WO2007014430A1

WO2007014430A1 - Game apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007014430A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001096
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter William Schofield
Original assignee: The University of Newcastle; Newcastle Innovation Ltd
Current assignee: The University of Newcastle; Newcastle Innovation Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-03
Filing date: 2006-08-02
Publication date: 2007-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-03

Abstract

A game apparatus including: a playing surface (1); at least one playing piece (4, 5) adapted for movement on the playing surface (1) along a path; and path-influencing means for defining a plurality of individual path-influencing zones disposed about said surface such that said path of said playing piece (4, 5) is substantially influenced by at least one of said path-influencing zones, said path influencing zones including two or more sets of magnets (3), each set respectively assigned to a player.

Description

"GAME APPARATUS"

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to games and gaming apparatus.

The invention has been developed primarily as a game apparatus for use in the home and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Many individuals enjoy board games that require some strategy, a degree of skill and some luck. These board games typically provide a set of rules such that only one type of game can be played. Consequently, playing of these games can quickly become wearisome after a short period of repeated use.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a board game apparatus that allows a number of different games to be played. It would be further advantageous if the players could develop their own rules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a game apparatus including: a playing surface; at least one playing piece adapted for movement on the playing surface along a path; and path-influencing means for defining a plurality of individual path-influencing zones disposed about the surface such that the path of the playing piece is substantially influenced by at least one of the path-influencing zones, the path influencing zones including two or more sets of magnets, each set respectively assigned to a player. Preferably, each zone is movable for player strategic positioning.

The path-influencing means is preferably in the form of a plurality of movable magnets, each magnet respectively defining at least one path-influencing zone. Preferably, the magnets are located below the playing surface.

The playing piece is preferably formed from a material that is attracted to the magnets. Preferably, the playing piece is substantially formed from steel and may be formed from magnetic stainless steel. In one preferred form, the playing piece is in the form of a sphere. Alternatively, the playing piece may be in the form of a disc or puck.

Preferably, the plurality of magnets includes a first set of magnets and a second set of magnets, each set respectively assigned to a first and second player. Preferably, each set is colour coded to indicate its respective set. More preferably, each magnet includes differentiating indicia.

The game apparatus preferably includes a peripheral boundary wall generally surrounding the playing surface. Preferably, the wall includes at least one resilient surface. The wall preferably includes at least two wall breaches. Each wall breach preferably defines a respective player target area. More preferably, each player target area includes a magnet fixedly disposed below the playing surface, generally within the area defined by each breach.

It is preferred that the playing surface is generally planar and horizontal. Preferably, the playing surface is substantially formed from a material that is magnetically inert. In one preferred form, the playing surface is substantially translucent such that the magnets can be seen through the surface. In this preferred form, the playing surface may be formed from clear acrylic. Alternatively, in another preferred form, the surface is substantially opaque such that the magnets are concealed.

In one preferred form of the invention, the game apparatus includes one or more barrier elements adapted for positioning on the playing surface such that the trajectory of the playing piece is strategically blocked. The barrier elements may be placed over the magnets and may extend from one magnet to another. Preferably, the game apparatus includes at least two adjustable feet for adjusting the inclination of the playing surface. More preferably, the game apparatus includes four adjustable feet.

The game apparatus preferably includes one or more levelling indicators adapted to indicate whether or not the playing surface is horizontal.

The game apparatus preferably includes a base for supporting the playing surface. The plurality of magnets is preferably disposed between the base and the playing surface. In one preferred form, the base includes magnet-retaining means. Preferably, the magnet-retaining means is in the form of an adhesive pad located on the lower surface of each magnet. Alternatively, the magnet-retaining means is in the form of recesses or guide rails disposed in the base. In another preferred form, the playing surface rests on the magnets, thereby retaining them in position. In yet another preferred form, the base is at least partly formed from a metallic material to retain the magnets in position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a perspective view of a game apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the game apparatus of Figure 1, shown with the playing surface removed;

Figure 3 is a partly exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the game apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 4 is another perspective view of the game apparatus of Figure 1 , shown with the playing piece in the target area;

Figure 5 is another perspective view of the game apparatus of Figure 3, shown fully assembled; - A -

Figure 6 is another perspective view of the game apparatus of Figure 1, shown with two playing pieces; and

Figure 7 is another perspective view of the game apparatus of Figure 1 , shown with optional barrier elements and multiple playing pieces.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, the illustrated game apparatus includes a generally planar and horizontal playing surface 1 and a peripheral boundary wall 2 substantially surrounding the playing surface. A plurality of movable magnets 3 is disposed underneath the playing surface such that each magnet is strategically located at a player predetermined position thereby providing a plurality of individual path-influencing zones above the respective magnets.

A playing piece 4 is provided for movement on the playing surface 1 along an initial path based on the player's input. A finger flicking action, similar to that used in the game of 'Marbles', typically provides the player's input. Although, it should be understood that other means of providing player input may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the playing piece is formed from a material that is attracted to magnets such as steel or magnetic stainless steel, so that the magnets 3 strategically influence its path. As a result, the movement of the playing piece is interrupted by close proximity to a magnet and potentially halted if the playing piece has insufficient velocity to overcome the magnetic force.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the playing piece is in the form of a solid ball 5, for rolling on the surface, with the boundary wall 2 providing a barrier to stop the ball rolling off the surface. In another embodiment (not shown), the playing piece may in the form of a disc or puck.

It will be appreciated that, in the same way as a billiard table, the boundary wall 2 is preferably lined with, or formed from a material, that allows efficient rebounding of the playing piece such as rubber or high-density polyurethane foam. A pair of player target areas or goals 6, are located at respective opposite ends of the playing surface 1 and are defined by breaches 7 in the boundary wall. The target areas include fixedly positioned respective target magnets 8 and 9, also located under the playing surface and generally within the area defined by each wall breach.

In the illustrated embodiment, the playing surface 1 is formed from a translucent material such as clear acrylic so that the magnet positions are revealed to the players. Alternatively, in another embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 5, the playing surface is substantially opaque and the magnets 3 are concealed from view. Moreover, the playing surface is formed from a material that is magnetically inert.

The magnets 3 are colour coded to define two separate player sets, each respectively assigned to a first and second player. In addition, the magnets may include further indicia (not shown) on their top surface such as numbering, thereby differentiating one magnet from another within each set.

As best shown in Figure 2, the game apparatus further includes a base 12 generally located below the playing surface 1 such that the magnets 3 are disposed between the base and the playing surface. Also, the magnets may include means in the form of adhesive pads 13 for retaining them in position during game play. In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the magnets are retained by engagement with recesses or guide rails in the base. In a further embodiment (not shown), the playing surface rests on the magnets thereby retaining them in position. The base may also be at least partly formed from a metallic material thereby utilising each magnet's own magnetic effect to hold it in place.

In another embodiment (not shown), the magnets 3 may be located within individual housings. A height controlling means, such as a screw thread disposed on the magnet and housing, allows the magnets to be selectively moved upwardly and downwardly relative to the playing surface 1. In this way, the magnetic field strength affect on the playing piece 4 can be selectively altered before or even during game play. It should be understood that the playing surface 1 is separable from the base 12, thereby facilitating location of the magnets 3 before the beginning of each game. This is best shown in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figure 7, the game apparatus may also include one or more moveable barrier elements 10 for location over the magnets such that the path of the playing piece is strategically blocked. The barrier elements preferably have a metallic base to magnetically fix them in position directly over a selected magnet and may be placed over a single magnet or alternatively, extend from one magnet to another as indicated by barrier element 11.

To ensure the playing surface is horizontal (if required), the apparatus includes four height adjustable feet 14 respectively located at each corner. Levelling indication means, in the form of spirit levels 15 are also provided so that the horizontal orientation of the playing surface can be accurately determined and adjusted as required.

In use, various games may be played on the illustrated game apparatus. For example, to simulate a soccer or hockey game, each player first places their magnets 3 at various strategic positions around the playing surface 1. Using their forefinger or thumb, each player begins in their respective target area 8 or 9 and then flicks the playing piece from one magnet to another with the aim of reaching the target area at the opposite end. The barrier elements 10 or 11 may be added to increase, or reduce, the difficulty of the game, depending on the rules agreed upon.

The game apparatus may be used with one playing piece as shown in Figures 1, 4 or 5, with two playing pieces as shown in Figure 6 or with multiple playing pieces as shown in Figure 7. In this way, many different variations of basic games may be easily conceived and played.

By having the opaque playing surface shown in Figures 3 and 5, it can be seen how the degree of skill and difficulty can be increased. Further, other games such as 'Battleships' can now be played, with the aim of determining the positions of the concealed magnets, using multiple playing pieces. It will be appreciated that the illustrated game apparatus allows many different type of games to be conceived and played, limited only by the imagination of the player(s).

In yet another embodiment (not shown), the plurality of path-influencing zones may in the form of an array of electromagnets, with a computer randomly deciding which magnet is turned on or off. In this regard, different coloured lights may be used to indicate the various set.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

1. A game apparatus including: a playing surface; at least one playing piece adapted for movement on the playing surface along a path; and path-influencing means for defining a plurality of individual path- influencing zones disposed about said surface such that said path of said playing piece is substantially influenced by at least one of said path-influencing zones, said path influencing zones including two or more sets of magnets, each set respectively assigned to a player.

2. A game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each zone is movable for player strategic positioning.

3. A game apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said path-influencing means is in the form of a plurality of movable magnets, each magnet respectively defining at least one path-influencing zone.

4. A game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said magnets are located below the playing surface.

5. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing piece is formed from a material that is substantially attracted to the magnets.

6. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing piece is substantially formed from steel.

7. A game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said playing piece is substantially formed from magnetic stainless steel.

8. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing piece is in the form of a sphere.

9. A game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said playing piece is in the form of a disc or puck.

10. A game apparatus according to any one claims 3 to 9, wherein said plurality of magnets includes a first set of magnets and a second set of magnets, each set respectively assigned to a first and second player.

11. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said set is colour coded to indicate its respective set.

12. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said magnet includes differentiating indiciaΛ

13. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including a peripheral boundary wall generally surrounding said playing surface.

14. A game apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said boundary wall includes at least one resilient surface.

15. A game apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein said boundary wall includes at least two wall breaches.

16. A game apparatus according to claim 15, wherein each said wall breach defines a respective player target area.

17. A game apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each said player target area includes a magnet fixedly disposed below said playing surface, generally within the area defined by each said wall breach.

18. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing surface is generally planar and horizontal.

19. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing surface is substantially formed from a material that is magnetically inert.

20. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing surface is substantially translucent such that said magnets can be seen through the surface.

21. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said playing surface is formed from clear acrylic.

22. A game apparatus according to any one claims 1 to 19, wherein said playing surface is substantially opaque.

23. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including one or more barrier elements adapted for positioning on said playing surface such that said path of said playing piece is strategically blocked.

24. A game apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said barrier elements are substantially placed over said magnets.

25. A game apparatus according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein said barrier elements substantially extend from one said magnet to another.

26. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including at least two adjustable feet for adjusting the inclination of said playing surface.

27. A game apparatus according to claim 26 including four adjustable feet.

28. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including one or more levelling indicators adapted to indicate the inclination of said playing surface.

29. A game apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims including a base for supporting said playing surface.

30. A game apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said magnets are disposed between said base and said playing surface.

31. A game apparatus according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein said base includes a magnet-retaining means.

32. A game apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said magnet-retaining means is in the form of an adhesive pad located on the lower surface of each said magnet.

33. A game apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said magnet-retaining means is in the form of recesses or guide rails disposed in said base.

34. A game apparatus according to claim 31, wherein said playing surface rests on said magnets, thereby retaining them in position.

35. A game apparatus according to claim 29 or claim 30, wherein said base is at least formed from a metallic material to retain the magnets in position.

36. A game apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.