EASTER EGG GAME DEVICE & METHOD OF PLAY

Abstract

The invention herein is directed to an Easter related game and method of play. The invention is intended to be played during Easter celebration, preferably by re-using found Easter Eggs or alternatively with any rollable oval, oblong, or ovoid object. The game of this invention comprising the following tools or game pieces: a rolling ramp and a plurality of oval, oblong, or ovoid objects, preferably Easter eggs. The game may be played by one or more participant or groups of participants.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present matter relates to an Easter related game device and method of play, in particular involving a rolling ramp and rollable objects.

BACKGROUND

Among North American and many Western European cultures, the Christian religious holiday of Easter is often celebrated with family friendly projects and games. The most well-known tradition for Easter celebration in North America is the Easter Egg hunt. This tradition entails several phases of social gathering for preparation of the game and game playing in days leading up to Easter morning. The initial phase is dedicated to family gathering in preparation for Easter day celebrations where adults and children enjoy the tradition of coloring hard boiled eggs, otherwise known as Easter eggs. Hard boiled eggs with their shells still on are brilliantly decorated with colorful dyes and patterns. These decorated eggs are secretly hidden with candy or money in open areas on Easter morning, telling the mythical story of gifts left by the Easter Rabbit. The third stage of these celebrations involve a competition among groups of young children to find the most amount of candy, money and Easter eggs hidden on Easter morning. Finally, the children are able to collectively enjoy and count their win of found candy, money and eggs. The Easter egg hunt is likely the highlight excitement of the season for most children and shared among their families. While a great amount of time is spent in preparation for the morning hunt, the actual hunt itself is short lived, usually lasting under an hour. After which, the found eggs are often disposed of and rarely eaten due to spoilage in unrefrigerated conditions. The game being so short lived, and yet with so much effort and people involved in its preparation and play leaves a very anti-climatic end to such a largely anticipated celebration. By current tradition and for practical reasons, it is nearly impossible to repeat the Easter Egg hunt after the game is over since part of the game involves a secret hiding of Eggs and candy away from children to maintain the myth of the Easter Rabbit story. Preparation of the game involves a large amount of material which either are taken or disturbed from its location and would have to be replaced for the game to be replayed properly. To this day, no other game has been introduced relating to these ongoing traditions that otherwise allow community and family to continue their celebrations around the Easter egg hunt with extended use of the decorated eggs.

There are games that involve rollable objects thrown or rolled onto flat surfaces by competing players. Nearly all such games have been in the public domain for extensive time such as bocce ball, bowling and billiard. Recent prior art discloses improvements without actual change to the manner of playing these games. Neither are there more recent games that involve the throwing and or rolling of round objects on a flat surface. In most these cases, the prior art solely offers accessories that aid the player in their ability to play the existing games. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,159,401A, 4,368 898A; U.S. Patent Application No. 20050148411; Korean Patent No. KR101342861B1.

While the various existing and well known games that involve throwing and rolling rollable objects on a ground surface are familiar to most individuals, they are each distinguishable and uniquely original from each other. For example, the game of bocce ball requires steps of propelling a small hard and heavy ball by hand throw onto a ground surface, where two groups of players compete as teams and where scoring of performance is based on measured proximity to a neutral ball rather than by displacement of seated balls. In contrast, the game of billiard involves competition between individual players where each player attempts to strike another player's ball into table pockets with the end of a stick, avoiding contact with a neutral ball. Scoring by this game is based on tally of the most achieved pocketed balls belonging to the opponent. The game of billiard is played in nearly opposite fashion to the game of bocce ball. In further contrast, bowling is a game that may be played between individuals or teams of players, requiring a single large ball thrown onto the ground surface and rolled towards a set of pins wherein scoring is by tally of total pins dropped by each thrown ball.

There currently does not exist a game involving rolling of an oblong, oval or ovoid shaped object onto a ground surface and played between individual players during Easter celebration. There remains a need for games that involve reuse of found decorated Easter eggs from an Easter egg hunt that may be played by any individual present and easily repeatable without much preparation.

Note that all patents and applications referred herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention introduces an Easter game that takes place upon conclusion of the Easter Egg hunt and would extend the Easter Egg game playing celebration indefinitely throughout the holiday season.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that extends the bonding experience of family gatherings and game playing during Easter season by incorporating objects uniquely found during Easter celebrations into this invention. In particular, the game herein extends game playing of oblong, oval or ovoid shaped objects found during Easter celebration.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that extends the use and play of traditional Easter eggs and its reuse during Easter celebrations.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that allows two or more individual players to compete individually and directly against another without need for grouped teams.

It is an object of this invention to provide a game that allows two or more individual players to compete individually and directly against another in simple predesignated order.

It is an object of this invention to provide a one on one contact game for two or more concurrent players where the winner is determined by the individual with the most captured objects upon the end of a final round.

It is an object of this invention to provide a one on one contact game for two or more individual players wherein the game is played in rounds with the aim of eliminating players each round until only one player is left and with the greatest accumulated score at the end of a final round.

It is an object of this invention to provide tools or game pieces specifically designed to achieve the method of play for this invention.

Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the game kit and game as played by at least 2 players according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the ramp in use position according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the ramp in use position according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of a portion of the device according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 provides an exploded view of a portion of the device according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the invention in partially collapsed position according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the invention in partially collapsed position according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of the invention in collapsed position according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of the invention according to a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should he read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

The present invention will now he described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to he interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements, dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

The invention herein is directed to an Easter related game and method of play. See FIG. 1. The invention is intended to be played during Easter celebration, preferably by re-using found Easter Eggs or alternatively with any rollable oval, oblong, or ovoid object. See FIG. 1. The game of this invention comprising the following tools or game pieces: a rolling ramp 101 and a plurality of oval, oblong, or ovoid objects, preferably Easter eggs 102. The game may be played by one or more individual participant or groups of individual participants.

The ramp comprising a linear portion 201 with a first 202 and second 203 terminal end and inwardly angular sides 204 forming a V or U shaped cross section. The ramp is positioned over the ground surface in a decline position by less than (and no greater than) 60 degree angle from the ground surface (preferably between 30 to 45 angular degree above the ground surface). The lower angular position allows for a smooth transition of the rollable object onto the ground surface upon exit to avoid bounce or damage effect. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the ramp comprises a V-shaped cross section to enable an oblong or ovoid shaped game piece (preferably an egg) to be seated on the edge portion of the linear path in raised or semi-suspended manner. This is an important aspect of the game because an ovoid shaped object, particularly a fragile object like an egg, is uneven at its either ends and would wobble. The V-shape cross section of the ramp takes advantage of the inherently even horizontal central point at either ends of the egg such that the side walls would touch only the central ends of the egg (but not the central body of the egg) and would allow the egg to roll along its central horizontal axis. As such, the egg achieves a smooth wobble-free roll down the ramp without contacting the central portion 205 of the ramp. The ground surface should further provide a soft landing such as grass, turf, carpet, or sand to minimize cracking of the egg shell upon contact. The angular cross-section of the ramp therefore must be wide enough for its side walls at their furthest position to be contactable with either ends of the rollable object. The cross-sectional shape of the ramp must further be deep enough such that the central portions of the ramp wall avoids contact with the central portion of the rollable object to avoid potential wobble effect (if the object is of an unequal shape) or damage otherwise to the central body of the object. While a V-shaped cross-section would achieve this desired feature, other cross-sectional shapes that achieve this effect are contemplated within this invention as well. Alternative cross-sectional shapes may include but not be limited to, C-shape, U-shaped, L-shape or pear shape such that a synthetic and durable rollable object (other than a real egg) may be rolled along its horizontal axis without contract or damage to its central body.

The ramp is positioned above the ground surface at an angle between its first 202 and second 203 terminal ends. See FIGS. 2 and 3. The first 202 and second 203 terminal ends having no obstruction thereon or therethrough. The first terminal end 202 being in contact with the ground surface while the second terminal end 203 is above ground proximate to the player. The ramp is stationed in this manner by assistance of a stand 206. The stand portion of the ramp may comprise a pair of legs 206 centrally extending from the second terminal end 203. Alternatively, the stand may comprise a planar base extending from the first terminal end. Essentially, the stand serves the purpose of holding the ramp stably in place at the desired angular position above ground, without interfering with the linear path of the ramp, and allowing the first terminal end 202 to contact the ground surface in uninterrupted manner. The stand 206 is preferably detachably connected 401 to the ramp 201 such that the stand 206 and ramp components may be disconnected for storage when game playing ends. Alternatively, the stand and ramp portion may be swivelly connected 1001 (See FIG. 10) to each other such that the stand may swivelly extend outward into position for use and swivelly collapsed for storage (See FIG. 9). It is the overall desire of this invention for the ramp and the stand to be storable together in planar manner within the smallest amount of space for ease of transport, storage, and sale distribution.

While the rollable object preferably comprises a real hard-boiled egg, it may alternatively be played with a synthetic object comprising any type of smooth durable material that may easily roll against a hard surface with minimal likelihood of deforming. The object 102 having a preferred oval, oblong, or ovoid shape much like an egg, and preferably within the size dimension of a chicken or duck egg which typically falls between 1 to 5 inches long. The rollable object may comprise organic or inorganic durable hard material or material composites such as, but not limited to, poultry egg, wood, plastic, stone, bamboo, glass, or composites thereof, etc.

The method of play for this game is as follows. At least two or more individuals or two or more groups of players directly competing against each other. The game may be played by individual-contest or by group-contest. In either case the same rules of play sequence and scoring will apply. A group of players may comprise two or more individual players forming a single team. Alternatively, if played by individual contest, each single player would be a separate contestant. Two or more teams or two or more individual players (or combinations thereof) may compete in a single round of game sequence. Equal numbers of players per competing team is not required to participate in any game sequence. No minimum number of individual or group contestant is required either.

The game begins with choosing the order of participation. Each individual player among the competing teams or individual contestants would first have one or more rollable object 102 in their possession. An equal number of such rollable objects (also referable as “game piece”) is not required among each player for purposes of participation so long as the player has possession of at least one rollable object 102 to enable participation. An elected player of each team would roll a game piece wherein the order of participation for the overall game would be based on the relative position of the rolled object 102 between said elected player. This would set the sequence of roll between teams. The sequence of participation may be based on proximity to the ramp wherein the closest positioned game piece being first to participate and the rest to follow in sequential order from closest to furthest distance. The sequence may be reversed from furthest to closest position. The sequence of participation may alternatively depend on factors other than positioning of the game piece but as the players decide. In any case, the rules of determination would be predetermined by the players before the elected players of each team (or each individual player in an individual-contest) takes a roll. Once the respective roll is made, the order of participation would be determined accordingly. This same rule would apply in determining the order of participation among individuals within a team-group. Each player within said group of players of a single team would have an individual turn to roll, representing their team. Each player within the team may have a chance to roll when the sequence of participation comes back around to that team's turn. This order of participation of individuals within each group is subject to additional game rules provided herein.

The scoring portion of the game begins after sequence of participation is determined. All participating players convene near a ramp 101 having in their possession their respective game pieces. Preferably, the game pieces comprise Easter eggs found from a prior Easter egg hunt. Each player should have at least one game piece in their possession. The first round of game playing involves every team or every individual player (if by individual-contest) having a single chance to roll their game piece. The first player or group according to the determined sequence of participation begins the first roll of the first round. Upon completion of a full round of play, the second group or individual according to the determined sequence of participation begins the second round. Each subsequent round begins with a different initial team or player, following the determined sequence of player order. The ramp position should never be disturbed while playing said game.

When rolling the game piece, the aim of each roll is to cause contact with a game piece on the ground. If no contact is made with a game piece on the ground, the rolled game piece is left in position. If contact is in fact made, the player responsible for causing said contact may remove the two contacting pieces from the ground surface. The player may earn another chance to roll their game piece after each successful contact and collection of game pieces. Upon eventual failure to make contact, the next player or team in sequential order takes their respective turn to roll the game piece. The ultimate goal of this game is for all the game pieces to be collected from the ground surface or alternatively for all but two players to be in possession of all participating game pieces. At which point, the player or team with the most game pieces in their possession wins the game. Those eggs remaining on the ground should lie undisturbed until the winner is announced in case a tie breaking round is necessary. If there should be a tie where more than one player is in possession of the highest tally, additional rounds of the game will be played until the tie score is broken and a single individual tally score is identifiable as being the highest score of the set. The tie breaking round may be played between the tied players only or among all remaining players in possession of game pieces (i.e. rollable object) 102.

The game pieces 102 of this invention may be hand decorated or alternatively pre-manufactured with decoration, but decoration is not necessary to participate in this game. Decorative art and tools may be provided together with the game pieces forming a game kit.

The kit may minimally comprise one or more game piece (also referred to as rollable object) 102 and a portable ramp 101 and alternatively containing decorative art accessories. The ramp 101 device may be designed for reuse and storage comprising fiberous, plastic, metallic material or combinations thereof of hard durable material. The device may further comprise thick durable paper material that is able to maintain its structure against its own weight during use, minimal moisture exposure and use by players. The device is preferably detachable or collapsible for storage and or packaging purposes. When unfolded, the device is self-supporting on a stand or bracket system 206 with the ramp portion 201 slanting downward towards the ground surface and with a rise from the ground surface of under 45 degree, but preferably between 30-40 degrees. The stand or bracket portion 206 holding up the ramp 201 may be hingely and swivelly attached to the second terminal end of said ramp 201 (above the ground surface) or alternatively, horizontally extending along the ground surface from the lower first terminal end of said ramp. The stand or bracket portion 206 may further comprise two or more legs 206 extending from the second terminal end 203 of the ramp portion towards the ground surface in the form of a stand. Each of said two legs being swivelly 1001 attached at said second terminal end 202 of said ramp at the external sides 204 of said V-shaped ramp. Each said two legs 206 further providing a groove 402 immediately below said swivel connection 1001 to said ramp side 204 such that when each leg 206 swivels into position, each leg will cross over the other interlocking at their each respective groove 402. When the game is completed, each leg 206 is swiveled out of their groove interconnection to be in parallel and flush position with the respective side 204 of said V-shaped ramp, resulting in a storable length of V-shaped bar. The ramp may have a steep U shaped or V shaped cross section with angled rising side walls. The top edges 208 of said side walls of said ramp is spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to or slightly less than the length of said egg or rollable object (between 1-3 inches wide) such that the egg or rollable object would be suspended on the top edges of said ramp, not touching the lower internal surface of said ramp. The depth of the ramp should be between 1 to 3 inches, sufficient to suspend the egg away from contacting the central surface of said ramp. The length of said ramp itself should preferably be at least 3 foot long to achieve a 30-40 angle incline from the ground surface from the ramp's first terminal end and for the second terminal end of said ramp to be positioned at a minimum 2 feet height above the ground surface. The second terminal end of the ramp portion is preferably 48 inches to 36 inches above the ground surface when placed in position for use.

FIG. 1 provides an exemplary view of said game being played by at least 2 or more individual players. Said ramp 101 according to this embodiment is approximately 48 to 36 inches above the ground surface at its second terminal end, and less than 45 degrees from the ground surface at its first terminal end 202. Said ramp 101 according to this preferred embodiment further having angularly declining sides with a V-shaped cross section equal to or slightly less than the length of an egg, preferably a chicken egg. Said ramp of this invention being held in upright position above the ground surface by two bracket legs (otherwise referable to as stand extensions) 206 extending from the second terminal end of said ramp 201 to the ground surface. The egg or rollable object components 102 in this illustration comprising egg shaped game pieces that may or may not be decorated on their each surface.

FIGS. 2 and 3 provides a side view of a preferred embodiment of said ramp portion 201, comprising said ramp feature 201 and a bracket leg 206 feature in use position wherein said ramp extends outward at a tangential angle of less than 45 degree from the ground surface from its first terminal end 202. Said stand or bracket leg 206 component comprising a length less than the length of said ramp 201, propping the second terminal end 203 of said ramp up approximately 48-72 inches above the ground surface.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7 provides a side view of a preferred embodiment of said ramp device wherein said leg bracket is hingely and swivelly connected to the side surface of said ramp portion at its said second terminal end 203. Each said leg 206 having a notch or groove 402 immediately below said swivel hinge connection 1001. See FIG. 10. Each said leg may swivel out of its interconnected position and flushly to the respective side of its connection to said ramp portion, storable in the form of a single uniform V or U-shaped ramp bar. See FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective bottom side view of the top side of said ramp wherein each said leg of said bracket feature intersect and interconnect at their said groove 402 to form a V-shaped bracket feature.

FIG. 4 provides an exploded view of the leg element with groove feature. Said groove or notch feature comprising at least or slightly greater than half the width of said bracket piece. A preferred embodiment of each said bracket leg comprising a rectangular shape of at least ¼″ thickness and may comprise any type of hard material, including but not limited to organic material such as card board paper or wood, synthetic material such as plastic, metal or any combinations thereof.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of said ramp with said two bracket legs in use form wherein each said leg is attached to each said ramp side wall hingely and swivelly. Each said leg rotated forward and intersecting with the other said leg at their each said groove section immediately below their each said hinge connections. Said groove sections of each bracket leg being deep enough into the width of each bracket leg (equal to or greater than half the width of each bracket leg) to enable a flush and stable interconnection. Each said groove or notch 402 being equal to the thickness of each bracket leg to enable a tight and secure interconnected fit.

Each said game kit preferably comprising a storable and collapsible ramp component and egg decoration elements such as egg paint, ink or stickers. Alternatively, each game kit comprising a storable collapsible ramp component and decorative rollable game pieces such as plastic Easter eggs or balls.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent the invention has been described by way of summary, detailed description and illustration. The specific embodiments disclosed in the above drawings are not intended to be limiting. Implementations of the present invention with various different configurations are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1) An Easter holiday related game playing kit comprising one or more ovoid object and a linear ramp,each said one or more ovoid object comprising solid organic or inorganic material or a combination thereof,each said one or more ovoid object being no less than 1 inch long and no greater than 5 inches long,said linear ramp having two centrally declining side walls and an open central space forming a V-shaped cross section,said linear ramp having a first and second cross sectional end,said linear ramp having two parallel top linear edges where said two declining side walls terminate,the width between said two parallel top linear edges being no less than one inch and no greater than five inches,said linear ramp being no less than 12 inches in length and no greater than 48 inches in length,said linear ramp positionable at less than 45 degrees above the ground floor from its second end by a stand element,said stand element being swivelly connectable to said first or second end of said linear ramp such that said stand element is rotatable around said linear ramp atsaid swivel connection for a first optional position of use or a second optional position for storage.

2) An Easter holiday related game playing kit of claim 1 wherein said stand element being positionable in parallel position with said linear ramp in its second optional position for storage purposes.

3) An Easter holiday related game playing kit of claim 1 wherein said stand element being detachably connectable to said linear ramp.

4) A method of playing said Easter holiday related game playing kit of claim 1 comprising the following: a non-contacting rolling event comprising the positioning a linear ramp at less than a 45 degree angle above the ground surface from its said second cross sectional end,positioning a game piece at the first cross sectional end of said linear ramp,rolling said game piece downward along said linear ramp and exiting said second cross-sectional end of said linear ramp onto a ground surface without contact with another game piece,resting said non-contacting game piece on the ground surface,a contacting-rolling event comprising the positioning a linear ramp at less than a 45 degree angle above the ground surface from its said second cross sectional end,positioning a subsequent game piece on said first cross-sectional end of said linear ramp,rolling said subsequent game piece downward along said linear ramp and exiting said second cross-sectional end of said linear ramp onto a ground surface in contact with another game piece,collecting said contacting subsequent game piece and another game piece from the ground surface to form a plurality of game pieces of an individual collection.

5) Said method of playing said Easter holiday related game playing kit of claim 1 comprising one or more non-contacting rolling events and one or more contacting rolling events of claim 4.

6) Said method of playing said Easter holiday related game playing kit of claim 1 wherein one or more non-contacting rolling events and one or more contacting rolling events of claim 4 occur until no more resting non-contacting game pieces remain on the ground surface.