Patent Publication Number: US-3879041-A

Title: Metric system familiarization game

Description:
United States Patent Hester 1 1 MET RIC SYSTEM FAMILIARIZATION GAME [75] Inventor: Thomas A. Hester, Shelby, Miss.  
 [73] Assignee: Bert W. Hayes, Shelby, Miss; a part interest [22] Filed: May 6, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 467,117  
 [52] US. Cl. 273/130 R; 35/22 A; 273/136 E; 273/136 K [51] Int. Cl. A631 9/06 [58] Field of Search 35/22 A, 31 D, 73; 273/130 R, 131 BA, 134 GM, 136 C, 136 E, 156; 206/379; 211/69 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 571,567 ll/l896 Jouvc 35/73 X 1,121,934 12/1914 Miller 211/69 2,568,089 9/1951 Pendlcton 206/379 X 2,733,066 l/1956 Edwards 273/131 BA 3,510,964 /1970 Dahners ct a1 3.5/22 A 3,592,472 7/1971 Kent /22 A X 3.643.290 2/1972 Milne 35/22 A UX 3,727,771 4/1973 Hoffman 211/69 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Primary Eraminer-Richard C. Pinkham I Assistant Examiner-Harry G. Strappello Attorney, Agent, or Firm.lohn R. Walker, 111  
 [57] ABSTRACT A device for familiarizing the players thereof with the metric system of measurement. The device includes a disk-like member having a plurality of sockets provided therein which have sizes of metric denomination and various values. Also included is a set of pegs having one peg precisely the same shape and size for each of the sockets. The set of pegs is divided into at least two groups which are visibly distinguishable one from the other, with each player having his own group. For example, one group might be red for one player and another group might be blue for another player. The sockets are identified with suitable socket size indicia which preferably may be seen by only one player at a time. Subsequent to certain predetermined rules being followed, the player who has the most pegs inserted into the respective sockets is declared the winner. Of course, the rules may vary but the objective remains substantially constant, i.e., to reward the player who is more skillful in visibly picking those pegs from his group which are precisely the sizes called for, one at a time, by his opponent.  
  6,706 7/1912 United Kingdom ..35/22A 6claimss3nrawing Figures 1,050,008 7/1966 United Kingdom ..2l1/69 1766 L7H wd l7nn |7qq |7ff l7bb 17mm rrp I I700 6 43 17h 3 l7 5 m Q 92 mm 15 @rrb 17d 35 6/ I713 Wk 1500 l5hh I? l q o lsq 7r l7r 17m 31 45 15b l5bb m 15c 5 l5mm l5rr I500 d lspp l5ff 5e METRIC SYSTEM FAMILIARIZATION GAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to the field of metric system familiarization games.  
 2. Description of the Prior Art Applicant is aware of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: Scherf, 2,542,948; Abbey, 3,596,377; Kent, 3,592,472; and Speers, Des. 219,216. None of the above patents suggest or disclose applicants device.  
  Many craftsmen, e.g., carpenters, machinists, mechanics, and the like, by necessity are so familiar with the size of certain tools of their trade, e.g., twist drill bits, certain wrenches, gauges, and the like, that they can readily select any particular size by simply looking at the physical dimensions thereof. Additionally, many of these craftsmen are so skilled that by merely mentioning a certain size, e.g., 1/16 inch drill or /8 inch drill, etc., they are able to select from a group, having a variety of different sizes therein, that particular size called for, i.e., without gauging or reading the size thereon.  
  These craftsmen will find themselves extremely handicapped when and if this country changes over to the metric system of measurement. In other words, most people in this country do not have the slightest concept of the metric system or they do not know a. millimeter from a centimeter. Accordingly, when drill bits and hex head bolts and nuts, etc. are changed to conform to the metric denomination values, craftsmen using tools having sizes of metric denomination and values will have to take the time to either gauge the tool or read the size before continuing with the task at hand.  
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed toward providing a game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system of measurement. In fact, an object of the present invention is to thoroughly acquaint the players with the metric system of measurement, i.e., it is believed that this game device will enable skilled craftsmen to readily identify tools and gauges having sizes of metric denomination and values with the same ease and speed as they now do with our present system.  
  The game device includes a main body member preferably in the shape of a disk which has two semicircular portions. One of these semi-circular portions is provided with a plurality of sockets which have sizes of metric denomination and various values. Also included is a set of peglike members which includes a peglike member having precisely the same shape and size for each of the sockets. The set of peglike members is divided into at least two groups which are visibly distinguishable one from the other, e.g., one group might be colored red and dealt to one player while another group might be colored blue and dealt to another player. The sockets are identified with suitable socket size indicia which preferably may be seen by only one player at a time. Subsequent to certain predetermined rules being followed, the player who has the most pegs inserted into the respective sockets is declared the winner.  
  More specifically, one player, e.g., player A having the red group, challenges the other player, e.g., player B having the blue group, by asking for a certain size blue peg. If player B accurately picks the correct peg, it is placed in the appropriate socket. Then, player B challenges player A in a like manner. The disklike member is turned so that the indicia indicating the socket size is facing the player making the challenge.  
  A basic familiarization game could be played by player A simply pointing to the empty socket and player B being required to select a peg for that particular socket. These latter simple rules will establish the foundation for familiarizing the player with the metric system since the values are visible to both players, i.e., each socket is marked with the socket size and one end of each peg is suitably marked with the peg size. Of course, the rules may vary but the object remains substantially constant, i.e., to reward or recognize the player who is more skillful in visibly picking those pegs from his group which are precisely the size indicated or called for, one at a time, by his opponent.  
 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the game device of the present invention, showing a portion thereof broken away to clearly show certain structure thereof. Also, a peglike member is depicted in phantom as it would appear when placed in one of the many sockets.  
  FIG. 2 is a top view of the game device of the present invention.  
  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the peglike members showing examples of peg size indicia which may be applied to the end of each peglike member and means for distinguishing one group from the other.  
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The game device 11 of the present invention is intended to be played by two or more players who preferably are seated opposite each other. The device 11 is intended for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system of measurement. Mastering the game device 11 would be extremely difficult. Accordingly, the game device 11 offers a challenge to grownups and children. The basic intent of the game device 11 is to familiarize people in this country with the metric system of measurement, i.e., since people in this country generally are not familiar with the metric system. On the other hand, the game device 11 offers a challenge to those people in foreign countries who are already acquainted with the metric system but are not adept at readily selecting a certain size object by the mere mention of its dimension. In other words, the game device 1 l is intended to be an educational device which may be used in schools in all countries. Additionally, it may be used in the home to teach the players thereof the metric system or to more readily make the transition from the present system of measurement to the metric system of measurement.  
  The game device 11 comprises a main body member 13 including a plurality of sockets 15 which are individually designated as 15a, 15b and of predetermined shape, e.g., circular, rectangular, and/or hexagon or the like, and having sizes of metric denomination and various values provided therein. In other words, while the sockets l5 depicted in the drawing are circular in shape, the scope of the invention is intended to encompass sockets of various predetermined shapes. It will be appreciated that one person might be more interested in becoming thoroughly familiar with circular shapes, i.e., particularly in the event this person&#39;s skills require him to be thoroughly familiar with twist drills or the like. On the other hand, other persons might be more interested in becoming thoroughly familiar with square or hexagon shaped objects, i.e., particularly beneficial to mechanics and machinists who work with hex head bolts and nuts and square machine stock. Further, the sizes of the sockets preferably are selected to realistically correspond to objects pertaining to specific skills rather than being selected at random.  
  The game device 11 also includes a set of peglike members 17 which are individually designated as 17a, 17b, and 170, etc., as clearly shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. Each peglike member 17 includes a first portion, as at 19 (FIG. 3) having a predetermined size and shape compatible with the size and shape of only one of the plurality of sockets 15. The first portions 19 of the set of peglike members 17 selectively are inserted into the plurality of sockets in a manner which will be fully disclosed. In this regard, it should be understood that the peglike member 17a will only fit the socket 15a, the peglike member 1712 will only fit the socket 15b, the peglike member 170 will only fit the socket 150, etc.  
  The set of peglike members 17 is divided into at least two equal groups, i.e., the first of these groups being identified in FIG. 2 of the drawing by single letter suffixes, as at 17a, and the second of these groups being readily identified by double letter suffixes, as at l7aa. Each group of peglike members includes visible distinguishing means, e.g., a particular color paint such as blue paint character referenced by the numeral 21 in FIG. 3 of the drawing. The paint 21 visibly distinguishes the peglike members 17a, 17b, 17c, etc. from the peglike members 17aa, 17bb, 17cc, etc. whereby each player may be dealt a peculiar group. In other words, one group may be blue, another group red, etc. In this regard, it should be understood that the peglike members 17 may integrally be formed from a plastic substance. In this event, the color would be all the way through the peglike members 17 rather than having substructure, as at 23, covered with the different colored paints, such as the blue paint 21.  
  The manner in which the game device 11 is played was previously disclosed in the summary above. Accordingly, it should be sufficient to simply state here that subsequent to certain predetermined rules having been followed, the player having the most peglike members 17 inserted into the respective sockets 15 is declared the winner.  
  The game device 11 preferably includes a base&#39;member 25 for supporting the device 11. The main body member 13 preferably is pivotally attached to the base member 25, as with a pivot pin 27 shown in FIG. 1, for pivotal movement about a vertical axis.  
  The main body member 13 preferably includes first and second diametrically disposed portions, as at 29, 31. The first portion 29 is characterized by a substantially smooth uninterrupted surface while the second portion 31 is provided with the plurality of sockets 15, as clearly shown in FIG. 2 of the drawing.  
  The main body member 13 preferably is disklike in shape having a predetermined thickness establishing a bandlike portion, as at 33, disposed about the perimeter of the main body member 13. From FIG. 2 of the drawing it may also be seen that the sockets 15 are arranged at various distances from the center of the disklike shaped main body member 13. Additionally, the main body member 13 includes socket indicia, character referenced by the numeral 35, in the form of radial lines extending through the centers of each of the sockets 15.  
  The socket indicia 35 additionally includes a plurality of specific numerals, as clearly shown in FIG. 1 of the drawing, disposed about the bandlike portion 33. Certain of the numerals, such as the numeral 15, is disposed adjacent the terminus of each of the radial lines. These numerals indicate the precise size of the particular socket appertaining thereto, i.e., the socket l5ff would in this case be 15mm. in diameter, etc.  
  Each of the peglike members 17 preferably includes peg size indicia, character referenced by the numeral 37 in FIG. 3 of the drawing. In other words, the peg size indicia 37 encompasses the plurality of specific numerals corresponding to the entire set of peglike members 17. The peg size indicia 37 is applied to respective second portions, as at 39 of the peglike members 17, i.e., the numeral 7 in FIG. 3 of the drawing indicates that the first portion 19 of that particular member is 7 mm. in diameter.  
  The game device 11 preferably includes receptacle means, as at 41, for receiving the set of peglike members 17. The receptacle means 41 is suitably attached to the main body member 13, as by being integrally formed therewith.  
  The receptacle means 41 preferably includes means, c.g., compartment means 43 defined by divider members 45 for supporting the peglike members 17 in a substantially vertical disposition, as depicted in FIG. 1 of the drawing. In other words, the members 17 remain upright regardless of how few may be contained within the receptacle means 41. It should be understood that placing the peglike members 17 in the receptacle means 41 with the second portions 39 thereof being inwardly directed, i.e., the portion having the peg size indicia 37 thereon being inwardly directed, is effective to obscure from view the peg size indicia 37.  
  From FIG. 1 of the drawing it may be seen that the game device 1 1 includes cover means, as at 47, for covering the receptacle means 41. The cover means 47 preferably is removable from the receptacle means 41 since its intended purpose is simply to prevent the peglike members 17 from falling out of the receptacle means 41 when the game device 11 is not in use or is being moved about.  
  Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.  
 1 claim:  
  1. A game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system of measurements, said device comprising a main body member including a plurality of sockets provided therein of predetermined shape and having sizes of metric denomination and various values, and a set of peglike members each including a first portion having a predetermined size and shape compatible with the size and shape of one of said plurality of sockets, said first portions of said set of peglike members selectively being inserted into said plurality of sockets as the game proceeds. said set of peglike members being divided into at least two groups with each group including means for visibly distinguishing the peglike members thereof from the peglike members of the other groups whereby each player may be dealt a peculiar group, and subsequent to certain predetermined rules having been followed, the player having the most peglike members inserted in the respective sockets being declared the winner, said body member including first and second diametrically disposed portions, said first portion having a substantially smooth uninterrupted surface thereto, said second portion being provided with said plurality of sockets.  
  2. The game device of claim 1 in which said main body member is disklike in shape having a predetermined thickness establishing a bandlike portion disposed about the perimeter thereof, said plurality of sockets being arranged at various distances from the center of said disklike shaped main body member, and said main body member including socket indicia in the form of radial lines extending through the centers of each of said sockets.  
  3. The game device of claim 2 in which said socket indicia additionally includes a plurality of specific numerals disposed about said bandlike portion, certain ones of said numerals being disposed adjacent the terminus of each of said radial lines to indicate the precise size of the particular socket appertaining thereto.  
  4. A game device for familiarizing the playing opponents thereof with the metric system of measurements, said device comprising a main body member including a plurality of sockets provided therein of predetermined shape and having sizes of metric denomination and various values, a set of peglike members each including a first portion having a predetermined size and shape compatible with the size and shape of one of said plurality of sockets and receptacle means for receiving said set of peglike members, said receptacle means being attached to said main body member, said first portions of said set of peglike members selectively being inserted into said plurality of sockets as the game proceeds, said set of peglike members being divided into at least two groups with each group including means for visibly distinguishing the peglike members thereof from the peglike members of the other groups whereby each player may be dealt a peculiar group, and subsequent to certain predetermined rules having been followed, the player having the most peglike members inserted in the respective sockets being declared the winner.  
  5. The game device of claim 4 in which said receptacle means includes means for supporting said peglike members in a substantially vertical disposition regardless of how few peglike members may be contained therein.  
  6. The game device of claim 4 in which each of said peglike members includes peg size indicia, said peg size indicia being applied to respective second portions of said peglike members, placing said peglike members in said receptacle means with the second portions thereof inwardly directed being effective to obscure from view said peg size indicia.