MARBLE RAMP GAME

A marble jump game includes a base, a tube, a marble track, and a plurality of targets. The tube is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module having a receiving tube. The tube defines an axial direction, and is supported at least indirectly by and above the base. The marble track is affixed to the tube, and extends from a first end to a marble exit. The marble track is configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble channel and exits through the marble exit. Each target of the plurality of spaced-apart targets is with a game value. Each target has a fixed position relative to the others of the plurality spaced-apart targets.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to building toys, and more specifically, kits for designing and building marble run tracks.

BACKGROUND

Marble run toys known in the art have interconnecting track sections that may be arranged by a user in any of a plurality of designs. Once constructed, the track can define a downhill track through the various sections or modules. The interchangeable nature of the various module designs allow for the construction of many different marble run layouts.

FIG. 1shows an exemplary marble run layout10formed of a plurality of interconnecting modules11A,11B,11C,11D,11E,11F and18. The modules may take many forms, such as modules11A,11B and11C, which include tracks12defining channels that laterally direct a marble from a vertical receiving tube14to an exit tube16. The tracks12may define circuitous routes, such as those modules11B and11C. Other modules are merely vertical tubes18that can be used as part of the track, or merely as vertical support structures for other modules. Still other modules11D can include a track in the form of a wide platform20with spikes22to direct the ball in an unpredictable path from the vertical receiving tube and the exit tube. Other modules11E can include a bowl structure. Other modules having additional or alternative features are known.

In popular marble run kits, the vertical receiving tube14of each module is generally designed to directly physically connect to an exit tube16of an upstream module, thus allowing the marble to transition from module to module. InFIG. 1, most of the receiving tubes14are disposed within part of the exit tube16of an upstream module, and are therefore not in view. Similarly, it will be appreciated that each vertical tube18includes a similarly constructed receiving tube14, also not visible inFIG. 1. Each vertical tube18similarly contains an exit tube16directly below its receiving tube.

In additional, the modules may have other tubes or structures28disposed under the vertical receiving tube14that connect to other structures that support the module from below. For example, the module11D includes a tube structure28that is coupled to and supported by a number of vertical tubes18. Similarly, the modules may have a bypass tube30disposed vertically above the exit tube16that may provide support as well as an alternative marble input.

The modules11A-11E are supported above one or more base modules or bases34. The bases34includes a rimmed platform34aand a base tube34b.The base tube34bhas a vertical receiving tube, not shown, but which has the same structure as the receiving tube14and thus is configured to engage and removably couple to the exit tubes16and other tube structures28of other modules. In typical play, at least some of the modules11A-11E are supported from below at different vertical heights by different numbers of vertical tubes18coupled to the bases34. The bases34may suitably have an exit opening34csuch that any marble receive in the base tube34bexits onto the platform34athrough the exit opening34c.In typical play, the platform34aof one of the bases34is the final destination of the marble in the layout10.

Like many construction toys, the marble run kits currently available allow for creative play by enabling the user to construct the marble run (or multiple runs) in a multitude of configurations. The activity of building marble runs is largely noncompetitive, and can be easily carried out in a solo play or cooperative play environment. While noncompetitive nature of building marble runs is one of its advantages, competitive games are also a great source of entertainment.

It would therefore be advantageous to use the structural features of marble run kits to play a game that involves the use of marble run modules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least some embodiments of the invention provide the above-stated advantages by providing a game in which one or more marbles are placed on a marble run ramp module that can be aimed to direct marbles through the air toward a set of targets, wherein the targets have point values.

A first embodiment is a marble jump game that includes a base, a tube, a marble track, and a plurality of targets. The tube is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module having a receiving tube. The tube defines an axial direction, and is supported at least indirectly by and above the base. The marble track is affixed to the tube, and extends from a first end to a marble exit. The marble track is configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble channel and exits through the marble exit. Each target of the plurality of spaced-apart targets is with a game value. Each target has a fixed position relative to the others of the plurality spaced-apart targets.

A second embodiment is a marble run ramp module that includes a marble track and a tube. The tube is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding tube of a receiving tube of a marble run module. The tube defines an axial direction. The marble track is affixed to the tube, and extends from a first end to a marble exit. The marble track is configured such that when the axial direction is vertically oriented, a marble placed on the marble track proximate the first end traverses the marble track and exits through the marble exit such that the marble travels through the air at a vertical height equal to or exceeding a first vertical height of the exit marble exit for at least two inches with respect to a horizontal direction extending away from the first end and the marble exit.

Another embodiment is a related method of playing a game using a marble run module and a plurality of targets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2shows a representative diagram of a first embodiment of a marble jump game100. The game100a tube102, track104, a base106, and a target assembly107having a plurality of spaced apart targets108. The tube102and the marble channel104in this embodiment are formed as a single piece marble ramp module103, formed of rigid, injection molded plastic. The tube102is configured to be removably secured to a corresponding marble receiving tube of a standard marble run module. For example, referring toFIG. 1, the tube102has a similar interface as the structure28below the vertical receiving tub14of the module11A. The tube102defines an axial direction A, and is supported at least indirectly and above the base106.

In this embodiment, the tube102is supported on the base106via a plurality of spacer tubes110. The spacer tubes110may suitably be those known in the art, such as those having the structure described above in connection the vertical tubes18ofFIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated that the spacer tubes110may have other constructions or sizes, so long as they interconnect with the tube102and the base106. The base106includes a platform106aand a base tube106b,and may suitably have the same construction as the base34ofFIG. 1. However, it will be appreciated that the base106need not include a base exit similar to the base exit34cof the base34ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3shows a different perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the marble ramp module103ofFIG. 2. With reference bothFIGS. 2 and 3, the marble track104is affixed to the tube102and extends from a first end112to a marble exit114. The marble channel104is configured such that when the axial direction A is vertically oriented (normal use), a marble placed onto the marble track104proximate the first end112traverses the marble track and exits through the marble exit114such that the marble travels through the air at a vertical height equal to or exceeding a first vertical height h1of the marble exit114for at least two inches with respect to a horizontal direction B. The horizontal direction B extends normal to the axial direction A and generally from the first end112to (and past) the marble exit114, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The direction B is the exit direction of the marble50with respect to a horizontal plane on which the base106sits when the axial direction A is vertically oriented, as in normal operation.

To this end, the marble track104comprises a downward sloped portion118and a launch portion120. Both the downward sloped portion118and launch portion120have a U-shaped cross section that forms a channel or race in which a standard play marble (e.g. marble50ofFIG. 2) may roll. The downward sloped portion118extends generally at a first average slope with respect to the horizontal direction B. In particular,FIG. 4ashows a schematic side view of the track104ofFIGS. 2 and 3. As shown inFIG. 4a, the first average slope sf is negative with respect the first horizontal or exit direction B, and the launch portion120has a second average slope ss that is different, and preferably non-negative, with respect to the exit direction B. The negative first average slope sf allows a marble rolling down the track104to develop sufficient velocity to be launched into the air. The different second average slope ss of the launch portion120allows the marble rolling with velocity to be launched at least slightly upward and away from the marble track104through marble exit114.

In this embodiment, the most or all of the downward sloping portion118has a substantially constant slope of between −0.5 to −1.2 for at least 20 centimeters. The launch portion120includes a slight curve at the transition from the bottom of the downward sloping portion118to the upward trajectory at the marble exit114. While the downward sloping portion118has a substantially constant slope, it will be appreciated that the downward sloping portion in other embodiments could have varying slopes, albeit with the first average slope still falling in the range of −0.5 to −1.2. Such average slopes balance the competing requirements of acceleration and control.

For example,FIGS. 4b-4dshow schematic diagrams of the side profiles of alternative embodiments of the marble track104.FIG. 4bshows a side profile of an alternative track104ahaving a downward sloping portion118aa launch portion120asimilar to those ofFIG. 4a, but further including an intermediate portion119athat is more or less level at the lower-most portion of the track104a.The downward sloping portion118ahas a first average slope sfa which is measured from the first end112ato the intermediate portion119a.FIG. 4cshows a side profile of another alternative track104bin which the downward sloping portion118band launch portion120bform a more or less continuous curve. The first average slope sfb of the downward sloping portion118bis the average slope from the first end112bto the lowermost portion of the track104b.FIG. 4dshows a side provide of another alternative track104cwherein the downward sloping portion118chas a generally varying slope having an overall average slope sfc. In all cases, the averages of slopes sfa, sfb, and sfc are preferably between −0.5 and −1.2.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, the marble ramp module103further includes, at the first end, a vertical receiving tube122and a connecting tube124. The vertical receiving tube122(not visible inFIG. 2, but seeFIG. 3) is configured to directly physically connect to an exit tube of an upstream marble run module, such as the exit tube16of any of modules11A,11B,11C or11D. By way of additional reference, the vertical receiving tube122is preferably sized to friction fit with the tube102, even though they cannot be physically connected. The vertical receiving tube122may suitably have the same structure as the vertical receiving tube of any of the modules11A,11B,11C and11D. The vertical receiving tube122is further configured to receive a marble from a connected upstream module and release the marble onto the downward sloped portion118of the marble track104. The connecting tube124is configured to releasably couple to a vertical receiving tube of another module or element, for example, any of the spacer tubes110, if support under the first end112of the marble track104is desired.

The inclusion of the vertical receiving tube122and the connecting tube124allow the marble ramp module103to be easily integrated into a more complex marble run such as, for example, a marble run formed with many of the elements ofFIG. 1. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, however, the marble ramp module103is configured in a substantially standalone game configuration. In standalone configuration, the vertical receiving tube122is operably coupled to (i.e. disposed within) an upstream open bottom cup or funnel126. The funnel126is wider at the top to facilitate placement of marbles therein, and has a narrower open bottom that fits over the vertical receiving tube122(seeFIG. 3) and allows the marble passes to pass into the vertical receiving tube122.

Referring again toFIG. 2, the plurality of spaced-apart targets108of the target assembly107represent targets for marbles being launched from the marble ramp module103. The spaced-apart targets108have a predefined positional relationship with respect to each other in this embodiment for consistency and ease of use. To this end, the targets108of the target assembly107ofFIG. 3comprise holes formed in a raised platform128. However, other methods of providing a set of targets for marbles, for example, a set of cups that are coupled or seated in a fixed position, may be used. Each target108is associated with a game value, with the goal of the game being to engage one or more targets to achieve the value associated with the targets. The game value may be a number of points, or a color, or some other form of game value.

The target assembly107includes the platform128and a box structure130in which the platform128may be removably disposed. The box structure130has side walls132,134, a front wall136and a rear wall138.FIG. 5shows the target assembly107of the present embodiment in further detail. The platform128is removably disposed within the walls132,134,136and138such that it is raised, but also such that the walls132,134,136and138extend upward from the platform128to form a physical boundary to prevent marbles landing on the platform128from rolling off (other than through the targets108). The rear wall138preferably has a higher height (or includes a separate insert of a higher height) that can act as a back board for marbles launched toward the box130. The platform128is raised such that marbles engaging any of the targets108successfully will fall through to the space under the platform128within the walls132,134,136and138. Moreover, the platform128can be seated within the box assembly130with a slight inclination from the front wall136to the rear wall138, so that marbles tend to roll down toward the front wall136. The inclination helps create finality to any “turn” or attempt within the game play, because any marble that hits the platform128will eventually either engage one of the targets108, or rest against the front wall136.FIG. 5shows three marbles50resting against the front wall136.

In the example ofFIG. 5, the platform128contains ten targets108in the form of nine circular holes140,142,144,146,148,150,152,154, and156and one rectangular hole158. Each of the targets108is associated with a point value. The platform contains indicia (i.e. indicia140a,142a,144a,158a) proximate to a corresponding hole (e.g. respective holes140,142,144and158) indicating the point value associated with the target. In this embodiment, the game value associated with any particular target108is correlated to the difficulty in engaging that target, which corresponds to target size and possibly target location. For example, the hole140has a smaller diameter, and hence a higher point value (e.g. 1500 points), than the hole142(e.g. 1000 points).

To increase the strategy involved in the game, in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the large rectangular hole158has in this embodiment a negative point value of −500, as indicated by the indicia158a.The large rectangular hole158is located on the lower side of the platform, or in other words, closer to the front wall than most of the other targets108. Because the rectangular hole158is relatively large and located near where the marbles gather, it represents a danger of losing points for shots that are either not far enough to reach, or which otherwise miss, the holes140,142,144,146,148,152and156which are located between the rectangular hole158and the back wall138.

A method of playing a game using the marble jump game100includes one or more players trying to acquire game values associated with the targets108by engaging the targets with marbles. In the example ofFIG. 5where the targets108are associated with a numerical point value, the players can compete by trying to obtain the highest accumulated point value over multiple turns (i.e. marble launches). In the embodiment ofFIGS. 2 and 5, a marble engages a target108when it falls through the target's hole.

To play the game, the plurality of targets108is positioned, preferably on a flat surface such as a floor or table top. In this embodiment, positioning the plurality of targets108comprises positioning the target assembly107, which can include placing the platform128in a raised position in the box structure130and placing the box structure130in a desired location. As discussed above, each target108associated with a corresponding value in the game. In this embodiment, different targets108can have different values, but two or more targets can have the same value.

The marble ramp module103is likewise positioned. In this embodiment, the marble ramp module103is preferably vertically positioned above the level of the targets108by using an appropriate amount of spacer tubes110between the base106and the tube102, and/or by otherwise elevating the marble ramp module103. The marble ramp103is horizontally positioned (i.e. aimed) by each player such that the exit direction B corresponds to the position of at least one of the targets108.

More specifically, as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the marble ramp module103is disposed (via tube102) on a plurality of vertical tubes110, which in turn are supported on the base106, such that the vertical height h1of marble exit114is a few inches higher than the front wall136of the box130. The player preferably aims the marble ramp module103such that the exit direction B is directed toward at least one of the targets, either directly or via banking off one of the walls132,134or138. The horizontal component of the marble track104defines a relatively straight path, thereby facilitating aiming by the player. It will be appreciated that aiming may alternatively carried out by moving the target assembly107instead of, or in addition to, the ramp module103.

Once the relative positioning of the module103and the targets108is set, the player makes an attempt to hit one or more targets108by disposing a marble on the marble track104such that marble rolls on the marble track104and through the marble exit114. After passing through the marble exit114, the marble travels through the air toward at least one of the plurality of targets108.FIG. 2shows the marble50in the air traveling toward the plurality of targets108in the target assembly107.

In the exemplary game set up ofFIG. 2, the player disposed the marble on the marble track104by placing the marble in the top of the funnel126. The marble falls through the funnel126and into the vertical receiving tube122, and then onto the downward sloped portion118of the marble track104. The marble rolls down the downward sloped portion118and gains momentum such that it enters the launch portion120with sufficient velocity launches into the air from the marble exit114in the exit direction B (horizontal component) and slightly upward (vertical component). The force of gravity pulls the marble50back down towards the vertical level of the platform128.

If the marble engages one of the targets108, then the game value associated with the engaged target would be assigned to the player. For example, if marble50enters the hole142ofFIG. 5, then the 1000 points would be assigned to the player. Thus, the game can involve an accumulation of points from successful attempts to engage the targets. In one variant, the winner is the player with the highest score over a predetermined number of attempts. In another variant, the winner is the first player to reach a predetermined winning score. Other methods of determining a winner may be applied.

In another example, each target108could be assigned a symbol, such as a playing card value, and each player might try to obtain the best poker hand by trying to hit different targets108. The marble jump game100can thus be adapted to different rule sets in which a player (or team) is assigned a value corresponding to a target108hit by the launched marble50.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the launch portion120may not have an upward slope, but may simply have a different average slope than the downward sloped portion118. In other embodiments, the targets108may take other forms, such as those based on contact, like a bell or electronic actuator or light switch. Clearly, the number of targets108can be modified for different variants of the game.

As noted above, the inclusion of the vertical receiving tube122at the first end112of the marble track104allows for the possibility of building an elaborate marble run from commercially available pieces to feed into the receiving tube122. Indeed, some gameplay could involve multiple marble track modules103. It will further be appreciated that the game play involving the targets and scoring may be carried out with marble run modules of other types that have an aimable marble exit.

It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations and modifications that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.