Abstract:
An improvement for all games which incorporate the capturing of game (or playing) pieces as part of game play. A game piece set where each piece is hollow and has an access or opening to allow surprises to be inserted prior to play and removed during play. Surprises may include confections, toys, printed materials, currency, and other items designed or selected to fit inside game piece. Surprises are held inside game piece by an integrated (or attached) seal or detachable seal (such as a removable plug or cap). Game can be played on a standard game board. The factory, players, and/or caregivers fill the game pieces with surprises prior to start of game. The surprise remains concealed until game piece is captured during play; the seal is then opened by player, and the surprise is removed and enjoyed. Overall, the tangible surprise element serves as an immediate, fin, and exciting improvement to the game.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a utility patent application based on U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/563,296, filed Apr. 19, 2004, entitled Prize Containing Game Piece, Related Combinations and Methods, which is incorporated herein by this reference and made a part of this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention relates generally to games of skill and more specifically to game pieces for securing prizes that may be removed by a user, techniques and strategies for playing games of skill using such game pieces, combinations of such game pieces and game packages containing the same, and related methods.  
         [0004]     2. Background Information  
         [0005]     There is growing pressure for our children to excel in school and later in work. Caregivers are very concerned over the state of education. They are also worried about their children&#39;s appetite for expensive, and increasingly violent, video games, and/or for watching excessive television.  
         [0006]     Motivating children to move away from television and video games, and towards learning and excelling, is often a difficult process. It is also a motivational process quite different from one used when motivating adults. While adults look to motivation from financial or emotional tools, children look to instant gratification as a primary motivational mechanism. Thus, although caregivers are using ‘smart’ toys and games of skill at unprecedented levels, motivating children to play these classic, affordable, familiar, and highly beneficial games of skill, including but not limited to such games as chess, tic-tac-toe, checkers, shogi, qiang xi, backgammon, memory games and tiddly-winks (hereinafter referred to as “games”), is easier said than done.  
         [0007]     Chess, for example, is one of the world&#39;s most popular board games, and it has existed for centuries. It is a proven provider of intellectual development benefits which are valued by, not only adult players, but also children and their caregivers. Numerous studies have concluded that children who play chess excel academically and in the development of their maturity. They develop critical thinking; logic, reasoning, and problem solving abilities; memory, concentration and visualization skills; confidence; patience; determination; poise; self-expression; and good sportsmanship. Chess also improves their self-esteem.  
         [0008]     However, children often view chess as complex, slow, boring, and “nerdy.” Chess is also a game that is complicated to teach due to the intricate rules and strategies associated with the game. Thus, it is difficult to motivate children to play and to learn to play chess. Due to the numerous benefits of games of skill such as chess, there is a need for products and methods whereby games are more exciting, compelling and attractive to fill this underserved market and improve society as a whole.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The invention relates to an improved game piece and combinations thereof, as well as techniques and strategies for playing games of skill using such game pieces, and combinations of game packages containing such improved game pieces, and related methods.  
         [0010]     It is an object of this invention to provide a game piece having a base with a first part and a second part which can be fitted together to form an internal chamber for securing a prize. The prize is capable of being removed by a user when desired.  
         [0011]     The game piece also includes a design portion coupled with the base. Where the game piece is a component of a game having multiple different pieces with non-uniform identity, the design portion may define the identity of the game piece, thereby distinguishing the game piece from other pieces.  
         [0012]     In one embodiment the game piece is designed to be used in a specific game. For example, if the game is chess, the design portion of such a game piece would define the identity of each given chess piece, for example, as a pawn, rook, bishop, knight, queen, or king. Thus the present invention also relates to combinations of game pieces, such as a combination of game pieces that comprises a complete chess set.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment the game piece is uniformly designed and the identity of each game piece is defined by design elements such as imprinting, coloring, shrink-wrapping or otherwise wrapping the game piece with identifying indicia. In a further embodiment a plurality of game pieces are manufactured and contained in one package. The packaging is such that each game piece is capable of being individually separated from the packaging to form an individual game piece.  
         [0014]     In each embodiment of the invention, the game pieces include an internal chamber for securing a prize. A prize can be secured or hidden in the game piece by placing the prize in the internal chamber, and the prize can be removed by a user at a selected time. One selected time may be upon capture of a game piece during game play. In this regard, the game pieces of the invention allow the combination of a conventional game with a reward mechanism, thereby making the game more fun, surprising and rewarding.  
         [0015]     It is another object of this invention to provide packaging which contains a game utilizing the game pieces currently described. Such a game package includes a container, a plurality of game pieces, each game piece including a base having a first part and a second part which can be fitted together to form an internal chamber for securing a prize, where the prize is capable of removal by a user, and a design portion coupled with the base and extending upward. The game package may further include a set of instructions for directing a user in operating a game piece, for example, instructing the user to add or remove a prize to a game piece. The game package may further include a plurality of prizes. The prizes in the plurality of prizes of a game package can each be individually secured in separate game pieces, or the prizes can be separate from the game pieces, such in a separate container. The game package may further include an incentive chart or graph which allows a user to display prizes and track the progress of game previously played by a user. In one embodiment, the game is a smaller version and is portable.  
         [0016]     Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention increases the interest of children in learning and playing highly beneficial “intellectual development” games of skill.  
         [0017]     It is another aspect the current invention provides a novel, attractive, game package which includes the “prize-inside” or “surprise-inside” additional enjoyment and benefit value for the players.  
         [0018]     It is another object of this invention to provide a package for treats and collectibles which contains a game utilizing the treats and collectables as prizes contained with the game pieces and which may be consumed by the user after using them to complete a selected portion of a game.  
         [0019]     Another aspect of the invention provides an easy to operate filling and removing (or dispensing) mechanism for prizes, wherein the prizes are secured in an internal chamber of a game piece, such as a chess piece.  
         [0020]     Another aspect of this invention is to not change any of the standard rules of a game. It is meant only to enhance the game by the additional steps of incorporating the novel playing pieces and prizes. However, in some embodiments a piece may contain a prize that includes an instruction for an additional step, such as to add a piece back to the playing board or directing a player to solve a puzzle or riddle. A special teaching method and exercise instruction booklet, or instructions, which incorporates this invention can also be part of the game package.  
         [0021]     Another aspect of the current invention is to offer a wide range of ancillary “Game Piece Surprise Refills” packages to serve a wide range of customer preferences. The prize refills are designed to fit inside the game pieces.  
         [0022]     Another aspect of this invention is to offer a special series of prizes which include special round collector&#39;s coins which have one side printed with a game piece symbol. For example, for chess, the idea would be to collect all thirty-two coins (each representing one game piece ‘character’)—front side is a illustrated chess character, backside has a chess symbol underneath a sticker/stamp which is removed for enjoyment or placed in a collector&#39;s sticker book. Coins can be collected and/or played with on a standard chessboard. This aspect would be light and great for traveling, playing at cafe&#39;s, etc.  
         [0023]     Another aspect is to offer surprise secret codes to entice players to go online and interact with puzzles, games, and sweepstakes/contests for prizes while collecting data on their needs and preferences. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates exemplary chess game pieces in accordance with the present invention, with internal chambers exposed.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates how a first part and second part of the game piece are fitted together to form an exemplary game piece of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates the exemplary game piece of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2 , with the internal chamber exposed.  
         [0027]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate an exemplary game piece according an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of game pieces of the invention.  
         [0029]      FIGS. 6   a - g  illustrate various exemplary game pieces, shown as checker pieces, according to an embodiment of the invention, with  FIG. 6   a  illustrating the game piece with internal chamber exposed;  FIG. 6   b  illustrating two game pieces in a “queening position, which is typically defined as the first game piece being positioned directly on top of the second game piece;  FIG. 6   c  illustrating the two game pieces shown in  FIG. 6   b  with internal chambers exposed;  FIG. 6   d  illustrating the exterior of an exemplary game piece;  FIG. 6   e  illustrating a plug of the exemplary game piece;  FIG. 6   f  illustrating the game piece with internal chamber exposed; and  FIG. 6   g  illustrating the exterior of the game piece.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  illustrates various exemplary prizes according to the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  shows an exemplary game package in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  shows an exemplary prize according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]     The present invention is based on making new and existing games of skill more fun, interactive, and rewarding by incorporating game pieces which hold prizes. It is obvious that the present invention may be used in connection with games of skill such as chess, checkers, backgammon, shogi and qiang xi, though it may be well employed in connection with other games, such as memory games, tiddly-winks, etc. (hereinafter referred collectively to as “game” or “games.”) For the sake of simplicity, the present invention will hereinafter be described with respect to the games of chess or checkers. However, it is to be understood that the invention is applicable to any game, whether currently or hereinafter existing.  
         [0034]     The present invention does not have to change any of the standard rules of a game. It is meant only to enhance a game by the additional steps of incorporating the novel playing pieces and prizes  20  described in detail herein. However, in some embodiments, a game piece  10  may contain a prize  20  that includes instructions for additional steps to a game, such as to add a piece back to the playing board or directing a player to solve a puzzle or riddle. In some embodiments, the game piece  10  may contain a prize  20  that may be used separate from the game being played, such as a trading card or token.  
         [0035]     The prizes  20  used in connection with the game pieces  10  of the present invention should not be limited, and may include such prizes  20  as edible treats (including, but not limited to, confections, dried fruit, nuts, and the like); non-edible treats and collectibles (exemplary collectibles are shown in  FIG. 7  and include, but are not limited to, printed materials such as illustrated stickers, text messages, puzzles, tokens, riddles, fortunes, coins, toys, toy components, currency, etc.) Additionally, a prize  20  may include an instruction for an additional step, such as to add a piece back to the playing board or direct a player to solve a puzzle or riddle. Thus, the prizes  20  can include anything that a user would desire, enjoy and/or motivate a user to play a game, and would thereby make capturing and opening a game piece  10  even more desirable to the user then capturing a traditional game piece lacking a prize  20 . While the prize-holding game pieces  10  adapt well to games where the capturing of the opponent&#39;s pieces occurs, the use of the present invention should not be limited. By coupling a prize  20  with game piece capture in playing the game, desirability on the part of the user to learn and excel at the game is increased. The more complex the game is, the greater the need for the invention.  
         [0036]     The invention includes a game piece  10  capable of securing a prize  20 . As shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  and  6 , the game piece  10  preferably includes a base  12  with a first part  14  and a second part  16  which can be fitted together to form an internal chamber  22  for securing a prize  20 . The game pieces  10  may be made of any suitable material such as wood, ivory, plastic, etc. The prize  20  is capable of being removed by a user when desired.  
         [0037]     The game piece  10  of the first embodiment also includes a design portion  18  coupled with the base  12 . The design portion  18  may extend upward from the base  12  or may be an integrated as part of the base  12  itself. The design portion  18  of the game piece  10  may vary depending on the game. For example, where the game piece  10  is a component of a game having multiple different pieces with non-uniform identity, such as chess, the design portion  18  may define the identity of the game piece  10 , thereby distinguishing the game piece  10  from other pieces  10 .  FIG. 1  shows games pieces  10  in accordance with the present invention, wherein the design portion  18  identifies both pieces as rooks used in connection with the game of chess. Alternatively, where the game piece  10  is a component of a game having multiple game pieces  10  with uniform identity, such as in the game of checkers, the design portion  18  may not be distinguishable or, instead, may be distinguishable through the use of colors or other indicia.  FIGS. 6   a - 6   g  illustrate various game pieces  10  wherein the game pieces  10  are checker pieces and the design portion has a uniform identity.  
         [0038]     Where the design portion  18  of the game piece  10  is uniform, the identity of the game piece  10  may be defined by shrink-wrapping or otherwise extending around the design portion  18  of the game piece  10 . In this optional embodiment, the design extending around the design portion  18  may be generic designs or other arbitrary forms selected for their aesthetic or artistic values, and incorporating various colors or designs such as hearts, flowers, animals, stars, etc. The design extending around the design portion  18  may also indicate the piece it represents. For example, in chess, the letter K could indicate a king, N a knight, Q a queen, etc. Further, the design extending around the design portion  18  may also include specific characters such as DISNEY® characters, HANNA-BARBERA® characters, or SESAME STREET® characters for example.  
         [0039]     In a second embodiment of the game piece  10 , and as shown in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of game pieces  10  are manufactured as one package. The packaging should be such that each game piece  10  is capable of being individually separated from the packaging to form an individual game piece  10 . The game pieces  10  shown in  FIG. 5  may be used in connection with any game, but are preferably used in connection with a travel or portable version of a game.  
         [0040]     The identity of each game piece  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , may be defined by any number of methods. The identity may be printed on the underside of the game piece  10 . For example, in chess, the letter K could indicate a king, N a knight, Q a queen, etc. The identity of the game piece  10  may also be identified by stamping or otherwise embossing the shape or identity of the game piece  10  on the game piece itself. The packaging of each individual game piece  10  may also be clear or transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a prize  20  contained in the game piece  10 . The prize  20  may then be colored, designed, embossed or otherwise manufactured to identify the game piece  10 . In a further embodiment, the packaging of each individual game piece  10  is opaque and further colored to identify the game piece  10  without disclosing the prize  20  contained therein. For example, a checkers game piece may be opaque red or black.  
         [0041]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in each embodiment of the invention, the game pieces  10  include an internal chamber  22  for securing a prize  20 . A prize  20  can be secured or hidden in the game piece  10  by placing the prize  20  in the internal chamber  22 , and the prize  20  can be removed by a user at a selected time, such as upon capture of a game piece  10  during game play. In some games, the user must consume the prizes  20  that are captured. For example, in one embodiment, the user that captures a game piece  10  may consume the prize contained therein, whereas in another embodiment, when a user captures a game piece  10 , the other user consumes the prize  20  contained therein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the present invention, in accordance with at least one aspect thereof, provides a unique form of game-playing that incorporates an additional level of strategy and adds a motivational incentive to win the game.  
         [0042]     Various configurations of an internal chamber  22  are available including, for example, a hollow body having a single access region, such as the embodiment of an internal chamber  22  shown in  FIG. 1 . In this regard, the game pieces  10  of the invention allow the combination of a conventional game with a reward mechanism, thereby making the game more fun, surprising and rewarding.  
         [0043]     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the game pieces  10  are chess pieces, and specifically, are queens. Thus, the design portion  18  of such a game piece  10  defines the identity of the given chess piece. Where game pieces  10  are chess pieces, a game piece  10  may include, for example, a pawn, rook, bishop, knight, queen, or king. Thus the present invention also relates to combinations of game pieces  10 , such as a combination of game pieces  10  that comprises a complete chess set. The game pieces are utilized on a playing surface, which is preferably a board  140  (see  FIG. 8 ). A playing surface can be a traditional playing surface or a modified playing surface. Various traditional and modified playing surfaces will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.  
         [0044]     The base  12  of a game piece  10  comprises a first part  14  and a second part  16  which can be fitted together to form the internal chamber  22  for securing a prize  20 . The purpose of the second part  16  is to hold the prize  20  contents in the game piece  10 . In an optional embodiment, such as when the game pieces are used to play checkers, and as shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b,  the second part  16  is a removable cap that can be fitted together with the first part  14 , thereby covering the access region. In another optional embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6   e,  the second part  16  is a removable plug which may be manufactured to fit inside the first part  14 . In a further optional embodiment, the first part  14  and second part  16  form a one-piece base  12 . The prize  20  is removed from the one-piece base  12  by squeezing or otherwise manipulating the base to open a slot in the base, thereby allowing the prize  20  to be removed from the base  12  of the game piece  10 . To secure a prize within the base  12  of the game piece, a user squeezes or otherwise manipulates the base to open the slot, thereby allowing the user to insert a prize  20  into the game piece  10 .  
         [0045]     Various means for securing together a first part  14  and a second part  16  are available including, but not limited to, press-fitting, screwing, threading, snap-on action, adhesion, hook and loop means such as Velcro, magnetism, bolting, and sliding.  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  also show another embodiment of the game piece  10  of the present invention where the second part  16  is a cap.  FIG. 4   a  shows a top view of a cap. Another view of a cap, as used with a game such as checkers, is illustrated in  FIG. 6   e.    
         [0046]     A base  12  of a game piece  10  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A base  12  includes a first part  14  and a second part  16 , which can be fitted together to form an internal chamber  22 .  
         [0047]     Another embodiment of a game piece  10  according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b.  The game piece  10  includes a design portion  18  and a base  12 . The design portion  18  and the base  12  can be detachable, and capable of being coupled about a joint  26 , for example. The base  12  further includes a first part  14  and a cap, where the first part  14  and the cap are tethered together by a hinge  24 . The cap and first part  14  can be present in an open configuration, as shown, or the cap can be rotated about the hinge  24  to fit together with the access region, thereby forming an internal chamber  22  for securing a prize  20 .  
         [0048]     In another embodiment, the present invention provides packaging which contains a game utilizing the game pieces  10  currently described (see, for example,  FIG. 8 ). Preferably this game package  100  includes a container  110 , a plurality of game pieces  10 , each game piece  10  including a base  12  having a first part  14  and a second part  16  which can be fitted together to form an internal chamber  22  for securing a prize  20 , where the prize  20  is capable of removal by a user, and a design portion  18  coupled with the base  12  and extending upward. The game package  100  may further include a set of instructions  120  for directing a user in operating a game piece  10 , for example, instructing the user to add or remove prize  20  to a game piece  10 . The game package can further include a plurality of prizes  20 . The prizes  20  of the game package can each be individually secured in separate game pieces  10 , or the prizes  20  can be separate from the game pieces  10 , such in a separate container. In addition, the game package  100  may also include a board  140  upon which the game may be conducted using the plurality of game pieces  10 . The board  140  may be any conventional board used to play the game to which the packaging is directed, most boards in the industry being typically made of cardboard or similar non-metallic insulating material. The game package  100  may further include an incentive chart or graph which allows a user to display prizes and track the progress of game previously played by a user. In an optional embodiment, the game package  100  may also operate as the board  140 .  
         [0049]     Optionally, the packaging, and game utilizing the game pieces  10  therein, may be manufactured in order to provide for convenient storage and transfer, as well as a method by which the game may be played while traveling. In this optional embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of game pieces  10  are manufactured and contained in one package. However, the packaging should be such that each game piece  10  may be individually separated from the packaging to form an individual game piece  10 .  
         [0050]     In another optional embodiment, the prizes  20  may be contained in a separate container  130 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Offering a wide range of ancillary “Game Piece Surprise Refills” packages serves a wide range of customer preferences by allowing users to select the prizes  20  to be offered in connection with the game. It also allows the game pieces  10  to be refilled with prizes  20 , thereby allowing for repeated use of the games making use of the game pieces  10  of the present invention.  
         [0051]     The benefits associated with the game pieces  10  of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following: 
        Immediate Reward: an enjoyable surprise integral to game.     Surprise: highly motivational and rewarding for children.     Excitement: adds a new, fin dimension (or step) to the experience of capturing a piece.     Novel: unobvious enhancement to having more fun in learning and playing game     Flexible: may fill game pieces with edible, and non-edible treats which may be collectible, tradable, and/or playable.     Intellectual Development: Interest of children playing game is increased and playing games of skill may result in the increased intellectual development of children.     Other Benefits: 
            Weight/Size: provides an inexpensive and fun way to increase height and weight which is widely desired by players and commonly found in more expensive game sets (e.g., chess players prefer weighted pieces).     Social Benefit: Helps make kids smarter; smarter kids=better world.     Speed: Kids will learn and improve faster given the enhanced interest in playing.     Ease of Use: Makes chess easier to learn as it helps the child focus more on the game.     Improves market penetration and acceptance for existing games (e.g., chess)    
               
 
         [0064]     When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.  
         [0065]     The terms and expressions that have been employed in the foregoing specification are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and are not intended to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions of them. The scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.