Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide model devices and systems. In one embodiment, the invention provides a model device comprising: a base portion; a first interchangeable portion; a second interchangeable portion, wherein the first interchangeable portion and the second interchangeable portion may be alternately positioned onto the base portion to form an assembled device, such that a first assembled device comprising the first interchangeable portion and the base portion has a first stability and a second assembled device comprising the second interchangeable portion and the base portion has a second stability.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/652,167, filed May 26, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Toy soldiers, battlefield implements, and similar devices are common sources of amusement for children and adults. These can be used in games of conquest and strategy, but are also useful in developing eye-hand coordination, developing tactical skills, and learning principles of movement and maneuvering. Children and adults can also learn the benefits of and strategies for cooperation and competition. 
         [0003]    Known toy soldiers and similar devices, however, suffer from a number of deficiencies that limit their usefulness and/or the duration of their expected utility. For example, rigid, sturdy devices, which may withstand protracted or hard impacts, are typically not capable of modification, customization, or similar change. That is, modification, customization, etc. are typically sacrificed in favor of durability. 
         [0004]    Other devices, which may be capable of modification, customization, etc., are typically less durable and subject to damage. Eventually, such damage will render the device unusable for its intended purpose. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a model device comprising: a base portion; a first interchangeable portion; a second interchangeable portion, wherein the first interchangeable portion and the second interchangeable portion may be alternately positioned onto the base portion to form an assembled device, such that a first assembled device comprising the first interchangeable portion and the base portion has a first stability and a second assembled device comprising the second interchangeable portion and the base portion has a second stability. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a game system comprising: a plurality of model devices, at least one of the model devices comprising: a base portion; a first interchangeable portion; a second interchangeable portion, wherein the first interchangeable portion and the second interchangeable portion may be alternately positioned onto the base portion to form an assembled device, such that a first assembled device comprising the first interchangeable portion and the base portion has a first stability and a second assembled device comprising the second interchangeable portion and the base portion has a second stability; and a projectile device capable of overcoming the first stability and the second stability, thereby toppling the at least one model device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    These and other features of embodiments of the invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the invention, in which: 
           [0008]      FIGS. 1-3  show templates for model devices according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 4 and 5  show assembled model devices according to embodiments of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  shows an assembled model device in relation to a projectile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  shows a plurality of assembled model devices, several of which are impacted by a projectile device, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0012]    It is noted that the drawings are not to scale and are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention. The drawings should not, therefore, be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a template for a model device including a base portion (horse and platform) and an interchangeable portion (rider).  FIG. 2  shows a template for three interchangeable portions (riders), each of which may be combined to form an assembled device. Each assembled device has substantially the same stability. That is, each of the three interchangeable portions may be alternately combined with the base portion without substantively changing the stability of the assembled device.  FIG. 1  also shows a plurality of detail portions, one or more of which may be attached to the base portion and/or an interchangeable portion in order to customize the assembled device without substantially altering the stability of the assembled device. 
         [0014]    In addition to portions being interchangeable, other portions of model devices according to various embodiments of the invention may also be modified, adjusted, their positions and/or orientations changed, etc. As with interchangeable portions, such modification, adjustment, etc. results in substantially no change in the stability of the assembled model device. 
         [0015]    Base portions and interchangeable portions of model devices according to embodiments of the invention may be formed from cardboard, wood, plastic, or similar materials capable of withstanding impact from a projectile. In some embodiments, where the base portion and an interchangeable portion are formed from plastic, each may include complementary features for fixedly or non-fixedly attaching the base portion and the interchangeable portion. 
         [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a template of components of another model device, including a base portion (platform) and a plurality interchangeable portions (soldiers). Again, the template of  FIG. 3  also includes a plurality of detail portions for attachment to the interchangeable portions. 
         [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a plurality of assembled devices, each comprising a base portion (platform) and interchangeable portion (soldiers). Each assembled device has substantially the same stability. As used herein, the term “stability” is meant to refer to a resistance to being toppled by application of an external force, such as that imparted by a projectile. As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , each assembled device has been customized with various detail portions. Interchangeable portions may also be painted or otherwise colored, as a user sees fit. 
         [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a pair of assembled devices, each comprising a base portion (platform and horse) and an interchangeable portion (rider). Again, each assembled device has substantially the same stability. As can be seen in  FIG. 1  and should be apparent to one skilled in the art, one or more components of the base portion may also be interchangeable. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the horse may be interchangeable, in addition to the rider. As noted above with respect to the interchangeable portion, in the case that a component of the base portion is instead or also interchanged, the stability of the assembled device should not be substantially altered. 
         [0019]    It should be noted that while the various embodiments of the invention described above describe a first and second interchangeable portion, any number of interchangeable portions may be employed. In addition, some embodiments of the invention may include groups of interchangeable portions, with a first group of interchangeable portions imparting a first stability to an assembled device and a second group of interchangeable portions imparting a second stability to the assembled device, wherein the first and second stabilities are different. For example, an assembled model device may be considered to have a first stability when assembled with interchangeable portions of the first group and considered to have a second stability (less than or greater than the first stability) when assembled with interchangeable portions of the second group. 
         [0020]      FIG. 6  shows an assembled device comprising a base portion (platform) and interchangeable portion (soldier) in relation to a projectile device as may be used to impart an external force to the assembled device in an attempt to topple it. Here, the projectile device is a rubber ball. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that other projectile devices may be used. Suitable projectile devices include, for example, a dart. In some cases, the projectile device may be operable to deliver a quantity of air under force or pressure. 
         [0021]      FIG. 7  shows a plurality of model devices according to various embodiments of the invention as they might be assembled on a floor or tabletop, with a projectile device (rubber ball) impacting several of the plurality of model devices. 
         [0022]    Some embodiments of the invention may be useful, for example, in improving eye-hand coordination of a user through not only the various strategy and battle games that may be played but also, for example, through the assembly, modification, etc. of model devices. 
         [0023]    One skilled in the art will understand, from the description above, the various methods and techniques that may be employed in using model devices according to embodiments of the invention. For example, a plurality of model devices according to embodiments of the invention may be employed in a game of strategy or in the re-enactment of a historic battle. 
         [0024]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0025]    The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.