US20140110902A1

US20140110902A1 - Leverage and fulcrum block removal, addition, appraisal, and balancing game

Info

Publication number: US20140110902A1
Application number: US14/040,656
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan Thomas Thompson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-10-01
Filing date: 2013-09-28
Publication date: 2014-04-24

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.

Description

BACKGROUND

Games based upon the balancing of objects are known. One game is based upon the balancing of dissimilar shaped blocks, for example. The blocks are stacked one atop the other in sequence until the construction topples or no more blocks can be added. Yet another game is based upon the stacking of blocks having a trapezoidal cross-section. An elongate slot is disposed through the side of each block, such that the stacking of the blocks can also be facilitated by insertion of a rod through the elongate slot. Each of these games is characterized by a stacking of a block, a brick, a shape, or, generally, a game piece, one atop the other.
Another class of games involves the stacking of game pieces to form a tower. Such games are played by first building the tower and then removing the game pieces. In one such game, the game is played by building a tower of bricks in multiple levels. Players remove a brick from one level and add it to the top of the tower to build new levels until collapse of the tower occurs.
In yet another game, pieces in the shape of blocks are stacked in a crisscrossed pattern to form a tower. The blocks are composed of material which has a weight and sliding characteristic which permits them to be easily removed from the tower. The blocks are then pulled out one at a time from anywhere below the existing top layer of the tower and then placed back atop the tower. This process continues until the tower collapses.
In each of the aforementioned games, the game pieces are typically rectangular in shape, although other geometries are known. For example, one game involves the stacking of game pieces where each game piece has a different geometry.
One problem with these conventional balancing or stacking games is that they only focus on the balancing skill of going upward. Such conventional games are only suitable to a single group having a particular skill level. Therefore, these games are typically used by a narrow age group.
Each of the above prior art games has to some extent proven to be limited. What would therefore be advantageous would be a game that offered a challenge to variable skill level groups. It would also be an advantage to have a game that had pieces that could be inserted into each other without the means of holding devices. It would also be an advantage to have a game where you formed branches instead of stacking pieces. It would also be an advantage to have a game that was challenging based on the laws of physics of leverage and fulcrum. Also it would be an advantage to have a game where you can go out in all directions with the game pieces instead of just up like a tower.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to three-dimensional games and specifically to weight and balance type block games.
The invention includes a method of playing the game wherein multi-level, branches of blocks are formed, said levels consisting of branches of elongated triangular blocks; a player engages one of said blocks into the base projection or another said elongated triangular block using both hands or only the fingers of one hand as agreed upon before the game starts, either a new branch is created or an existing branch is extended, again this step is repeated alternately by the players, with new branches started or extended, until one player is eliminated by reason of causing the structure to collapse, fall over or one of the elongated triangular blocks touches the surface of the said base support such as a table top.
A principal object of this invention is to provide a game, and method of playing the same, suited to one or more players, that emphasizes accurate assessment of where an elongated triangular block can be added without causing the structure to collapse or fall over, and of where on such structure said block can be engaged so as to make the balance more precarious for the next player, and which as well rewards a player's manual dexterity and “soft touch” in adding said blocks to the structure.
It is a further object to provide a game which allows a player free choice as to where to place a piece, instead of allowing random chance in the nature of turning cards from a deck or the rolling of dice to dictate a move.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide a game whose pieces can take a variety of shapes and sizes and be formed of a variety of materials.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide a game whose pieces can be engaged into each other forming branches instead of pieces that are stacked.
Another object is to provide a game that calls for physical as well as mental activity and yet is completely safe to play, can take as much or as little time to play as is desired, and which is not prohibitively expensive to make, use or buy.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description and Drawings which follow. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the embodiment illustrated and described below, as it may be embodied in other forms within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. shows the frontal view of the unstable base with projection

FIG. 2. shows the top view of the unstable base with projection

FIG. 3. shows a frontal view of an alternative semi stable base

FIG. 4. shows a frontal view of an alternative stable base

FIG. 5. shows an isometric view of an alternative projection with opposing orifices

FIG. 6. shows a top view of an elongate triangular block

FIG. 7. shows a side view of an elongate triangular block

FIG. 8. shows an isometric view of an elongate triangular block

FIG. 9. shows a top view of an elongate triangular block with a weighted object like a marble in the largest orifice

FIG. 10. shows a side view of an elongate triangular block with a weighted object like a marble in the largest orifice

FIGS. 11-13. show a top view of alternative orifices in elongate triangular blocks

FIG. 14. shows a frontal view of how the elongate triangular blocks are engaged in the projection and each other forming a branch

FIG. 15. shows a frontal view of the structure as it might appear after several rounds of play

FIG. 16. shows an alternative isometric view of a stable base with an unstable connector, like a spring, attached to the projection

FIG. 17. shows an isometric view of a chock

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the preferred embodiment, a game comprising of fifty-four playing pieces 4 (see FIGS. 6-8) and an unstable base 1 with a projection 2. Each of the playing pieces 4 is a triangular block of approximately four (4) inches long by approximately one-half (½) inch high by approximately one and nine-sixteenth (1 9/16) inches at the largest width tapering to approximately one-quarter (¼) inch at the smallest width, with the largest end width being curved, also the smallest end width may be curved, with two orifices 8 and 9, of any shape including round orifices, with one orifice 8 being approximately thirteen-sixteenth ( 13/16) inch diameter and the other 9 approximately five-eighth (⅝) inch diameter, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic. The preferred configuration of the length, width and height of the blocks is shown in FIGS. 6-8.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the orifices 8 and 9 of block 4 must be large enough to allow another block 4 to be engaged in it. The orifices 8 and 9 must be smooth to allow an engaged block 4 to rotate in it.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 1 is an unstable semisphere approximately four (4) to five (5) inches in diameter and approximately two (2) inches high, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the projection 2 extends upward from the base 1 approximately seven (7) inches high by approximately one and one-half (1½) inches wide by approximately one-half (½) inch thick with one or more orifices 3 of any shape including round orifices, allowing for the insertion of block 4, with orifices 3 to be approximately thirteen-sixteenth ( 13/16) inch diameter, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic.
Alternatively, different orifices may be used including those shown in FIGS. 11-13.
Alternatively, weighted objects 10 (see FIGS. 9-10) such as marbles, stones, and metal tokens may be applied to block 4. An example of a marble 10 applied to a block 4 is shown in FIGS. 9-10.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, a semi stable base may be used including a semisphere with a flat bottom approximately four (4) to five (5) inches in diameter and approximately one and one-half (1½) inches high, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, a stable base 7 may be used, which is approximately five (5) inches wide by approximately five (5) inches long by approximately one-half (½) inch high, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, a stable base 7 may be used, which is approximately five (5) inches wide by approximately five (5) inches long by approximately one-half (½) inch high, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic, having an unstable connector such as a spring 6, connected to the projection 2.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, a projection 12 may be approximately seven (7) inches high by approximately one and one-half (1½) inches wide by approximately one and one-half (1½) inches wide, with orifices 11 of any shape including round orifices, to be approximately thirteen-sixteenth ( 13/16) inch diameter formed on alternate sides, composed of a sturdy material such as wood or plastic.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17, chocks may be used to support an unstable base for learning or a different mode of game play.
With such a structure, the elongate blocks 4 may be singularly and successively engaged with the projection 2 into the orifice 3, or engaged with another block 4 into one of the orifices 8 and 9 as illustrated in FIG. 14, thereby forming a new branch or extending or building up another branch (see FIG. 14), with one branch representing at least one block 4 off of the projection 2 or another block 4. This process alternating continuously by alternate players until one player is eliminated by reason of his induction of the collapse of the structure or any elongate triangular blocks 4 touch the surface supporting the base 1 such as a table. The development of the game along these lines is illustrated in FIG. 15, wherein it may be appreciated that the game can only be won through a careful appraisal of the center of gravity of the structure and the leverage and fulcrum points and, thereafter, considerable skill is needed in engaging the blocks 4 and the projection 2 to form branches, which will not disturb the balance of the structure to a point of collapse or any elongate triangular blocks 4 touch the surface supporting the base 1 such as a table.
The rules of play of the game are as follows:
1. One block from the start pile is selected at the beginning of a player's turn.
2. When engaging blocks, a player may use both hands or only one hand, whichever method was agreed upon at the beginning of the game.
3. A player may rotate any part of the structure during their turn of engaging blocks.
4. Once a player removes all hands from the structure after engaging a block, their turn is over.
5. If the structure collapses or one of the blocks touches the surface supporting the base, the player who last moved is eliminated.
In view of the above, it may be appreciated and understood that the present invention, in addition to the structure set forth above, also is defined by a novel method of playing a balancing game which comprises the steps of: forming branches, such branches consisting of elongate, triangular blocks and, which is accomplished by, taking a block from the start pile of blocks and engaging one of said elongate blocks into another block or the base projection. The step of engaging one of said elongate block into another block or the base projection is repeated, starting new branches or extending existing ones, and this step alternately continuing by alternate players until one player is eliminated by reason of his induction of the collapse of the structure or any elongate triangular blocks touch the surface supporting the base such as a table.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise and that within such embodiments, certain changes in detail, construction and/or the form and arrangement of the parts may be made without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention within the scope of the appended claims.

REFERENCES

Incorporated Herein by Reference

none

Provisional Application Claim

I claim the benefits awarded to me for this non-provisional patent application from the submission of a provisional patent application, with application No. 61/708,571, submitted on 2012 Oct. 1.

Claims

I claim:

1. A leverage and fulcrum block addition, removal, appraisal, and balancing game structure, comprising:

(a) a base consisting of an unstable shape including a semisphere approximately four (4) to five (5) inches in diameter and approximately two (2) inches high

(b) alternatively, a base consisting of a semistable shape including a semisphere with a flat bottom approximately four (4) to five (5) inches in diameter and approximately one and one-half (1½) inches high

(c) alternatively, a base consisting of a stable platform approximately five (5) inches wide by approximately five (5) inches long by approximately one-half (½) inch high

(d) alternatively, a base consisting of said stable platform with an unstable connector including a spring to a block projection

(e) the material of said base to be made of all known materials, including: wood, metal, plastic, glass, paper, etc.

(f) a block projection extending upward from said base approximately seven (7) inches high by approximately one and one-half (1½) inches wide by approximately one-half (½) inch thick with one or more orifices allowing for the insertion of elongate triangular blocks, with said orifices to be approximately thirteen-sixteenth ( 13/16) inch diameter

(g) the material of said block projection to be made of all known materials, including: wood, metal, plastic, glass, paper, etc.

(h) one or more elongate triangular blocks, each block being identical in length, width and height to every other block, said blocks being approximately four (4) inches long by approximately one-half (½) inch high by approximately one and nine-sixteenth (1 9/16) inches at the largest width tapering to approximately one-quarter (¼) inch at the smallest width, with the largest end width being curved, also the smallest end width may be curved, with two orifices of any shape including round orifices, with one orifice being approximately thirteen-sixteenth ( 13/16) inch diameter and the other approximately five-eighth (⅝) inch diameter

(i) alternatively, the elongate triangular blocks can be cylindrical at their smallest end

(j) alternatively, the elongate triangular blocks can be of various shapes and sizes

(k) the material of said elongate triangular blocks to be made of all known materials, including: wood, metal, plastic, glass, paper, etc.

(l) weighted objects including marbles of different materials, metal tokens, etc., which can be added to said elongate triangular blocks by attaching to the block or inserting into any of the orifices

(m) also, the elongate triangular blocks may be allowed to rotate in the orifices

(n) also, the elongate triangular blocks are engaged in each other and the projection, forming branches instead of stacking the blocks

(o) chocks that will secure the unstable base for a stable mode of play or for learning the game

whereby said elongate triangular blocks may be singularly and successively added or removed from the base projection and each other, this process alternately continuing by alternate players until one player is eliminated by reason of his induction of the collapse of the structure or any said elongate triangular blocks touch the surface supporting the said base such as a table.

2. The method of playing a balancing game, comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a structure by inserting said elongate triangular blocks into the said orifices of the said base projection and each other

(b) placing said one elongate triangular block into said orifice of the said base projection or another said elongate triangular block, using both hands; and

(c) repeating step (b), building a structure of multiple said elongate triangular blocks forming branches, alternately continuing by alternate players until one player is eliminated by reason of his induction of the collapse of the structure or any said elongate triangular blocks touch the surface supporting the said base such as a table.

(d) in the event the structure does not collapse after all said elongate triangular blocks are used, the structure is dismantled by reversing step (b) alternately continuing by alternate players until one player is eliminated by reason of his induction of the collapse of the structure or any said elongate triangular blocks touch the surface supporting the said base such as a table.

(e) alternatively, only the fingers of one hand can be used instead of both hands referenced in step (b)

(f) alternatively, a point system can be introduced to change the play

(g) alternatively, a color system can be introduced to change the play

(h) alternatively, a set time can be used to increase the difficulty level

(i) alternatively, weighted elongate triangular blocks can be used to change the play

(j) alternatively, solid elongate triangular blocks with no orifices can be used to change the play

(k) alternatively, chocks can be used to change the mode of play