WO2008119139A1

WO2008119139A1 - Game apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008119139A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000481
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy Paul Oldham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-04-03
Filing date: 2008-04-03
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Anticipated expiration: 2009-10-03

Abstract

A combat game which involves combat apparatus that can operate at various levels. Typically, the combat game is based on aircraft combat and the combat apparatus comprises simulated aircraft which can engage in combat situations at various levels of altitude. Typically, there are three levels of altitude, representing high, medium and low altitudes. The game involves a game apparatus (10) having three tiers (11), (12), (13). Each tier represents a level of altitude; specifically, tier (11) represents high altitude, tier (12) represents medium altitude and tier (13) represents low altitude. Each tier defines a playing surface (25) divided into a plurality of playing locations (29). In the game, an aircraft can be located at any one of the playing locations (29) on any of the tiers, simulating the aircraft being in flight at an altitude corresponding to the particular tier at which it is positioned. The playing locations (29) are identified by three mutually exclusive coordinates. With this arrangement, corresponding playing locations (29) have two coordinates in common and different third coordinates. The coordinate system typically comprises mutually perpendicular x, y, z coordinates, whereby the corresponding playing locations (29) at the various tiers have the same y and z coordinates but different x coordinates, the different x coordinates arising from the vertical spacing between the various tiers. The game enables a simulated aircraft to undergo simulated flight at low, medium or high altitude, and the flight location of the simulated aircraft at any time can be represented by the particular playing location (29) which the aircraft occupies at that time. Rules of the game determine the manner in which simulated aircraft can move over each playing surface (25) (representing flight at the particular altitude) and between the various playing surfaces (25) (representing a change of altitude).

Description

Game Apparatus Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a game, a playing arena for the game, and also apparatus for use in playing the game. Background of the Invention

With board games, and also strategy games such as combat games, it is common to have a playing arena represented by a playing surface divided into sections each defining a discrete playing location. While not necessarily employed in many of the games, each of the discrete locations can be identified by a coordinate system involving x and y parameters. This generally limits the game playing arena to two dimensions.

It would be advantageous for there to be a game playing arena which involves several playing areas disposed in different planes, so providing a three- dimensional playing environment. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a game comprising a playing arena having two or more playing areas, the playing areas being separated from each other, each playing area having playing locations identifiable by three mutually exclusive coordinates, there being corresponding playing locations in the playing areas, the corresponding playing locations having two coordinates in common and different third coordinates.

Preferably, the three mutually exclusive coordinates comprise x, y and z coordinates.

Reference to x, y and z coordinates is intended to refer to a coordinate system having three mutually perpendicular axes without identifying the disposition. Typically, the y and z axes would occupy a horizontal disposition, and the x axis would occupy a vertical disposition, although this need not necessarily be the case. Preferably, each playing area is defined by a playing surface, the playing surfaces being disposed in spaced apart relation.

Preferably, the playing surfaces are disposed in spaced apart, generally parallel relation. The playing surfaces may be disposed one above another. With such an arrangement, the playing surfaces are typically generally horizontal and in vertically spaced relationship.

Preferably, at least one of the playing surfaces comprises a transparent base. More preferably, each of the playing surfaces comprises a transparent base. Preferably, each playing surface incorporates a grid pattern defining the various playing locations, there being corresponding locations on the playing surfaces, the corresponding locations having common y and z coordinates and discrete x coordinates.

The playing arena may comprise a real environment defined by game apparatus or alternatively a virtual environment. The virtual environment may be embodied in a computer readable code on a computer readable storage device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a playing arena having two or more playing areas, the playing areas being separated from each other, each playing area having playing locations identifiable by three mutually exclusive coordinates, there being corresponding playing locations in the playing areas, the corresponding playing locations having two coordinates in common and different third coordinates.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a game apparatus comprising a playing arena having two or more playing areas, the playing areas being separated from each other, each playing area having playing locations identifiable by three mutually exclusive coordinates, there being corresponding playing locations in the playing areas, the corresponding playing locations having two coordinates in common and different third coordinates. Preferably, each playing surface is defined by a game element.

Preferably, the game element comprises a- sheet defining the playing surface.

Preferably, the game apparatus further comprises a frame structure supporting the game elements in prescribed positions one in relation to another. The frame structure may comprise one or more posts supporting the game elements. In a preferred arrangement, each game element is generally rectangular and there are four posts. With such an arrangement, each post is generally located adjacent a respective one of the four corners of the rectangular game element. Each post may comprise a plurality of post sections adapted to be assembled together.

Each post may comprise engagement means for engaging the game element to provide support therefor. The engagement means may comprise a slot into which an edge portion of the game element is received. The slot may be defined between two protrusions provided on the leg. Each protrusion may be configured as a tab.

Where each support posts comprises a plurality of sections adapted to be connected together, each post section may be provided with one of the engagement elements. The post sections may have a male end and a female end, the male and female ends being adapted to provide a coupling arrangement for connecting post sections together, with the male end of one post section engaging in the female end of adjacent post section.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a game apparatus comprising a playing arena having two or more playing areas disposed one above another in spaced apart relation, each playing area having a plurality of discrete playing locations, each playing location on any one playing area having a corresponding playing location on each other playing area.

Preferably, the corresponding playing locations are aligned vertically. - A-

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a game apparatus comprising a frame structure and a plurality of tiers supported on the frame structure, the tiers each defining a playing area.

Preferably, each tier comprises a sheet defining a playing surface, Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a game apparatus for use with a game according to the embodiment;

Figure 2 is a plain view of a playing surface forming part of the apparatus;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a post section forming part of the game apparatus; and

Figure 4 is an end view of the post section. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

The embodiment is directed to a game in the form of a combat game involving combat apparatus which can operate at various levels. In this embodiment, the combat game is based on aircraft combat and the combat apparatus comprises simulated aircraft which can engage in combat situations at various levels of altitude. In this embodiment, there are three levels of altitude representing high, medium and low altitudes.

Referring to the drawings, the game comprises a game apparatus 10 having three tiers 11 , 12, 13. Each tier represents a level of altitude; specffically, tier 11 represents high altitude, tier 12 represents medium altitude and tier 13 represents low altitude.

Each tier 11, 12, 13 is defined by a game element which in this embodiment comprises a base 15 bearing markings 17. In the arrangement shown, the base 15 comprises a rigid sheet 21 of rectangular configuration. The rectangular sheet 21 has an upper surface 23 defining a playing surface 25. The markings 17 divide the playing surface 25 into a plurality of sections defining playing locations 29. In the arrangement shown, the markings 17 are configured as a grid formation 18 in which the playing locations 29 are generally rectangular. In this embodiment, there are 80 playing locations, although this of course can be varied according to the requirements of the game. In the game, an aircraft can be located at any one of the playing locations 29 on any of the tiers, simulating the aircraft being in flight at an altitude corresponding to the particular tier at which it is positioned. Each sheet 21 is formed of transparent material, which in this embodiment is PVC. In this way, each tier, and more particularly aircraft positioned at that tier, can be viewed through any tier above it.

The sheets 21 are supported in spaced apart relation one above another in vertical alignment by a frame structure 31. The vertical alignment is such that the^" grid formation 18 at each tier is vertically aligned with the grid formations 18 on the other tiers. In other words, each playing location 29 at any one tier has a corresponding playing location at each other tier.

The playing locations 29 are identified by three mutually exclusive coordinates. With this arrangement, corresponding playing locations 29 have two coordinates in common and different third coordinates. In the arrangement illustrated, the coordinate system comprises mutually perpendicular x, y, z coordinates, whereby the corresponding playing locations 29 at the various tiers have the same y and z coordinates but different x coordinates, the different x coordinates arising from the vertical spacing between the various tiers. The frame structure 31 comprises four posts 33, each located adjacent a respective corner of the rectangular sheets 21 , as best seen in Figure 1.

Each post 33 has engaging portions 35 configured to receive and support each one of the sheets 21. Each engaging portion 35 defines an engaging means 37 which in the arrangement shown comprises an upper tab 38 and a lower tab 39, with a gap 40 therebetween into which an edge portion of the respective sheet 21 can be snugly received. The snug fit provides friction engagement of the sheet 21 in the engaging portion 35. In this way, each post 33 is "clipped" onto the various sheets 21 and retained in engagement therewith by virtue of the friction contact.

Each post 33 comprises a plurality of post sections 41. In the arrangement shown, each post 33 comprises two post sections, although other post sections can be added to introduce additional tiers if so desired.

The post sections 41 are adapted to be coupled one to another to form an assembled post. In the arrangement shown, each post section 41 comprises a male end 43 and a female end 45, whereby the male end of one post section can engage with the female end of an adjacent post section to provide a connection therebetween. The male end 43 comprises a spigot 47 and the female end comprises a mating socket 49.

Because of the way in which the game apparatus 10 is constructed, it is readily collapsible for storage. In the stored position, the posts 33 are detached from the sheets 21, and the posts are also disassembled into their various post sections 41.

When the game is to be played, the game apparatus 10 can be assembled with the post sections 41 being fitted together to provide the four posts 33 which are then positioned in engagement with the various sheets 21 to provide the three tiers, as shown in Figure 1. While the game apparatus can be assembled in any appropriate way, it is likely that it will be assembled by establishing the lowermost tier 13 and then placing the lower post sections 41a in position to provide support for the middle tier 12 before installing the upper post sections 41 b to provide support for the upper tier 13. The frame structure 31 supports the three sheets 21 in spaced apart vertical alignment such that corresponding playing locations 29 at the three tiers are in vertical alignment, as previously explained.

With this arrangement, the game enables a simulated aircraft to undergo simulated flight at low, medium or high altitude, and the flight location of the aircraft at any time can be represented by the particular playing location 29 which the aircraft occupies at that time.

The game apparatus 10 according to the embodiment allows the aircraft war game to be played, with simulated aircraft operating at three attitudes as previously described.

In the game, aircraft may be represented by tokens (preferably configured as miniature aircraft). The tokens are placed at particular playing locations 29 representing the flight position of the aircraft Rules of the game can determine the manner in which aircraft can move over each playing surface 25 (representing flight at the particular altitude) and between the various playing surfaces 25 (representing a change of altitude).

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiment provides a simple yet highly affective arrangement which allows a game apparatus to provide a playing arena having playing areas at various levels, thereby introducing three dimensional concepts into the game (which are not available with games played on a two dimensional playing area).

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described. In particular, it should be appreciated that the game may be applied to combat situations other than aircraft combat. By way of example only, the game may be applied to submarine combat involving submarines operating underwater at various depths.

Further, It should be understood that the game may have application in fields other than combat scenarios.

While the game according to the embodiment has been described using game apparatus which provides a physical environment in which the game is played, it should be understood that the game may also be played in a virtual environment, using (for example) as a computer or gaming station.

Modification and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

Thβ Claim Defining the Invention is as Follows:

1. A game comprising a playing arena having two or more playing areas, the playing areas being separated from each other, each playing area having playing locations identifiable by three mutually exclusive coordinates, there being corresponding playing locations in the playing areas, the corresponding playing locations having two coordinates in common and different third coordinates.

2. A game according to daim 1 wherein the three mutually exclusive coordinates comprise x, y and z coordinates.

3. A game according to claim 2 wherein y and z axes occupy a horizontal disposition and an x axis occupies a vertical disposition.

4. A game according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein, each playing area is defined by a playing surface, the playing surfaces being disposed in spaced apart relation.

5. A game according to claim 4 wherein the playing surfaces are disposed in spaced apart, generally parallel relation.

6. A game according to claim 5 wherein the playing surfaces are disposed one above another.

7. A game according to claim 6 wherein the playing surfaces are generally horizontal and in vertically spaced relationship.

8. A game according to claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein at least one of the playing surfaces comprises a transparent base.

9. A game according to claim 8 wherein each of the playing surfaces comprises a transparent base.

10. A game according to any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein each playing surface incorporates a grid pattern defining the various playing locations, there being corresponding locations on the playing surfaces.

11.A game according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the playing arena comprises a real environment defined by game apparatus.

12. A game according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein wherein the playing arena comprises a virtual environment.

13.A game according to claim 12 wherein the virtual environment is embodied in a computer readable code on a computer readable storage device.

14.A playing arena having two or more playing areas, the playing areas being separated from each other, each playing area having playing locations identifiable by three mutually exclusive coordinates, there being corresponding playing locations in the playing areas, the corresponding playing locations having two coordinates in common and different third coordinates.

15.A game apparatus comprising a playing arena having two or more playing areas, the playing areas being separated from each other, each playing area having playing locations identifiable by three mutually exclusive coordinates, there being corresponding playing locations in the playing areas, the corresponding playing locations having two coordinates in common and different third coordinates.

16.A game apparatus according to daim 15 wherein each playing surface is defined by a game element.

17. A game apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the game element comprises a sheet defining the playing surface.

18.A game apparatus according to claim 16 or 17 further comprising a frame structure supporting the game elements in prescribed positions one in relation to another.

19. A game apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the frame structure comprises one or more posts supporting the game elements.

20. A game apparatus according to claim 19 wherein each game element is generally rectangular and there are four posts.

21. A game apparatus according to claim 20 wherein each post is generally located adjacent a respective one of the four comers of the rectangular game element.

22.A game apparatus according to claim 19, 20 or 21 wherein each post comprise a plurality of post sections adapted to be assembled together.

23.A game apparatus according to claim 22 wherein each post comprises engagement means for engaging the game element to provide support therefor.

24.A game apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the engagement means comprises a slot into which an edge portion of the game element is received.

25.A game apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the slot is defined between two protrusions provided on the leg.

26.A game apparatus according to claim 25 wherein each protrusion is configured as a tab.

27.A game apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 26 when dependent on claim 22, wherein each post section is provided with one of the engagement elements.

28.A game apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein the post sections each have a male end and a female end, the male and female ends being adapted to provide a coupling arrangement for connecting post sections together, with the male end of one post section engaging in the female end of adjacent post section.

29.A game apparatus comprising a playing arena having two or more playing areas disposed one above another in spaced apart relation, each playing area having a plurality of discrete playing locations, each playing location on any one playing area having a corresponding playing location on each other playing area.

30. A game apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the corresponding playing locations are aligned vertically.

31.A game apparatus comprising a frame structure and a plurality of tiers supported on the frame structure, the tiers each defining a playing area.

32.A game apparatus according to claim 31 wherein each tier comprises a sheet defining a playing surface

33.A game substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34.A game apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

35.A playing arena substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.