Abstract:
Apparatus and method of playing a building game against an opponent. The apparatus may include a podium for building a structure with stackable materials such as building blocks. The apparatus may also include an actuator that allows a first player to “blow up” a second players structure if the first player builds his or hers first. The Build or Boom™ game may simply utilize air chambers and a tube but is also capable of utilizing electrical and mechanical means to perform the same functions.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure relates generally to toys and games for play with multiple users and, more specifically, to building games out of blocks or other buildable material on a platform, or podium, capable of being knocked over by an actuator controlled by a separate user. The toys and games can be played with multiple players but may ideally be played between two players. 
       RELATED ART 
       [0002]    For many years now building blocks have been around for children and adults to enjoy building fun new creations. Lincoln Logs® have been a well-known toy for building for nearly 80 years. Other common building blocks toys include standard wooden blocks with multiple shapes and sizes. Many children and adults are familiar with Legos® and other lockable building blocks toys and games. 
         [0003]    Additionally games with building blocks have become well known in the art, such as Jenga®. More recently even video games have attempted to recreate the building block style of games in the games Minecraft® and Legos® video games. As is the case with the Jenga® game a single block tower is created and individuals are meant to remove a block and stack it on the top to try and build the tallest tower without it collapsing by removal of the pieces down below. 
         [0004]    Even further there are many other building materials and apparatuses for games and toys that are readily available to purchase online or in stores. Each of these games and toys may use different interlocking features, shapes, colors and sizes. Many of these games also just allow a stackable standard wood block allowing a user&#39;s imagination to only be limited to the number of blocks he or she uses. 
         [0005]    While these toys and games have been utilized for years, there has never been a game or toy that sets two users or racers against one another to build a contraption out of the blocks in a race type setting wherein the first person to build the contraption can “blow up” the other user&#39;s or racer&#39;s contraption. The idea is to utilize the ingenuity of the builder to build a block design with the excitement of blowing up the competitions design if the racer builds it first or fastest. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This disclosure, in at least on aspect, relates to the use of a game or toy utilizing building blocks, a platform and a method of “blowing up” a competitors block design. More generally a user attempts to build a design faster than another user and if he or she is successful the first user or builder has the satisfaction of blowing up the second user or builders design. 
         [0007]    The game may include at least two platforms that may receive or allow for building blocks to be placed on top of the platforms. In an initial or first position the platform may be stable to allow a user to build a design. Each platform may also include a destabilizing member that causes the platform to move in any of a number of directions to make the platform unstable in a second position. The platform may have a connector, tube or wire or other device that extends from the platform, and more particularly the destabilizing member. The connector, tube or wire leads to an actuator that is in communication with the destabilizing member. The actuator, when actuated, may cause the destabilizing member to move the platform from a first, stable position to a second position which may destabilize the building blocks thus causing whatever blocks that may have been placed on the platform to tumble, knock down, “blow-up” or fall off of one another (i.e. other blocks) or the platform itself. 
         [0008]    The game may include block designs with a predesigned configuration of blocks on the front and back of a card. The card is then placed between two competitors or users and the card may be placed in a stand so as to face each competitor with the block design. The game commences as both builders begin building the block design that is shown them on the card. The user to build the design first may then actuate the actuator to knock down the other user&#39;s design. 
         [0009]    The platform(s) may be simple flat surfaces with a destabilizing member(s) in connection with the platform(s). The destabilizing member may be an air chamber, springs or other methods easily recognized for destabilizing a platform. The actuator may be an accordion like air chamber that when pressed pushes air to a second air chamber, which may be the destabilizing member, which cause the second air chamber to expand, destabilizing the platform. Alternatively the actuator may be a button that sends an electrical signal via a wired or wireless means to a spring. When the spring within the platform receives the electrical signal the spring may extend causing the platform to destabilize. 
         [0010]    There is a plurality of means and methods for actuation to destabilize the platform just as there are a plurality of building blocks and materials that may be used for the game itself. Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art form the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    In the drawings: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of the game or system with a building plate or platform, a connector and an actuator in a first position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of the game or system of FIG. 1  with a building plate or platform, a connector and an actuator in a second position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the game or system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is one embodiment of a bottom perspective view of platform of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an alternate embodiment of a bottom perspective view of platform of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an alternate embodiment of a bottom perspective view of platform of  FIG. 1  with the platform in a first position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an alternate embodiment of a bottom perspective view of platform of  FIG. 1  with the platform in a second position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the game or system with a building plate or platform, a connector and an actuator in a first position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is perspective view of the game or system of  FIG. 8  with a building plate or platform, a connector and an actuator in a second position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is one embodiment of a bottom perspective view of platform of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the game or system of  FIG. 1  with an alternate actuator; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the game or system of  FIG. 1  in a first position with a building platform and a base plate (or first member and second member) with a bladder positioned in between; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of the alternate embodiment of the game or system of  FIG. 12  in a second position with a building platform and a base plate (or first member and second member) with a bladder positioned in between. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The following description sets forth separate embodiments of a game or toy with a platform and the ability to “blow up” the platform from a distance. A user or builder may build a structure on the platform. The platform member may include an actuated member that may destabilize the platform. An actuator may be used to actuate the actuated member such that when the actuator is activated it causes the actuated member to react causing the platform to destabilize and topple the structure built by a user. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first embodiment of a game with a system  10  with a platform  12 , or podium or building platform, or building plate. The game may be played by using at least two systems  10 . Referring to  FIG. 1  the first device  10  is in a first position  11 . The platform  12  may include a first member  14  and a second member  16 . The first member  14  may include a substantially flat top surface  18 , or wall wherein the first member  14  may be movable in at least one direction. The second member  16  may include a substantially flat bottom surface  20 , or wall, and a void  22  may be positioned within the second member extending from a top of the second member toward the flat bottom wall  20 . A second member top surface  24  may circumferentially surround the void  22 . The first member  14  may slide within the second member  16  within the void  22  wherein the first member  14  and second member  16  may create an air-tight chamber between the two members. The second member  16  may be configured to sit on a surface such as a table top, or floor or other like surface. The top surface  14  may allow for a structure to be built on top of the top surface  14  out of blocks  26 , or other buildable toys, blocks, stackable members or devices. 
         [0027]    The platform  12  may be substantially rigid and may be comprised of wood, plastic, rubber or metal. The shape of the platform  12 , in a top view perspective, may be any polygonal shape or circular shape. 
         [0028]    A channel  28  may extend from the platform  12 . The channel  28  may be a conduit, or tube, pipe or wire or other similar device. The channel  28  may extend to and be in connection with an actuator  30 . The channel  28  may be an air-tight tube that may allow air to pass from the actuator  30  to the platform  12 . The length of the channel  28  may vary. While any length of the channel  28  is contemplated a channel between 10 cm and 100 cm is easily considered. The actuator  30  may include a top actuator surface  32  and a bottom actuator surface  34 , wherein both actuator surfaces  32 ,  34  may be substantially flat. The actuator  30  may be an accordion-like air-chamber  36  within the body of the actuator  30  such that when actuated the air-chamber  36  may collapse pushing air through the channel  28  to the platform  12 . 
         [0029]    On both the platform  12  and the actuator  30  there may be a first hole  42 , or cutout, in a first sidewall of the actuator  30  and a second hole  44 , or cutout, in a second sidewall of the platform  12 . These holes  42 ,  44 , or cutouts, may allow the channel  28  access to the air-chamber  36  of the actuator  30  and the void  22  of the platform  12  while maintaining the stability of both the actuator  30  and the platform  12 . 
         [0030]    The actuator  30  may be comprised of pliable material that allows it to be manipulated to push air from the air chamber  36  and thus may be made of any plastic or rubber material that allows for this manipulation. The shape of the actuator  30 , likewise, in a top view perspective, may be any polygonal shape or circular shape. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the system  10  is shown in a second position  13 , when the actuator  30  is actuated by a user in a first direction  38  it may cause the first member  14  to react in a second direction  40 . A first direction  38  may be in a down or downward direction and the second direction  40  may be in an up or upward direction. Actuating the actuator  30  may cause the air chamber to push air through the channel  28  to the void  22  of the platform  12 . The air entering the void  22  may cause the first member  14  to destabilize or push in the second direction  40  causing the blocks  26  to topple off of the first member  14 . 
         [0032]    Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 3 , a system  110  may include a first actuator  130  and a second actuator  132  on each end of a channel  128 . Wherein the first actuator  130  may be accordion-like similar to the previous embodiments; however, after the accordion-like first actuator  130  is depressed it may remain depressed to allow for building on top of the first actuator  130  top surface  134 . Similar to the previous embodiment, when the second actuator  132  is actuated in a first direction  38  it may cause the first actuator  132  to expand in the second direction  40  causing the blocks  26  to topple off of the first actuator  130 . It will be appreciated that this dual actuator system may allow for ease in game play and reset of the system  110 . It will also be appreciated that a dual actuator may be done with more than accordion-like actuators that will allow for building on either actuator or either side of the system  110  and that other variations are contemplated herein. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a system  210  may include a platform  212  with a first member  214  and a second member  216 . The first member  214  may be substantially rigid and any circular or polygonal shape, from a top view perspective. The second member  216  may extend from a bottom surface  218  of the first member  214 . The second member  216  may be a bladder or air chamber or other similar collapsible member that when activated expands in at least one direction (which may be the same direction as the first direction  38 ) causing the platform  212  to destabilize. The second member  216  may extend the entire length and width (or circumferential length if circular) of the first member  214 . The second member  216 , when activated, may be bulbous or rounded on the end opposite the first member  214 . 
         [0034]    Similar to previous embodiments, air may enter the platform  212  and cause the second member  216  to expand. Air may enter the platform  212  in manner as previously disclosed, similar to a void in the platform  212  that allows air to enter and escape through a channel  228 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an alternate embodiment platform  312  may be substantially similar as the previous embodiment platform  212 , with the exception that a second member  316  extending from a first member  314  may only partially extend along the length of a bottom surface  318  of the first member  314 . The second member  316 , when activated, may be bulbous or rounded on the end opposite the first member  314 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an alternate embodiment of a platform  412  is depicted for a system  410 . The platform  412  may include a first member  414  with a plurality of posts  416  extending from a bottom surface  418  of the first member  414 . While the figures depict  4  posts  416  it will be appreciated that any number of posts is contemplated that may stabilize the platform  412 . Referring to  FIG. 6  the system  410  is in a first position  411  wherein all the posts  416  are substantially the same length. At least one of the plurality of posts  416 ′ may be extendable when activated. The at least one extendable post  416 ′ may extend in a first direction  38  that may cause the platform  412  to destabilize. The extendable post  416 ′ may actuate when an actuator is activated pushing air through a channel  428  into a void of the platform  412  which then pushes the post to a second position  413  (refer to  FIG. 7 ) which extends the extendable post  416 ′ to be longer in length than the other plurality of posts  416 . It will be appreciated that there may be more than one extendable post. 
         [0037]    The posts  416 ,  416 ′ may be cylindrical or other polygonal shape. Actuation of the extendable post  416 ′ may be performed similarly as previously described in this disclosure. Alternatively, the post may be spring actuated that when a user activates the actuator it sends a signal to the spring to extend (greater detail provided herein). The signal to the spring may be mechanical or electrical in nature. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , an alternate embodiment to the system is depicted. While the premise remains the same or similar for game play as the previous embodiments the means to accomplish the goal may be slightly different. Referring to  FIG. 8  a system  510  is set in a first position  511 . A platform  512  may include a first member  514  and a second member  516 . The first member  514  may include a substantially flat top surface  518 , or wall wherein the first member  514  may be movable in at least one direction. The second member  516  may include a substantially flat bottom surface  520 , or wall, and a void  522  may be positioned within the second member extending from a top of the second member toward the flat bottom wall  520 . A second member top surface  524  may circumferentially surround the void  522 . The first member  514  may slide within the second member  516  within the void  522 . The second member  516  may be configured to sit on a surface such as a table top, or floor or other like surface. The top surface  514  may allow for a structure to be built on top of the top surface  514  out of blocks  26 , or other buildable toys, blocks, stackable members or devices. 
         [0039]    The first member  514  may further include a first protrusion  550 , which may be cylindrical, extending downward from the top surface  518  of the first member  514 . The first protrusion  550  may include an aperture  552  which may extend the length of the protrusion  550  from the top surface  518  through the entire first protrusion  550 ; however, the aperture  552  may also terminate at the top surface  518  and not pass entirely there through. The first protrusion  550  may include a flange  554  toward the distal end of the protrusion and extending laterally from the first protrusion  550 . 
         [0040]    The second member  516  may include a boss  556  extending from the base of the second member  516 . The boss  556  may be positioned to fit within the aperture  552 . A spring  558  may be positioned around the boss  556  and may be loose or snug. The spring  558  may be large enough such that it cannot fit within the aperture  552 . The spring  558  may be compressed when the first member  514  slides within the second member  516  of the platform  512 . The first protrusion  550  may receive the boss  556  and compress the spring  558 . 
         [0041]    The second member  516  may further include a clip  560 , or actuation member, which is capable of engaging the flange  556  on the first protrusion  550 . The clip  560  may be spring loaded and when the first member  514  is pushed into, or onto, the second member  516  the flange  556  catches the clip  560 . The clip may include a tapered barb or ridge that allows the first member  514  with the first protrusion  550  to advance in only one direction toward the second member  516 . It will be appreciated that the clip  560  may include multiple barbs or ridges so the more the first member  514  is advanced toward the second member  516  the more compressed the spring  558  becomes and the more violent the “explosion” when actuated. 
         [0042]    The clip  560  may be electrically, or mechanically, connected to an actuator  530 . A channel  528  may extend from the platform  512  to the actuator  530  which may be a button of some form. The channel  528  may be a conduit, or tube, pipe or wire or other similar device. The actuator  530  may include a top actuator surface  532  and a bottom actuator surface  534 , wherein both actuator surfaces  532 ,  534  may be substantially flat. Referring to  FIG. 9 , the actuator  530  may be an electronic button  536  that sends an electronic signal to the clip  560  causing the clip to release the flange  556  in a third direction  562  thus decompressing the spring  558 . The spring  558  pushes against the first protrusion  550  forcing the first member  514  up or in a second direction  40  to a second position  513  causing the structure of blocks  26  built on the top surface  518  to topple off of the first member  514  or “explode.” 
         [0043]    Batteries may be required for an electrical signal and may be position within any of the members, voids, actuators, platforms or the like. Any battery type is contemplated as the need for extensive power is not necessary since the only actuation is the requirement of release of the clip  560 . 
         [0044]    Mechanically, the button  536  may be pushed which mechanically pulls or pushes the clip  560  away from the flange  556  causing substantially the same reaction as described previously. A more substantial channel  528  may be required for a mechanical actuation versus an electronic actuation. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , an alternate embodiment of a system  610  with a platform  612  is depicted. The platform  612 , from a top perspective view, may be square or other polygonal shape. The platform  612  may include a first member  614  with a top surface  618 , or wall, that may allow for blocks or other materials to be built thereon. The first member  614  may also include circumferential walls  615  extending downward from the top surface  618 . The walls  615  and the top surface  618  may create an open bottomed box with a void  622  between the walls  615  and top surface  618 . The walls  615  and top surface  622  may allow for a second member  616  to sit within the void  622 . One of the walls  615  may include a cutout  617 , or hole, that allows a channel  628 , or tube, to pass through the wall  615  of the first member  614  allowing the platform  612  to remain stable. 
         [0046]    The second member  616  may be a bladder or air chamber that when deflated may reside entirely within the void  622 . Actuation of the second member  616  may be substantially similar to previous embodiments described herein in that when an actuator is pushed air flows through the channel  628  into the second member  616  causing the second member  616  to expand beyond the void  622 , destabilizing the platform  612  and thus toppling or “exploding” the structure built on the top surface  618 . 
         [0047]    The second member  616  and the channel  628  may be a single unitary piece or they may be a separate bladder and tube that are cohesively connected. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an alternate embodiment of an actuator  730  of a system  710  is depicted. A platform  712  may be substantially similar as previously described embodiments found herein. The actuator  730  may include a bulbous air-chamber  736  which may resemble a pump. The actuator  730  may be ovoid or spherical and allow for easy compression. While the figure depicts these two shapes any shape is contemplated that allows for easy actuation of the air-chamber  736 . The actuator  730  may be comprised of a rubber or other pliable material that allows for easy compression and decompression. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , an alternate embodiment of a system  810  is depicted with a platform  812  which may include a first member  814  and a second member  816 . The platform  812  may be square shaped from a top view, but may take any polygonal shape. The first member  814  may include a top surface  818  that faces upwards and side walls  815  which may extend downward from the top surface  818 . The second member  816  may provide a base that the walls  815  of the top surface  818  rest on. The second member  816  may include a substantially flat bottom surface  820  that allows the platform  812  to rest substantially flat on a surface such as a table or floor. The second member  816  may include walls  817  that extend upward from the bottom surface  820 . The walls  815  of the first member  814  may sit flush with the walls  817  of the second member  816  when the platform  812  is in a first position  802 . 
         [0050]    A hinge  822  may be positioned on one side of the walls  815 ,  817  and engage both walls  815 ,  817  on the one side. The hinge  822  may provide stability and replaceability so that the walls  815 ,  817  sit flush against one another. The hinge may allow for the first member  814  to flip or be moved away from the second member  816 , in a third direction  42 , along the other side walls  815 ,  817  that are not engaged by the hinge, thus allowing a swinging door action of the first member  814  from the second member  816 . 
         [0051]    The second member  816  may also include a stop  824  protruding upward from the wall  817  opposite the hinged wall that prevents the first member  814  from extending too far away from the second member  816 . The stop  824  may catch a lip  826  of the first member  814  preventing the first member  814  from swinging entirely “open.” 
         [0052]    A bladder  828 , or air chamber, may reside within a void  830  that is spaced between the first member  814  and second member  816  and the walls  815 ,  817  of those first and second members  814 ,  816 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , the bladder  828  may be expandable within the void  830  in any number of ways including those previously disclosed herein. When the bladder  828  expands it may force the first member  814  to move away from the second member  816  to a second position  804 . The expansion of the bladder  828  causing the movement of the first member  814  destabilizes the first member  814  causing the structure being built on the top surface  818  to topple, fall over or “explode.” 
         [0053]    The hinge  822  forces one side wall  815  to remain in place while the remainder of the side walls  815  is lifted from off of the side walls  817  of the second member. The hinge  822  allows for easy replacement of the first member  814  from the first position  802  back to the second position  804 . The stop  824  also provides ease in replacement of the first member  814  back to the first position  802  so that the entire first member does not have to be flipped back over. However, it will be appreciated that a stop  824  is not necessary to function and the platform  812  may function just as easily without it. 
         [0054]    The bladder or air chambers within the system may be comprised of simple rubbers or plastics or of a nylon, microfleece, vinyl or polyester face fabric with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) laminate. Other materials may also be used such as a mesh fabric with TPU or even the TPE and TPU by themselves. Essentially any material that can be sealed or laminated with an air tight membrane, such as woven and nonwoven goods maybe used herein and other possible fabrics, materials, plastics may also be considered and are contemplated. 
         [0055]    Each of the different embodiments may allow for easy replacement of an actuator, channel, first member or second member of a platform, or the platform itself. The game may be modular and different actuators paired with different platforms depending on the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0056]    The game may further include cards with predefined structures that are to be built on the system. The cards may be held in a card holder. A single card holder that holds a card in a vertical position may be utilized and may be positioned between two users, or players. The game is set up with a first player setting up a system wherein one actuator and a separate, unconnected, platform is positioned toward the first player and a second system is set up wherein a second actuator and a second separate, unconnected, platform is positioned toward a second player wherein the first players actuator controls the second players platform and the second actuator controls the first players platform. 
         [0057]    One of the players takes a card with the predefined structure and places it within the single card holder or flat on a surface so both players may easily see the structure. Both players commence building on the platforms in front of them. The player who builds the predefined structure as outlined on the card first may then activate the actuator in front of him or her thus destabilizing the other player&#39;s, or opponent&#39;s, platform and thus or “exploding” or toppling the structure. 
         [0058]    Although the foregoing disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope any of the ensuing claims. Other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed separately or in combination. Accordingly, all additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced thereby. The scope of each claim is indicated and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.