Abstract:
A game having at least two boards, each having a frame with a substantially flat surface, said board determinative of a playing level, an object piece, the frame having a playing surface with a predetermined entrance and exit, game pieces arranged to travel over the frame surface. The object piece and game pieces collectively should occupy less than the entire area of the frame surface wherein there remains an unoccupied space (such as half or equal to the area of the game piece). Pieces are allowed lateral movement within the frame where the object of the level is to permit the game piece to exit at the exit point to the next level of play. A puzzle strip may also be included. Other features could include magnetized surfaces, transparent sheets to secure the pieces. An embodiment of the game on a computer is also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a game, and more particularly to a game having an object piece that may be moved from a playing surface through an opening disposed at an end of a frame.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Puzzles and games that are a source of entertainment, mental stimulation, and improving dexterity are well known in the art. Some puzzles move a game piece about a plane within a bounded frame from a start position to an end position by determining a proper sequence of moves to navigate around other game pieces to the end position. Another popular version of this type of game is to orient a sequence of game pieces to spell out words or complete a picture. In either case, a framework of pieces may be interlocked within a frame using game pieces having tongues and grooves. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,281 to Feller. An advantage of this type of framework is that the pieces are not lost and the player is prohibited from cheating. Game pieces are moved in one block increments based on the position of an open space within the framework.  
         [0005]     One disadvantage of this type of framework is the difficulty in completing the task and a player may lose interest. Further, once the game is “solved” there may be little motivation for a user to continue play. It is also difficult to reset. Other games may include different sized pieces, along with a designated object piece. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,213 to Kuczynski and U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,641 to Collin.  
         [0006]     Attempts are known in the art to make these games more interesting and easier to reset using at least one opening on the frame where the game piece may slide out. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,150 to Monoyios. Although these types of games provide a means of removal, the design is simple and may be boring to a more experienced player after solving the puzzle the first time.  
         [0007]     Thus, there is a desire and a need in the art to provide improvements to a game to make it not only easy to provide continuous entertainment, but also provide a more challenging game while aiding in improving the dexterity of the player. Additionally, there is also a need in the art for a computerized game for players that require more variety in graphics and difficulty in their game play.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Accordingly, it is an important aspect of the invention to provide a game of moving a game piece through a plurality of frames (levels), with each frame presenting a new challenge in task, complexity, or style.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention provides a game having at least two boards each having a frame with a substantially flat surface, said board determinative of a playing level, an object piece, the frame having a playing surface that Includes at least one opening at a predetermined location to determine an entrance point for said object piece and at least one opening to determine an exit point for said object piece; a plurality of game pieces arranged to travel over said frame surface, said object piece and said plurality of game pieces collectively occupying less than the entire area of said frame surface wherein there remains an unoccupied space (such as half or equal to the area of the object piece); said object piece and game pieces configured to permit movement in lateral directions within said frame and into said unoccupied space to change relative positions of said pieces on the playing surface to move said object piece further along said surface towards said exit point from said entrance point, whereby said object piece may exit said frame to the entrance point of another board; and a puzzle strip having a space that separates said strip in half, a plurality of game pieces on one side having a first shape and the other having a second shape.  
         [0010]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the game may have first, second, third and fourth boards representing four levels of play. The boards are placed in succession and the puzzle strip is inserted between said third board and fourth board.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the game pieces in the puzzle strip move by sliding a first piece into said space then a second piece jumps over the first piece in said space into the empty space left by that first piece; then a third piece slides into the space left by the second piece; the first piece will then be able to move into the empty space of the third piece by jumping over the third piece; said pieces will continue the slide and jump combination until said pieces have switched sides. The game piece may be a variety of shapes including circles and triangles.  
         [0012]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the object and game pieces are provided with attachment means, such as a magnet, whereby they are shiftably attached to said playing surface and movable along transverse axes, said attachment means confining said blocks over said playing surface.  
         [0013]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the game may have a transparent sheet encasing said frame to prevent said pieces from falling off said surface.  
         [0014]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the game may be embodied in a computer readable code on a computer readable storage device; and the computer readable code is executed using one or more computers having one or more computer readable storage devices, one or more memory management units and one or more input/output devices for communicating with a user of the game.  
         [0015]     Other features of the present invention will become more apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     The foregoing features, as well as other features, will become apparent with reference to the description and figures below, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a top view of one embodiment of the game of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a first level of a game of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a second level of a game of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a third level of a game of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a fourth level of a game of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a fifth level of a game of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention played on a computer; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic representation of program flow followed as the present invention is played on a computer. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]     The present invention provides a novel game puzzle for use in entertaining, mentally stimulating and improving a player&#39;s dexterity. An illustrated embodiment of the invention has slidable puzzle frames with pieces of various sizes confined within a frame to be maneuvered in lateral and horizontal directions until an object piece can be moved out of the frame into another level.  
         [0026]     In an illustrated embodiment, the game generally has a board, a frame, a plurality of game pieces, a puzzle strip. The game board may optionally include a magnetized playing surface to secure puzzle pieces configured to be attracted to the magnetized surface when not in use or during transport. Another embodiment may provide a transparent sheet attached above the frame to prevent game pieces from falling off the board and a magnetic wand to move pieces configured to be attracted to the magnetized wand. The present invention may also be practiced in an electronic format such as a software application for a computer.  
         [0027]     Referring now more particularly to the figures, there is seen in  FIGS. 1-6  components of a possible embodiment of the present invention game generally shown at  20 . The game  20 , as illustrated, may include: a plurality of boards  22 , each having a frame  21 ,  23 ,  25  and  27  defining a playing surface and representing a level of play; a puzzle strip  32 ; a magnet (not shown); an object piece  26 ; and a plurality of game pieces  28 , which are positioned on board  22 ; a start point  34 ; and an end point  36 . Game  20  may also include a transparent sheet attached above frames  21 ,  23 ,  25  and  27  to provide an embodiment that is readily mobile and will not allow game pieces  28  to fall off board  22 . The present invention may be practiced in a variety of shapes and sizes and made from a variety of materials such as a wood or a high impact plastic. When a magnetized surface or magnetic wand is used, the games pieces are configured to be attracted to the magnetized surface or object.  
         [0028]     Generally, the present invention provides a game of moving an object piece through a plurality of frames (levels), with each frame presenting a new challenge in task, complexity, or style. The present invention game may be practiced through a variety of means, such as loose game pieces placed on a frame through an encasement within a transparent sheet, magnetized pieces on a metal framework, or even played on a computer. In any case, the invention goal remains the movement of the object piece through the various levels.  
         [0029]     The present invention game is played by a user placing an object piece in a start position of a first level of play, or to resume play where he last finished. The present invention may have an overall configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , wherein there are five levels involving movement of the object piece through four frameworks and one puzzle. Each level should be solved before the game piece may travel to the next framework.  
         [0030]     Game  20  play can be explained as follows, though numerous other ways to practice this invention are possible within the scope of the invention. In a first frame  21 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , an object piece  26  is placed at start point  34 . Each frame requires at least one blank space  52  that is configured to object piece  26  upon completion of the preceding level. Space  52  can vary in size depending on the difficulty level of play. For example, it may be at least one half the size or the size of object piece  26 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , game pieces  28  and object piece  26  are arranged within frame  21  (Level  1 ). Game pieces  28  include six rectangular blocks, six small squares, and one large square. Space  52  is defined on top of board  22  and is of such a size for reception of said object piece  26  to enable the pieces to be shifted.  
         [0031]     The object of the game  20  (or puzzle) is to move object piece  26  that is initially centered at start position  34  at one end of frame  21  shown in  FIG. 2 , by shifting game pieces  28  to make way for object piece  26  to be displaced from its starting point  34  to its end pot  36  where it may be removed to go to the next level.  
         [0032]     The present embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 1  is divided into separate levels, each with a unique challenge and generally increasing in complexity with each successive level. Each level, as illustrated, is generally described as follows:  
         [0033]     Level  1 : Referring now to  FIG. 2 , game pieces  28  are shown arranged within frame  21 . Game pieces  28 , as shown in frame  21 , comprise six rectangular blocks, six small squares, and one large square configured around empty space  52  that is equal to the size of the large square. Object piece  26  is initially centered at one end of the board at starting point  34  and the object is to maneuver it to the center of the opposite end where it may be removed at end point  36  in order to go to the next level.  
         [0034]     Level  2 : Referring now to  FIG. 3 , game pieces  28  are arranged within frame  23 . Game pieces  28  include ten rectangular pieces and six small squares configured around space  52  that is at least one half the size of object piece  26  and up to equal to the size of the larger square. Object piece  26  is moved from end point  36  of Level  1  to starting point  34  of Level  2  and maneuvered through frame  23  to the end point  36  where it may be removed to go to the next level.  
         [0035]     Level  3 : Referring now to  FIG. 4 , game pieces  28  are shown arranged within frame  25 . Game pieces  28  at this level comprise ten rectangular blocks, six small squares, and one large square within frame  25  and are configured around space  52  that is equal to the size of the larger square. Object piece  26  is moved from end point  36  of Level  2  to starting point  34  of Level  3  and maneuvered through frame  25  to the end point  36  where it may be removed to go to the next level.  
         [0036]     Level  4 : Referring to  FIG. 5 , Level  4  consists of puzzle strip  32  with space  30  in the center. To the left of space  30 , puzzle strip  32  has five puzzle pieces  28  that are circles  38  while to the right of space  30  there a five game pieces  28  that are triangles  40 . The object of this level is to shift circles  38  from the left of space  30  to the right and to shift triangles  40  located to the right of space  30  previously occupied by the circles  38  to the left. The player is allowed to move one puzzle piece  28  (circle  38  or triangle  40 ) at a time. This level starts by the player moving either the triangle  40  or the circle  38  into space  30 . Then he will move a second piece by jumping over the first piece in space  30  into the empty space left by that first piece. The player then slides a third piece into the space left by the second piece. The first piece will then be able to move into the empty space of the third piece by jumping over the third piece. The player will continue this slide and jump combination until triangles  40  and circles  38  have switched sides. Once this is accomplished, the player is able to move to Level  5  (frame  27 ), the last level of the game.  
         [0037]     Level  5 : Referring to  FIG. 6 , game pieces  28  are shown arranged within a frame  27 . Game pieces  28  are fourteen rectangular blocks and six small squares configured around space  52  to receive object piece  26 . This level of the game is played similarly as Levels  1 ,  2 , and  3 . Object piece  26  is removed from the end point  36  of Level  3  and placed at the starting point  34  of Level  5  and maneuvered through frame  27  and removed at end point  36 . Once object piece  26  removed from end point  36  of Level  5 , the game is completed.  
         [0038]     In yet another embodiment, which can include the variations described above, the present invention may be configured to run on a computer. In this embodiment, the game may be embodied in a computer readable code on a computer readable storage device, wherein the computer readable code is executed using one or more microprocessors, computers, or central processing units having one or more computer readable storage devices, one or more memory management units and one or more input/output devices for communicating with individuals or groups of individuals using the multi-disciplinary tool. The game may be developed in Microsoft C#.NET and configured to work on operating systems such as those sold under the brand name; WINDOWS 98®, WINDOWS ME®, WINDOWS 2000®, WINDOWS XP® and WINDOWS 2003® and the like.  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in an alternate embodiment, the present invention game may be played on a computer  42  in an interactive fashion. The multiple level format is well suited for computer applications, unlike the prior art. In such an embodiment, board  22  may be represented on a computer monitor  44 . The computer  42  includes input devices, so that players may interact with the computer. Although the preferred input device  46  is a mouse, other devices including, but not limited to, a keyboard  48  or a joystick  50 , may also be used, as desired. The goals of the alternate computerized embodiment of the present invention are substantially the same as in the embodiment previously described. The computer  42  could follow a flow path depicted in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0040]     In the computerized embodiment of the present invention, the activity is conducted by one player at a time after initial instructions or directions are offered by the computer. At the beginning of this interactive activity, the user could log on with name and age a selection of a level to work from. The questions and content of the activity could then be tailored accordingly.  
         [0041]     As seen in  FIG. 7 , the computer monitor  44  may initially display board  22 . Various verbal prompts, background noises, and graphical images can be generated by the computer  42 . The player might click on a level that will generate a pop-up screen. Again the program may add various sight and sounds to illustrate the level. Ultimately play can stop by a user command or by failure complete a level. The computer  42  would follow a flow path depicted in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0042]     While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention attempts to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.