US20030127796A1

US20030127796A1 - Game with pivoting pointer

Info

Publication number: US20030127796A1
Application number: US10/286,366
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan Bedford
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Mattel Inc
Priority date: 2001-11-01
Filing date: 2002-11-01
Publication date: 2003-07-10
Also published as: KR100556261B1; US7025352B2; EP1450907A2; EP1450909A4; EP1450914A1; EP1450912A4; US20060163813A1; MXPA04004007A; BR0213829A; KR20040053265A; CN1582184A; KR20040053260A; BR0213840A; US6796561B2; US20030085519A1; AU2002363246A1; BR0213830A; MXPA04004118A; MXPA04004116A; BR0213839A

Abstract

A game wherein players move their game pieces across a game board and attempt to collect end game cards by moving their player mover to a space that is occupied by a reward mover. Moreover, the game may be portable. In some cases, the game apparatus may be carried in a plastic case that resembles a hard-backed book. The game components may be based on an individual chapter from a published children's book or novel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to the following U.S. provisional patent application, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes: Ser. No. 60/340,007 entitled “Book Based Games,” filed Nov. 1, 2001.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to board games, and more specifically to board games that resemble a book when closed, and resemble a children's playset when open. The invention also includes various rules and apparatus for playing a board game, including games having differently configured room-like portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Examples of board games that resemble a book are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,221,267, 3,880,429, 4,712,673, 4,781,384, 5,356,155, 5,961,149, and 6,203,017, and examples of board games that include multiple levels or room-like portions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,767,201, 3,804,416, 4,333,654, 4,534,565, 5,195,750, 5,443,268, 5,678,819 and 6,170,825, the disclosures of all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes portable games carried in a plastic case that resembles a hard-backed book. Opening the book unfolds the game board. Various embodiments may be based on an individual chapter from a published children's book or novel.

Preferably, the housing and game board double as a play set, for use with detailed figures and environments.

The present invention further includes rules and apparatus for playing a board game in which players try to penalize their opponents by rotating and aiming a pointer at their opponents' player movers.

The advantages of the present invention will be understood more readily after a consideration of the drawings and the Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the game of the present invention, including a housing, multiple chambered playing surface, and playing pieces. [0008]
FIG. 2 depicts the housing of FIG. 1 in a closed position.[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a game played by at least two players involving strategy and chance. As will be understood, [0010] game 410 may incorporate elements from a particular theme or popular cultural phenomenon, such as a book or movie. In such a case, the elements of game 410 may include depictions, shapes, and colors that reflect or exemplify this theme or phenomenon. In particular, game 410 may be based on a particular portion of popular media, such as a chapter of a book or novel.
An exemplary embodiment of [0011] game 410 is shown in FIG. 1. Typically, game 410 includes a housing 412 having an inner surface 414 and an outer surface 416. Game 410 further includes a game board 418, a plurality of cards 420, player movers 422, reward movers 424, and a random number generator such as dice 426.
[0012] Game board 418 typically includes a plurality of spaces 428. As shown, spaces 428 can be thought of as creating a plurality of columns 430 radiating from a central position 432. A pointer 434 is pivotally attached to central position 432 such that pointer 434 may be rotated to point down any of the columns. Spaces 428 may be divided by a plurality of barriers 436, which indicate areas that a player mover cannot move across. Game board 418 may further include a plurality of reward mover spaces 438. Moreover, game board 418 may include a finish space, which may or may not be the space in which pointer 434 is located.
As shown, [0013] pointer 434 may be located on a raised platform. This platform may include some or all of spaces 428, including the finish space.
As stated above, [0014] game 410 includes cards 420. Cards 420 typically include two different types of end game cards that are differentiable based on color, markings, or the like. Moreover, cards 420 may include any suitable cards such as a card that allows the player holding the card to roll again, a card that allows the player holding the card to take a card from an opponent, or a card that protects the player holding the card from being penalized when the pointer points at the player's player mover.
As stated above, [0015] game 410 may be based on a particular piece of popular media such as a book or more. More particularly, game 410 may be based on a portion of the popular media piece such as a book chapter. In such a case, it may be desirable for game 410 to also be used as a play set. As a play set, game 410 may include play items based on those items and situations described in the book or other form of popular media. Furthermore, game 410 may include additional decorative items that are not used in game play according to the rules of the game. In addition, some or all of the items used in game play may be suitable for use as part of the play set.
As stated above, [0016] game 410 may further include a housing 412 having an inner surface 414 and an outer surface 416. Typically, housing 412 is adapted to move from an open position, as shown in FIG. 1 to a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2. Generally, game board 418 is accessible for play when the housing is in the open position.
The housing may resemble a book when in the closed position. Furthermore, the housing may be adapted to contain all of the playing components including the playing pieces and any decorative items not used in game play when in the closed position. [0017]
In one embodiment, the present invention provides rules for using the above-described apparatus wherein players move their player movers across game board [0018] 18 trying to place their player mover and a reward mover on the same reward mover space in order to collect cards. Players must collect two different end game cards before returning to finish space 440 to win the game. In addition, players rotate pointer 434. Typically, the rules of the game specify that if pointer 434 points down the column on which a player mover is located, the player controlling that player mover is penalized, for example by losing a turn.
As stated above, the game may be based on a well-known popular culture phenomenon, such as a book or movie. Accordingly, the example below is based on the popular children's book [0019] Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J. K. Rowlings. Accordingly, an example of a set of rules for a game constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention follows:

EXAMPLE 1

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone™

HEIR OF SLYTHERIN

Chapter Game

Game Contents [0020]
1 Mini Game Book [0021]
2 Harry Potter Movers (Red and Blue) [0022]
2 Sorting Hat Indicators (Red and Blue) [0023]
1 Six-Sided Numbered Die (Mover Die) [0024]
1 Six-Sided Custom Die (Basilisk Die—Symbols and Numbers) [0025]
1 Basilisk Figure (2 Pieces) [0026]
1 Fawkes the Phoenix Figure [0027]
1 Stone Platform [0028]
1 Card Holder [0029]
2 Columns [0030]
24 Game Cards [0031]
3 Sword of Gryffindor Cards [0032]
3 Basilisk Fang Cards [0033]
6 Sorting Hat Cards [0034]
6 Phoenix Tear Cards [0035]
6 Basilisk Cards [0036]
SET UP [0037]
Unfold the game board. [0038]
Place the Stone Platform along one side of the board, the Card Holder on the opposite side, and the two Columns between them. (Spot #A—see diagram) [0039]
Snap the two pieces of the Basilisk (the Giant Snake) firmly onto its body in the center of the Stone Platform, and snap Fawkes onto the end of the pointer, facing the Basilisk. Position the Basilisk so it points directly at the Card Holder. (Spot #B—see diagram) [0040]
Shuffle the cards and stand them—backs toward the game board—inside the Card Holder. (Spot #C—see diagram) [0041]
Place both of the Sorting Hat Indicators on the space numbered “1”. (Spot #D—see diagram) [0042]
Both players choose one of the Harry Potter Movers and place them on the Start Space in front of the Card Holder. (Spot #E—see diagram) [0043]
Each player rolls the numbered die. Highest roll goes first. [0044]
Object [0045]
Avoid the Basilisk's Petrifying gaze as you race through the Chamber of Secrets to catch your Sorting Hat and draw a card. The first player to reach the Basilisk with both the Sword of Gryffindor Card and Basilisk Fang Card wins the game. [0046]
The Dice [0047]
This game contains two dice. The Mover Die is an ordinary six-numbered die. The Basilisk Die (the Custom die) has pictures and numbers—pictures of the Basilisk with a number from 1 to 6. Whenever you roll the Basilisk die, you rotate the Basilisk the number of spaces indicated by the die. (See diagram) [0048]
Let's Play [0049]
The Player who rolled highest goes first. [0050]
Moving Around the Chamber of Secrets [0051]
On you turn, roll both dice. [0052]
First, move your Harry Potter Mover the number of spaces rolled on the Mover Die, trying to reach your Sorting Hat. Whenever you land on your Sorting Hat, you get to draw a card. [0053]
You do not have to land on your Sorting Hat by exact count. [0054]
You cannot move diagonally, and you cannot move through a wall—you must go around it. [0055]
Movers and Sorting Hat Indicators can share the same space. [0056]
Moving The Basilisk [0057]
After you finish moving your Harry Potter Mover, you get to rotate the Basilisk clockwise or counter-clockwise the number of spaces rolled on the Basilisk Die—there are a total of 12 sections on the floor, indicated by the bricks. Every brick the Fawkes pointer moves onto counts as one space. (Spot #D—see diagram) [0058]
You must move the Basilisk the full number of spaces rolled, and you must move it in one direction. You cannot change direction until the Basilisk reaches a wall and must head back the opposite way. [0059]
At the end of its movement if the Basilisk stares down a row of spaces that either Mover is standing in, that player loses their next turn. (Spot #E—see diagram) [0060]
You cannot stop your Mover on a space where the Basilisk is staring. [0061]
You cannot move onto the Basilisk's platform until you collect the Sword of Gryffindor and Basilisk Fang cards. [0062]
Collecting Cards [0063]
Whenever you land on your Sorting Hat Indicator, draw a card. There are five types of cards: [0064]
SORTING HAT—allows you to roll again [0065]
BASILISK—when you play it on your opponent, you get to draw one card from their hand without looking and place it in the discard pile beside the game board. (If you use all the cards, re-shuffle the discard pile and return the cards to the Card Holder). [0066]
PHOENIX TEAR—if you play this card when the Basilisk points at you, you do not lose a turn but can move normally. [0067]
SWORD OF GRYFFINDOR—one of two cards you need before you can attach the Basilisk. [0068]
BASILISK FANG—one of two cards you need before you can attach the Basilisk. [0069]
Whenever you draw a card and finish moving the Basilisk, your opponent takes your Sorting Hat Indicator and can move it to any other numbered space on the board, forcing you to chase it to get your next card. [0070]
You can only play your cards after you finish moving, and you can play as many during your turn as you want. [0071]
Defeating The Basilisk [0072]
The first player who collects a Sword of Gryffindor Card and Basilisk Fang Card then reaches the space that the Basilisk sits in wins the game. [0073]
It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. [0074]
Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed in this or a related application. Such claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to any original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure. [0075]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game comprising:

a game board having

a plurality of spaces radiating from a central position, wherein a subset of the spaces are reward mover spaces;

barrier markings indicating areas where movement between two or more of the spaces is forbidden; and

a pointer pivotally attached to the central position;

rules for playing the game;

a random number generator;

a reward mover;

a player mover; and

a plurality of cards, wherein a subset of the cards are end game cards.

2. The game of claim 1 wherein the central position is located at an approximate geometric center of the game board.

3. The game of claim 1 wherein the central position is spaced away from a geometric center of the game board.

4. The game of claim 1 wherein the random number generator is a die.

5. The game of claim 1 wherein the plurality of cards includes:

a card for a player holding the card to roll again;

a card for a player holding the card to take a card from an opponent;

a card that protects a player from being penalized when the pointer points at a corresponding player mover;

a first end game card; and

a second end game card.

6. The game of claim 5 wherein the rules specify that a player must collect both the first and second end game cards in order to win the game.

7. The game of claim 1 wherein the rules specify that a player must be penalized when the pointer points at a player mover controlled by the player.

8. The game of claim 7 wherein the player is penalized by loss of a turn.

9. The game of claim 1 including a semi-circular raised platform radiating from the central position.

10. The game of claim 9 wherein the pointer is affixed to the raised platform.

11. The game of claim 10 wherein the pointer includes a first part and a second part wherein the first part is affixed to the raised platform and the second part is spaced apart from the first part and adapted to pivot around the raised platform.

12. The game of claim 1 wherein the gameboard is located on the inside of a housing and the housing is movable from an open position to a closed position.

13. The game of claim 12 wherein the housing is adapted to contain the cards, pointer, random number generator, reward mover and player movers when the housing is in the closed position.

14. The game of claim 12 wherein the housing resembles a closed book when the housing is in the closed position.

15. A method for playing a game comprising:

moving a playing piece on a game board, the game board having a plurality of spaces radiating from a central rotating pointer, wherein a turn in the game comprises;

obtaining a number from a random number generator and moving a player mover on the game board the number of spaces indicated by the random number generator; and

obtaining a number from a random number generator and rotating the pointer the number of spaces indicated by the random number generator, penalizing a player controlling a player mover if the pointer points at the player mover after the pointer is rotated;

drawing a card from a plurality of cards when a player mover and a reward mover share a space and moving the reward mover from a first reward mover space to a second reward mover space;

collecting end game cards; and

reaching a finish space.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the random number generator for moving the individual playing piece is a die.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the random number generator for the pointer is a die.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the penalty is loss of a turn.