WO2006128202A1

WO2006128202A1 - Plodo-button

Info

Publication number: WO2006128202A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2006/000072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick John Julius
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-25
Filing date: 2006-05-25
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2007-11-25

Abstract

A Plodo Button is a versatile mechanism that can be used in the making of board games, ventilation boxes, etc. A button is like a little Window that one would open and close. In board games this could be utilized to record positions and store information. The distinct "snap" and "pop" sound that it makes during play is an exciting feature.

Description

DESCRIPTION

The Plodo Button is a versatile mechanism that can be used for example in a unique Board-Game with sound effects. (See Figure 1)

This lightweight board-game is completely self-contained. There is no need for extra pieces (like counters, dice, etc.) that can get lost, knocked'over or swallowed by children). Three senses (sight, hearing and touch) come into play. The 25 buttons make distinct snap and pop sounds during play. Blind people can enjoy the game and games can be played even in the dark.

The Plodo Button is easy to manufacture. The buttons are made by making a few short, straight cuts into a single sheet of Correx*. *trade name for extruded plastic board. The durable board is waterproof and each button can withstand thousands of snaps.

The board is perfect for promotions, because the boards can be screen-printed before cutting.

Games are played by pushing the buttons, Each button has two states : Closed and Open (See figure 2).

If sufficient pressure is applied downwards on the centre of a closed button, a SNAP! Sound is heard and an opening appears in that position. The button will remain open until sufficient pressure is applied upwards, in which case a POP! Sound is heard. The opening closes and the button is restored to its original state. It is possible to restore all 25 buttons to their closed states simultaneously with a firm downward push on the board. The buttons can also be made with round shapes. (See figure 3).

The buttons (see figures 4 & 5) are made by cutting into a sheet of Correx™ (or other suitable material). Let us start with the front side. Cuts made on the green lines go only halfway into the material, while cuts on the blue lines go right through to the other side, (see figure 6). The board is then flipped over as shown and cuts are made on the reverse side (see figure 7).

If pressure is applied at B, it moves down and A acts as a fulcrum. The distance A - B is greater than A - C. Also, the distance B - D is greater than C - D. Therefore, pressure is necessary to force (A - B)+(B - D) through A - D. The material is in a state of compression until B reaches line A - D, beyond which the stored energy is released with a "pop" sound (see figures 8 and 9).

Please note that a PLODO button opens up much easier if the board is cut at an outward angle (see figure 10).

In the board game example, the properties of Correx™ are exploited. If injection mounding is used in manufacturing the buttons, there is no need for cutting afterwards. See figure 11 for a possible configuration. The buttons are molded in the open state (See figure 11).

Claims

CLAIM

Priority is hereby claimed for the mechanism that hereinafter will be referred to as a "PLODO Button". This claim applies to the Plodo Button itself and all its possible variations and configurations used singularly or collectively. Its many uses include^storing information (as in a board game, the example used as illustration) and serving as ventilation holes.