BOARD GAME EXTENSION

Abstract

A board game extension is configured to be placed between a first existing board game and a second existing board game. The board game extension has a first side with a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the first existing board game, and a second side with a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the second existing board game. The board game extension includes a first landing location having dimensions corresponding to a first existing landing location on the first existing board game. In one embodiment, the board game extension also includes a second landing location having dimensions corresponding to a second existing landing location on the second existing board game.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present application relates to games for amusement and entertainment. More particularly, the present application relates to a board game and method of play that is capable of being used in conjunction with existing board games.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 2,026,082 to Darrow discloses a board game apparatus sold commercially under the name MONOPOLY. FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art version of the game board for MONOPOLY as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,026,082. MONOPOLY is a real estate themed game having a game board 1 that includes a plurality of landing locations arranged around its periphery. The landing locations designate properties or require a task to be performed, such as pay a tax or draw a Chance or Community Chest card. At the interior of the board 1, there are markings for a location 3 for Chance cards and for a location 4 for Community Chest cards.

Many variations of MONOPOLY are known. For example, “themed” versions of the game are known, based on movies, universities, regions, etc. Additionally, variations on the rules of MONOPOLY are also known. In one known embodiment, the object of the game is to acquire the most money through buying, renting and selling property locations. Optionally, the object of the game is to drive the other players out of money, or bankrupt.

In one known version of the game, when play is started, each player starts with a predetermined sum of money and places a game piece at a beginning location (e.g., the landing location marked “GO”). The players take turns throwing dice and moving the player's game piece the number of landing locations indicated by the dice in a circular, clockwise direction. If the game piece stops on a landing location that is an un-owned property, the player is entitled to buy that property. If the game piece lands on an owned property, the player is obliged to pay rent. If the game piece lands on a non-property landing location, the player is obliged to perform a task, such as pay taxes, draw a Chance or Community Chest card, “Go to Jail,” etc.

Property may be accumulated by landing on an un-owned property location, as discussed above, or by bartering with opposing players. Each property location is designated as belonging to a specific group (e.g., orange properties). If a player accumulates all of the properties in a group, the player may purchase houses or apartments and place them on the property, thereby increasing the rent for opposing players who land on that property.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A board game extension is configured to be placed between a first existing board game and a second existing board game. The board game extension has a first side with a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the first existing board game, and a second side with a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the second existing board game. The board game extension includes a first landing location having dimensions corresponding to a first existing landing location on the first existing board game. In one embodiment, the board game extension also includes a second landing location having dimensions corresponding to a second existing landing location on the second existing board game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, structures are illustrated that, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention.

In the drawings and description that follows, like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a prior art version of a board game known as MONOPOLY;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one embodiment of a board game extension;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of one embodiment of a board game extension in connection with a first and second existing board game;

FIGS. 3B-3D are schematics of a plurality of board game extensions in connection with a plurality of existing board games;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a board game extension 400;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the alternative embodiment of the board game extension 400 in connection with a first, second, and third existing board game

FIGS. 6A-6B are top plan views of exemplary cards associated with a board game extension;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary directional card;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an exemplary inactivation card;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of play using the board game extension; and

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a box for holding a board game extension and associated cards.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2 illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a board game extension 100 configured to be placed between a pair of existing board games. The board game extension may also be referred to as an “add-on” or a “connecting piece.” In the illustrated embodiment, the board game extension 100 is a board having an elongated rectangular shape. In alternative embodiments, the board game extension may be triangular, square, pentagon, or any other geometric shape.

The board game extension 100 includes a first transition landing location 110 and a second transition landing location 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the board game extension 100 includes a single transition landing location. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the board game extension 100 includes three or more transition landing locations. As will be discussed in further detail below, during game play, player game pieces may land on a transition landing location 110,120 in the same manner that a game piece may land on existing landing locations on an existing game board.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first transition landing location 110 is designated as “Brooklyn Bridge” and includes indicia showing a paved road. Additionally, the second transition landing location 120 is designated as “London Bridge” and includes indicia showing a brick road. It should be understood that these designations and indicia are exemplary, and that various designations or graphics may be used. For example, the first and second transition landing locations may have names and/or themes corresponding to MONOPOLY GAME STAR WARS SAGA EDITION, or other known variations of MONOPOLY.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the board game extension 100 further includes a first transition card location 130 and a second transition card location 140. As will be discussed in further detail below, during game play, transition cards will be placed on each of the first and second transition card locations 130,140. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the board game extension includes a single transition card location. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the board game extension includes three or more transition card locations. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the board game extension does not include any transition card locations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first transition card location 130 is adjacent the second transition landing location 120. Further, the second transition card location 140 is adjacent first transition landing location 110. In an alternative embodiment, the first transition card location 130 is adjacent the first transition landing location 110, and the second transition card location 140 is adjacent the second transition landing location 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first transition card location 130 is designated as “Brooklyn Deck” and the second transition card location 140 is designated as “London Deck.” It should be understood that these designations and graphics are exemplary, and that various designations or graphics may be used.

The board game extension 100 further includes an optional money location 150. As will be discussed in further detail below, during game play, players may be required to pay tolls that are placed in the optional money location. In the illustrated embodiment, the optional money location 150 is designated as “Bridge Toll.” It should be understood that this designation and corresponding indicia are exemplary, and that various designations or indicia may be used.

Various materials may be used to construct the board game extension 100. Exemplary construction materials include, without limitation, cardboard, pressed board, polymeric materials, wood, and metal. In one embodiment, locations 110-150 on the board game extension 100 discussed above are designated by printed or painted indicia on the board game extension 100. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the locations 110-150 are molded, carved, or otherwise formed in the board game extension 100. In such an embodiment, printed or painted indicia may also be used to further designate the locations.

Further, the board game extension 100 is not limited to a physical board. Many board games are currently available as computer games or video games, in which case the board is a “virtual board.” Similarly, one or more virtual board game extensions may be included in computer or video game versions of board games.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a board game extension 100 in connection with a first existing board game B₁ and a second existing board game B₂. Each of the first and second existing board games B₁, B₂ includes a plurality of landing locations designated by a plurality of indicia. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second existing board games B₁, B₂ are MONOPOLY board games, substantially similar to the board game apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,026,082. However, it should be understood that the board game extension 100 is not limited to use with MONOPOLY, and may be employed with various other board games.

In the illustrated embodiment, the board game extension 100 is placed on a flat surface adjacent to a side of the first board game B₁ and a side of the second existing board game B₂. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the board game extension includes one or more fasteners to fasten the board game extension to the first and second board games B₁,B₂. Exemplary fasteners include, without limitation, clips, clamps, hooks, tacks, etc. In one such embodiment, the fasteners (not shown) are configured to removably connect the board game extension to the first and second board games B₁,B₂. In another such embodiment, the fasteners (not shown) are configured to permanently connect the board game extension to the first and second board games B₁, B₂.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the board game extension 100 is aligned such that the first transition landing location 110 has a first end adjacent a corner landing location of the first board game B₁ and a second end adjacent a corner landing location of the second existing board game B₂. The first transition landing location 110 has dimensions corresponding to a dimension of the corresponding corner landing locations of the first and second board games B₁, B₂.

Similarly, the second transition landing location 120 has a first end adjacent another corner landing location of the first board game B₁ and a second end adjacent another corner landing location of the second existing board game B₂. The second transition landing location 120 has dimensions corresponding to a dimension of the corresponding corner landing locations of the first and second board games B₁, B₂. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), at least one of the first and second transition landing locations is adjacent non-corner landing locations of the first and second existing boards.

In an alternative embodiment of the board game extension (not shown), where the board game extension includes three or more transition landing locations, each transition landing location is aligned with a landing location on each of the first and second existing boards. In another alternative embodiment of the board game extension (not shown), where the board game extension includes a single transition landing location, the single transition landing location is aligned with a landing location on each of the first and second existing boards.

Although FIG. 3A only illustrates two existing board games and a single board game extension, it should be understood that multiple board game extensions may be employed. For example, as shown in the schematic illustration of FIG. 3B, three existing board games B₁,B₂,B₃ may be use with two board game extensions E₁,E₂. In the illustrated example, a first board game extension E₁ is adjacent a first existing board game B₁ and second existing board game B₂, and a second board game extension E₂ would be adjacent the second existing board game B₂ and a third existing board game B₃.

In FIG. 3B, the existing board games B₁,B₂,B₃ are arranged in a substantially linear manner. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3C, the existing board games B₁,B₂,B₃ may be arranged in a non-linear manner. Where the existing board games are arranged in a non-linear manner, they may be arranged in an open formation, as shown in FIG. 3C or in a closed formation. FIG. 3D is a schematic of four existing board games B₁,B₂,B₃,B₄ arranged in a non-linear, closed formation with four board game extensions E₁,E₂,E₃,E₄. As can be seen from this illustration, the four existing board games B₁,B₂,B₃,B₄ are arranged in a substantially square formation and a board game extension is disposed between each existing board game.

The illustrated formations are exemplary and not limiting. From the above described examples, it should be understood that any number of board game extensions and existing board games may be used together in any arrangement.

FIG. 4 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the board game extension 400, where the board game extension 400 has a triangular shape and includes a first transition landing location 410, a second transition landing location 420, and a third transition landing location 430. During game play, transition cards will be placed on each of the first, second, and third transition card locations 440, 450, and 460 associated with the respective transition landing locations. The board game extension 400 may also include an optional money location 470 designated as a “Bridge Toll.”

The board game extension 400 may used with three existing board games, including a first board game B₁, a second board game B₂, and a third board game B₃, as shown in FIG. 5. The first side of the board game extension 400 is aligned with a side of the first existing board game B₁, the second side of the board game extension is aligned with a side of the second existing board game B₂, and the third side of the board game extension is aligned with a side of the third existing board game B₃.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the board game extension has a square shape, or five or more sides, and each side is configured to be placed adjacent an existing board game.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate exemplary cards associated with the board game extension 100. FIG. 6A is representative of a first set of transition cards 600a designated for placement on the first transition card location 130 of the board game extension 100. FIG. 6B is representative of a second set of transition cards 600b designated for placement on the second transition card location 140 of the board game extension 100.

The first set of transition cards 600a may be distinguished from the second set of transition cards 600b. For example, the first set of transition cards 600a may be printed on a color stock different from the second set of transition cards 600b. Alternatively, or in addition to the different color stock, indicia may be employed on the backs of the cards to designate the first set 600a and the second set 600b. For example, the first set of transition cards 600a may be labeled as “Brooklyn Deck” and the second set of transition cards 600b may be labeled as “London Deck.”

In an alternative embodiment, a single set of transition cards may be employed. In such an embodiment, the single set of transition cards would be divided among the first and second transition card locations 130, 140 of the board game extension 100. In another alternative embodiment, no transition cards are provided. Instead, cards from the existing board games may be placed on the first and second transition card locations 130, 140 of the board game extension 100.

In one embodiment, one or more directional cards are used to indicate the direction of play. An exemplary directional card 700 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The exemplary directional card 700 shows a direction of play for two existing boards and one board game extension. Additional directional cards may show direction of play for various other configurations, including, but not limited to, the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D and described above. In one embodiment, a single directional card is used during game play, to indicate the direction of play that will be used throughout the entire game. In an alternative embodiment, multiple directional cards may be employed during the game. For example, a new directional card may be drawn when a player's game piece lands on a pre-selected landing location. Alternatively, one or more directional cards may be included in one or more of the transition card sets 600a,b, or may be employed with existing card sets supplied with the existing game boards.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary inactivation card 800. The inactivation card may be employed during game play to inactivate a transition landing location. The inactivation card may also be referred to as a “construction card” or a “bridge inspection card.” In one embodiment, players may agree on a transition landing location that will be inactive throughout the game, and an inactivation card 800 will be placed on the agreed upon transition landing location prior to the commencement of the game.

In an alternative embodiment, one or more inactivation cards may be included in one or more of the transition card sets 600a,b, or may be employed with existing card sets supplied with the existing game boards. In one such embodiment, the player drawing the inactivation card would be required to inactivate a transition landing location immediately. In another such embodiment, the player may reserve the inactivation card and inactivate a transition landing location at his discretion.

In one embodiment, the inactivation card 800 is placed on the transition landing location to indicate that the transition landing location is inactive. In an alternative embodiment, a separate card or playing piece is placed on the transition landing location to indicate that the transition landing location is inactive.

An optional activation card (not shown) may also be included. When an activation card is drawn, an inactive transition landing location is activated (i.e., by removing the inactivation card or piece from the location).

Game rules may limit the number of transition landing locations that may be inactive concurrently. For example, only one transition landing location may be inactive at a time. Alternatively, an unlimited number of transition landing locations may be inactive concurrently.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of play 900 using the board game extension 100 with first and second existing board games B₁,B₂. The board game extension 100 is placed between the first and second existing board games B₁,B₂ (step 910). The first and second set of transition cards 600a,600b are shuffled and placed on the corresponding first and second transition card locations 130, 140 of the board game extension 100 (step 920).

Play of the existing board games B₁,B₂ then commences according to the established rules (step 930). It should be understood that the established rules include written rules that may be provided with the existing board games B₁,B₂ as well as any agreed upon variations of those rules.

As play continues, the players will move the game pieces using the first and second transition landing locations 110,120 of the board game extension 100 as additional landing locations for the game pieces (step 940). In one embodiment, the players will move the pieces according to a pre-established pattern, such as a figure eight pattern, or according to a direction indicated by a directional card. In an alternative embodiment, the players will not employ a pre-established pattern and will have the option of moving a game piece across the board game extension onto an adjacent board, or to keep the game piece on its current board.

In one embodiment, when a player's game piece lands on one of the transition landing locations 110,120, the player pays a pre-established Bridge toll (i.e., $50) and places the toll money on the optional money location 150 of the board game extension 100 (step 950). The player also draws a transition card from the set corresponding to the transition landing location and follows the instructions on the transition card (step 960).

In one embodiment, each player must alternate use of the first and second transition landing locations. In other words, if a player moves a game piece from the first board across a first transition landing location to the second board, the player cannot use the first transition landing location to return to the first board. Instead, the player can only use the second transition landing location to return to the first board.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top plan view of a box for holding a board game extension 100 and associated cards. The board game extension 100 may be provided separately or together with one or more existing board games.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See, Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” Furthermore, to the extent the term “connect” is used in the specification or claims, it is intended to mean not only “directly connected to,” but also “indirectly connected to” such as connected through another component or components.

While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A board game extension system configured to be used with at least two existing board games, including a first existing board game and a second existing board game, where each of the at least two existing board games has a plurality of existing landing locations and is configured for use as a complete, self-contained game, the board game extension comprising: a board configured to be placed between the first existing board game and the second existing board game, the board having at least two sides, including a first side and a second side, the first side having a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the first existing board game, and the second side having a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the second existing board game, the board including: at least one indicia identifying at least one transition landing location, andat least one indicia identifying at least one card location; anda plurality of cards.

2. The board game extension system of claim 1, wherein the board further includes indicia identifying a toll location.

3. The board game extension system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured to removably connect the board to the first existing board game and the second existing board game.

4. The board game extension system of claim 1, wherein the at least one indicia identifying at least one transition landing location has dimensions corresponding to a first indicia identifying a first existing landing location on the first existing board game and to a second indicia identifying a second existing landing location on the second existing board game.

5. The board game extension system of claim 1, wherein the board includes a third side having a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of a third existing board game.

6. The board game extension system of claim 1, further comprising at least one directional card having indicia indicating a direction of game play.

7. The board game extension system of claim 1, wherein the at least one indicia identifying at least one transition landing location includes a first indicia identifying a first transition landing location and a second indicia identifying a second transition landing location.

8. The board game extension system of claim 7, wherein the first indicia identifying the first transition landing location has dimensions corresponding to first a first existing landing location on the first existing board game and to a second existing landing location on the second existing board game, and whereinthe second indicia identifying the second transition landing location has dimensions corresponding to a third existing landing location on the first existing board game and to a fourth existing landing location on the second existing board game.

9. The board game extension system of claim 7, further comprising an inactivation card configured to be placed on one of the first or second indicia to indicate that the identified transition landing location is inactive.

10. A board game extension configured to be placed between a first existing board game and a second existing board game, the board game extension comprising: a first side having a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the first existing board game;a second side having a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of the second existing board game;a first landing location having dimensions corresponding to a first existing landing location on the first existing board game; anda second landing location having dimensions corresponding to a second existing landing location on the second existing board game.

11. The board game extension of claim 10, further comprising a toll location.

12. The board game extension of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured to removably connect the board game extension to the first existing board game and the second existing board game.

13. The board game extension of claim 10, further comprising a third side having a length that is substantially equal to a length of a side of a third existing board game.

14. The board game extension of claim 13, further comprising a third landing location having dimensions corresponding to a third existing landing location on the third existing board game.

15. A method of employing a board game extension with a first existing board game having a first plurality of landing locations and a second existing board game having a second plurality of landing locations, the method comprising: placing the board game extension between the first existing board game and the second existing board game, such that a first transition landing location on the board game extension is aligned with a first landing location of the first existing board game anda second transition landing location on the board game extension is aligned with a second landing location on the second existing board game;placing a plurality of playing pieces on the first existing board game;move each of the playing pieces along the first existing board game according to established rules; andupon moving one of the playing pieces to the first landing location of the first existing board, continuing to move the playing piece to the transition landing location on the board game extension.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the playing piece to the second landing location on the second existing board upon moving the playing piece on to the transition landing location on the board game extension.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising moving the playing piece along the second existing board game according to established rules.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising placing a plurality of transition cards on a transition card location on the board game extension.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising drawing a transition card upon moving a playing piece on to the transition landing location on the board game extension.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the playing pieces in a direction indicated by a direction card.