Patent Publication Number: US-6669197-B1

Title: Board game

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to board games, and more particularly to board games that include pieces moved along a path. Board games have been around for many years, and while there have been numerous varieties of board games there are always a continual need for improvements and new and novel features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention a board game includes a board having a plurality of spaces displaced about a centered area forming a pre-determined continuous path. At least one token is assigned to a player for moving about the plurality of spaces in accordance with chance determinations. A random movement means for randomly determining numbers of spaces to be moved by a player. A randomly movable sinuous arm extending from the centered area, the sinuous arm at any point during the game may have a length that extends over the pre-determined continuous path, wherein when the sinuous arm moves over the pre-determined continuous path, the sinuous arm may come into contact with a token physically displacing the token off of the continuous path. 
     The sinuous arm preferably includes a plurality of interconnecting pivotal segments such that the movement of the entire arm is random or snake or coiled-like. The sinuous arm is moveably connected to a motor mechanism, which preferably includes a motor mechanism that changes its rotational direction. 
     The objective of the game is to be the player that successfully carries an icon or number of icons around the continuous path to a finish space, without being knocked off by the sinuous arm. 
    
    
     Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from the accompanying drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a board game in accordance with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a sinuous arm that randomly moves around the board game in an attempt to knock the player&#39;s tokens off of a continuous path. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a board game  100  in accordance with the present invention. The board game  100  includes a board  102  with a plurality of spaces  104  that make a predetermined continuous path around a centered area  106 . While not shown in detail the continuous path would include a start and a finish space, it being further noted that the start and finish space may occupy the same space on the continuous path. Each player would select a token  108  and place it on the designated starting space. A random determining means, such as a spinner  110  or dice would be used to determine the numbers of spaces to be moved by the player. Also included on the continuous path are token icon spaces (not shown), which upon landing on a token icon space, the user would place a token icon  112  on top of the token  108 . 
     Positioned about the centered area  106  is a sinuous arm  114 . As depicted in the illustrations FIGS. 1 and 2, the sinuous arm  114  preferably has the appearance of a dragon head  116  connected to the centered area  106  by a plurality of interconnecting body segments  118 . Pins  120  connect the body segments  118  such that the interconnecting body segments  118  may pivot separately from each other. While the pins  120  are depicted as separate elements, they may also be molded into the body segments  118 , such that the segments  118  may snap together for easy assembly/disassembly. This makes them hinge relative to one another creating a sinuous movement often found in serpent like creatures. The sinuous arm  114  has a pre-determined length that permits it to extend over the continuous path at any given moment. If the sinuous arm  114  travels over the continuous path and comes in contact with a token  108 , the sinuous arm  114  may physically displace the token  108  by knocking the token  108  off of the board  102  or may physically displace a token icon  112  off of the token  108 . A further explanation of the rules and objectives of the game are explained in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the sinuous arm  114  is controlled and moved by a motor mechanism  122  positioned in a housing  124 . The housing  124  is further attached to the centered area  106  on top of the board  102 . The motor mechanism  122  preferably changes its rotational direction, such that the movement along the sinuous arm  114  is random causing it to coil and twist about the board. The motor mechanism  122  includes a motor  126  and a power supply  128 . A motor gear  130  operatively controlled by the motor  126  is meshed to a gear train  132  that ultimately drives an axle  134 . The axle  134  is secured to one of the body segments  118 , such that when rotating the segments  118  will begin to move. 
     Game play is described as having a plurality of players selectively choose a token  108 . Each token  108  is placed on a start space and the players begin to move by spinning the spinner  110  or rolling a die to determine how many spaces the player&#39;s token should be moved. If a player lands on a token icon space the player places a token icon  112  on top of their token. During play the sinuous arm  114  randomly moves about the board, oftentimes extending over the continuous path. At any given point in the game the sinuous arm  114  may strike a player&#39;s token, knocking the token off of the path or board or knocking an icon off of the token. At which point the player having their token knocked off the path or board may be required to restart at the start space or if only an icon is knocked off may be able to continue from the same space. The object of the game is for one of the players to successfully carry a token or a multiple of tokens to the finish space. Since the path is continuous the players will continue to move along the path until someone wins. 
     Variations of the game may be readily seen from the embodiment described above, for example, cards may be used to determine movements and whether a player receives an icon. Alternatively, the object of the game may be simply to move successfully around the board without being struck by the sinuous arm. The board itself may include valleys and hills such that a token on a hill may be more exposed to the sinuous arm as opposed to a token in a valley. From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.