Patent Application
20180185742
One skill often practiced and exhibited in the martial arts is the breaking of wood and plastic boards using a variety of strikes and kicks using various parts of the body as striking tools such as elbows, hands, and feet. Tournaments are sometimes held wherein participants of similar ages, similar genders and similar skill levels as most often signified by the color belt worn, compete against one and other.
Heretofore, no means has existed for people of differing ages, genders and skill levels to compete against each other in board breaking skills. Formal tournaments and martial arts classrooms, while facilitating board breaking competition, formal and informal, typically do not provide a means for martial arts students of different ages, genders and skill levels to compete directly and equitably against each other.
Embodiments of the invention comprise a karate board breaking game and associated methods of play. At least one embodiment comprises a plurality of reusable plastic breaking boards, a task randomizer, a score tabulator and instructions. Other embodiments are contemplated having non-reusable wood boards. Yet other embodiments are contemplated that include additional components such as additional boards, a board holder, additional task randomizers and additional score tabulators for different versions of playing the game as detailed in the instructions.
In at least one embodiment the task randomizer comprises a spinner segmented into pie slice sections with each section pertaining to a task and/or game option, and the score tabulator comprises a printed sheet on which the scores of the various players are recorded and tabulated.
According to one method of playing the board breaking game, a player on his/her turn spins the spinner to determine the task he/she is to perform. He chooses one or more boards of a desired breaking strength to attempt to break. He attempts to break the boards. He may get a second chance if he fails on the first attempt. If successful, he tabulates his score and enters in the appropriate location on the score sheet. The other players then complete their turns. Play continues until; the game is concluded when a player completes all the board breaking tasks of the game, or a player achieves a predetermined score.
The terms and phrases as indicated in quotes (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document including the claims unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
One embodiment of a board breaking game 100 as shown in
Plastic breaking boards 105-115 are typically utilized with the game in lieu of one time use wood karate breaking boards as they are designed to be used repeatedly for hundreds if not thousands of breaks. The boards typically comprise left and right halves that are joined through a mortise and tenon structure of protruding pins and associated corresponding receiving slots that requires a strike of a specific load to separate (or break) the halves. Depending on the structure of the pins and slots boards of different breaking strengths can be produced. Typically, boards of differing breaking strengths are characterized by different colors. A reusable plastic breaking board is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,496 issued to one of the present inventors and is incorporated by reference herein. Other styles of plastic reusable boards exist that use a tongue and groove method of assembly instead of the mortise and tenon type connection.
Some reusable plastic breaking boards 105-115, such as the martial arts boards produced by UMAB of Colorado Springs, Colo., are configured so boards of different colors (or breaking strengths) can be combined to create hybrid boards having an intermediate breaking strengths. Specifically, a board half having a first strength can be combined with a board half representing either the next stronger or weaker board available from the particular manufacturer. Accordingly, in a board breaking game comprising three complete boards each having a different breaking strength, boards having five different breaking strengths can be created. Further, boards can be stacked as desired that require even greater striking force to break the stack.
While reusable plastic breaking boards 105-115 provide perhaps the most economic manner in which to play the board breaking game, embodiments are contemplated wherein the game is supplied with more traditional wooden boards.
The task randomizer 120 is supplied in the form of a spinner in the illustrated embodiment. A close up of a spinner is shown in
In variations of the spinner 120, the number of segments can increase or decrease including more or fewer tasks and actions. In particular more advanced versions of the game are contemplated to be played by players more advanced in the martial arts wherein additional task segments for breaking tasks typically requiring more skill are provided as well as permitting a player to choose to break multiple boards at one time. Additional or alternative tasks can include, but are not limited to: roundhouse kick, downward knife hand, downward hammer fist, downward punch, downward palm heel, ridge hand, back fist, spinning heel kick, and stomp although this list is not to be considered conclusive of all possible tasks.
In other variations, the task randomizer can be other than a spinner 120. For instance, the randomizer can comprise one or more dice or a deck of cards. Additionally, the randomizer can comprise an electronic device that when activated randomly chooses a task or action. In yet other embodiments, the randomizer can comprise an app running on an electronic computing device, such as a smart phone, that when activated also chooses a task or action.
The score tabulator as illustrated typically comprises a score pad 125 having a plurality of preprinted sheets provided thereon. The printed indicia on each sheet can be arranged in any suitable manner but typically provide a list the various task pertaining to the game and an empty box or space in which to write a score associated with attempting and or completing the specific task. Additionally, spaces or check boxes can be provided for the player(s) to record the receipt or subtraction of bonus or penalty points.
An embodiment of a score sheet 170 is provided in
The illustrated score sheet 170 includes a section 172 across the top for the player to list his/her name, gender and age. Top and bottom task columns 174 are provided on the left side of the sheet listing the various breaking tasks the player is to perform during game play. As can be appreciated these task correspond to the tasks on the associated spinner. As can also be appreciated, different score sheets are provided for different versions of the game using different spinners that may also specify different board breaking tasks. A plurality of game columns 176 are aligned with the task columns providing the player with a location to enter his/her score for each breaking task associated with a particular game. Each game column is sequentially numbered to indicate the game number. Near the bottom of each game column, a plurality of check boxes 178 are provided to permit a player to indicate bonuses and penalties received. At the bottom of each game column, a box 180 is provided wherein the player can record his/her running score total.
In variations, a score sheet can be provided in a reusable form, such as a laminated sheet that can be written on and erased using dry erase markers. In yet other variations and embodiments of the game, the score tabulator can comprise part of an app to be run on a tablet or smart phone.
Instructions 130 on the play of the game are also typically provided. The instructions can be in the form of a printed booklet, a printed card, or imprinted on the game box. The instructions typically describe the method of game play, the associated rules of play, means of scoring during play and the manner in which a winner of the game is determined. The method of play is detailed below. The instructions can also include information pertaining to the specific board breaking tasks describing and pictorially or photographically illustrating the stance and movement necessary to carry out each particular board breaking strike. Instructions can be provided electronically as well. Videos on DVD, memory stick or by way of internet links can also be provided that demonstrate each type of strike to the game player. The instructions can also be provided as part of an app to be run on a tablet or smart phone.
Variations of the board breaking game can be sold with additional components and features as are illustrated in
The advanced game may also include additional or different plastic breaking boards 205-215. The boards provided in the more advanced game may be stronger requiring greater force to break. Further, with the ability to stack boards more strength combinations will be available to choose from.
Some variations may further include a breaking board holder 230. The breaking board holder provides a stable platform that allows more boards to be broken with a reduction of risk of injury to the player attempting the break and those who would otherwise be holding the boards. Additionally, some board holders can be configured for attachment to a pole or other vertical support means for use without another player having to hold it. A portable breaking board holder is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,962 issued to one of the present inventors and is incorporated by reference herein.
In some variations, a carrying bag 235 can be included in place of or in addition to a game box 135.
In yet another variation of the game, the task randomizer, the score tabulator, and the instructions can all be embodied in an app for use on an electronic computing device. The app can also include links to or have resident therein videos or other instructive materials that demonstrate proper form and striking technique for the various tasks. In at least one form of the game, a download code is provided with the purchase of the physical components of the game, namely the plastic breaking boards and optionally the board holder. The purchaser then downloads the app for use in playing the game. In another form, the app can be purchased separately from the boards and/or board holder.
In one method embodiment of playing the board breaking game, a player on his/her turn actuates the task randomizer, which in the embodiment described with reference to
If the task randomizer indicates an action, such as adding or subtracting bonus points, the user records the amount on his/her score tabulator. In some variations, except for the action indicating the player loses a turn, he reactivates the task randomizer to select a new task or action. In other variations, the player's turn will end and pass to the next player.
If the task randomizer indicates a task, the player may be provided an opportunity to attempt the task. Generally, the player will get to attempt tasks he has not previously attempted or he has previously but unsuccessfully attempted in prior turns. In some variations, if the player has already completed the specified task, the turn will end and pass to the next player. In other variations, if the player has already completed the specified task, he/she will get to activate the randomizer again until a task is provided that the player has not completed or an action, such as the lose a turn action ends the turn. In yet other variations, if the player has already completed the specified task, he will get option of attempting the task again in an attempt to improve his score, although the score the player previously achieved for the task may be vacated.
Typically, the player will choose the board, board combination he/she wants to attempt to break understanding that more points are awarded for breaking a high strength board or board combination. For example, the embodiment illustrated in
In some variations of the game, other players may be able to choose the board the player is to attempt. In other variations, another spinner (or board randomizer) may be actuated to randomly select the board or board combination the player shall attempt to break. In yet another embodiment of the game and associated method of play, the player will actuate a board randomizer and based on the indicated board, he/she will choose the strike he/she will use to attempt to break the board.
Once a board has been chosen, the player attempts to break it using the indicated strike technique. If the player breaks the board, he/she receives the appropriate number of points based on the strength of the board. If the player fails to break the board, his/her turn may end or he/she may be permitted to make a second attempt depending on the variation of the game being played. If a second attempt is permitted, the player may also be allowed to choose to attempt to break a board or boards of a different breaking strength.
In some variations of the game, age and gender bonus points may be added to the points awarded for the completion of each successful board breaking task. For instance in one variation of the game: players between 7 and 8 receive 20 bonus points for each successful break; players between 9 and 10 receive 10 bonus points; players over 60 receive 20 bonus points; and females over 11 receive an additional 10 points. The awarding of bonus points helps to equalize game play between players of different ages and genders making the game more competitive. In another variation, a onetime award of age and gender bonus points may be provided rather than for each successful breaking task completed.
Once a player has completed his/her turn, the turn advances to the next player. The order of the players can vary but in at least one variation of the game, the youngest player starts the game with successively older players taking their turns in line. In yet another variation, the oldest player starts first. In another variation, the first player can be chosen randomly. Game play continues rotating through each player until one of the players wins the game.
Various methods of winning the game are contemplated. In one variation, the first player to either complete all the breaks or reach a predetermined point goal is the winner. Play can continue until the next player completes all his/her breaks or reaches the point goal for second place. Similarly, third place and even subsequent placements can also be determined in a similar manner.
The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of and incorporates fully by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/440,780 entitled Board Breaking Game filed on Dec. 30, 2016 and having the inventors as the present application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62440780 | Dec 2016 | US |
