Patent Publication Number: US-8123225-B2

Title: Game apparatus and method of play for manual or computer application

Description:
CONTINUING DATA 
     This is a Continuance-in-Part application of U.S. Ser. No. 12/075,426, filed on Mar. 11, 2008 now abandoned. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of games, and more particularly to a manipulatable game having attached, rotating triangular pieces, with apertured, slidable assemblies such that a turn comprises either rotating a piece to a player&#39;s color or movement of slidable assemblies in either a manual mode or automated by way of a computer application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An abstract strategy game is a strategy game aiming to minimize luck, and without a theme. Almost all abstract strategy games conform to the definition of: a board or card game, in which there is no hidden information, no non-deterministic elements (such as shuffled cards or dice rolls), in which (usually) two players or teams take a finite number of alternating turns. 
     Many classic board games, including Checkers, Chess, Go, and Mancala are strategy games. Play is sometimes said to resemble a series of puzzles the players pose to each other. There is an intimate relationship between abstract strategy games and puzzles where every board position presents the player with a puzzle that in theory could be solved by logic alone. A good abstract game can therefore be thought of as potentially interesting logic puzzles, and the play consists of each player posing such a puzzle to the other. Good players are the ones who find the most difficult puzzles to present to their opponents. 
     The following description and discussion of the prior art is undertaken in order to provide background information so that the present invention may be completely understood and appreciated in its proper context. This background provides reference to specific prior art relating to abstract strategy games. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,934 to Shoptaugh shows a board game consisting of fixed home positions on each side thereof with a plurality of sliders between the two home positions with spaces for the reception of the playing pieces of each of the players. The object of the game is to move one player&#39;s pieces from one home position to the other before the opponent can do so. 
     However, the object of the present invention is clearly distinguishable from the game shown in Shoptaugh. Furthermore, the subject invention is directed to a game apparatus and method of play, whereby a winner is determined when a player places a predetermined number of game pieces in a predetermined arrangement (such as a diamond, square, or other arrangement), which is critical to the instant invention. Shoptaugh, on the other hand, describes a game apparatus whereby a winner is determined by moving his playing pieces from one home area on one side of the board to the other home area on the other side before his opponent. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an unusual game apparatus, in which the game board surface can be changed or altered by a player as that player&#39;s turn, rather than simply placing another game piece on the surface. 
     Shoptaugh specifically teaches maze-like barriers that protrude upwardly from slats, such that by moving the slats mazes are formed that prevent or channel piece movement. The invention, as claimed, positively recites a flat, planar surface with wave forms for setting slats in exact position for the game board, lacking in any obstructive barriers and game pieces are not changed or moved from the apertures, only rotated within apertures to set the color of the player occupying that aperture, thereby distinguishing over this reference in every respect. Not only does Shoptaugh require reassemblable maze structures, Shoptaugh does not teach arranging game pieces in a predetermined pattern. 
     The addition of U.S. Pat. No. 3,588,113 to Nelson does little to change the traversal. Nelson shows a method of playing a game making predetermined patterns in the game by movable concentric circles each containing apertures for game pieces. The present claims require laterally slideably mounted slats structurally distinguishing over concentric circles. As such the combination of Shoptaugh and Nelson does not teach or suggest the current invention. 
     The game board is reconfigured laterally rather than circularly, allowing the game board to expand beyond the rectangular base. Slats can be moved off the base as long as one aperture is aligned with an aperture on an adjacent slat diagonally. The ability to extend slats in either direction allows for an undetermined and expanding playing field every time the game is played. 
     Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,331 to Fabian, ostensibly to show computer implementation of games, does not fill the gaps presented in Shoptaugh alone, or in combination with Nelson. Hence the clear and apparent, positively claimed elements of the apparatus and method are patentably distinct over the art of record. The extending lateral slats reshape the playing field each play and the method of play allows a player only one option per turn, either occupy an aperture by rotating the piece to their color OR move a slat one position in either lateral direction. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an unusual game apparatus, in which the game board surface can be changed or altered by a player as that player&#39;s turn, rather than simply rotating another game piece on the surface, can slide a slat to change the configuration. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a gaming apparatus and method of play, that permits bidirectional, slidable reassembly of the gaming surface and provides three modes of play: a first mode wherein gaming pieces are rotated to the neutral color (unoccupied) on the board at game commencement, a second mode wherein game pieces are rotated to a player&#39;s determined color at the option of the players during play, and a third game over mode wherein one of at least two players&#39; game pieces are configured on slidable slats in a predetermined arrangement, and wherein said gaming surface is structured such that it lacks home positions in any of said modes for placement of said pieces. 
     Finally, it is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a computer-assisted version of the game apparatus, wherein the elements are virtual and created by software, but the gaming rules and methods are the same as that shown in the physical version. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention, as claimed and in sum, comprises a game and apparatus for playing the same, wherein a plurality of planar slats with wave form configurations on the bottom that correspond to the base wave forms to allow a stop action to slide the slat to exactly one position comprise the game board. A metal strip adhered to the bottom of each slat is attracted to the magnetic strip adhered to the grooves in the base, keeping the slats secured to the base. Each slat solely contains apertures for the rotation of game pieces and otherwise is flat and lacking in obstructive barriers. Each play comprises either rotating a tri-colored triangular piece in an aperture to the player&#39;s color, or moving one slat one position. Two players each take turns, one after the other, until a certain, predetermined, winning pattern is formed. 
     The apertures on the slats must connect to at least one aperture diagonally on an adjacent slat. It is possible to continue play off the base as slats are moved. 
     The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     The foregoing objects and other objects of the invention are achieved through a game apparatus for play by at least two players, having game pieces that are manually turned in at least four slideably mounted, apertured slats, each having attached rotational game pieces in each aperture, and a base assembly for slideably mounting the slats, such that the slats can be moved, and said game pieces rotated in said apertures, at the option of each of the players who take turns in playing the game. The base lacks a home area for commencement and completion of the game. The object of the game is to arrive at a linear arrangement (i.e., a number in a row) or a predetermined configuration (e.g., a diamond). 
     With respect to the method of play, after each player selects a game color, and the first to start is chosen in any of a variety of known manners, each player is permitted to choose between rotating a game piece to their color in an aperture or moving one of the slats. Once a piece is rotated to a player&#39;s color it cannot be changed, it becomes an occupied space by that player&#39;s color. 
     At the game commencement, all gaming pieces are rotated to the neutral position (i.e. white) on said base. The method of play by two players involves each of the players taking turns that are selected from two possible moves: rotating a neutral (unoccupied) game position in one of the apertures on one of the slats or linearly displacing any one of the slats one stop. It should be appreciated that in this manner, the game board itself is reconfigured by a player. Thus, for example, if one player has three in a row, by moving a slat, the three in a row position could disappear, as shown in greater detail in connection with the detailed description set forth below and the drawings appended hereto. 
     The complexity of play is different from a traditional board game, since a player may use his or her turn to reconfigure the board, thereby changing the dynamics of the piece arrangements. Likewise, by changing the board either a position is enhanced or a new position is established, since the configuration of the board itself is thereby altered. 
     A winner is determined when a player has a predetermined number of game pieces in a predetermined arrangement, generally four or eight in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally), or in a diamond or other configuration, 
     Under the preferred embodiment, the number of slats are generally the same as the number of apertures, and are preferably four or eight in number. Likewise, winning is established generally by having four or eight in a row. Again, it should be appreciated that when a player has three or seven in a row, this does not automatically mean that that player wins the next turn. This is because the other player may block by rotating a neutral, or still open position, occupying that position on that row, or by moving one of the slats. It should further be appreciated that moving one of the slats may enhance that player&#39;s own position (in, for example, aligning a row), or, for that matter, may align the row in a way that allows the other player to win then, or on the next subsequent turn. 
     Also included is a virtual game board in which the game is controlled by a computer or group of computers. The manner of play is the same, but the game is controlled by software, and the user enters his or her move by mouse or keyboard action. 
     The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the game apparatus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing four slatted assemblies with four apertures each, and rotating, triangular pieces attached to each aperture by a rod assembled such that the dark color wins; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the game apparatus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the game board surface at commencement of play with all rotating pieces in each aperture turned to white showing on the surface, white being neutral or unoccupied by any player. Detailed drawings are included of the cross section of rotating triangular pieces with a different color on each face; 
         FIG. 3  is a breakaway view of one of the slatted assemblies with a metal strip that attracts the slat to the magnet on the base grooves and their directional orientation and location in the base assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the base assembly with magnetic strips in the grooves in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side, frontal view of a slatted assembly and its directional location in the base assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the subject invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an overhead view showing the extended play from the base of the gameboard. It is possible to continue play off the base as slats are moved; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a computer-aided version of the game apparatus, where the apparatus is virtual, and the game is played by two users on a single computer, or multiple users over the Internet or via an intranet; 
         FIG. 8  is a screen shot of the virtual game board, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the game board surface at commencement of play; 
         FIG. 9  is a screen shot of the virtual game board, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the game board after play has been commenced; and 
         FIG. 10  is a screen shot of the virtual game board, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, showing four slats, with four apertures on each slat, and game pieces assembled such that the light color wins. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with the subject invention, and with particular reference to  FIG. 1 , game device  50  is shown, in which the game board has been reconfigured to show a completion of play situation. In particular, game device  50  is comprised of a plurality of slideably-mounted, apertured slats, in this embodiment, four in number, shown as items  2 A,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D, placed in base  10 . Slat  2 D is shown in an original, game starting position, indicating that, during play, it has not been moved. 
     Each of slats  2 A through  2 D have corrugated bottom portions  14  that are, in this embodiment, wavably pronounced to enable a “stop” that provides the slat&#39;s mobility bidirectionally, in either direction as shown by the arrow indicated in  FIG. 1 . (As shown in further detail below, base  10  has corresponding waved pronouncements to permit relocation of the slats with a physical indicator (i.e., the relocation realigns) of a move.) 
     Accordingly, during play, slats ( 2 A through  2 D) are enabled to move a “stop” representing a location in either of the two directions indicated by the arrow. In particular, with reference to slat  2 C, it should be appreciated that this slat was moved, during play, one “stop” leftwardly, as indicated by its dislocation one “unit” or stop to the left of slat  2 D. Likewise, slat  2 B was moved during play two stops rightwardly, and slat  2 A two stops leftwardly. 
     In this embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , game pieces  6 A through  6 E are “dark” in coloration, representing one player&#39;s pieces, and in the particular apertures  8 , rotating the piece to their color, turn by turn, by that player during play. Likewise, the “light” game pieces  4 A through  4 E were rotated by the other player in the particular apertures  8  during play. The slats  2 A,  2 B and  2 C were moved during play. The result of game piece location and slat movement is the linear arrangement of four game pieces  6 A,  6 B,  6 C and  6 E in a diagonal row, thereby indicating that the “dark” piece player has won the game. 
       FIG. 2  shows the game board in the initial stage, prior to commencement of play. There are no game positions occupied, because play has not commenced, and slats  2 A through  2 D are in the “opening” position, in that the board, in this case a “four by four” in terms of number of apertures  8  and stops on the slats  2 A through  2 D, are all aligned in a square, on base  10 . It should be appreciated that while this demonstrates a preferred “opening” or game-commencing position, other configurations of the apparatus can be presented as an opening without deviating from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention, as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate. Detail drawings show a straight on cross-section of the rotating, triangular pieces in the well of the aperture ( 8 A), an angled view of one piece and the rod that attaches it to the slat ( 8 B), and one slat with pieces being turned to one of the two players&#39; colors. 
       FIG. 3  reveals a perspective view of slat  2 D, having waved pronouncements  14  on the bottom surface, and slides  16  that fit into corresponding slidable regions  18  on base  10 . It should be appreciated that while only slat  2 D is shown in  FIG. 2 , the other slats  2 A through  2 C also have the same configuration, and fit into corresponding slidable regions  18  on base  10 . As a result of the waved pronouncements  14  and corresponding waved pronouncements  17  on base  10 , each time a slat ( 2 A through  2 D) is moved in either of the bidirections shown by the arrow, the waved pronouncements rise the slat above the game board until resting in the next location. In this manner, a “stop” is provided, since realignment of the game board results after each of the bidirectional moves has been completed. 
       FIG. 4  shows, in greater perspective, base  10 , comprising slidable regions  18  for receiving slides  16 , magnetic strips  18 A adhered to  18  to keep slats attached to base, and waved pronouncements  17  for carrying the slatted waved pronouncements  14 . 
     Likewise,  FIG. 5  shows the perspective separation of slat  2 D from base  10 , in which slide  16  is shown, and the relationship between waved pronouncements  14  and  17  is made visibly evident. 
       FIG. 6  shows the possible extended play from the base  10  of the gameboard. The apertures  8  on the slats ( 2 A through  2 D) must connect to at least one aperture  8  diagonally on an adjacent slat. The apertures need not be occupied. The bottom slat  2 D has been moved to the right  3  stops, allowing slat  2 C above it to move to the right  7  stops and still remain connected to slat  2 D by the diagonal connection between apertures  6 D and  4 C, and so on, extending play off of the base. It is possible to continue play off the base as slats are moved and all apertures are adjacent to at least one other aperture, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. 
     Lastly, it should be appreciated that the game may be played in a virtual manner, in which the game is software created, and played by hardware control on a personal computer  24 A, or by two personal computers  24 A and  24 B connection optionally by way of the Internet or an intranet, as shown by  FIG. 7 . The method of play is always the same. 
       FIG. 8  shows the virtual game board  51  in the first, initial play mode, prior to commencement of play. There are no game positions occupied, because play has not commenced, and all of the apertures  8  are open, slats  2 A through  2 D are in the “opening” position, in that the board, in this case a “four by four” in terms of number of apertures  8  and stops on the slats  2 A through  2 D, are all aligned in a square, on base  10 . It should be appreciated that while this demonstrates a preferred “opening” or game-commencing position, other configurations of the apparatus can be presented as an opening without deviating from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention, as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate. 
       FIG. 9  shows the virtual game board  51  in the second play mode, after commencement of play. The game pieces  4 A and  4 B are “light” in coloration, representing one player&#39;s pieces, and in the particular apertures  8 , placed there, turn by turn, by that player during play. Likewise, the “dark” game piece  6 A was placed by the other player in the particular apertures  8  during play. 
       FIG. 10  shows the virtual game board  51  in the third, game over mode of play. The result of game piece location and slat movement is the linear arrangement of four “light” game pieces  2 A,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D in a diagonal row, thereby indicating that the “light” piece player has won the game. 
     With respect to the method of play, after each player selects a game color, and the first to start is chosen in any of a variety of known manners, each player is permitted to choose between rotating a game piece in an aperture or moving one of the slats. Game continues until a predetermined configuration is achieved. The predetermined configuration may be a line of a number of game pieces that depends from the size of the board, or a geometric shape, like a diamond. 
     The game board may have any of a number of slats and apertures, without deviating from the spirit or scope of the invention. Generally, the number retains a square arrangement, and is ideally 4 by 4 or 8 by 8, although other configurations are permitted in accordance with the invention. 
     While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.