Patent Publication Number: US-10307664-B1

Title: Interactive competitive dice rolling board-game

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A frequent way for people to relieve stress and have fun is to go to parties, gatherings, social outings, etc. One of the most common ways for people to enjoy their time at social gatherings is to play a party game/backyard game. When healthy competition between groups of individuals is introduced, the competition often has an ability to heighten the level of joy at a party. Not only that, but these games have the ability to improve cognitive function, teamwork, and friendship. 
     Plenty of games exist that have this ability including, but not limited to: Cornholes (Bags), Ladders, Washers. However, a disadvantage of most of these games that they can only be played exclusively outdoor. There are other games that may be played indoor such as darts, pool, and other amusement games such as, but they lack the ability to keep multiple users constantly involved. Another great example is U.S. Pat. No. 905,941 now known as the original “Skee-Ball” game which uses a ramp to thrust a projectile into scoring compartments, but again, only has the ability to keep one used involved at a time. One of the games that has become recently popularized is U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,807, otherwise known as “Beer Pong.” The major disadvantage of this game is the large amounts of consumption of alcohol that may be ingested during games, the mess it may create, and the users may become overly-inebriated. Also, minors may be present during this game, giving a bad influence. Currently, there are non-alcoholic versions that are played, but are much less popularized. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to recreational amusement board games that includes accessories to play. More specifically, this invention relates to the interactive competitive branch of games in which players of any skill level face off against each other until a final score is reached according to the rules of the game. Any player that dedicates more time may be rewarded with the ability to play at a higher skill level. The game involves skill, chance, and the ability to negatively affect the other teams score. 
     A game board apparatus for a dice game that is made up of a base having a base front side, a base left side, a base right side and a base back side; and a front ramp on the base front side extending from the base front edge to a center scoring surface. In addition, the game board has the center scoring surface, parallel to the base, extending from the ramp back edge toward, but not reaching the base back side, the center scoring surface with two angling edges from the base left side and base right side towards a fourth scoring crevice located at the intersection of the two angling edges; and two scoring crevices in the center scoring surface, each scoring crevice equal distance from the ramp back edge and equal distance from the base left side for the scoring crevice on the left and the base right side for the scoring crevice on the right. The game board has a third scoring crevice in the center scoring surface, located equidistant between the left base side and the right base side; and a right barrier on the right base side, extending from the base back side towards, but not reaching the right scoring crevice, the right barrier extending above the center scoring surface; as well as a left barrier on the left base side, extending from the base back side towards, but not reaching the left scoring crevice, the left barrier extending above the center scoring surface. 
     The game board could be made of ABS, wood, or another material. And the game board could be made of one or multiple pieces. For instance, the base, right barrier, left barrier, and scoring surface could each be a separate piece of wood. 
     The crevices on the game board could be of any shape, for instance the crevices could be round. 
     The game board could be part of a kit that includes two game boards, perhaps include dice, and perhaps one or more cups for insertion into the crevices. The kit could include a table. The game boards could be positioned on opposite edges of the table, and could be built in to the table. 
     A method of playing a dice game comprising the placing two game boards on a table, with a base back side of each game board aligned on an edge of the table; then rolling the dice by a player such that the dice are directed at the game board on an opposite side of the table; and catching the dice that roll off of the table, by an opposing player, and adjusting a score. In some embodiments, the score is negatively adjusted if caught by the opposing player. In other embodiments, the score is only adjusted if the dice is caught in a cup held by the opposing player. If the dice are rolled such that the dice stops in a crevice in the game board on the opposite side of the table, the score is adjusted; and if the dice are rolled such that the dice stops in an area of the game board on the opposite side of the table, the score is adjusted. 
     The dice game wherein the game board is made up of a base having a base front side, a base left side, a base right side and a base back side; and a front ramp on the base front side extending from the base front edge to a center scoring surface. In addition, the game board has the center scoring surface, parallel to the base, extending from the ramp back edge toward, but not reaching the base back side, the center scoring surface with two angling edges from the base left side and base right side towards a fourth scoring crevice located at the intersection of the two angling edges; and two scoring crevices in the center scoring surface, each scoring crevice equal distance from the ramp back edge and equal distance from the base left side for the scoring crevice on the left and the base right side for the scoring crevice on the right. The game board has a third scoring crevice in the center scoring surface, located equidistant between the left base side and the right base side; and a right barrier on the right base side, extending from the base back side towards, but not reaching the right scoring crevice, the right barrier extending above the center scoring surface; as well as a left barrier on the left base side, extending from the base back side towards, but not reaching the left scoring crevice, the left barrier extending above the center scoring surface. 
     The dice game could be played such that the score is not adjusted if the dice does not stop on the opposite game board. Also, cups could be placed in one or more crevices on the game board, and the score could be adjusted if the dice stops in one of the cups. This adjustment could be negative. All or some of the scoring could be further adjusted based on the information on the top of the dice when it stops, and perhaps only if the dice stops on the game board. 
     The dice game could be played with two teams with multiple players on each team. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows an over-head view of the game-board with all the different areas to score if a player were to land their dice on the specified sections of the board. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a rear-isometric view of the game-board 
         FIG. 1C  shows a frontal-isometric view of the game-board 
         FIG. 1D  shows the rear view of the game-board and where a scoring mechanism will be attached to the backside of each of the game-boards to help players keep track of the score 
         FIG. 1E  shows the underside of the game-board 
         FIG. 2A  shows an isometric view of the post-cup that will either be inserted into the board, or used a throwing mechanism for the dice. 
         FIG. 2B  shows an overhead view of the post-cup 
         FIG. 2C  shows a side view of the post-cup 
         FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view of a standard sixteen (16) millimeter playing die. 
         FIG. 3B  shows another isometric view of a standard sixteen (16) millimeter playing die 
         FIG. 4  shows an overall view of two versions of the game-board and their setup 
     
    
    
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Drawings-Reference numerals 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 10 
                 left scoring hole 
                 12 
                 right scoring hole 
               
               
                 14 
                 rear scoring hole 
                 16 
                 center scoring surface 
               
               
                 18 
                 left barrier 
                 20 
                 right barrier 
               
               
                 22 
                 left scoring surface 
                 24 
                 right scoring surface 
               
               
                 26 
                 center scoring hole 
                 28 
                 front ramp 
               
               
                 30 
                 left slope 
                 32 
                 right slope 
               
               
                 34 
                 right rear side of 
                 36 
                 left rear side of 
               
               
                   
                 game-board 
                   
                 game-board 
               
               
                 38 
                 left slot 
                 40 
                 right slot 
               
               
                 42 
                 left scoring attachment 
                 44 
                 right scoring attachment 
               
               
                 46 
                 scoring mechanism 
                 48 
                 underside of front ramp 
               
               
                 50 
                 ribs 
                 52 
                 underside of left wall 
               
               
                 54 
                 underside of rear 
                 56 
                 underside of right scoring 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 surface 
               
               
                 58 
                 underside of right wall 
                 60 
                 underside of right scoring 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 crevice 
               
               
                 62 
                 side of post-cup 
                 64 
                 post-cup interior 
               
               
                 66 
                 post-cup lip 
                 68 
                 post-cup base 
               
               
                 70 
                 table 
                 72 
                 game-board with no post-cups 
               
               
                 74 
                 moving dice 
                 76 
                 post-cups in game-board 
               
               
                 78 
                 game-board with post-cups 
               
               
                   
                 inserted 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS.  1 A- 1 E—First Embodiment 
     This invention relates to recreational amusement board games that includes accessories to play. More specifically, this invention relates to the interactive competitive branch of games in which players of any skill level face off against each other until a final score is reached according to the rules of the game. Any player that dedicates more time may be rewarded with the ability to play at a higher skill level. The game involves skill, chance, and the ability to negatively affect the other teams score. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , which shows two different game mode setups that will be further described in the “Operations” section. The subject invention comprises of two (2) game-boards that are laid out on opposite ends of a table  70  with the back corners of the invention at the very edge of the table, but not overlapping the ends of the table. There are six (6) post-cups that are included that can be inserted in the two game-boards (3 post-cups in each), as shown in  76  and  78  or left out, as shown in  72 , according to the game mode that the participants choose to play. There are six (6) dice that are included, a carrying case for travel and storage, and a rulebook. 
     Players simply roll the dice across the table and aim to land their dice onto their opponent&#39;s game-board. This game is truly unique in the fact that it is a physically interactive game where players can lose points if a team member accidentally throws the dice off of the table. When this happens the players on defense must rush to try and catch the dice before it hits the ground. If the defensive player catches the dice before hitting the ground, then the offensive team may lose two (−2) points. Also, there are multiple game modes that can be played on this game-board. There are two in particular that are listed in the detailed description, but the listed game modes are not limited to only those games because, there are a variety of different games that can be played using this game-board. For example, rules may be adjusted that reward the defense for catching the dice, such as having the defense gain points. Having multiple game modes that can be played on the same board game is a great way to keep players from getting bored of the same old game, as is the case with many other party games. This game is small and compact with very few accessories, and can be played on any relatively flat surface of any length as long as the dice can roll freely across said surface onto the other board. This game can be played anywhere between two to six (2-6) players. Most present backyard/party games only allow up to four players to play at one time. 
     In one embodiment,  FIG. 1A-1E  is typically made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), which is a type of plastic. This embodiment is typically created by way of injection molding so that the present invention can be mass produced at a lower cost. However, any type of material can be used to create this board, such as wood, metal, any other type of durable plastic, etc. A different type of manufacturing method may be suitable to ensure that costs are not high when manufacturing the board with different materials. For instance, in one method of manufacturing the game-board out of wood, the game-board would be made of four solid pieces. The bottom part of the board would most typically be a ½ inch thick and have ¼ inch depth drilled out of the top side of the bottom part of the board to show where the left, right, and center scoring holes would lay on top of it. The center scoring surface would be another piece that measures ¾ in thickness and would have all the scoring holes drilled out completely. This piece would lay right onto the bottom part of the board where the holes would meet and the front ramps would lay in sync with each other. The last two pieces would be the left and right barrier that would sit on the very edges of the board. The bottom most part of the board, center scoring surface, and left and right barriers may be put together with any type of adhesive, screws, nails, etc. Any method that would effectively attach the board pieces together would suffice. This is just one example of how the board may be manufactured out of wood and is not limited to the present example. 
     Shown in  FIG. 1E , the entire embodiment will typically have a thickness of ⅛ of an inch as shown (underside of game-board), but may be thicker to ensure durability. It would not be desirable to have the board any less thick than ⅛ inch, although it is attainable. Referring to  FIG. 1B , the game-board has an approximate length of 13 inches long and an approximate width of 11.75 inches. The present embodiment has an approximate maximum height of 2.5 inches where the barriers  18  and  20  are shown. The front ramp  28  will stand at an approximate height of 1.25 inches tall, with a slope angled at approximately 39.81 degrees, and a width of 1.25 inches before it meets the center scoring surface  16 . 
     All the aforementioned areas ( 18 ,  20 , and  28 ) will all have the same color that is different from the rest of the board to signify that these areas do not count for any points, most typically that color will be red. 
     The present embodiment features five different areas that consist of three different scoring opportunities.  FIG. 1A  shows where the center scoring surface  16  meets the front ramp  28 . Excluded from the center scoring surface  16  are the left scoring crevice  10 , right scoring crevice  12 , the center scoring crevice  26 , left ramp  30  and right ramp  32 . However, the center scoring surface  16  also includes the areas immediately around the left scoring crevice  10  and the right scoring crevice  12 . 
     This center scoring surface has the most surface area available on this present embodiment and will most typically be worth two points and have the color blue to signify this area from the rest of the game-board. 
     Shown best in  FIG. 1A , the left scoring crevice  10  and right scoring crevice  12  are the same size and are approximately 2.5 inches in diameter and have a depth of approximately 1 inch. Both  10  and  12  will most typically be worth one point, and will most typically be colored green. The center scoring crevice  26  is smallest scoring crevice on the board with an approximate diameter of 1.75 inches and a depth of 1 inch. This area is worth three points and will most typically have the color black. Leading away from the center scoring surface and front ramp are the left slope  30  and the right slope  32 . Segments  30  and  32  have an approximate angle of 45 degrees and a width of 0.75 inches. Shown best in  FIG. 1A , these slopes connect all the way to the left barrier  18  and the right barrier  20 , and ends where the rear scoring crevice  14  is attached. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , at the base of the slopes are the left scoring surface  22  and the right scoring surface  24 . These surfaces end at the base of the left and right barrier ( 18 ,  20 ) on the inside of the game-board and extend out until the edge of the game-board. Both scoring surfaces will typically be worth one point and will be colored green. Shown best in  FIG. 1B , is the rear scoring hole  14 . The rear scoring hole  14  is the same size as the left and right scoring holes, but the rear scoring hole will typically be worth three points due to the difficulty of landing on this area. The rear scoring hole will typically have the color black to distinguish this area from the others. 
       FIG. 1D  shows the best angle of the rear of the game-board in its entirety. The scoring mechanism  46  is shown in a zoomed in view. The scoring mechanism will help players keep track of their score by having the numbers start to the right of the mechanism and as they score more points, players simply slide over the amount of points the players have scored towards the left side of the mechanism. The scoring mechanism has an attachment on both sides that will be inserted into the back of the game-board during gameplay ( 42 ,  44 ). When the game is stored away this scoring mechanism can detach to help make room for storage. Some players may simply choose not to use the scoring mechanism. When the scoring mechanism  46  is used, players simply take the left scoring attachment  42  and insert it into the left hole  38  and take the right scoring attachment  44  and insert it into the right hole  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1E , which shows the underside of the game-board in its entirety. Ribs  50  will typically be inserted throughout the entire game-board to help increase overall durability. The underside of front ramp  48  displays the angle and approximate width of the entire board. Leading back to the underside of the right scoring hole  60 , ribs are displayed between the right barrier  58  and the right scoring surface  56 .  FIG. 1E  typically displays how the game-boards injection mold will not just be one solid chunk of material, but rather, a slender, durable game-board that will be as cost effective as possible when manufacturing. 
     Moving on to the game-board accessories, which are shown in  FIG. 2A - FIG. 3B . Starting with  FIG. 2A - FIG. 2C , which shows the post-cup in its entirety. The post-cups are a typical view of standard 15 oz. “tumbler,” such as sold by the company U.S. Acrylic, LLC. The post-cups will stand approximately 4.50 inches tall  62 , have an opening “mouth”  64  diameter of 3.625 inches, have a base  68  of 2.75 inches, and an approximate overall thickness  66  of 0.125 inches. These post-cups have a wide range of uses and whatever their use may be depends on the type of game mode that is played on this game-board. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B . This illustration shows two isometric views of a standard sixteen-millimeter die. This will be the main accessory of the game, but the range is not limited to a certain size or shape of die and many other types of projectiles may be used in this present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4  which shows a complete overall view of how the games will typically be set up. As shown in  FIG. 4 , both boards are at the very end of the table. One way to play game is shown in  72 , where the post-cups will not be inserted into the board. In this game-mode both boards will not have any post-cups in it and the players will use their post-cups to throw and catch the dice  74 . On the right side, the post-cups  76  are seen “hovering” above the game-board  78  to show where the post-cups will be completely inserted into the game-boards left, right, and rear scoring holes. 
     Operations 
     There are many different ways this said invention can be used, and is not limited to this sections description. This game may be played on any relatively flat surface (most typically a raised surface), any size, anywhere. There are a few precautions to the setup of the game, but are not completely necessary. This setup merely ensures that the game can be played with very few hindrances. Firstly, there needs to be enough space between the two game-boards that the die can roll freely from one side of the table. Secondly, all objects not included in the game and not being used should be removed from the surface that would interrupt the path of the die being rolled. Thirdly, the flatter and smoother of a surface will allow the dice to roll more freely. Lastly, any chairs or objects that could get in the way of players movement should be moved away from the surface to help players be able to catch the dice freely as well, as a safety precaution. 
     This game can be played one vs one (1v1) player, two vs two (2v2) players, or three vs three (3v3) players. There is no limitation to how many players and teams can play (4v4, 5v5, 6v6, etc.), but there must be enough dice to go around for each player. This is a major advantage of this present invention due to the fact that more players may be involved in the game. Each player/team stands on one side of the surface, while the opponent(s) stand together on the opposite side of the table. The game-board that each team aims to roll their dice onto is the game-board that is located across the table. The game-boards are placed rear side at the very edge of the surface, but not overlapping the edge. The game-boards front ramp ( FIG. 1C, 28 ) will face the opponent(s). 
     There are many different types of game play that can be used on this game-board. Only two will be described in greater detail in this section. First to be described will be Game Mode #1. Game Mode #1 begins by having the teams insert the post-cups into the left, right, and rear scoring holes  10 ,  12 , and  14  ( FIG. 1A ) in both game-boards. This makes it harder to land the dice on the board, and the post-cups will act as “bumpers.” Each teammate receives two (2) dice to be rolled one at a time, and the dice can be rolled in any order. If the game is one vs one (1v1), then four (4) dice are given to each player. If the game is three vs three (3v3) or two vs two (2v2), then two (2) dice are given to each player. There is no limitation to how many dice each player can have in terms of custom rules that players may want to include. 
     To determine which player/team starts the game, a player from each team will roll a single die anywhere on the table at the same time as an opposing player does. Whichever player rolled the higher value on the die starts the game. If the dice are tied, keep rolling the dice until one player has a dice that has a greater value than the opponent. Any player on the team can start the game, and the dice can be rolled in any order. Players simply roll the dice onto the table and aim to land their dice onto the opponent&#39;s game-board. Whoever rolls the dice must be standing behind the surfaces edge, and their elbows must be behind the surfaces edge at the release point of their dice. The dice must roll and cannot be slid across the surface. Also, the dice must hit the surface before hitting the opposing team&#39;s game-board (players may not toss the die directly onto the game-board). Committing one of the previous infractions will cause the dice to be counted as invalid, and the player will lose their roll and it will not count for any points. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1A - FIG. 1D , there are four areas on the game-board that counts for points if the dice lands on them in Mode #1. Specifically referring to  FIG. 1A , the center scoring surface  16  counts for two points and will also have a label of “2.” The center scoring hole  26  counts for three points and will be labeled with a “3.” The left and right scoring surfaces  22 ,  24  counts for one point and will be labeled “1.” If the dice is hanging off the center scoring surface, or touching one of the slopes  30 ,  32  then, it only counts for one point. 
     The unique part involves the fact that players can lose points. However, teams/players cannot go into negatives, unless a custom rule would like to be integrated. There may be similar alternative game modes that allow users to go into negatives, but will not be described in detail in this section. In one example, a negatives rule may likely be incorporated to help with mathematical skills for educational purposes. 
     Moving on, in Game Mode #1, the lowest score any team can have is zero. There are two ways in which an offense can lose points from rolling their dice. One way is to roll your dice into one of the post-cups that are already inserted into the left, right, and rear scoring holes. Referring to  FIG. 1C , if a dice rolls off the front ramp  28  and lands in the post-cups that are inserted in one of the scoring holes, the offensive team that is rolling the dice loses one point. Also, a positive aspect may be integrated where players who roll their dice into the post-cups may be rewarded points for landing in those spots instead of losing points. 
     Another unique aspect of the present invention is that players may lose if a player rolling the dice falls off the surface. If the dice falls anywhere off the surface after the dice has been rolled, the opposing team can attempt to catch the dice before the dice hits the ground. If the dice is caught by the defense, the defense must immediately shout out, “Diced!” Once “Diced!” is called out, the offensive team (the one who is rolling the dice) loses two points. The shouting of, “Diced!” lets the offense know that a die has been caught, and this also heightens the excitement of gameplay and is seen to be a very fulfilling reward on behalf of the defense. If the dice hits the ground in any fashion, then no point deduction can be taken from the offense&#39;s score. An alternative to the offense losing points if the defense catches the dice may be rewarding the defense points to their score instead of the offense losing points. This would be a positive reflection of the score on behalf of the defense. For instance, if the defense catches the dice and their score is already at 12 points, this would mean that their score may be 14 points—a positive gain of two points for the defense instead of the offense losing two points. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , there are limited spaces to land the die on the board. Once the die rolls up the ramp  28  and makes it past the post-cups (where spaces  10  and  12  are), only the center scoring surface  16  (worth two points), center scoring hole  26  (worth three points), the left and right scoring surface  22 ,  24  (each worth one point) are the only places that the dice may land and count for points. Again, spaces  10 ,  12 , and  14  will be filled with post-cups that are considered negatives for this particular game mode. 
     After a team has rolled all their dice, the offensive team may then use their game-board (the one closest to them) to tally up the score using the scoring mechanism  46 , as seen in  FIG. 1D . Players must add any points they have made as well as deduct any points that may have incurred. After scoring is completed the other team may then begin rolling their dice. The scoring mechanism is optional to use, and if the teams prefer, they can simply add and deduct the points by memory to work on their memorization skills. 
     Moving on towards another example of a gameplay on this present invention is Game Mode #2. Game Mode #2 is played on the same game-board, but with different rules. Most of the rules are the same. However, the major difference between Game Mode #1 and Game Mode #2 is that the post-cups are not to be inserted into the dice game-board. This allows more spots on the game-board to be counted as points to score. Referring to  FIG. 1A , each spot where the post-cup would have been inserted should now be left open ( 10 ,  12 , and  14 ). The left hole  10  and the right hole  12  will be worth one point and will be labeled with a “1.” The rear scoring crevice  14  is now worth three points and will be labeled with a “3.” 
     Another unique aspect of the present invention in Game Mode #2 is that each player must use one of the post-cups to roll their dice (on offense) and also catch the opposing teams dice (on defense) if the dice fall off the table. On offense, players may only roll one dice at a time in their post-cups. On defense, any dice that are caught must remain in the post-cup until the round is over in order for the point deduction to remain. If a dice falls out of the post-cup, the point deduction for that caught dice will not count. Dice may only be caught if the defense can catch it with their post-cup. Alternatively, players may choose to have the catching of the dice in the post-cups count for a positive gain of points for the defense. 
     To conclude, in both Game Mode #1 and #2, once a team has reached twenty-one points with a score equal to, or greater than two points of the other teams score, will then put the opposing team on game point. There is a chance for a rebuttal once game point has been reached. The game may be won when a team has put the opposing team on game point, and after the opposing team&#39;s rebuttal, they were not able to come within two points. If the team that was down two points or more comes within two points then, the game continues as normal until game point can be kept after their rebuttal. 
     Lastly, there is one more game mode variation that may be included in this present invention. Labeling the die with bonus attributes or features may be added to make the game more intriguing. For instance, instead of the die have dots that show their number value on them, the die may be labeled with bonus features like “+2,” “Extra Roll,” “−1”, etc. There are endless amounts of variants that may be included and are not limited to the present examples. In many instances, there can also be educational aspects incorporated into the die. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, SCOPE 
     Thus, the reader will see that at least one embodiment of this interactive and competitive dice rolling table game provides a pleasantly different and creative spin on tabletop games than the present party games that exist. This game can be played by kids and adults alike, indoors and outdoors, and does not need alcohol to keep users interested and involved. 
     While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of one [or several] embodiment(s) thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, this game-board may be created out of many different materials such as wood, metal, or other various types of plastic. If said materials are used it may require a different manufacturing method and may require a slightly different design in the board. Also, the game-board may come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes that are best fit for the manufacturer. All present embodiments such as the post-cup, dice, scoring crevices, and scoring surfaces are not limited to the present measurements, but are merely an approximation that may be viewed as standard. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.