Easy Grip Checker Pieces

Abstract

The present invention comprises a novel way to make checkers pieces easy to handle by people with limited and/or impaired ability to manipulate small and/or smooth objects. It also comprises a unique way to keep checker pieces stacked during play.

Description

BACKGROUND

My father enjoys playing checkers with friends. Many are elderly and have limited ability to pick up small objects. A typical checker piece is smooth on the edges or has vertical lines making it harder to grip and is no more than ¼ inch tall. To adjust, they use chess pieces and designate certain pieces as ‘kings’.

Therefore, a need exists to have checker pieces easy for people with limited finger dexterity to pick up and move.

Some people also have problems holding their hand study. When handling stacked checker pieces, they may shake and have the top piece fall off. Also, during play, the table may be jarred and knock the stacked pieces off.

The USPTO has recognized the need to hold checker pieces together in U.S. Pat. No. 2,534,055 “Snap Fit Interlocking Checker”.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invented checker pieces are taller and have a top larger than the base. This allows a player to reach under the top of the piece and lift it up. It also has an indent in the top or various things sticking up to both help grip the piece and help keep the pieces stacked if the player shakes as they are picking the pieces up. The invention allows players to use real checkers pieces and stack them as the game calls for. They report greater satisfaction with stacking pieces instead of switching out chess pieces.

This invented checker pieces use a substantially different technique to hold the pieces in a stacked position than U.S. Pat. No. 2,534,055. The prior invention holds them tight which will be hard for people with limited finger strength to separate. This invention will hold them loosely. It will not be as secure as the previous invention but will be easy to handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1-FIG. 1 shows a profile indicating the top is larger than the bottom base and shows some “Jewels” added to help with stacking and making it easier to grip. The size is just an example. Depending on the size of the board and the desires of the players, the sizes can vary.

FIG. 2-FIG. 2 shows a top perspective with the indent to also help hold the pieces when stacked. It includes an optional monogram.

FIG. 3-FIG. 3 shows how two pieces nicely stack on each other.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. Checker pieces where the top is wider than the bottom so they are easy to pick up and handle.

2. Checker pieces with textured or shaped appendages on top so they are easy to pick up and handle.

3. Checker pieces with indents and appendages around the tops, and bases slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the indents and appendages, to help keep the pieces stacked.