Abstract:
The invention is directed to an interactive role playing kit and method for exploring social, man-made or natural environments. The kit includes pictorial representations of members of an environment, such as individuals of a given race, gender or culture, a mirror, and a mask allowing an individual to assume an identity which can be viewed by reflection in the mirror. The kit may also be provided with a display stand and carrying case.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority on an earlier filed provisional application Ser. No. 60/058,795, filed on Sep. 15, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to games and gaming apparatus, and more particularly to an educational role-playing and discussion game which challenges players, interpretation of and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions of other people, animals and objects in our environment. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Various games involving exchanges of questions and answers concerned with knowledge of or attitudes about ethics, relationships and human conduct are known in the art. 
     For example, games based on the abilities of players to accurately predict the responses of other players to moral questions, exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,939 to Makow, are known and may include challenges requiring verbal justification of answers and assessments of a respondent&#39;s sincerity. 
     None of the games of the prior art, however, foster discussion of racial, cultural, gender or other issues from the perspective of one assuming the identity of a member of a racial, ethnic or gender which is different than the group to which the player belongs. Further, none of these games provide a means for assuming an identity of another person, an animal or an object such that a player can transform him or herself in a realistic way to take on the characteristics of that other person, animal or object while playing the game. 
     It is desirable, therefore, to have a role playing game, which can be used to teach geographic principles, for therapeutic purposes with custom designed figures manipulated for family sculpting or group dynamic exploration, or for fantasy play. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an educational role playing game a which provides an effective means for allowing a player to assume an alternate identity, and to test his or her reactions and perceptions to selected groups of other individuals while engaging in play of the game. The groups of other individuals may be represented by various pop-up figures, computer graphics renderings, photographs, still of motion video projections, sculptures, or any other means for presenting a human, animal, or insect image. 
     Multi-culturalism, stigma, prejudice, empathy, and compassion are able to be explored in a meaningful way by employing the apparatus and method of the present invention, wherein over various photographs of children, teens, adults, the elderly, racial groups, ethnic groups, the physically and mentally challenged, and individuals with various identifiable occupations are arranged in a series of pop-up or die-cut pages flanking a mirror affixed in a center position. Each group displays one emotion. When the pop-up book is opened in its stand-up position on a flat surface, the player (or viewer) sees his or her own image surrounded by the social environment created by the adjoining pages. Complex issues surrounding one&#39;s physical appearance, group identification, and human relations are able to be explored in this game in a simple, yet powerful way. Aside from individual enjoyment, the book sculpture can be used as a sensitivity and diversity training in schools, the workplace or as a table sculpture in the home. 
     To further enhance the impact, the invention incorporates a storage box to hold masks (with Velcro™ attachable hand-held holders) the player may view the piece through. The storage box also stores display stands for the sculpture book and a variety of card packs grouped to help catalyze discussion and thought. The books and storage box are both transported in a carrying case with a vinyl strap handle. The carrying case also acts as packaging for merchandising shelf display. 
     In particular, the invention comprises a series of pop-up books with each pop-up page depicting a different social environment (children, the elderly, men, women, Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, angry people, fearful people, happy people, etc.) The pop-up books are stored in a case. One face of the cube is a mirror. When set up, the mirror is placed in the middle of two pop-up books opened to social environments of the same nature. Masks (with the eyes cut out) are included in the package. The player looks at his or her image through the mask surrounded by different social environments. Thus a Native American man may wear a mask to assume the identity of a “Hispanic female child” who may “see” herself surrounded by a group of people. 
     Through a number of interactive exercises, users are provided opportunities to enhance their social comfort zones, increase tolerance, and explore their assumptions, beliefs and attitudes. By increasing one&#39;s capacity for empathy, the likelihood of discrimination, harassment, prejudice and bias are lessened. 
     The present invention is especially valuable to educators, as the exercises are designed to be sensitive to individual needs, non-threatening, and yet help students and teachers increase their awareness of some of their deepest and least accessible roots beliefs and attitudes concerning other people. Individual teachers can decide on the appropriateness for their students age and maturity for each exercise. 
     Accordingly, the present invention is generally characterized as an apparatus and a method for playing a game of assumed identity and role play which includes discussion based on questions related to interpersonal perceptions and perspectives, the discussion elicited by means of situation, question cards or any other means selected by a player. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the means for stowing and carrying according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the means for stowing and carrying shown in FIG. 2 as it appears when components of the apparatus of the present invention are contained therein. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the major components of the present invention as would be stowed and carried in the means for stowing and carrying shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the game apparatus of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention as implemented on a computer. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention as implemented by a slide projector. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including a moveable elongated mirror means. 
     FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for book means featuring ribbon ties. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention whereby the apparatus is constructed on a larger scale and the game is played by a group of players. 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the present invention, wherein a box with slots holds individual pop-up figures. 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a wearable vest with pop-up figures fit into pockets. 
     FIGS. 12-14 present a view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the game apparatus  10  of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a player  24  assuming an alternative identity via the use of a mask  22  and mirror  14 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, mask  22  represents the face of a member of a racial, ethnic, gender, social or other group to which player  24  does not belong. Mirror  14  is preferably a high quality non-breakable mylar mirror. Mask  22  may represent the face of either a male or female adult or child, and may have young or old facial characteristics. According to another aspect of the present invention, mask  22  may represent the face of any of a number of animals. Mask  22  may be constructed from cardboard, paper, plaster or any other suitable material for containing a drawing, photograph or other representation of the face of an individual. Mask  22  may be two or three dimensional and includes a detachable handle  52  which is removably affixed to the bottom of mask means  22  by Velcro™ tabs or other known affixing means (best illustrated in FIG.  4 ). 
     In playing the game according to a preferred method of the present invention, player  24  places mask  22  in front of player  24 &#39;s face. Player  24  then looks into mirror  14  to see his/her reflection  30 . Reflection  30  is an identity representation that contains elements of player  24 &#39;s identify in combination with elements of the identity of the group member represented by mask  22 . In that manner player  24  can more effectively play the role of the group member represented by mask  22 . As player  24  assumes the identity of the individual represented by mask  22  he or she is presented with a series of questions related to his or her experience or related to any other subject matter of the game. The questions are preferably contained on cards such as those depicted at  76  in FIG.  4 . 
     In continuing play according to a preferred method of the present invention, player  24  looks through holes  71 , which are placed in the location of the eyes of mask  22 , while gazing upon a mirror  14  and also upon one or more pop-up FIG. 20 which surround mirror  14  on both sides. Pop-up FIG. 20 represent individual members of various cultural, ethnic, social, racial or other groups. Pop-up FIG. 20 may represent young or old, or male or female figure individuals and may assume a wide variety of facial expressions which express joy, anger, disapproval, sorrow, or any other emotion or expression. 
     In practicing the method of the invention, a player uses non-judgmental reflections, thought provoking questions and “I-statements” to foster discussion, involving small and large groups of participants are reminded that almost all exercises involve role-playing, and statements that they think another might use in their role play do not necessarily reflect their own beliefs. Because of the sensitivity of the topic, a gentle, non-judgmental atmosphere is maintained and discussions should remain open-ended. Each play is designed to foster discussion around a certain topic: assumptions, labels, age, gender, race, secrets, disabilities, etc., reminding students that each person holds “part of the truth” and therefore every person&#39;s contributions are important and avoiding “you (or he or she) should” or “you (he or she) shouldn&#39;t” statements. The discussion is rather focussed on the attitudes and beliefs that exist and why they exist, the validity of thinking patterns and decision making processes. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more pop-up FIGS. 20 comprising a collection are affixed to a page  70  of book  60 . Book means  60 , as best illustrated in FIG. 4, may contain one or more pages  70 , each page  70  holding a collection of pop-up FIGS. 20. A collection of pop-up FIGS. 20 may be comprised of a homogenous group of individuals, that is, all belonging to the same group or class, or may comprise a mixture of individuals of different racial or ethnic groups, ages, or genders. Each of pop-up FIG. 20 in collection is affixed to a page  70  of book  60  by means of glue, staples, or other affixing means, such that each pop-up FIG. 20 is capable of being folded downwardly to lay flat against page  70  when book  60  is closed. According to a preferred method of the present invention, prior to or during the game, book  60  may be opened and a page  70  selected which comprises the desired collection of pop-up FIGS.  20 . 
     The selected page  70  is opened and affixed to cover page  16  of book  60  such that pop-up FIG. 20 of the selected page assume an upright position. Cover page  16  is provided with one portion  18  of a dual portion affixing means such as Velcro™ tabs. Individual pages  70  are provided with the other portion  32  of the affixing means such that the two portions interlock to support the selected page in an upright position during play. 
     Pop-up FIGS. 20 may be printed on a deck of cards, similar to “playing” cards. 
     Cover page  16 , in turn, is held in an upright position during play in connecting cover page  16  to first box means  12  by means of cover page connecting means  40 . Cover page connecting means  40  may comprise hinges, Velcro™ strips or any other connecting means commonly known in the art for removably interconnecting elongated components such as cover page  16  and box  12 . The respective cover pages  16  of two books  60  may be connected to each side of box  12  such that one cover page  16  of a book  60  is affixed to a side of mirror  14  as illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, book  60  rests upon bookstand  48 . Bookstand  48  supports book  60  in relation to mirror  14  such that pop-up FIGS. 20 appear to surround the image of player  24  as player  24  gazes into the mirror  14  while wearing mask  22 . A bookstand  48  may be provided on both sides of mirror  14  such as illustrated in FIG.  1 . so as to achieve the effect of player  24  being surrounded by the people represented by pop-up FIGS.  20 . Box  12  may be supported by box stand  26  such that mirror  14  is elevated to a convenient height for play, preferably aligning with the face of player  24 . 
     Box  12  includes mirror  14  which is affixed by glue or other conventional means to one side of box means  12 . Box  12  may be constructed of cardboard, plastic or other durable, sturdy material which is capable of supporting mirror  14 , as well as other items as described hereinafter. Box  12  further includes one or more compartments  75  for receiving and stowing books  60 . Compartments  75  may be used to stow books  60  when game apparatus  10  is not in use, or may be used to hold extra books  60  which are not being used in a particular game. 
     Box  12  is preferably manufactured of sturdy high quality die-cut, printed, folded and glued cardboard. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates means  42  for stowing any carrying game  10 . When game  10  is not in use, the components described hereinabove may be stored in means  42  for stowing and carrying game  10 . Means  42  for stowing and carrying game  10  can include handle means  44  and door means  65  (as best illustrated in FIG.  3 ). Door means  65  may include an opening  68  through which mirror means  14  is visible. 
     As best illustrated in FIG. 3, box  12  may be placed inside means  42  for stowing and carrying game  10 , such that mirror means  14  faces outwardly. Box stand  26  may then be placed on top of box  12  within means  42  for stowing and carrying game  10 . Box stand  26  comprise a closable compartment within which various game pieces such as mask  22 , handles  52  and cards  76  may be stored when game  10  is not in use. In addition bookstand  48  may be placed within box stand  26  for storage purposes. When the various components of game  10  just described are placed inside means  42  for receiving and stowing game  10 , door means  65  may be closed and secured. In that manner, all of the components of game  10  are neatly stored in an organized manner, and can be readily transported or stowed for future use. 
     FIG. 5 shows an alternative structure for the apparatus of the present invention. 
     A pop-up book  100  exploring the themes of social, man-made or natural environments comprises multiple pages  102 . A player wearing mask  22  will see his or her reflection in mirror  14 , which can be tilted to give the player a better adjusted view of the reflection. Pages  102  of pop-up book  100  can be tied together with ribbon ties, Velcro™ or any other suitable mean for tying the paper. One or more masks  22  are stored in a storage area  104  of a box  106 . Storage area  104  is large enough to accommodate the pop-up figures, masks, instruction booklets and other requisites for playing the game. 
     A sound element  101  can be used with the invention to introduce pre-recorded voices, conversations, music into the game of the present invention. 
     Other embodiments of the present invention may include holographic images as alternatives to pop-up FIGS. 20, in order to provide an even more realistic representation and simulation of persons, animals and objects in a player&#39;s immediate environment. 
     As shown in FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention includes the use of computerized graphics images  122 , or video representations for simulation of persons, animals and objects in a player&#39;s environment. To assume an alternate identity, player  24  may use mask  22  to assume an identity of another character, then view reflection  30  of the assumed identity in mirror  14  to answer questions or describe emotions as a part of the role-playing game. Alternatively, computer representations of the player which alter the player&#39;s own characteristics to more closely emulate the characteristics of the role a player wishes to assume may also be employed. 
     FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention in which a slide projector  126  is utilized to project group images  124  on a screen  128 . Screen  128  can also comprise a mirror. 
     FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment wherein mirror  14  is elongated and adjustable such that player  24  may select the most desirable position for play. 
     FIG. 8A shows an alternative embodiment of the book means in which ribbon ties  130  are used to close the book means for storage. 
     FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the dimensions of the apparatus of the present invention are enlarged such that a group of players  24  may engage in the game, all at the same time. 
     Shown in FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the interactive game comprising a box  140  with slots  142  to hold individual pop-up figures or card  20 . Mirror  14  is situated behind box  140 . It is contemplated that instead of mirror  14  a “see through” plastic sleeve can be used to hold cards showing various backgrounds. FIGS. 20 can be easily rearranged in slots  142  and can comprise detachable custom photos of participants for therapeutical and other special uses. FIGS.  20  and various backgrounds can depict fantasy or realistic geographic details and people as a learning tool. Sound element  101  provides recorded voices, conversations or music, as may be desirable for the purposes of the invention. Storage compartments  104  fit inside box  140 . Compartments  140  store various elements of the game, such as cards, mirror, background cards, maps and others. 
     FIG. 11 shows a wearable vest  150  as an additional element which can be used in an educational setting. In this embodiment, the vest has pockets  152  which exist to hold cards  154  that graphically or typographically depict various geographic, architectural, or cultural elements. A student or teacher can collect cards  154  from a storage compartment  104  which holds card packs for the pop-up component or from vest  150 . 
     In FIG. 12, open end boxes for storing are shown. The boxes have a non-glass mirror attached by Velcro® fasteners. A pop-up includes tabs. In FIG. 13, the pop-ups are attached on opposite sides of the mirror by tabs. In FIG. 14, The flap goes over the top and Velcro® fasteners lock the panels together. The contents of the set are packed into both open boxes. The handle pulls down and the boxes fold by means of a hinge. 
     It is intended that the above description of preferred embodiments of the structure of the present invention and the description of its operation are but one or two enabling best mode embodiments for implementing the invention. Other modifications and variations are likely to be conceived of by those skilled in the art upon a reading of the preferred embodiments and a consideration of the appended drawings. These modifications and variations still fall within the breadth and scope of the disclosure of the present invention.