Game Element Add On Patents (Class 273/450)
  • Patent number: 11960202
    Abstract: An EUV microscope device utilizing a source of a beam of EUV light. The light is sent to a collector which produces a first focused EUV beam. A monochromator receives the first focused EUV beam and produces a second EUV beam that is passed to an illumination module. The output of the illumination module is passed to a mask. The reflected beam from the mask is sent to a zone plate and a detector to produce an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: EUV TECH, INC.
    Inventors: Chami N Perera, David C. Houser, Charles G. Murray, Alexander N. Khodarev, Travis W. Grodt
  • Patent number: 10769965
    Abstract: The current invention is toys and games that combines ingenuity with creativity in order to help kids better grasp a simple medical concept. The game has red frisbee-like discs represent red blood cells, discs represent white blood cells and the fuzzy yellow rods represent bacteria. The game has Players on one team try to get as many of the red and white blood cells into a bin, while the other team will be tossing in the “bad bacteria”. Both the white bloods and the bacteria have been outfitted with a strip of hoop and latch fasteners that allows them to stick to one another in order to ‘cancel’ that point. If the defending team is able to catch enough bacteria with their white blood cells, they're the winners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Eleanore Meredith
  • Patent number: 9975039
    Abstract: A building brick tower toppling game includes a plurality of base plates each having a top side comprising a plurality of male engagement members and a bottom side comprising a plurality of female engagement members. Mounting bricks each have a top end and a bottom end. The top ends comprise a plurality of male engagement members and the bottom ends comprise a female engagement member. Each of the male engagement members of the mounting bricks is releasably engageable with the female engagement members of the base plates and others of the mounting bricks. The female engagement member of the mounting bricks is releasably engageable with the male engagement members of the base plates and others of the mounting bricks. The mounting bricks are coupled together to define pillars. A striking implement is used for striking the pillars to break the pillars where attached ones of the mounting bricks are joined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventors: Sonja Semling, Erik Semling
  • Patent number: 8783690
    Abstract: A balancing game apparatus comprising a vertically disposed elongated pole, a plurality of weighted members, and a pivotable top having a convex first surface, a second surface having a plurality of securing tabs, and an annular rim having a plurality of slots for receiving the weighted members therein. The elongated pole is operable to support the pivotable top in a first orientation wherein the convex surface of the pivotable top is balanced on the elongated pole and in a second orientation wherein the tabs on the concave surface reversibly secure the pivotable top to the elongated pole. The weighted members are placed in the slots while balancing the elongated pole. The first orientation corresponds to a greater difficulty level whereas the second orientation corresponds to an easier difficulty level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Scott D. Green
  • Patent number: 8746699
    Abstract: A novelty game that utilizes a plurality of alphanumeric-shaped playing pieces. Each playing piece has a body shaped as a letter or number. The body has a flat face surface, a parallel rear surface, and side edges that interconnect the face surface to the rear surface. The width of the side edges is large enough to enable each playing piece to stand upright on-edge and unsupported. A plurality of mechanical connectors are present on the playing pieces. The connectors enable each playing piece to physically interconnect with at least two others of the playing pieces to form an assemblage of letters or numbers word. When a conjoined assemblage is formed, only one or some of the playing pieces touch the ground. Most are supported in the air as the playing pieces build atop one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Forrest-Pruzan Creative LLC
    Inventors: Alan Pruzan, Andrew Forrest, Jay Wheatley
  • Patent number: 8720897
    Abstract: Toy and game methods and apparatus including rectangular block elements layered to form a tower with upper and lower layers held by frictional coupling between the layers. The tower height increases during game play by removing blocks from one or more lower layers to build up successive upper layers upon an assembly platform. An upsetting element at the base transforms the blocks by dislodging the block elements with respect to the assembly platform by moving or traversing the assembly platform. A shifting mechanism may be provided in mechanical communication with the assembly platform for moving the platform between positions. A timer element establishes a predetermined time period from which the upsetting element transforms the block elements assembled atop the platform at an expiration of the set period of play time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W Butcher, Daniel Sanfilippo, Dustin DePenning, Lee M Lenkarski
  • Publication number: 20140110902
    Abstract: A game consisting of an unstable base having a projection out of it where triangular blocks can be inserted to form a structure of branches, each block being identical in length, width and height with every other block. The blocks, composed of material which have weight to them, are inserted one-at-a-time, either in the base projection or into another block in the structure. The process continues alternately between players until one player is eliminated by reason of his or her induction of the collapse of the structure or one or more of the blocks touch the surface of that which is supporting the base, such as a table top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan Thomas Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130300064
    Abstract: A stacking game utilizes a rock shaped bowl base with an internal, asymmetrical cavity. A plurality of variously shaped and sized asymmetrical game members, optimally configured as misshapened stones, are placed, in turn by each player, within the cavity. The cavity is eventually filled with the game members and then additional game members are placed on each other to form a “rock pile.” Players whose placement of a game member causes one or more of the game members to fall off the pile are eliminated. The only player who does not cause a game member to fall is the winner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: John D. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 8444151
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game is provided. The apparatus may include a base, a plurality of projectiles and a first target platform moveable with respect to the base. The first target platform may include a collecting position, in which the plurality of projectiles are collected at the first target platform, and a dispersing position, in which the plurality of projectiles are dispersed from the first target platform. The apparatus may further include an actuator mechanism configured to actuate movement of the first target platform from the collecting position to the dispersing position and a first launcher attached to the base and configured to project the plurality of projectiles toward the first target platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Moran, Stephen P. K. Lau, Jeremy R. Fischer, Alan Chung Chi Cheung, Vincent Chen Wen Yong, Tom Lee Tai To, Erick Huang Shi Xiong, Edmond Jiang Xiao Dong
  • Patent number: 8302966
    Abstract: A game is disclosed that is played with coins to deliver a prize to a player. A coin delivery mechanism is adapted to deliver the coins proximate at least one coin platform via a sloped playing field having a plurality of apertures vertically aligned with each coin platform. A plurality of prize platforms each support a prize and are each mechanically coupled with one of the coin platforms to dispense the prize thereon when the weight of the plurality of coins retained by the coin platform reaches a critical weight. A prize chute is situated below each prize platform and delivers the prize to the player when the prize falls from the prize platform. A profit chute is situated below each coin platform and the playing field and is adapted to deliver the coins not retained by the coin platform into a coin storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Royce Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7905491
    Abstract: A wobbling game system for providing an interactive and challenging game. The wobbling game system generally includes an apparatus for determining an outcome of a game, comprising a base including a curved portion and a flat portion, wherein the flat portion is positioned at a lowermost end of the base and wherein the curved portion extends from the flat portion. At least one ballast is positioned proximate the base or adding weight to the base and an adjustable counterbalance mechanism extends from the base for stabilizing the base on the flat portion. A plurality of games to use the apparatus with are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: David L. Gray
  • Patent number: 7900931
    Abstract: A balancing mechanism for an equilibrium game wherein a hub is connected to a tripod by a universal joint. A plurality of radially extending arms having cups on their outer ends are connected to the hub. A depending pointer is connected to the hub and extends downwardly therefrom to a Cartesian coordinate graph positioned centrally of the tripod. A plurality of weights are placed in the cups to cause the pointer to become positioned at a certain X,Y point on the graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas H. Cornish
  • Patent number: 7900930
    Abstract: The game apparatus has a plurality of elongate coloured building blocks. During the course of a game a number of the blocks are built up block by block in a desired orientation on an associated plinth forming an upright structure until this structure collapses. Each building block is of square section and is subdivided into five coloured engagement portions each of which has a different colour. When building up the structure the coloured building blocks may only interengage where their touching engagement portions are of the same colour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Luz Java Limited
    Inventors: Noel Donegan, Luz Java
  • Patent number: 7874560
    Abstract: A suspended game piece construction game having a game assembly including a suspended ring assembly to which a plurality of game pieces may be attached in a multitude of different orientations and compositions. A base assembly is placed upon a flat surface, and serves as a support for the rest of the game assembly. An elongated linear member is mounted vertically to the top of the base assembly. A ring assembly is placed about the elongated linear member, and is free to move up and down along the elongated linear member. A top assembly is mounted to the top end of the elongated linear tube, and supports the ring assembly at the top of the elongated linear member during gameplay. A plurality of game pieces have features which allow them to be attached to the ring or to each other. During gameplay, players take turns attaching game pieces to the ring assembly, or to other game pieces that have already been attached. Players attempt to attach the pieces so as to avoid causing the ring assembly to fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Dean, Matthew Donie, Joel Kramer
  • Publication number: 20100156044
    Abstract: The present utility model provides a rapid fixing lock structure of a balance board, relating to a connecting part of balance board and its fittings for game players. The rapid fixing lock structure of the balance board can fix different balance board fittings to a balance board according to various games so as to increase the sense of reality and fun from balance board game. The rapid fixing lock structure of the balance board comprises: a base, a rapid snap close and a rotating shaft; the base consists of a rotating shaft fixing structure, on which the rotating shaft is mounted; the rapid snap close is L shape formed by two vertical sides perpendicular to each other, wherein the end of the first vertical side is provided with a sprocket for buckling the balance board slot on the balance board, the end of the second vertical side is equipped with a rotating shaft hole of the rapid snap close; the rapid snap close connects the base through the rotation of the rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Qualtech Global Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwok Kee Chong
  • Patent number: 7731192
    Abstract: The construction and balancing puzzle of the present invention utilizes multiple differently shaped parts which are assembled vertically on a stand to form particular designs. During the assembling or construction, the assembled parts must be balanced at all times. The basic puzzle piece is an injection molded cube and the remaining puzzle pieces are fabricated by joining several cubes together in a single plane. The stand or base includes a flat bottom to be supported on a table and the upper portion is made from two upwardly facing walls that are at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other to form a V. Each of the two walls of the base has a length that is preferably one and one-half times the length of the cube that makes the basic puzzle piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew D. Marhefka
  • Patent number: 7694975
    Abstract: The invention, an apparatus and foam blocks for toys and an adjunct for games, consists of a spring-loaded platform acting as the launcher used in conjunction with foam blocks. The spring-loaded platform consists of two plastic parts butted together using the force from a cord to form a stable platform when unloaded. Light weight foam blocks are placed in specified locations on the platform by the players one at a time until the weight of the blocks (or the slight impulse of a foam block being placed by a nervous player) causes the platform to collapse very rapidly. The light weight foam blocks are thrown around for several feet in random directions from the platform. The event amounts to a harmless explosion introducing a high level of suspense, surprise and a wow-factor when used solely as a toy or when used as an adjunct to a card or board game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Alton Darby
  • Publication number: 20090200743
    Abstract: A wobbling game system for providing an interactive and challenging game. The wobbling game system generally includes an apparatus for determining an outcome of a game, comprising a base including a curved portion and a flat portion, wherein the flat portion is positioned at a lowermost end of the base and wherein the curved portion extends from the flat portion. At least one ballast is positioned proximate the base or adding weight to the base and an adjustable counterbalance mechanism extends from the base for stabilizing the base on the flat portion. A plurality of games to use the apparatus with are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: David L. Gray
  • 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: 7261299
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game tool for jumping building block-based stepping stones, comprising a plurality of stepping stone units that can be independently placed flat on the ground for children to step on and jump. As each stepping stone unit is triangularly tilted, a top surface of each stepping stone unit forms a different inclination by changing the combination at a different angle, thereby enhancing the difficulty level of the game. Therefore, it is possible to superimpose and pile up the stepping stone units at a different inclination. Moreover, an anti-slip piece having a different pattern is disposed on a top surface of each of the stepping stone units, thereby preventing slippage and achieving educational and recreational purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: I-Cheng Chiu
  • Patent number: 7178805
    Abstract: This invention is an educational game of suspension, balance, construction and strategy. It can be played alone or with others. An initial point of suspension support is set up. One of several ways is used to choose a particular starting game piece. The first player engages a piece in some way with the point of suspension. Play moves to the next player. That player engages their piece anywhere and any way on the suspended structure. Pieces that disengage and are no longer contiguous with the suspended structure during any player's turn become part of that player's stock. If any player successfully engages a piece without it or any other piece falling completely away from the structure then the predetermined value of that piece is added to their score. The game ends when any player runs out of all their stock. At this point all scores are compared and the highest score wins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Albert Herbolich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7059606
    Abstract: A method of playing a game includes providing a plurality of stackable game pieces, at least a proportion of which are parallelepiped game pieces having at least one pair of opposed non-right angle parallelogram end faces and at least one pair of opposed rectangular surfaces. The game pieces are arranged in a stack having multiple layers including an initial upper layer. The multiple layers include a plurality of parallelepiped layers formed from the parallelepiped game pieces which are rested on one of the rectangular surfaces and nested relative to one another in each respective parallelepiped layer. A selected game piece is removed from any layer of the stack other than the upper layer. The selected game piece is then replaced on top of the stack to reconfigure the game piece stack. The steps of removing and replacing are repeated by one or more players until a new upper layer is formed on top of the stack or until the stack topples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Pokonobe Associates
    Inventors: Stephen W. Butcher, Paul Eveloff, David Grebler, Robert Grebler
  • Patent number: 7052013
    Abstract: A game device that includes non-uniformly shaped playing pieces that may be stacked onto an arrangement of multiple, base structures, the base structures having one or more substantially planar playing surfaces thereon, the playing pieces suitable for stacking on the playing surfaces in an unrestricted manner in accordance with rules for playing the game. The game may include a game board to which the base structures are securable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Jon Sinclair Olsen
  • Publication number: 20040245725
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for supporting elongate sticks or rods which comprises a main body (12) having a base formed by a plurality of legs (16) and defining a base footprint with a first defined footprint area, whereby the body member (12) supports and restrains a plurality of arms (14) extending therefrom so as to be inclined relative to a vertical axis extending through the body, the apparatus being used for supporting elongate sticks between the arm members and any previously supported sticks balance thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Michael Wickens
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020117805
    Abstract: A game of reasoning having a triangular game board is disclosed. Players are given a pre-defined time limit to respond to questions based on scenarios likely to be encountered by the game's preferred teenage players. Thereafter, a secondary point of view choice must be made. Points and penalties correspond to the selected responses. By correctly responding, players advance from a base of the game board to a zenith thereof. Once all players of a participating team reach the zenith, that team is declared the winner. Responses to questions are input by means of a game pad. The game board is formed of independent blocks stacked in a triangular shape divided into two sides. Each block includes at least one viewable face sectioned into equal parts corresponding to the number of team players. The sections include means of unique color illumination such that the progress of each player can be monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Denise E. Perez
  • Publication number: 20020024180
    Abstract: The instant invention is played using a plurality of rods and thin slices of fairly firm materials. The object is to build a tower as high as possible without having the tower fall over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Sherrill Dalton
  • Patent number: 6318726
    Abstract: A game apparatus, comprising a body, having a rotational axis and a non-planar surface, and a support, is disclosed. The support supports the body in a starting position, whereat the axis is horizontal, a center of gravity of the body is below the axis and the surface presents upwardly, and enables the body to rotate about the axis through a range of rotation. Playing pieces are provided. The surface includes playing positions, a socket being provided at each playing position, for releasably retaining selected ones of the playing pieces in fixed position relative to the surface upon selective distribution of said selected ones of the playing pieces to respective ones of the playing positions. The body is adapted for variable pivotal displacement about the axis relative to the starting position by effect of gravity responsive to said selective distribution. A scale for measuring said variable pivotal displacement is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Kenneth Nicholls
  • Patent number: 6164654
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game that challenges variable skill levels, variable skill attributes, and that may be played under variable lighting conditions. The present invention provides a game of balance and dexterity, whereby game pieces 10 are stacked one atop the other. The balancing surface of a game piece may be varied in size, so that players of different skill levels would find the game equally challenging. The game pieces are designed to glow in the dark. Therefore, the game may be played in a well-lit room, in a completely darkened room, or in a semi-darkened room. The game of the present invention may be played in a specified amount of time. In the preferred embodiment, each game piece 10 is in the shape of a truncated prism, with the apex 16 of the truncated prism lying along a longitudinal axis of the game piece 10. The end elements 12, 12a of the game piece 10 define a triangle, with the base 22 of each triangle lying perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the game piece 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony Tricomi
  • 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: 6149494
    Abstract: A toy includes a platform, a moving body, and a balance bar. The moving body has front and rear wheels rotatable about horizontal rotary axes, a turning wheel, and a drive unit coupled to the turning wheel and one of the rear wheels to drive movement of the moving body when the moving body is disposed on the platform. The turning wheel is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rotary axes of the front and rear wheels, and prevents the moving body from falling off the platform when the moving body moves to a peripheral edge of the platform. The balance bar has an intermediate fulcrum portion mounted pivotally on the moving body about a horizontal pivot axis, and two arm portions projecting from two opposite lateral sides of the moving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Dah Yang Toy Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Nan Yang
  • 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: 5954340
    Abstract: A balance member is formed of a plurality of substantially planar rigid trunk elements arranged in a vertical stack and alternately oriented orthogonally to each adjacent trunk element. Each planar trunk element further supports a pair of oppositely positioned substantially horizontal tier members. A chance device and a plurality of tokens are provided to complete the game apparatus. The game is played by operating the chance device at the initiation of each player's turn to designate a particular tier level upon the balance member which the player must place a token successfully without tipping the balance member during each turn. The balance member is supported by a base having a downwardly convex preferably spherical surface which allows the balance member to tip in response to imbalances of token distribution caused by player placement of tokens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Megan Tedesco
  • Patent number: 5611544
    Abstract: A game is played by building a tower of bricks in multiple levels, and players alternately removing a brick from one level and adding it to the top of the tower to build new levels, until collapse of the tower occurs. Bricks of a variety of different types are provided with each type having different physical characteristics, such as shape, size, surface configuration and/or coefficient of friction. At least two adjacent layers of the initial tower are formed from bricks of different types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Pokonobe Associates
    Inventors: Robert K. Grebler, Paul Eveloff, James E. Sheftel
  • Patent number: 5560616
    Abstract: A game for use with more than one marbles. The game comprises a housing having first and second sides, a bottom surface and a return area. The bottom surface is sloped such that when the marbles are placed upon the bottom surface the marbles tend under the force of gravity to roll to the return area. The device also comprises a support member disposed above the bottom surface having a plurality of indentations to support one of the marbles. The device further comprises a casing connected to said housing to substantially enclose the same and a first handle member extending through the casing. The handle member comprises a first end which may be grasped by the person and a second end which may be used to grasp the marbles. The handle member being movable along the casing so that the marbles may be picked up from the return area and placed upon the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: John Van Hessen
  • Patent number: 5480159
    Abstract: A method of playing a game which includes a base element having a substantially horizontal, dimensionally defined upper surface and a plurality of uniformly thick playing pieces, wherein the base element is placed on a stable surface and then the playing pieces are sequentially played forming a game structure extending upwardly and outwardly from the base element until a designated uppermost piece is played terminating any further upward play, all subsequent pieces being played outwardly, including wedging pieces between previously played pieces, until the structure topples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce F. Alsip
  • Patent number: 5421581
    Abstract: A game device in which opposing magnetic fields are used to position a plurality of magnetic balance tiles around the periphery of a starting magnet in accordance with a set of rules which specify unique patterns of displacement and awards points which are consistent with the degree of difficulty in replicating the patterns. The game may be played by one or more players in a group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Johnnie B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5393060
    Abstract: Apparatus for randomly manipulating and distributing one or a plurality of game pieces such as dice, marbles, coins or the like. In one construction, the game piece is contained within a closed housing having a plurality of apertures formed through side and end walls to support selectively positioned obstruction pieces which may be positioned by the players in a random or predetermined pattern to provide a plurality of passageways through which the game pieces must pass. In another construction, an open ended housing includes a game piece receiving portion, a player selectable directing portion and a randomizer portion including a plurality of obstruction pieces. In another construction, one or more coins may be semi-permanently contained within the housing. In still other constructions, the housing is constructed in halves, each of which contain integral obstruction pieces which define a plurality of passageways to a plurality of permanently contained game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventors: Larry D. Land, Marie A. Land, Melissa L. Land
  • Patent number: 5332231
    Abstract: The executive balance toy is a balancing game assembled from precisely-machined plates. The plates interconnect and pivot with respect to one another to form a structure that pivots about two axes and includes a play surface which does not pivot about its center of gravity. The executive toy challenges a player to place as many weighted play pieces as possible on the play surface without causing it to tilt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Elvin R. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 5328188
    Abstract: A game having a magnetically permeable game board areas, each of the areas having a magnet associated therewith and a plurality of magnetic game pieces to be propelled by a player by a repeller toward the game board in an effort to position the magnetic game piece over an area having the highest scoring value associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 5265884
    Abstract: This invention discloses a game of skill which brings into play the delightful and astonishing behavior of round rolling magnets. Players take turns tossing disc-shaped magnets into a cylindrical cup. The magnets gradually begin to stack up inside the cup, and eventually pile up above the rim to form a growing tower. The object is always to add a magnet to the stack without overturning the cup or the tower. Inevitably, the tower finally crashes down, and another round of the game begins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: David Stein
  • Patent number: 5240260
    Abstract: A toy game apparatus includes a plurality of independent character figure body portion segments which are rotatably received on a bent rod so that they extend upwardly from a base and a plurality of upwardly facing, hand-like ball receiving elements on each of the body portion segments. The apparatus further includes a sound responsive operating mechanism for rotating the bent rod to shift the body portion segments back and forth in response to a predetermined level of sound. The apparatus is operative in an amusement game wherein game players are required to assemble balls in the ball receiving elements and wherein talking or laughing sounds produced by game players cause the operating mechanism to rotate the bend rod to shift the body portion segments back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned Strongin
  • Patent number: 5209486
    Abstract: A game having a magnetically permeable game board areas, each of the areas having a magnet positioned thereunder below the game board and a plurality of magnetic game pieces to be propelled by a player by a repeller toward the game board in an effort to position the magnetic game piece on an area having the highest scoring value associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 5197735
    Abstract: Apparatus for randomly manipulating and distributing one or a plurality of game pieces such as dice, marbles, coins or the like. In one construction, the game piece is contained within a closed housing having a plurality of apertures formed through side and end walls to support selectively positioned obstruction pieces which may be positioned by the players in a random or predetermined pattern to provide a plurality of passageways through which the game pieces must pass. In another construction, an open ended housing includes a game piece receiving portion, a player selectable directing portion and a randomizer portion including a plurality of obstruction pieces. In another construction, one or more coins may be semipermanently contained within the housing. In still other constructions, the housing is constructed in halves, each of which contain integral obstruction pieces which define a plurality of passageways to a plurality of permanently contained game pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventors: Larry D. Land, Marie A. Land, Melissa L. Land
  • Patent number: 5181727
    Abstract: A toy game apparatus includes a body portion, a vertically extendable semi-rigid appendage, and an advancing mechanism in the body portion for advancing the appendage from a retracted position therein to various vertically upwardly extended positions relative thereto. The body portion is preferably formed in the configuration of a waiter character figure, and the appendage is preferably formed as an arm on the waiter character figure which is vertically extendable for supporting a tray and dishes at various elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Sente Creations Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Fukumura
  • Patent number: 5072936
    Abstract: The invention relates to a board and table type of game in which competing players take turns in stacking small magnetic marbles or magnetic game pieces on to a small elevated base to see how many they can stack before a fall occurs. The magnetic marbles and game pieces contain magnets which exert magnetic fields well beyond their physical bodies and can both assist and hamper players in making good scores trying to place the maximum number of marbles or game pieces on the base. Various sizes of bases and various game playing formats are offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Norwood R. Warehime
  • Patent number: 5071355
    Abstract: A demonstration appliance has a human figure comprising a head region, a foot region with a convex downward or pointed foot surface, and a block whose height matches that of the foot region. The block comprises at least two, preferably three, superimposed separable layers and has an upward-opening recess for receiving the foot region. Said recess is formed by an opening in each layer. The opening in the first layer has an overdimension with respect to and around the lower part of the foot region which is lodged in the first layer, such that the latter alone loosely holds the foot region and, hence the figure, and, in the event of shaking, for example if the figure is lightly tapped, will not prevent tilting. The shape of the opening in the other layer is adapted to the corresponding part of the foot region so that the foot region lodged in the openings of the superimposed layers cannot be tilted from the vertical through an angle greater than +/-10.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventors: Karl-Werner Schmitz, Manfred Bergfelder
  • Patent number: 5067729
    Abstract: A game apparatus including a plurality of block members, wherein each block member is defined by an equal predetermined length. The block members are defined by a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration, wherein both sides are of differing lengths. An elongate slot is directed through a plurality of the side walls arranged parallel to the remaining side walls. The game permits stacking of the blocks until a player effects a tumbling of the formed stack upon which a point total is awarded to a preceding opposing player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventors: Gary W. Hunter, Robert L. Leeper
  • Patent number: 5007636
    Abstract: A Game Apparatus is disclosed which is capable of forming the base of many different games and which comprises a container 1 for game apparatus elements and a lid 7 for the container, an upper surface of the container being provided with attachments whereby at least some of the game apparatus elements 10 can be mounted upon the container so that the container functions as a base for the assembled game apparatus and the lid of the container 7 includes a spinner 8, 9 for randomly choosing one of a plurality of instructions for use in playing a game with the game apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: David A. Pagani