a fixed way, whereby these parts (6) are slidably coupled with respect to one another in such a way that they enable a number of forms of game pieces (4) to be formed with the game piece (4) concerned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Rolf Vandoren
  • Patent number: 8454021
    Abstract: A strategy game is disclosed herein. The game comprises a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of stopper tiles, and a rule set. The rule set includes a plurality of rules, where a first rule provides that a stopper tile is an edge of a game playing area when placed on a playing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Yu
  • Patent number: 8408552
    Abstract: A poker or game chip has an outer ring and an inner disk. The inner disk is typically engaged with the outer ring, but may be disengaged by pushing on the inner disk. When the chips are in a stack, pushing on an inner disk causes it to disengage with the outer ring, and engage in the outer ring of an adjacent chip. In a stack of chips, all of the chips may have a moveable inner disk and, upon application of pressure, may be shifted to engage with the outer rim of an adjacent chip, thereby causing the stack of chips to lock. A stack of chips is thereby secured together, so that the chips will not easily disengage and spread along the top of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Sardo
  • Patent number: 8387982
    Abstract: A gaming dice (1) and a game with a gaming dice (1), such as a board game or a card game, said gaming dice (1) comprising a body part comprising at least six sides (2) wherein at least one or more of those sides (2) is/are provided with means (3) for simultaneous mounting of at least two indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c). This makes it possible to mount at least two separate indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c), said indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c) being configured such that they can be mounted next to each other on the same side of the gaming dice (1), and wherein the indicia-carrying elements (4a, 4b, 4c) have a bottom side on which means for mounting of the indicia-carrying element of the side (2) of the gaming dice (1) is configured and a top side which is opposite relative to the bottom side and is provided with indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lego A/S
    Inventors: Cephas Edgar Howard, Ditte Bruun Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8282103
    Abstract: A flight stand apparatus for use in playing a airplane combat game including a deck having a first attachment device and a deck top surface, a base having a first opening, and an altitude pole having a first end and an opposing second end. The altitude pole and the base may be configured so that the first end of the altitude pole is adapted to be inserted into the first opening of the base, and the altitude pole is thereby temporarily fixed to the base so that the altitude pole is substantially at a right angle with respect to the base. The first attachment device of the deck is configured to temporarily fix the deck on the altitude pole between the first end and the second end of the altitude pole, so that the deck top surface is substantially at a right angle with respect to the altitude pole and substantially parallel to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: John F. Stanoch
  • Patent number: 8118308
    Abstract: A board game and methods for playing the same are disclosed. The board game can include a playing surface having a plurality of playing spaces, and a plurality of playing pieces that comprise at least first and second player playing pieces, wherein each playing piece is assigned a numerical value, and wherein the numerical value corresponds to: a movement value, wherein the movement value corresponds to the number of playing spaces that each playing piece can move on the playing surface; and a challenge value, wherein the challenge value corresponds to a challenge between a first player playing piece and a second player playing piece, wherein the second player playing piece can be removed from the playing surface when the first player playing piece has an equal or greater challenge value then the second player playing piece and when the first player playing piece is moved into the second player playing piece's playing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: John Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20120025465
    Abstract: A poker or game chip has an outer ring and an inner disk. The inner disk is typically engaged with the outer ring, but may be disengaged by pushing on the inner disk. When the chips are in a stack, pushing on an inner disk causes it to disengage with the outer ring, and engage in the outer ring of an adjacent chip. In a stack of chips, all of the chips may have a moveable inner disk and, upon application of pressure, may be shifted to engage with the outer rim of an adjacent chip, thereby causing the stack of chips to lock. A stack of chips is thereby secured together, so that the chips will not easily disengage and spread along the top of the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Sardo
  • 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: 20080237991
    Abstract: A stacking game including trademarks of an organization is disclosed. Each player forms their own tower of multiple levels of play pieces. A predetermined quantity of the play pieces are distributed to each player. The play pieces include a plurality of first pieces having a first shape and a plurality of second pieces having a second shape. Each first piece bears a first trademark of the organization, and each second piece bears a second trademark of the organization. During a turn of a player, the player rolls a first die to determine whether one or more of the first or the second pieces is designated for play during the turn, and the player rolls a second die to determine a number of the designated play pieces to play during the turn. The player adds the number of designated play pieces to his/her tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: J-K Pursuits, LLC
    Inventors: Karon S.N. Paul, John A. Kemp
  • Patent number: 7290766
    Abstract: A game including a playing area divided into a plurality of spaces, and sets of game pieces with each set associated with different players or teams. The players or teams execute strategically selected instructions, such as move, stack and flip, to position their game pieces in the spaces. The first player or team to place their game pieces on spaces such that top game pieces of stacks form a predetermined design, such as a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row, wins the game. The game allows players flexibility to select rules to adjust the skill level of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Roberts
  • Patent number: 7118109
    Abstract: An improved chess-like game. The game uses a traditional chessboard and basically the same rules. The additional second set of pieces and same rule changes enhances the game. There's a time limit to strategically place the secondary pieces inside of the primary pieces and placed on the board. Primary pieces for each player are the same as traditional chess. Secondary pieces include the same pieces as traditional chess except there is no king. When a primary piece is taken it is removed from the game, the secondary piece is removed from the primary then placed in the same square it was occupying with its primary piece. The piece that took the primary piece returns to the square it was in before advancing. Castling is the same. Using En passant, all pawns can be taken. Only primary pawns have the option of moving two squares on the first move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Walter Labetti
  • Patent number: 7111844
    Abstract: A method for designating the attributes of a character in a game: providing a plurality of replaceable stackable pieces in which each stackable pieces in which each piece represents a attribute of the character/creature in play. A dynamic game piece representing a character/creature for use in a role play or simulation game comprising: a plurality of interchangeable stackable game pieces wherein; basic colored plates can be used to represent statistical information such as health status, magical effects, equipment in play, timing, spatial effects, etc. in conjunction with miniatures. Also, wherein; specialized pates can be painted to represent creatures/characters to be used as an alternative to miniatures or other tokens and are marked to indicate direction. Also, wherein, packaging of the game pieces can be accomplished in a way as to create a collectable aspect to the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Craig Andrie, Jeffrey Almeida
  • Patent number: 7017907
    Abstract: An improved chess-like game. The game uses a traditional chess board and basically the same rules. The additional second set of pieces and some rule changes enhances the game. There's a time limit to strategically place the secondary pieces inside of the primary pieces and placed on the board. Primary pieces for each player are the same as traditional chess. Secondary pieces include the same pieces as traditional chess except there is no king. When a primary piece is taken it is removed from the game, the secondary piece is removed from the primary then placed in the same square it was occupying with its primary piece. The piece that took the primary piece returns to the square it was in before advancing. Castling is the same. Using En passant, all pawns can be taken. Only primary pawns have the option of moving two squares on the first move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Walter Labetti
  • Patent number: 6955355
    Abstract: A board game is disclosed, said game including a board having at least nine squares arranged in three rows of three squares each. In a first preferred embodiment, each player receives six pieces arranged in two stacks of differentially sized and nested pieces, three pieces to a stack. The object of play is to occupy squares on the board forming a continuous straight line of three pieces of the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Thierry Denoual
  • Patent number: 6893020
    Abstract: A stackable dominoes game having stepped, tile-shaped playing pieces. The playing pieces have upper and lower levels and at least three segments. The segments are marked with first and second indicia and the pieces are played by stacking them atop one another so that only segments having matching indicia are in vertical contact. The indicia may be patterns of dots, such as a one-dot pattern and a four-dot pattern. A game board is provided having a grid for aligning the playing pieces thereon. Fence pieces are provided for defining a confined area of the grid for playing the pieces therein, depending on the desired degree of difficulty. Additional pieces are provided for other aspects of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Scott C. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6883803
    Abstract: A board game apparatus for educating players with respect to tourist attractions within a particular geographical region that includes a gameboard having a continuous path of areas representing particular localities within the geographical region and a set of cards having either questions concerning various tourist attractions of the localities or other instructions. Another set of cards represent rewards obtained during the course of playing the game. Each of the areas representing the localities are marked to indicate whether a locality is accessible by a conveyance such as a boat and/or by an airplane while all of the localities are accessible by a car. Each player has a single multi-token of parallelepiped shape with a side surface each having a respective representation of an automobile, a boat and an airplane that is permitted to occupy only those areas designated as being accessible by that particular conveyance and whose ends designate STOP and GO attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis P. Barry
  • Patent number: 6869073
    Abstract: A game and an apparatus for playing the game are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of bodies stacked vertically one above another. Each body is rotatable about a common axis of rotation, vertically oriented. Each body has a plurality of faces, each face has a slot forming a display window. The slots receive tokens. There are two types of tokens. Turning the bodies relative to one another aligns the slots and effects a transfer of tokens from a higher to a lower body. The game is played by two players in a sequence of alternating turns. The object of the game is to get a predetermined number of one type of token adjacent to one another, either on the same body, on adjacent bodies or in a helical pattern around the axis of rotation. Each player in their turn may either insert a token into a slot or spin a body about the axis of rotation to transfer a token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Horrocks
  • Patent number: 6857633
    Abstract: A game for children has buildable structures, movement measurement devices for measuring game piece movement and projectile range values, structural unit guides to aid in construction of the buildable structures, and movable game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: DaGoom, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mackey
  • Publication number: 20040188936
    Abstract: A method for designating the attributes of a character in a game: providing a plurality of replaceable stackable pieces in which each stackable pieces in which each piece represents a attribute of the character/creature in play. A dynamic game piece representing a character/creature for use in a role play or simulation game comprising: a plurality of interchangeable stackable game pieces wherein; basic colored plates can be used to represent statistical information such as health status, magical effects, equipment in play, timing, spatial effects, etc. in conjunction with miniatures. Also, wherein; specialized pates can be painted to represent creatures/characters to be used as an alternative to miniatures or other tokens and are marked to indicate direction. Also, wherein, packaging of the game pieces can be accomplished in a way as to create a collectable aspect to the pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Craig Andrie, Jeffrey Almeida
  • Publication number: 20040188935
    Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control method for a refrigerator which can minimize a deviation in refrigerant compartment temperature while minimizing the power consumption of the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Sok Nam, Seong Ho Cho, Yun Chul Jung, Jay Ho Choi
  • Publication number: 20040160007
    Abstract: A board game is disclosed, said game including a board having at least nine squares arranged in three rows of three squares each. In a first preferred embodiment, each player receives six pieces arranged in two stacks of differentially sized and nested pieces, three pieces to a stack. The object of play is to occupy squares on the board forming a continuous straight line of three pieces of the same color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Thierry Denoual
  • Publication number: 20040155406
    Abstract: A game and an apparatus for playing the game are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of bodies stacked vertically one above another. Each body is rotatable about a common axis of rotation, vertically oriented. Each body has a plurality of faces, each face has a slot forming a display window. The slots receive tokens. There are two types of tokens. Turning the bodies relative to one another aligns the slots and effects a transfer of tokens from a higher to a lower body. The game is played by two players in a sequence of alternating turns. The object of the game is to get a predetermined number of one type of token adjacent to one another, either on the same body, on adjacent bodies or in a helical pattern around the axis of rotation. Each player in their turn may either insert a token into a slot or spin a body about the axis of rotation to transfer a token.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Horrocks
  • Patent number: 6761355
    Abstract: A new and improved game apparatus and method of using the game apparatus is disclosed. The game apparatus has a plurality of parts for use in betting and/or trading various parts of the game apparatus between players. The game apparatus comprises a plurality of sets of matching pieces, in which each piece within any given matching set has a geometric shape substantially matching all of the other pieces within the given matching set. Each piece also has an inside wall that defines a centrally disposed hole. Furthermore, each piece also has an sub-image embossed on at least one surface of each piece. Finally, each piece also has a logo marking marked on at least one surface of each piece. The method comprises the steps of obtaining, distributing, deciding, declaring, identifying, selecting, noting, determining, choosing, offering, accepting, attempting, winning, attaining, achieving, earning, getting, scoring, and transferring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Mike J. Lemieux
  • Publication number: 20040119234
    Abstract: A gaming system comprises a base for receiving a miniature figurine having distinct characteristics. The base may include at least one attachment member for interconnecting the base with an adjacent base. The gaming system may include a tracking member on each base for recording changing characteristics of the associated figurine. The gaming system includes a movable counter that may be integral with the game pieces and allows for easy measurement of various ranges. Structural units and structural unit guides allow for building a variety of structures used in the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mackey
  • Publication number: 20040041344
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional board game for two or more players. The game may also be easily adapted to be a video game. The game board is a flat surface with upstanding pegs arranged on the base in rows and intersecting columns. The pegs may be detachable from the board surface. The board surface may include indicia for playing another game such as chess, checkers, or backgammon in addition to an array of holes for receiving removable pegs. The pegs are adapted to receive beads with a central aperture drilled through them. The beads are marked to be associated with a particular player, with two or more players being possible. According to the game rules, the beads are separated into one set for each player. The players in turn place one bead on any of the pegs. To win the game, a player must align, in an uninterrupted sequence, a specific number of beads, either horizontally, diagonally or vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ken E. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6695309
    Abstract: A modular hidden maze game for multiple players is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the game includes a playing board having a playing surface on which can be defined a plurality of playing spaces. Each of the playing spaces can include at least one recessed portion. A plurality of partition pieces can be removably attached to the playing surface at a substantially normal angle, thereby forming a plurality of mutable paths across the playing surface. A plurality of covering pieces are provided. Each of the covering pieces can be dimensioned to removably engage the recessed portion of one of the plurality of playing spaces while at least partially covering any partition pieces that abut the playing space occupied by the covering piece. The playing board can be formed of discrete modules which allow players to separate sections of the board to facilitate set up and concealment of a maze before rejoining the sections to reform the board having at least two concealed mazes thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Martin Pepper
  • Patent number: 6679496
    Abstract: A stacking piece game includes a plurality of game pieces stackable in layers, with each game piece being associated with one of a plurality of task classes and one of a plurality of activities associated with the one task class. At least one of the game pieces includes a task class indicia identifying the one task class and an activity description of the one activity. The game is played by (1) stacking the game pieces in layers to form a tower; (2) removing one of the game pieces from the tower; (3) performing an activity determined in accordance with at least the indicia of the removed game piece; (4) returning the removed game piece to the tower upon completion of the activity; and (5) repeating the removing, and returning steps amongst players of the game until the tower collapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pokonobe Associates
    Inventors: Robert Grebler, Paul Eveloff, Amanda Birkinshaw
  • Patent number: 6659463
    Abstract: Gaming equipment for a variety of games has buildable structures formed of building blocks, movement measurement devices for measuring game piece movement and projectile range values, structural unit guides to aid in construction of the buildable structures, movable game pieces and universal sub-bases for toy miniatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mackey
  • Patent number: 6585268
    Abstract: A kit for playing a construction/deconstruction game is described, and includes a plurality of flat planar cards and a plurality of v-shaped articulated cards from which a deconstructable structure can be erected. A plurality of spherical objects, such as marbles, adapted to be fired against the structure, is also provided. A ball retaining wall, adapted to at least partially encircle the structure may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Steven G. Williams
  • Patent number: 6523827
    Abstract: A board game with pegs and dice for providing a fun-filled game of strategy. The board game with pegs and dice includes a game board having a top side and also having a plurality of game-piece movement sections being arranged in rows upon the top side thereof; and also includes a plurality of game pieces for moving upon the game-piece movement sections; and further includes a pair of die for determining movement of the game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dale R. Watson
  • Publication number: 20030006554
    Abstract: A stacking block game kit includes a set of game cards, a number of stackable game pieces, and a set of rules for discarding the game cards and for manipulating the game pieces. Each game card has a card point value and depicts a card indicia thereon. The game pieces are stackable in layers having a fixed maximum number of the game pieces. Game piece indicia are applied to the game pieces, with a portion of the game piece indicia being associated with the card indicia. The method of playing the stacking block game involves distributing game cards from the stacking block game kit into card hands amongst players of the game, and constructing a structure from the stackable game pieces. Game cards are then discarded from the card hands in accordance with the set of rules and an associated one of the game pieces, with the discarding step being repeated amongst the players until a predetermined terminating step is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Grebler, Paul Eveloff
  • Publication number: 20020167130
    Abstract: A stacking piece game includes a plurality of game pieces stackable in layers, with each game piece being associated with one of a plurality of task classes and one of a plurality of activities associated with the one task class. At least one of the game pieces includes a task class indicia identifying the one task class and an activity description of the one activity. The game is played by (1) stacking the game pieces in layers to form a tower; (2) removing one of the game pieces from the tower; (3) performing an activity determined in accordance with at least the indicia of the removed game piece; (4) returning the removed game piece to the tower upon completion of the activity; and (5) repeating the removing, and returning steps amongst players of the game until the tower collapses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Grebler, Paul Eveloff, Amanda Birkinshaw
  • Patent number: 6478300
    Abstract: A checkers game for four players is disclosed, in which each player commencing with six checkers in an assigned quadrant of a conventional checkers board. The checkers are converted to super-monarchs having superior powers with a double riser piece or to monarchs having lesser but increased power with a single riser piece upon reaching certain specified position in any opposing player territory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: James Henry Pickett
  • Patent number: 6460853
    Abstract: A method of playing a chess-like board game including traditional chess pieces comprising kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks and pawns, in which pieces can capture one another as in traditional chess, and in which the traditional chess pieces are constrained in their base moves to move as in the traditional chess game, the method comprising: upon capture of an opponent's chess piece with the player's capturing chess piece, allowing the capturing chess piece, in addition to its existing moving capabilities, to assume some, all or none of the moving capabilities of the captured piece, but for only one subsequent move of the capturing chess piece; and after the capturing chess piece has made the assumed subsequent move, removing the assumed moving capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Knight
  • Patent number: 6431542
    Abstract: In a medal playing machine comprising a playing field which has a side edge at its front side, a gutter-shaped medal inlet device for supplying medals by rolling them onto the playing field, and a medal pusher which moves reciprocatedly on the playing field in a longitudinal direction, in order that the movement pattern of the obstructing means, which obstructs the medals from passing through the medal-passing gate formed in the medal pusher, may be complicated and that difficulty of the game may easily be adjusted, a plurality of vane plates 60 as the obstructing means, which obstruct the medals from passing through by pivoting transversely, are disposed at the medal-passing gate 21 of the medal pusher 10 so that the front ends of the vane plates 60 protrude frontward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Sammy Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 6394455
    Abstract: A board game comprises a board having sixteen squares arranged in four rows of four squares each. Each player receives twelve pieces arranged in three stacks of nested pieces, four pieces to a stack. The object of play is to occupy squares on the board forming a continuous straight line of four pieces of the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Thierry Denoual
  • Patent number: 6361047
    Abstract: A game system having a playing board which comprises one or more regions of polarized adhesion material, and a plurality of playing pieces, each with two faces, which may have polarized adhesion material of one or both types. The polarized adhesion material is preferably hook and loop fastener material. The game rules provide that playing pieces are deposited only where adhesion is strong, and may be stacked in accordance with this rule. Other rules are applied to define and differentiate game play. The game board is optionally reconfigurable, and may also have integrated electronics. The game board may include a foldable housing to contain the playing pieces when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Clif Militello
  • Patent number: 6352262
    Abstract: A strategy game utilizing a stackable playing piece. Each player is assigned a multiplicity of such playing pieces, which begin the game standing individually in a random arrangement on a featureless playing field. During the course of the game, players stack the pieces up on one another, forming them into towers. Other game actions permit players to move pieces from one tower to another, and to divide larger towers into pairs of smaller towers. Participants may conduct these game actions at any time they choose, without adhering to any turn order. Play continues until no more game actions can or will be made. The object of the game is to be the player with the top piece on as many towers as possible, since points are awarded for each piece in a tower to the player who's piece is on top. The winner is the player with the highest total score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew J. Looney
  • Patent number: 6189887
    Abstract: A game with a playing area made up of multiple playing regions, with each region made up of multiple playing spaces. The entire playing area can be created on one essentially flat surface. The game can be played by two or more players. Each player has a plurality of stackable playing pieces distinguishable from those of other players. Stacks can be formed from the pieces of one or more players. The player whose piece is on top of a stack controls that entire stack, and thus any underlying pieces belonging to other players are captured. Pieces can be stacked and unstacked during the course of play. If a previously captured piece is uncovered by unstacking, that piece is released and reintroduced into play. Movement of pieces or stacks is allowed both within a region and to other regions. A multi-step unstacking move is included to provide greater reach. The game is won by capturing in stacks all the pieces belonging to opponents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel A. Dommasch
  • Patent number: 6182967
    Abstract: A board game has two teams of a plurality of game pieces whereby, on successive turns, a player may add a game piece, move a game piece, or enhance the movement direction capabilities of a game piece. The object of the game is to occupy designated opponent's territories on the game board or to capture all of the opponent's game pieces so that none remain on the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Donald P. Green
  • Patent number: 6161832
    Abstract: A stacking block game includes a plurality of game blocks stackable in layers, and an elongate sleeve comprising four planar sides defining an interior for retaining the game blocks in layers in the interior. Apertures are provided in the sides, coincide with the game block layers and are dimensioned for passing the game blocks therethrough. The game blocks have a cuboid shape and colored indicia on the faces thereof, and are inserted in the sleeve interior in layers of four game blocks. The stacking block game is played by assigning a different indicia to each player, and then each player ejecting one of the game blocks from the sleeve interior, in turn, by pressing a previously-ejected game block through one of the apertures and against a game block opposite the game block to be ejected. Generally, each player makes a note of the indicia on the uppermost face of the previously ejected game block, and then presses that game block against the indicia of a game block in the sleeve matching the noted indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Irwin Toy Limited
    Inventors: Edward Thomas Holahan, Craig Dennis Sellers
  • Patent number: 6135452
    Abstract: A family of five board games with chess-like features played on a board of 64 white and off-white squares by two opposing players. Each player moves 16 pieces arrayed on the two rows closest to the player: 8 hollow domes each named RxM where x=A,E,I,O or U, on the back row; and 8 smaller solid hemispheres each named VOID on the second row. Four games are played with 8 identical RxMs per player, a RAM moving like a Rook, a REM like a Queen, a RIM like a Knight, and a ROM like a Bishop. The object of these games is to capture all the opponent's pieces. The fifth game has two each RAMs, RIMs, ROMs, and two RUMs moving like Kings, on the back row. The object here is to capture both RUMs of the opponent. In all versions a VOID moves like a Pawn. Different colors are assigned to the pieces in the different games and for the two players. The unique feature in all five games is the ability to create a third, more powerful, piece called RxMVOID moving like a Queen by covering a VOID on any square with a RxM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas S. Yurchey
  • Patent number: 6022026
    Abstract: A method of playing a stacking block game is disclosed. The game uses a plurality of game blocks have a generally parallelepiped shape aid generally similar dimensions. Each game block has indicia applied to at least one end thereof. The indicia include a suit and a rank. Each player receives a number of game blocks. The first player lays a first game block on its face or on its side on a playing surface. The next player has to lay a game block of the same suit or rank as the first game block on top of or optionally on the same level as the previously laid game block to thereby build a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Irwin Toy Limited
    Inventor: Walter Johnson, III
  • Patent number: 5988640
    Abstract: A game for two to eight players comprising a game base upon which at least thirty game pieces, with different distinguishing features and values, are placed, and a method for playing the same. The game pieces are stacked upon one another, from the game base, forming planar levels of a three-dimensional structure. The game's concession for a myriad of game base types enable the construction of many diverse structures. The game pieces are identical in size and, preferably, a spherical shape. The game pieces are partitioned, according to their distinguishing features, into a plurality of sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Dewey Edwin Wheeler
  • Patent number: 5941526
    Abstract: An educational game that includes a game board including a counterclockwise oriented sequence of game piece spaces, the sequence beginning with an outer start space and terminating in a center end space, the game piece spaces including penalty indicia spaces, no indicia spaces and safety card select indicia spaces; a number of player positionable game pieces; four two-sided tossing pieces; and a number of safety cards each having a side having a point winning indicia in a corner thereof and educational information printed in the center area thereof. The educational game is played by tossing the four two-sided tossing pieces onto a surface and moving a game piece along the sequence of game piece spaces on the game board according to the result of the toss. Points are accumulated as each player travels from the start space to the center end space, collecting points by drawing safety cards. The first player entering the center end space receives five bonus points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Dudley Martens, Daniel H. Burke
  • Patent number: 5876035
    Abstract: A taxi cab management board game providing a gaming environment and associated apparatus wherein the players experience the daily routine and practical business pressures associated with the successful operation of a taxi cab business. The game playing surface is comprised of interconnected location blocks 12 denoting geographical locations for navigation of vehicle playing pieces 20 to transport fare playing pieces 25. Fare playing pieces may be selected based on their physical proximity to vehicle playing pieces or assigned by an instruction card set 34A. Vehicle playing pieces 20 transport fare playing pieces 25 to assigned destinations accumulating transportation revenue and possible gratuity income. The player is limited economically by traffic, government regulation and practical business choices in the quest to expand the taxi company through the purchase of three company expansion certificates 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Victor M. Medina, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5873727
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving game pieces during a game playing period includes a movement device having a support which supports a number of game pieces, wherein the movement device moves the number of game pieces relative to the support during the game playing period. The apparatus also includes a towing apparatus for transporting the movement device from a first location to a second location during the game playing period. The towing apparatus is movable in a predetermined path of movement. A method of playing a game with a number of players is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Fundex Games, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Barlow
  • Patent number: 5839727
    Abstract: The invented game includes a playing field with a pattern of defined areas adjacent to one another, sets of playing pieces for each player, and a single marking piece which is several times the height of a playing piece. The playing pieces are configured such that they are stackable on top of one another and such that a stack can be inverted. The game is played by a first player placing the marking piece on any defined area. The next player then places one of his playing pieces on any other defined area. The next player places one of his playing pieces on any unoccupied area or stacks his playing piece on the playing piece already on the playing field. Each player then, in turn, either places a playing piece on an unoccupied area, stacks a playing piece on top of another playing piece or on top of an existing stack of playing pieces, or inverts an existing stack of playing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Douglas S. Stillinger