GB2225728A

GB2225728A - Apparatus and device for playing a game

Info

Publication number: GB2225728A
Application number: GB8828149A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Victor Stephen Bulley; William Hammond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-12-02
Filing date: 1988-12-02
Publication date: 1990-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2008-12-02
Also published as: GB8828149D0; GB2225728B

Abstract

Apparatus for playing a game comprising random number generating means such as a die or dice or the like; a plurality of playing pieces 104; a playing surface having a peripheral or circumferential track 1 divided into movement spaces 1, 1'' for movement of playing pieces and extending around a plurality of inwardly directed tracks 8A...38D also divided into a plurality of movement spaces 8A...38D for movement of playing pieces; a plurality of starting enclosures 2A...32D with one inwardly directed track being provided for each starting enclosure region and leading to a finish area 10A...40D or to one of a plurality of finish areas each associated with a starting enclosure; and one of a plurality of start positions 4A... 34D indicated on said circumferential track each associated with a starting enclosure; wherein a starting enclosure, a start position, an inwardly directed track and a finish position are associated together and identified together by having e.g. the same colour or indicia. Preferably, the playing pieces 104 are stackable to prevent opponents from passing. Players move their playing pieces 104 of the same colour or indicia from the start S to the finish F by circling the track 1 and turning down the appropriate inwardly-directed track. The game may be played on a board or computer. <IMAGE>

Description

APPARATUS AND DEVICE EOR PLAYING A GAME The present invention relates to an apparatus and device for playing a game in which, very generally, the object of the game is to move playing pieces having regard to the rules of the game from a starting position along a track and to a finishing position before an opponent or opponents.

Whilst there are apparatuses for playing games involving moving playing pieces along a track, the present invention has particular features which provide for a considerably improved and more enjoyable game and a distinctive apparatus for playing such.

According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for playing a game comprising random number generator means; a plurality of playing pieces; a playing surface having a peripheral or circumferential track divided into movement spaces for playing pieces and extending around a plurality of inwardly directed tracks also divided into a plurality of movement spaces for playing pieces, a plurality of starting enclosure regions with one inwardly directed track being provided for each starting enclosure region and leading to a finish area or to one of a plurality of finish areas each associated with a starting enclosure, and one of a plurality of start positions indicated on said circumferential trackeachassociated with a starting enclosure;; wherein a starting enclosure, a start position, an inwardly directed track and a finish position are associated together and identified together, for example, by means of having a same colour or other inidcia means applied thereto.

In a preferred and simple embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention which is particularly suitable for playing by children or young children (and which in the subsequent description relating to the drawings is referred to, by way of example, as "Junior Barrier") the circumferential track is octagonal and, preferably, has one said inwardly directed track extending from alternate corner regions to, preferably, four separate finish positions.

In a somewhat more complicated embodiment of the apparatus more suitable for use by adults, the inwardly directed tracks, which extend inwardly from the corner regions defined by adjacent inclined portions'of the circumferential track, are separated by two "free" corners of the circumferential track so as to define with the central finish position(s) a plurality of interlocked or conjoined hexagonally defined regions and along the tracks of which playing pieces may be moved. Preferably, a starting enclosure will be located within each hexagon and preferably extend from a "free" corner of the outer circumferential track whilst a start position will be associated with a movement space of each hexagon and, preferably, adjacent the other "free" corner of each hexagon.By "free" there is intended to mean a corner with which an inwardly directed track is not associated.

Preferably in all embodiments the start position will have a direction of movement indicator associated therewith and, preferably, a direction of movement change will also be associated with a movement space on the outer circumferential track adjacent each inwardly directed track.

The starting enclosure will preferably be delineated by 3 hexagonal boundary and location spaces, preferably six in nunber, will be provided therein for receipt and location of associated playing pieces.

The centre of the second mentioned preferred embodiment suitable for use by adults will as a consequence of the interlocking or conjoined arrangement of hexagonals also be of hexagonal shape with, preferably, a free hexagonal space in the middle out of phase by 450 with the surrounding hexagonal and the central surrounding hexagonal will be divided in hexagonal finish positions, preferably six in number with a corresponding number, preferably six, of counter location spaces provided thereon for receiving playing pieces or counters when such reach the associated finish.

In the "Junior Barrier" embodiment or the embodiment suitable for playing by children including an octagonal, circumferential track, the centre region is preferably defined by a square divided into four triangles by two diagonals and each provided with a receiving space for playing pieces or counters.

Also according to the present invention a device for use in the apparatus for playing a game according to the present invention described above comprises a member or playing piece which is adapted to be stacked with a plurality of other identical playing pieces or counters - i.e. is identical apart from possibly colour or other identification indicia means.

It is not believed playing pieces exist which can be readily stacked to any reasonable number in stable manner which may be suitable for use in the game according to the present invent ion.

In a preferred embodiment of the device, the playing piece is adapted to be stacked by having a shaped upper or lower surface adapted to interlock or inter-nest with the respective, lower or upper surface of an identically constructed piece or device. In a preferred embodiment each one of a plurality of identically constructed playing pieces includes a projection on its upper surface and a recess in its lower surface with said projections being locatable in the recess in the lower surface of an identical playing piece to enable two or more playing pieces to be nested together and be stacked in a stack comprising a plurality of playing pieces in a stable manner. The reverse construction is also envisaged.

In a further preferred embodiment of a device according to the present invention, the playing piece comprises a generally cylindrical playing piece with a reduced diameter upper portion forming a cylindrical projection extending therefrom and having a cylindrical recess or aperture in its lower surface for receiving the cylindrical projection of an identically constructed playing piece therein so that a plurality of said identically constructed playing pieces may be stacked one above the other in stable manner.

The devices or playing pieces as mentioned may be differently identified by different colours or other indicia means. Preferably the playing pieces will be formed of plastics material and preferably be of injection moulded plastics material. The playing pieces will be suitably shaped so as to be readily movable along the movement spaces of the circumferential and inwardly directed tracks of the previously described apparatus.

It is considered to be within the scope of the present invention for the apparatus for playing a game described with reference to a playibg surface herein described to also be incorporated as a video and/or computer game and the present invention is intended to cover such incorporation and any other electronic apparatus representing the game and any computer or other electronic device whenever programmed to perform the game or enable such to be played.

In addition to the playing surface and different playing counters or playing pieces, the apparatus of the present invention also requires random number generating means such as a die or dice, which is known and not illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

For copyright reaons, the full rules of the game which may be played utilising the apparatus according to the present invention are not described in full herein but might generally be described as having the main purpose for each player of having to get his or her assoicated playing pieces fran the starting enclosure to the associated finish position in accordance with prescribed rules which preferably include rules preventing opponents from passing a number of "stacked" playing pieces of one player or players of a partnership.

The arrangement of the present apparatus for playing a game permits the game to be played by two, three, four or more players and is a game to be played with a partner or groups of partners. Preferably an even number of starting enclosures etc. are provided.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a playing surface of a first simple embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention for playing a game; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a playing surface of a second, more complicated embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention for playing a game; and Figs. 3 and 3A are, respectively, a plan view and side elevation of a device in the form of a counter or playing piece adapted for stacking with identical devices to form a barrier and for use with the apparatus according to the present invent ion.

The playing surface illustrated in Figs. I and 2 may be incorporated as a folding board for playing as a board game, as a pliable flexible surface or the like, or be incorporated in a piece of furniture or in the programming of a computer game.

In the apparatus described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the plurality of devices or playing pieces such as differently coloured and preferably stackable playing pieces are not shown nor is the random number generator means such as a die or dice.

In Fig. 1 a playing surface is illustrated suitable for use as a game for children and such as might be entitled "Junior Barrier". Where the same suffix is applied to different reference numerals such indicates that the portions or components are associated together and may be correspondingly identified, e.g. by having the same colour or other indicia means applied thereto.

The playing surface of the apparatus of Fig. 1 comprises a peripheral or circumferential track 1 divided into a plurality of movement spaces 1', 1" ... etc. and having an octagonal shape.

A plurality of starting enclosures 2A, 12B, 22C and 32D are provided each divided into a plurality of playing piece receiving areas, three in the present instance, 3A, 13B, 23C and 33D.

A plurality of start positions 4A, 14B, 24C and 34D are provided as constituting one of the movement spaces of track 1 and, in the example, are identified by the letter "S". Each start position has an associated direction of movement indicator 5A, 15B, 25C and 35D in the form of an arrow in the example.

Fran alternate corners 6A, 16B, 26C and 36D of the octagonal and, in the example, an associated movement space of the circumferential track 1 has a directional movement indicator in the form of an arrow 7A, 17B, 27C and 37D, and from which there extends an associated inwardly directed track, 8A, 1bB, 28C and 38D which is divided into a plurality of movement spaces 9A, 19B, 29C and 39D each leading to a finish area ALGA, 20B, 30C and 40D, with an associated playing piece receiving area llA, 21B, 31C and 41D which are each also identified by the letter "F" indicating the finish.

In the apparatus, three playing pieces each A, B, C and D (not shown) are provided. In the example, suffix A represents yellow, suffix B represents blue, suffix C represents red and suffix D represents green.

Rules are provided to determine the order and manner of play and when it is permitted to move a counter from the starting enclosure to the start position whereupon each of the counters execute a canplete circuit before moving down the associated inwardly directed track. Rules are provided to enable one playing piece to be stacked on another to prevent passage of opponent players and, preferably, the playing pieces are adapted as devices to permit stacking in a stable manner.

In the playing surface illustrated in Fig. 2 or use in the apparatus according to the present invention, the alphabetic suffixes to the reference numerals also indicate the indicia means are applied thereto. For example, the indicia means comprise colour coding, for example, E represents purple, F represents blue, G represents yellow, H represents orange, I represents green and J represents red so that the portions indicated are coloured to correspond to facilitate identification.

As mentioned previously suitable random number generator means such as a die or dice and devices as playing pieces E, F, G. H, I and J (not shown), six in number each are provided, i.e. correspondingly coloured counters or pieces are provided and, preferably, are adapted to be stacked one above the other as has been described and as will be described subsequently.

The playing surface of Fig. 2 comprises a circumferential track 42 divided into a plurality of movement spaces 42', 42"..., etc. and extending as angled portions so that three of said portions form half a hexagon - the other half being formed by inwardly directed track portions 48E, 57F, 66G, 76H, 85I and 94J plus inner finish portions 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 and 103.

A plurality of starting enclosures 43E, 52F, 61G, 70H,80I and 89J are provided and have playing piece receiving portions 44E, 53F, 62G, 71H,-8II and 9 W and are indicated "S".

Associated with each starting enclosure is respectively a start position 45E, 54F, 63G, 72H, 82I and 91J.

Adjacent each start position is a corner 46E, 55F, 65G, 74H, 83I 92J with a directional movement indicator in the form of an arrow 47E, 56F, 65G, 74H, 841, 93J in one of the movement spaces and each pointing to an inwardly directed track 48E, 57S, 66G, 75H, 85I, 945 having movement spaces 49E, 58F, 67G, 76H, 86L and 95J and leading to finish areas 50E, 59F, 68G, 77H, 87I and 96J each with six playing piece receiving areas 51E, 60, 69G, 79H, 881, 97J - an inner hexagon being defined.

Similar rules will be applicable for playing a game on the surface of Fig. 2 as were referred to with reference to Fig. 1 and playing pieces adapted to be stacked may be used.

A device adapted to be stacked and forming a counter or playing piece 104 also according to the invention as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 3A and comprises a coloured plastics cylindrical member having an upper cylindrical portion 105 of reduced diameter so as to form a shoulder with the main body 106 of the piece which has a cavity or recess 107 in its base which will receive therein the portion 105 of an identical piece to permit the interengaging or stacking of playing identical pieces in a stable manner to be used in the apparatus of the invention. Other nesting arrangements are envisaged which are shaped and dimensioned to achieve stable stacking of the pieces.

Claims

1. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: random number generating means such as a die or dice or the like; a plurality of playing pieces; a playing surface having a peripheral or circumferential track divided into movement spaces for movement of playing pieces and extending around a plurality of inwardly directed tracks also divided into a plurality of movement spaces for movement of playing pieces; a plurality of starting enclosure regions with one inwardly directed track being provided for each starting enclosure region and leading to a finish area or to one of a plurality of finish areas each associated with a starting enclosure; and one of a plurality of start positions indicated on said circumferential track each associated with a starting enclosure; wherein a starting enclosure, a start position, an inwardly directed track and a finish position are associated together and identified together.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the association and identification is by means of having a same colour or other indicia means applied to each said associated starting enclosure, start poSition, inwardly direct track and finish position.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the circumferential track is octagonal and, preferably has one said inwardly directed track extending from alternate corner regions to, preferably, four separate finish positions.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the inwardly directed tracks, which extend inwardly from the corner regions defined by adjacent inclined portions of the circumferential track, are separated by two 'free' corners of the circumferential track (or angled sections without inwardly directed track) so as to define with the central finish position(s) a plurality of interlocked or conjoined hexagonally defined regions and along the tracks of which playing pieces may be moved.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which a starting enclosure is located within each hexagonally defined region (hexagon) whilst a start position will be associated with a movement space of each hexagon.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which each starting enclosure extends from a 'free' corner of the outer circumferential track and each start position is located adjacent the other 'free' corner of each hexagon; by 'free' there being intended to mean a corner with which an inwardly directed track is not associated.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, in which the start position has a direction of movement indicator associated therewith and, preferably, a direction of movement change indication means is also associated with a movement space on the outer circumferential track adjacent each inwardly directed track.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, in which the starting enclosure is delineated by a hexagonal boundary and location spaces, preferably six in number, are provided therein for receipt and location of associated playing pieces.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the centreas a consequence of the interlocking or conjoined arrangement of hexagonals is also of hexagonal shape with, preferably, a free hexagonal space in the middle out of phase by 45" with the surrounding hexagonal and the central surrounding hexagonal is divided into generally hexagonal finish positions, preferably six ir ntrrber with a corresponding number, preferably six, of counter location spaces being provided thereon for receiving playing pieces or counters when such reach the associated finish.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, in which the circumferential track is octagonal with the centre region preferably being defined by a square divided into four triangles by two diagonals and each provided with a receiving space for playing pieces or counters.

10A. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, in which an even number of starting enclosures are provided.

11. A device for use in the apparatus for playing a game as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, comprising a member or playing piece which is adapted to be stacked with a plurality of other identical playing pieces or counters and is identical with said other playing pieces apart from possibly colour or other identification indicia means.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11, in which the playing piece is adapted to be stacked by having a shaped upper or lower surface adapted to interlock or inter-nest with the respective, lower or upper surface of an identically constructed piece or device.

13. A device for use as a playing piece comprising one of a plurality of identically constructed playing pieces, wherein each includes a projection on its upper surface and a recess in its lower surface with said projections being locatable in the recess in the lower surface of an identical playing piece to enable two or more playing pieces to be nested together and be stacked in a stack comprising a plurality of playing pieces in a stable manner or a reverse construction thereof.

14. A device for use as a playing piece comprises a generally cylindrical playing piece with a reduced diameter upper portion ofrming a cylindrical projection extending therefrom and having a cylindrical recess or aperture in its lower surface for receiving the cylindrical projection of an identically constructed playing piece therein so that a plurality of said identically constructed playing pieces may be stacked one above the other in stable manner.

15. A plurality of devices or playing pieces as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, wherein groups of such will be differently identified by different colours or other indicia means.

16. A plurality of playing pieces formed of plastics material and preferably of injection moulded plastics material and wherein the playing pieces are suitably shaped so as to be readily movable along the movement spaces of the circumferential and inwardly directed tracks of the previously described apparatus of claims 1 to 10.

17. An apparatus for playing a game as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 with reference to a playing surface herein described whenever incorporated as a video and/or computer game and any other electronic apparatus representing the game and any computer or other electronic device whenever programmed to perform the game or enable such to be played.

18. Apparatus for playing a game or a playing piece device for use in such game substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.