Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for games with individual and independent pieces that are configured to move to create new routes and boards. Embodiments may include a series of symmetrical or asymmetrical blocks that can be dynamically moved or repositioned to for a maze with shifting channels or patterns.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 29-544596 filed on Nov. 4, 2015, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
       [0002]    Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    Examples of the present disclosure relate to blocks that are configured to be moved to form a passageway through a board. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards blocks with channels, wherein based on the positioning and geometrical features of the blocks the passageway through the board may change. 
         [0004]    Background 
         [0005]    A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-determined surface or board, according to a set of rules. The board game may allow users to move based on chance, strategy, skill, or a combination of different objectives. 
         [0006]    Board games typically have a goal that a player aims to achieve. For example, a board game may be won by a player moving their piece from a first end of a static route to a second end of the static route. Alternatively, a board game may be won by a player strategically moving a plurality of pieces across a static board to obtain an objective, like chess. 
         [0007]    However, conventional board games utilize static routes and static boards. Due to the static routes and boards, conventional board games can quickly become repetitive and/or boring. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for games with individual and independent pieces that are configured to move to create new passageways and boards. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods individual and independent blocks that are configured to move to create new passageways through a board. The passageways may be utilized in various implementations to allow game pieces, liquids, or other objects to move through the passageways. Embodiments may include a series of symmetrical or asymmetrical blocks that can be dynamically and independently moved or rotated to form a maze with shifting channels or patterns. 
         [0010]    Embodiments may include a shifting passageway or maze (referred to hereinafter individually and collectively as “passageway”) formed of channels via configurable three dimensional blocks (referred to hereinafter “blocks”). The passageway may be created in the real world and/or a virtual world. The blocks may be independent removed from the system, repositioned, reoriented, etc. to create new channels to achieve different objectives. 
         [0011]    Embodiments may utilize blocks with the same and/or different intentions, grooves, projections, protrusions, to form channels on an upper surface of the block. The channels may be utilized to form or close off a dynamic and changing passageway. This may be utilized to create a constantly changing board game and/or piece of art. 
         [0012]    The blocks may be comprised of multiple colors, and different materials, such as wood, glass, plastic, etc. 
         [0013]    These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  depicts a board system comprised of independent and movable blocks, wherein a passageway may be formed by moving or repositioning blocks, according to an embodiment 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of a block, according to an embodiment 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of a block, according to an embodiment 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  depicts a system, according to an embodiment 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  depicts a bottom view of a block, according to an embodiment 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a block, according to an embodiment 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of a block according to an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 8-11  depict various layouts of a system utilizing blocks, according to an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 12 and 13  depict a perspective and bottom view of a block, according to an embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  depicts a perspective view of a system incorporating a block, according to an embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 15 and 16  depict a perspective and bottom view of a block, according to an embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of a system incorporating a block, according to an embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 18 and 19  depict a perspective and top view of an outer edge, according to an embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  depicts a perspective view of a system incorporating blocks, according to an embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  depicts a perspective view of a block according to an embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  depicts a perspective view of a system incorporating a block, according to an embodiment. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments. 
         [0033]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  depicts a board system  100  comprised of independent and movable blocks  110 , wherein a passageway  105  through system  100  may be formed by moving or repositioning blocks  110 , according to an embodiment. In embodiments, based on the geometry of movable blocks  110 , board system  100  may always have a continuous passageway  105 , which always includes a start point and an endpoint. 
         [0034]    Embodiments of board system  100  may be utilized in combination with rules to create a game, be used as a system to create evolving artwork, or a network to transport objects through the passageway, such as an irrigation system. Embodiments of board system  100  may be recreated virtually, as part of a virtual world, or as real-world elements that can be physically touched. In the system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , nine blocks are arranged in a 3×3 square. However, one skilled in the art may appreciate that system  100  may be formed of any desired combination and number of blocks  110 . 
         [0035]    Movable blocks  110  may have planar edges, such that a second block  130  may be positioned adjacent to first block  110 . Blocks  110 ,  130  may all have the same base shape, different base shapes, or a combination. For example, each block  110 ,  130  may have four edges forming squares, wherein the blocks  110 ,  130  are configured to be positioned adjacent to each other. In further implementations, blocks  110  may be dissected, divided, etc. into smaller parts forming the same geometrical shape as the original block. For example, blocks  110  may be cut in half or quarters to be formed of triangles. Blocks  110  may be configured to be removed from system  100 , rotated, and reinserted into system  100 , which may form a dynamic passageway  100  based on the layout of channel  120 . 
         [0036]    Channel  120  may be formed within a block  110  between projections  122 ,  124  extending across portions of block  110 . Projections  122 ,  124  may extend upward away from a face surface of block to vertically offset an upper surface of projections  122 ,  124  from an upper surface of channel  120 . Channel  120  may be positioned between the sidewalls associated with projections  122 ,  124 . Furthermore, based on the respective positioning of first block  110  and second block  130 , passageway  105  may seamlessly extend across both blocks  110 ,  130  via the channels  120 ,  126 . Alternatively, a projection  122 ,  124  on second block  130  may end channel  120 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of block  110 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 2  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0038]    As depicted in  FIG. 2 , block  110  may include base  210 , projections  122 ,  124 , channel  120 , and grooves  220 . 
         [0039]    Base  210  may be a lower structure of block  110 . In embodiments, base  210  may include sidewalls  212  that are configured to extend upward from a level surface. The number of sidewalls  212  associated with base  210  may form a geometric shape of block  110 . For example, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , base  210  may include four sidewalls, forming a square. However, one skilled in the art may appreciate that base  210  may have any number of sidewalls  212 , and different blocks may have different numbers of sidewalls. As such, different blocks  110  may form different geometric shapes. The sidewalls  212  of base  210  may be planar such that a second block may be positioned flush against sidewall  212 . 
         [0040]    Projections  122 ,  124  may extend upward from an upward from an upper surface of base  210 , such that an upper surface of projections  122 ,  124  is vertically offset from an upper surface of channel  120  and grooves  220 . Projections  122 , 124  may be any desired shape(s), which may be the same or different shapes. As such, projections  122 ,  124  may be the same shape, such as trapezoids, which may enable block  110  to be symmetrical. In embodiments, projections  122 ,  124  may have a first end that is positioned over a first sidewall  212  and a second end that is positioned over a second sidewall  212 . However, other embodiments may include projections that have first and second ends positioned over the same sidewall. 
         [0041]    Channel  120  may be positioned between projections  122 ,  124 . Channel  120  may extend from one corner of block  110  to a second corner block  110 . In embodiments, channel  120  may have a first end at a corner of block  110 . Therefore, the first end of channel  120  may align with a second end of a channel positioned on a second block. As such, blocks may be repositioned to form new passageways extending across the system or board. 
         [0042]    Grooves  220  may be positioned on an outer sidewall of projections  122 ,  124 , and an upper surface of grooves  220  may have the same vertical offset as that of channel  120 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , grooves  220  may be positioned on the corners of block  110 . The positioning of grooves  220  may enable grooves positioning on a second and/or third block to form part of the passageway extending across the system or board. As such, a corner formed of four blocks may extend a passageway by utilizing the channel  120  of a first block  110 , grooves of two adjacent blocks, and the channel of a block diagonally across from first block  110 . Accordingly, the passageway(s) extending through system  100  may be directly affected, changed, blocked, extended, etc. based on the positioning of each of the surrounding blocks. 
         [0043]    In embodiments, a length  230  between a corner of block  110  and projections  212 ,  214  may be the same for channel  120  and grooves  220 . By having the length  230  between the corners of block  110  and projections  212 ,  214  being the same for channel  120  and grooves  220 , channels and grooves of adjacent blocks may be arranged to line up with one another. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of block  110 , according to an embodiment. 
         [0045]    Elements depicted in  FIG. 3  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0046]    As depicted in  FIG. 3 , channel  120  may extend diagonally across block  110  based on the layout of projections  122 ,  124 . The remaining corners may be formed by grooves  220 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  depicts a system  100 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 4  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted.  FIG. 4  may depict the same 3×3 layout of blocks  110  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . However. Block  110  may be rotated ninety degrees. Responsive to rotating block  110 , passageway  105  may change to having a “U-Shaped” path to having an “H-Shaped” path. To this end, by rotating a single block  110  of system  100 , a board or layout associated with system  100  may be dynamically changed. Further rotations in blocks  110  may lead to further changes of passageway  105 , which could revert channel  120  to having a “U-Shaped” path. 
         [0048]    In implementations, at the start of a first players turn or at the end of the players first turn, the first player may rotate block  110  (or any block on system  100 ) to change the layout of passageway  105 . This may dynamically alter the board, playing field, objective, etc. of a game. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  depicts a bottom view of block  110 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 5  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0050]    As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a bottom surface of base  210  may be planar and level. In further embodiments, the bottom surface of base  210  may include coupling mechanisms, such as pegs, magnets, buttons, etc. that are configured to enable the bottom surface to be coupled to another surface. In further embodiments, the bottom surface of base  210  may include springs, enabling base  210  to be lifted away from a planar surface, rotated, and repositioning in a new orientation. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  depicts a bottom view of block  600 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 6  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. In embodiments, system  100  may utilize blocks  110  and block  600  to create a dynamic channel, which may be used as the pathway for objects, pieces, liquids, etc. to travel on. 
         [0052]    As depicted in  FIG. 6 , block  600  may be comprised of projection  212 , which may be substantially similar to that in block  110 . Such that a first bisection of block  600  is the same as that of block  110 . However, a second bisection of block  600  may be different than that of block  110 . Specifically, the second bisection of block  600  may include first projection  610  and second projections  620 . 
         [0053]    First projection  610  and second projection  620  may have upper surfaces with the same vertical offsets as projections on other blocks within system  100 . Furthermore, between first projections  610 , second projection  620 , and projection  212 , channels  630  and  640  may be formed. Channels  630 ,  640  may form a “T-Shaped” channel within block  600 . This may be utilized to split or diverge the passageway(s) through system  100 . 
         [0054]    Channels  630  and  640  may have the same dimensions as channels in other blocks within system  100 , such that channels  630  may be utilized to form a continuous passageway or blocked passageway within system  100 . Furthermore, a length  230  between a corner of block  610  and projections  610 ,  620 ,  212  may be the same. Thus, channels  630  may be utilized to form the pathway through system  100 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 7  depicts a top view of block  700 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 7  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 8-11  depict various layouts of system  100  utilizing blocks  110  and blocks  600 , according to an embodiment. 
         [0057]    As depicted in  FIG. 8-11  a pathway within system  100  may be dynamically changed based on the channels associated with blocks  110  and  600 . Furthermore, system  100  may incorporate blocks  110 ,  600  of different shapes with different projections and channels to form and change the pathway through the system  100 . 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 8 , block  600  may be centrally located within system  100 . In  FIG. 9 , block  600  may be rotated ninety degrees. This may cause a pathway through system  100  to diverge to have two ends  900 ,  910 . The ends  900 ,  910  may have the same or different positioning as that of original end  800  in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 10 , block  600  may be rotated one hundred eighty degrees. By rotating block  600  in  FIG. 10 , a channel  1000  within block  600  may change a divergent point of the pathway through system  100 , such that one path to first end  900  is substantially shorter than that of second end  910 . 
         [0060]    In  FIG. 11 , block  600  may be rotated two hundred seventy degrees. By rotating block  600  in  FIG. 11 , the pathway may have two positioned  1100 ,  1100  where the second end  900  of the pathway reconnects. 
         [0061]    As such, by rotating a single block within system  100 , the pathway throughout the entire system  100  may be dynamically changed. In embodiments, the blocks may be rotated by vertically raising the blocks away from system  100 , and reinserting the rotated blocks within system  100 . Furthermore, any desired number of blocks may be rotated. 
         [0062]    As depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 , based on the geometries of each of the movable blocks  110  within board system  100 , board system  100  may always include a continuous passageway. This may be due to each of the movable blocks  110  including grooves positioned on each of the corners of movable blocks  110 . The positioning of the grooves on each of the corners of movable blocks  110  with different shaped projections on each of the movable blocks may enable different shaped paths based on the type of blocks, while always retaining at least one continuous path with star and endpoints. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 12 and 13  depict a perspective and top view of block  1200 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0064]    As depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , block  1200  may include a centrally located projection  1210 , which is substantially octagonal in shape. Block  1200  may be utilized to limit, impede, etc. a passageway through system  100 . Furthermore, the grooves  1220  positioned on the corners of block  1200  may be utilized to extend a channel of the passageway of adjacent blocks. A distance  230  from the corner of the block to a sidewall of projection  1220 , may be the same distance  230  as other blocks. As such, block  1200  may be utilized to extend the passageway without creating additional channels in any direction. 
         [0065]    Furthermore, block  1200  may create the same effect on all adjacent channels. 
         [0066]      FIG. 14  depict a perspective view of system  100  incorporating block  1200 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 14  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0067]    As depicted in  FIG. 14 , block  1200  may be configured to extend passageway  1400 . However, block  1200  may not include any additional channels. As such, block  1200  may be configured to direct passageway  1400  in a specific direction. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 15 and 16  depict a perspective and top view of block  1500 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0069]    As depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , block  1500  may include a plurality of projections  1510 , each positioned on a different edge of block  1500 . Furthermore, block  1500  may include two channels  1520 ,  1530 , that are configured to bisect block  1500 , such that block  1500  is symmetrical across each bisection. As such, block  1500  may have the same effect on the passageway no matter which direction block  1500  is oriented with system  100 . 
         [0070]    In embodiments, channels  1520 ,  1530  may be configured to divert a pathway of system  100  to have multiple endpoints. This may be utilized to elongate the overall length of the pathway. Additionally, a length  230  between each corner of block  1500  and the sidewalls of the projections  1510  may be the same distance as that of other blocks. 
         [0071]      FIG. 17  depict a perspective view of system  100  incorporating block  1500 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 17  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0072]    As depicted in  FIG. 17 , block  1500  may be configured to extend and divert passageway  1700 . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 18 and 19  depict a perspective and top view of outer edge  1800 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIGS. 18 and 19  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0074]    Outer edge  1800  may be configured to be a side  1810  of a perimeter of system  100 , wherein grooves  1820  positioned within an inner sidewall of edge  1800  may be configured to interact with the channels on the blocks. Edge  1800  may have any desired length, which may be based on the sizing of system  100 . Side  1810  may have a height that is the same as that of the projections within the blocks. Grooves  1820  may have the same height of the grooves within the blocks. 
         [0075]    In embodiments, grooves  1820  may be positioned in a repetitive pattern, such that a distance between a first boundary  1900  of a first groove  1820  is based on the length of blocks and the distance between the corner of the blocks and the first sidewall of a projection (element  230  described above). Specifically, distance  1830  between two grooves  1820 ,  1905  may be the length of a block (which may all be the same length) minus two times the distance between the corner of the blocks and the first sidewall of a projection (element  230 ). Due to the exact spacing and size of grooves  1820  within edge  1800 , edge  1810  may interact with the channels on the blocks to extend the passageway. 
         [0076]    Furthermore, each of the edges  1800  may have tapered or angled edges, such that edges  1800  may be positioned adjacent to two other edges to form a rectangular system. In other embodiments, the sizing and/or shape of the edges may be based on the sizing and/or shape of the blocks. 
         [0077]      FIG. 20  depict a perspective view of system  100  incorporating blocks, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 20  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0078]    As depicted in  FIG. 20 , system  100  may include a plurality of different shaped blocks that interact with edges to form pathways through system. The pathways may be formed based on the channels within the individual blocks, wherein the pathway continues from a first channel on a first block, to grooves on adjacent blocks, and to a second channel on a second block. Furthermore, by reorienting any of the blocks within system  100 , by rotating an individual and independent blocks, the passageway through system  100  may dynamically change. 
         [0079]      FIG. 21  depicts a perspective view of block  2100 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 21  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0080]    As depicted in  FIG. 21 , block  2100  may include a central channel that is shaped like an “L,” wherein the channel may elongate a passageway through adjacent edges. Block  2100  may be utilized to angularly direct a passageway through system  100 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 22  depict a perspective view of system  100  incorporating block  2200 , according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in  FIG. 22  may be described above. For the sake of brevity, a further description of these elements is omitted. 
         [0082]    As depicted in  FIG. 22 , block  2100  may be configured to redirect and/or divert a continuous passageway in a direction that is in parallel to previous parts of the continuous passageway. 
         [0083]    Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation. 
         [0084]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.