US3241833A - Balancing game - Google Patents

Description

March 22, 1966 c. R. LUCHSINGER BALANCING GAME Filed April 5, 1963 INVENTOR. har/es E. Lac/23in ger Y Art/7i A. Marc/7 ATTORNEY United StatesPatent O 3,241,833 BALANCENG GAME Charles R. Luchsinger, Glen Cove, N.Y., assiguor to The Luchland Company, Newfoundland, Ni, a partnership Filed Apr. 5, 1963, Ser. No. 270,887 Claims. (Cl. 273-1) This invention relates in general to a balancing game, and more specifically to a balancing game in which the game pieces are adapted to be balancingly stacked one on the other.

It is an object of this invention to provide balancing game pieces of unique configuration which can be balancingly stacked one on the other in numerous and different angular relationship with respect to one another so as to provide for new, varied, amusing and challenging situations each time the gameis played.

Another object is to provide a balancing game which is a source of amusement to persons of all ages.

Still another object is to provide a balancing game constructed and arranged so as to develop ones perception of balance, control, and manual dexterity.

Still another object is to provide a balancing game which may be played either as a solitaire, or as a game involving two or more players.

Another object is to provide a balancing game in which the stackable game pieces are formed as table and chair shaped articles which are specifically constructed so that they may be balancingly stacked in interlocking relationship with respect to one another in various balancing relationship with respect to one another.

In accordance with this invention the foregoing objects, features and advantages are attained by a balancing game which comprises at least one game piece shaped in the form of a table and/or a plurality of similarly constructed chair shaped pieces. The respective table and chair game pieces are specifically constructed so that each may be balancingly supported in various angular positions with respect to one another. Complementary interlocking means are formed on each of the game pieces so as to facilitate and maintain the articles in a balancingly stacked and interlocking arrangement. The construction of the respective pieces is such that the table and respective chair game pieces can be readily fabricated with a minimum of cost.

Therefore a feature of this invention resides in the provision in which oddly and irregularly shaped pieces, as for example table and chair shaped articles, are specifically constructed so that each may be amusingly balanced one on the other in a variety of different angular relationships.

Another feature resides in the provision in which the respective articles or game pieces are relatively simple in structure, can be inexpensively produced, and which are positive in operation.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision in that the play value afforded by the specific structure of the game pieces and the manner in which the game is played is such that the interest and amusement of the players can be maintained for a considerable period of time.

Still another feature of this invention resides in the provision that the respective game pieces are relatively light in weight, sturdy and durable in construction.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the specification and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a stacking table and chair game piece formed in accordance with this invention wherein the chair is illustrated in one of several initiating stacking positions;

3,241,833 Patented Mar. 22, 1966 FIG. 2 is a sectional side view taken through the chair along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the chair structure taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the table and chair game piece of the instant invention illustrated in another initiating stacking arrangement;

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the table and two chair constructions of this invention stacked in a balancing relationship;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of a plurality of similarly constructed chair shaped articles stacked in a given relationship with respect to one another.

FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view illustrating another manner in which the respective chair constructions of the instant invention may be balancingly stacked with respect to one another.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown the construction of the specific game pieces which make up the balancing game of the instant invention. As shown, the game pieces of the balancing game comprises at least one table shaped article or game piece 10, and a plurality of similarly constructed chair shaped game pieces or articles 11. However, it will be understood that the game may comprise any number of respective table and/or chair game pieces. For purposes of illustration only one table shaped game piece, and several similarly constructed chair shaped articles are shown.

Referring to the drawings, it will be observed that the table shaped game piece 10 comprises a table top 12 which is formed with a raised circumscribing rim 13 extending about the periphery thereof. Formed in the upper surface of the table 10 are a plurality of transversely extending grooves 14, 15 which intersect at substantially right angles with respect to one another. Connected at each corner of the table 10 is a depending leg member 16. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4 each of the respective leg members 16 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 17 in the lower end thereof to define a bifurcated or forked end portion thereat.

Included in the game are a plurality of chair shaped pieces or articles 11 which are specifically constructed and arranged so that one or more of the respective chair shaped articles can be balancingly stacked on the table and with respect to one another in numerous and various angular relationship. Each of t he respective chair shaped game pieces 11 are similarly constructed, and therefore a description of one will sufiice to describe the structure of each of the chair shaped game pieces.

As shown in the drawings, the chair structure 11 comprises a seat portion 20 which is provided with a depend ing flange 21 about the periphery thereof. The depending flange portions 21A along the opposed side portions of the chair seat 20 are provided with a cutout portion 22. A pair of front legs 23 are formed integral with the depending flange portion 21B along the front of the seat. As shown, the pair of front leg members 23. form an integral extension of the depending front flange 21B.

A similarly constructed pair of rear legs 24 are connected to the depending flange portion 21C extending along the rear portion of the seat 20.

As it is readily apparent in the drawings, each of the respective chair legs 23, 24 is provided with an elongated slot 23A, 24A in the lower edge thereof so as to define thereat a bifurcated end.

Extending laterally and outwardly about the periphery of the seat portion 20 is a web 25. Connected to the web 25 and spaced from the seat portion 20 is a vertically disposed flange 26 which extends above and below the web.

Connected to the web 25 extending along the rear portion of the seat 20 is an upright chair back 27. Thus, it will be apparent that the vertically disposed flange 26 3 about the sides and front of the seat and the back of the chair are spaced from the peripheral portions of the seat by the width of the web 25.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the web portion 25A of the chair extending to either side thereof has defined therein a substantially E-shaped slot or opening 28. The web portion 25B extending along the front portion of the chair seat 20 has formed therein a plurality of spaced openings 29 which extend transversely the width of the web portion 25B.

Formed in the upper edge of the chair back 27 and opening to the upper edge thereof are a plurality of vertically disposed slots 30. It is to be noted that the slots 30 formed along the upper edge of the chair back 27, and the respective slots 23A, 24A and 17 formed in the legs of each chair and table, respectively, are similarly constructed and thus in operation are arranged to define complementary interlocking means by which the respective pieces may be maintained in balancing stacked relationship with respect to one another, as is clearly evident in FIGS. 4 and 6.

Referring to FIG. 1, it will be noted that the spacing between the front and rear legs of the chair 10 is such that the respective pairs of legs 23, 24 may be received in the grooves formed in the table top 12. Because of the inherent resiliency of the material from which the chairs are formed, it is preferred that the distance between the front and rear legs 23, 24 of the chair be just slightly less than the distance between the pair of grooves adapted to receive the same so that it becomes necessary to spread chair legs 23, 24 slightly to insert them in the respective table grooves. Thus, this in effect provides for a frictional interlock between the table top and chair so as to hold the chair in a given position when placed in initial stacking relationship on the table surface.

FIG. 4 illustrates another arrangement in which the chair 11 may be balancingly stacked on the table 10. In this arrangement it will be noted that the table is inverted, and that one of the slots 30 formed on the back 27 of the chair 10 may be interlocked with one of the slots 17 formed on one of the table legs 16. Thus, they form in an interlocking arrangement which will maintain the chair in a stacked position thereon. From this position, it will be apparent other chairs may be stacked pyramid fashion either on the table or on the chair already balanced thereon.

In FIG. it will be noted that the respective chairs can be balanced one on the other by interlocking the vertically disposed flanges 26 extending about the seat portion 20 within the space defined by flange 26 and seat portion 20 of another chair structure.

As shown in FIG. 7, one chair 11 may be balancingly stacked with respect to one another by interlocking the slots 23A, 24A or formed in either of the respective legs 23, 24 or the back 27 thereof with the vertical flange 26 disposed about the periphery of the seat portion 20 of another chair. As seen in FIG. 7, the bifurcates or sides of the respective slots 23A, 24A or 30 will straddle flanges 26 with the inner prong of the bifurcate being extended through the opening 28 or 29 formed in web 25. It will therefore become apparent that many interesting, amusing and challenging situations can occur as the column of stacked articles grows as is indicated in FIG. 6. The various interlocking arrangements which are rendered possible by the specific construction of the respective chairs and table articles are such that an almost infinite number of variations, combinations and arrangements of stacking possibilities are rendered possible.

With the construction described it will be noted that the game may be played by a single individual as a solitaire in which the challenging situation is to successfully stack all of the game pieces one on the other. Also, it is possible with the game structure described to provide a game in which the skill and ability of a given player may be evaluated in competition with other players. Therefore, the game can be played in competition with two or more players. This can be readily attained by evaluating the respective game pieces either by color and/or by a given numerical value. As for example, a red chair may be evaluated at 5, a blue chair at 10, a green chair at 15, and so on. The object of the game will then be for each player in turn to select a given chair and attempt to balancingly stack that chair in a column which has been initiated. If the player succeeds in balancing that chair, he is credited with a point score equivalent to the value of the chair he balanced. If he is not successful in balancing the chair, and causes the column of chairs and table to topple, then he is penalized that number of points equivalent to the number of game pieces he caused to topple. Therefore, the player who succeeds in balancing the most chairs in a given column, can then be declared the winner.

Many variations to the rules can be made to suit the players. Another variation of the game would be to supply each player with a third game piece in the form of a figure, e.g., a clown or the like, which is to be placed on the last chair to be stacked in a column. Consequently, it should be apparent that the last chair must be balanced in its upright position so as to support the figure in a sitting or standing position thereon. Thus the person who successfully placed the most chairs and succeeds in sitting or placing his clown on the last of the stacked chairs is then declared the winner of a given game.

From the foregoing it will be readily apparent that the balancing game pieces are such as to provide lasting amusement to the players, and also that the stacking of the irregularly shaped game pieces will develop ones perception of balance, manual dexterity, and muscular control. The respective game pieces can be suitably formed of any suitable plastic material, which thus renders them light in Weight, sturdy in construction, and readily resilient so that they are not easily broken. Therefore, the game is rendered substantially indestructible and, further, that the loss of one or more pieces will not necessaritly materially affect ones enjoyment of the game. For these reasons the amusement and play value afforded by the specific structure and arrangement of the balancing game pieces is such that it will endure for an extended period of time.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A balancing game comprising a table shaped article, a plurality of similarly constructed chair shaped articles, and complemental interlocking means formed in said table and chair shaped articles whereby the same may be balancingly attached one on the other in numerous and various angular relationships with respect to one another, said interlocking means including the table article having a table top having an upper surface with intersecting grooves formed therein, and leg members connected to said top, said legs having slots formed in the lower ends thereof, and each of said chair articles having a seat portion and attached front and rear leg members spaced apart a sufficient distance to be received in said grooves, said chair leg members having slots formed therein complementing the slots formed in said table leg members whereby said chair article may be balancingly interlocked with said table article in leg to leg relationship.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said chairs includes a back portion extending upwardly from said seat portion, and said back portion having.

formed in the upper edge thereof a slot to permit interlocking engagement of said chair back portion with complementary slots formed on said table leg member or leg member of another chair article.

3. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said chair shaped articles is provided with complementary interlocking means disposed about said seat portion whereby one chair article may be interconnected in any of several different ways with another of said chair shaped articles.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3, wherein said complementary interlocking means includes a laterally extending web connected to said seat portion, and said web terminating in a vertical flange extending to either side of said web whereby the vertical flange of one chair shaped article is adapted to be received in the groove defined by the flange and seat portion of another chair article to effect an interlocking of the same in an operative position.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4, wherein said web is provided with spaced openings therein to permit interlocking of the respective leg portions of said chair and/or table leg members with said flanges connected to said web.

6. A balancing game comprising (a) a plurality of articles adapted to be balancingly stacked one on the other,

(b) said articles including at least one table shaped article,

(c) said table shaped article including a table top having a series of spaced transversely extending grooves formed in the upper surface thereof,

(d) table legs dependingly connected to said table top, said table legs being each provided with a notch formed in the lower end thereof,

(e) and a plurality of chair shaped articles,

(f) each of said chair shaped articles including (g) a seat portion,

(h) front and rear leg members connected to said seat portion, the spacing between said front and rear leg members being such that they may be frictionally received in spaced grooves formed on said table in a stack position thereof,

(i) said chair legs each having a notch formed in the end thereof,

(j) a web circumscribing the seat portion of said chair article and extending laterally therefrom,

(k) an upright chair back portion connected to said web extending along the back portion of said seat,

(1) said back portion having a notch formed in the upper end thereof,

(in) a vertically disposed flange extending to either said of said web along the side and front portions of said seat portion,

(n) whereby said table and chair shaped articles may be stacked one on the other in interlocking relationship in various balancingly stacked position by interengagement of said notches and/or interloekment between the leg member and flange of adjacent chair shaped articles.

7. A chair construction which is adapted to be balancingly stacked in various angular relationship with respect to a similarly constructed chair comprising (a) a seat portion having a circumscribing depending flange portion,

(b) a pair of front legs connected to said depending flange portion extending along the front of said seat portion,

(c) a pair of rear legs connected to said depending flange extending along the rear of said seat portion,

(d) each of said legs having an extending slot formed in the lower end thereof,

(e) a web circumscribing said seat portion and extending laterally outwardly therefrom, said web being connected to said depending flange at the juncture between said depending flange and the leg connected thereto,

(f) a chair back extending upwardly from said laterally extending web portion along the rear edge of said seat portion,

(g) and a vertically disposed flange connected to the web portions extending along the sides and front of said seat portion.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7, wherein said vertically disposed flange extends above and below said web.

9. The invention as defined in claim 8, wherein said web is provided with spaced openings therein so as to provide interlocking engagement between a leg or back portion of one chair with the web and flange portion of another similarly constructed chair.

10. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said grooves in the upper surface of the table top extend transversely.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,559,111 10/1925 Lees 46-15 2,078,709 4/ 1937 Hecht 46-16 X 2,388,297 11/ 1945 Slaughter. 2,414,716 1/ 1947 Carson 46--31 2,551,071 5/1951 Tyhg 4615 2,558,591 6/1951 Stavek 46-30 2,751,706 6/ 1956 Metal 4617 3,066,436 12/1962 Schuh 4630 3,114,548 1'2/1963 Taft 273-1 FOREIGN PATENTS 634,927 3/1950 Great Britain.

174,708 1/1917 Canada.

980,235 12/1950 France. 1,122,375 5/1956 France.

OTHER REFERENCES German printed application 1,095,175, Dec. 15, 1960.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner. DELBERT B. LOWE, Examiner.

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