Patent Application
20050104298
There are many known games that are relatively simple to play, employ a plurality of relatively uncomplicated game pieces, are entertaining to the players, and yet require a thoughtful strategy. One such game is known as JENGA® and includes a plurality of three-dimensional, elongate, rectangular, parallelepiped blocks of substantially the same size and shape. The particular method of playing a game using the JENGA® blocks can vary somewhat. In each example of a game playing method, a vertically oriented stack of the blocks is formed of multiple layers, each layer including multiple game pieces. The vertical stack is created and then blocks are removed one at a time from the stack and placed on top of the stack to form additional layers. This results in a continually reconfigured vertical stack of blocks that becomes taller and less stable during play.
The present disclosure is directed to game playing methods and to stacks of game pieces for playing games according to the disclosed methods. As disclosed herein, a stackable game piece can have an elongate parallelepiped body with a pair of parallelogram-shaped end surfaces. Each of the end surfaces can have a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of angled side edges. An elongate rectangular-shaped top surface can extend between the top edges of the end surfaces, and an elongate rectangular-shaped bottom surface can extend between the bottom edges of end surfaces. A pair of elongate rectangular-shaped side surfaces each can extend between the corresponding side edges of the end surface. The side surfaces can be oriented at an angle defined by an angle of the side edges of the parallelogram end surfaces of the game piece.
A stack of the game pieces can be formed by placing multiple layers of the game pieces one on top of the other. The stack can have a base or first layer that rests on a playing surface. The stack can also have an upper layer and a plurality of intermediate layers that are stacked between the first layer and the upper layer. Each layer can have an equal number of game pieces that are stacked, bottom surface to top surface, relative to adjacent layers. The game pieces within each layer can be positioned adjacent and similarly oriented to one another.
A game can be played by one player first removing a selected game piece from the stack. The removed game piece can be replaced on the top of the stack in a desired position and orientation. Depending upon the number of players and the various rules employed, the steps of removing and replacing are repeated until the stack topples over.
The features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
a and 9b illustrate one example of a particular game piece stack configuration constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
a and 10b illustrate another example of a particular game piece stack configuration constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
a and 11b illustrate another example of a particular game piece stack configuration constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
a-19c illustrate alternative examples of game piece stacks wherein a proportion of the game pieces are of different shape relative to the remaining game pieces, which are as shown in
The present disclosure is directed to an improved game piece, game piece stacks, and methods of playing a game utilizing a plurality of the game pieces arranged in a stack. The game includes providing a plurality of game pieces each having a three-dimensional, elongate parallelepiped shape with one pair of parallel but angled side surfaces. The angled side surfaces permit playing the game by forming a game piece stack or tower that can take on many configurations. Utilizing the disclosed game pieces, one can form a vertical stack, a leaning stack, or a myriad of different stack configurations with both vertical and leaning portions. The game methods involve stacking and then reconfiguring the stack until it topples.
Referring now to the drawings,
Each of the parallelogram-shaped end surfaces 22 and 24 includes a top edge 34, a bottom edge 36, and a pair of side edges 38 and 40. In the disclosed example, the top and bottom edges are parallel to one another and spaced apart by a distance H that defines a height of the game piece. The top surface 26 extends between the top edge 34 of each of the end surfaces 22 and 24. The bottom surface 28 extends between the bottom edge 36 of each of the end surfaces 22 and 24. As shown in each of
The side edges 38 and 40 of each of the end surfaces 22 and 24 are oriented at an angle such that they are not perpendicular relative to the top and bottom edges 34 and 36. In one disclosed example, the angle a is measured from a reference line arranged normal or perpendicular relative to the top and bottom edges 34 and 36, as shown in
The side surfaces 30 and 32 extend between the side edges 38 and 40, respectively, of the two end surfaces 22 and 24. Thus, the side surfaces 30 and 32 are angled according to the angle α relative to the top and bottom surfaces 26 and 28. As shown in
As utilized herein, the terms “top” and “bottom” are interchangeable, in that either the top surface 26 or the bottom surface 28 can face downward or upward while playing a game utilizing the game pieces. The terms are utilized herein for descriptive purposes only in order to describe relationships between game piece surfaces when stacked. Similarly, the first or front end 22 and the second or rear end 24 are interchangeable and the first or left and second or right angled side surfaces are also interchangeable with one another. Thus, the terms front and rear and the terms left and right, as used herein, are also used only for descriptive purposes. Such terms are not intended in any way to limit the game piece orientation or surface relationships beyond that disclosed herein. The orientation of the game piece 20 can vary when used to play a game. The game pieces 20 are essentially symmetrical in configuration.
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the proportional relationships between the length L, width W, and height H of the surface dimensions of the game piece 20 as disclosed herein can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the disclosed example, the width W is greater than the height H, and the length L is significantly greater than either the width W or height H. For example, the blocks can have a length L of about 3 inches, and in one particular example, the length L is 2.97±0.030 inches, the size range being for manufacturing tolerance. In this example, the width W is about 1 inch, and in one particular example is 0.98±0.020 inches, again, the range being for manufacturing tolerance. In this example, the width W is about one-third the length L. As a result, the stack or tower of the example described herein has a generally square footprint when each layer of a game piece stack is formed of three side-by-side game pieces.
In this same example, the height H is about ½ or 0.50 inches and, if desired, can be a more tightly controlled dimension for the pieces. In one particular example, some pieces can have a height of 0.546±0.005 inches and other pieces can have a height of 0.530±0.005 inches. The slight difference in height between certain pieces can be implemented to permit easier removal of the shorter height pieces from a stack as compared to neighboring taller height pieces. The height in this example is less than the width W. In the same example, the angle α is about 23°, which results in a lean or offset distance D that depends on the angle and the height H.
The present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular dimensional proportions illustrated in the drawings or described herein. The length L, width W, and/or height H can vary from the disclosed example without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, the width W and height H can be identical to one another. This configuration would permit the game piece 20 to be set on any one of the four elongate surfaces, identified herein as top and bottom surfaces 24 and 26 and angled side surfaces 30 and 32, when playing a game.
In the disclosed example, since the width W is greater than the height H, the game can be played by resting the game pieces 20 on either the top or bottom surface 26 or 28. This will result in a more stable stack because each piece would essentially rest on a wider foot print, thus reducing the tipping moment of an individual piece. Alternatively, a game can be played by resting the game pieces on either of the narrower side surfaces 30 and 32. However, this will create a much less stable stack, making the game more difficult to play. If stacked in such a manner, the game pieces would have a narrow footprint, resulting in a greater tipping moment. As understood below, the top and bottom surface is identified as the surfaces which face upward and downward, respectively, when stacked during play. Therefore, if a game piece is stacked on either of the so-called side surfaces 30 and 32, or on its top surface 22, that surface effectively becomes the bottom surface for purposes of playing the game and for defining the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
The game pieces 20 can be fabricated from virtually any material. As disclosed above, one suitable material is wood, and in one example is Alder wood. However, the pieces can be fabricated from other materials as desired, such as metal, plastic, or the like. Additionally, in another example, some of the game pieces can be provided from one material, and other of the game pieces can be provided from one or more different materials. It is known that different materials have different mass and/or weight characteristics. The mass and/or the weight of the game piece can affect the stability of a stack that is formed from game pieces 20 of different materials. Such an alternative can add further elements of strategy and game playing difficulty to the game.
Additionally, the angle α can have an effect on the tipping moment or stack stability. The greater the angle α, the more a game piece will lean in one direction. Stacking game pieces in layers creates multiple levels. The tipping moment of the layered stack can be either further increased or be offset as the stack gets taller and taller, depending on the orientation of the angled side surfaces within a given layer relative to other layers. This is further discussed below with reference to the game playing method and game piece stack alternatives.
The game pieces 20 permit a number of games and game variations to be played. These games can be played by any number of players. One person can play either for practicing playing the game or simply for personal amusement. Alternatively, two or more players can play against one another individually, or multiple players can be organized into teams which play one another.
The game pieces 20 can be stored in a container (not shown) or at least within a part of a tray (not shown) and spread out on a playing surface 48. The playing surface can be a substantially smooth, level, planar surface provided on part of the container or tray. Such a container or tray can be fabricated from cardboard, paperboard, metal, plastic, or virtually any suitable material, but would preferably define a substantially smooth surface 48 on which to play. In another example, the playing surface 48 can be any suitable and readily available horizontal surface, such as a table top or the like.
To begin a game in one example, one or more of the players can arrange the game pieces 20 to form a desired game piece stack. The stack configuration can vary as described herein, depending upon the level of difficulty and excitement desired by the player or players.
As shown generically in
The disclosed stack 50 also can include a plurality of intermediate layers or levels 58a-58x, wherein “x” is representative of the actual number of intermediate layers 58. In one example, a game playing kit can include fifty-four of the game pieces 20. With a total of six pieces being used for the upper layer 56 and base layer 50, forty-eight pieces will remain. Thus, sixteen intermediate layers 58a-58p, as shown in
In one example, as illustrated generically in
The arrows used in
In another example, a leaning stack 150 can be formed as depicted schematically in
a and 11b illustrate one possible alternative stack configuration that is created using the same arrangement method used for the stack 150 in
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, many variations and/or combinations of the above stacking configurations can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Still other stack examples are also possible to achieve. For example, two adjacent layers can be arranged having the same lengthwise orientation, and then each such layer pair can be arranged perpendicular to similar adjacent layer pairs. Each of such layer pairs can be arranged having the angled surfaces of its game pieces either in the same orientation (stack 350 in
A number of game playing methods and variations can be played utilizing the above game pieces 20 and stacks 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, and 550 and are now described. In one example, the pieces 20 are emptied onto the desired flat surface 48. The stack can then be constructed, for example, by one or more of the players and/or teams. Once a stack is constructed, a designated player begins the game with a first move. Each player can make a move, taking turns with the other players or teams, if multiple players and/or teams are participating. Pieces are removed, one at a time, and stacked on top of the stack to create new layers. Once each player and/or team has made a move, one round is completed. The game concludes when the stack topples. The disclosed game playing method can be different every time the game is played. A unique stack or tower can be created to start each game, and will be created during play as described below. As the tower or stack changes during play, the game becomes more extreme, challenging, and exciting because the stack's center of gravity will shift as it becomes taller and its configuration shifts.
The players can sit around the stack, forming a ring if enough players, and can determine the order of play for each round. Once a round of play is completed, next subsequent rounds can be performed using the same order of play or different orders, as desired. For example, each subsequent round can be the reverse order of play of the prior round. Play can move from player to player with one player making a move and, for example, the player to their left or their right making the next move. Rules can also be developed that define the order of play, either for individuals or for teams. Rules can also be developed that define who makes the first move of the game, or the players or teams can make the determination. For example, the player that built the stack can then either make the first move, designate who makes the first move, and/or make the last move in a first round. Alternatively, in another example, either the youngest or the eldest player can be the one designated to make the first move, or the player toppling the stack and losing the last game can be so designated.
To make a move, a player selects and removes a game piece 20 from the stack below the highest completed or upper most layer. For the first move, the player will remove a piece from any chosen layer other than the upper layer 56. For any move, the player removes a selected piece 20 and then replaces the removed piece on top of the stack in a required or a desired position and orientation, according to the rules of the particular game. If a new top layer is not yet complete, the player should assure that the replaced piece 20 is positioned such that a new layer can be completed during subsequent moves. For example, the player can assure that the replaced piece nests with any adjacent pieces in the top layer. In one example, the player can be required to place the removed piece on top of the stack transverse or 90° relative to the underlying layer. Such would be the case for the stacks 50, 150, 250, and 550 disclosed herein. The rules can also require that a player use only one hand to remove and replace a piece 20 from the stack.
A player can be permitted to remove a piece from anywhere in the stack beneath the top complete player or from a particular part of the stack, depending on the rules. The rules may require that a particular player cannot remove and replace a game piece 20 that has either just been placed by another player, or that was last removed and replaced by this particular player in order to advance the game to a conclusion. The rules should require that removal of game pieces can only take place from below the highest completed level during play. Also, the rules may require that the game pieces being replaced on top of the stack must follow the lengthwise orientation pattern of the stack. Alternatively, the rules may permit a player to replace their removed piece in any position and orientation on the stack, regardless of the arrangement or type of pieces in underlying layers. The stack can, thus, become virtually any shape and configuration imaginable as a result of the angled surfaces 30 and 32 of the parallelepiped game pieces.
Further, the rules may require that a player fix any piece touched and shifted, though not removed while trying to select a piece for removal. The rules should also, but need not, require that each new level or layer being formed during replacement of removed pieces be completed before a new layer is started on top of the stack. The rules can also determine a time limit for making a move, for the next player to make a move after the last player, and/or for the stack or tower to stay up after a move is made. The game playing kit can come with play instructions and/or a timer with selectable settings. The players can make the game more difficult by, for example, limiting the amount of time each player has to make a move or by gradually reducing the allotted time as the game progresses.
The steps of selecting, removing, and replacing game pieces are repeated by each player in each round until the stack topples. The rules can vary, but a player loses if the stack topples upon either their removing a selected piece or replacing the selected and removed piece. The rules can be such that the winner is the last person to make a move without toppling the stack. Alternatively, if three or more players are playing, the player responsible for toppling the stack can be eliminated from further competition, and then the entire game, from building to toppling, can be repeated with the remaining players.
The game utilizing the game pieces 20 can be fun and enjoyable, as well as difficult to play because the stack can be made to lean at least over a portion or over the entire height of the stack to begin play. The configuration and lean of the stack can and will also change during play, making the game unpredictable, challenging, and exciting. Representative examples of in-play stack configurations are illustrated in
The disclosed game methods will require each player to employ strategy and skill in order to maintain the stack in balance both when removing a selected piece and while replacing the piece on top of the stack. Because of the disclosed parallelepiped game piece shape, a player must consider the stack balance, both before removing a piece and in deciding where to replace the piece, in order to successfully make a move during the game.
Many other game variations can also be employed. For example, the game pieces 20 can be provided in different color sets. The different colored pieces can be utilized to create many different game playing strategies. The rules may require that each layer have one piece of each color or be formed of the same color for the starting stack and/or for the changing stack during play. In another example, the rules may require a player to select a piece of a different color from that of the prior move. In still another example, the players may be required to select a piece of a particular color during a given move. The color selection can be determined in any number of ways, including requiring the other players to select the color for the player taking a turn, or requiring selection of particular colors in a given order during the game. Alternatively, the colors can be designated to each individual player so that they can only select a piece of their color, or that they can only select a piece that is not their color. The colors may also be associated with variations in game piece height, if desired, and as described above. This would make the smaller and larger pieces easier to identify and more or less enticing to a player to select for removal, adding even more strategy to the game.
As noted above, the rules may require that a player only use one hand to select, remove, and replace a piece. The rules may also require a player to use the same hand for removal and replacement, or to switch hands during a move or every other move. Further, in one example, the players can be required by the rules to be positioned at particular spots around the stack. In order to access a given side of the stack, the players can be required to rotate the stack, making the game even more difficult. Many rule variations may be conceived of and employed that fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
In yet another example, a proportion of the game pieces can include a marking or indicia on one or more of the game piece surfaces. The indicia, if found on a selected game piece, can either require the selecting player to perform a particular task or produce or require some other result. In one example, the indicia can simply be a dot (not shown) that requires a particular action to take place. For example, if a player removes a game piece 20 that has such an indicia, the game rules may require that player to rotate the stack in one direction or another.
A number of indicia variations are possible and are represented in
In one example known as JENGA® Jacks, the game kit can include game playing accessories, such as for example, a set of cards, which coincide with indicia 106a on the end surfaces 22 and 24 of the pieces. The accessories can correspond to the indicia and, for example, the game cards, can match the indicia. The rules of the game can dictate what a player is to do with the accessories, depending upon which indicia is on a game piece they select. For example, if a player removes a piece matching one of their game cards, the rules may permit them to discard that card. A player's remaining hand can also be utilized to calculate a score, or a portion of a score, at the termination of a game. U.S. patent application Publication No. US 2003/0006554 A1 describes variations of this particular example, and is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Many different games can be contrived using various indicia and related game playing accessories.
Other game variations are also possible. In still a further example, a game utilizing game pieces of two or more different shapes can be played wherein only some of the pieces are parallelepiped pieces as disclosed herein. The previously described examples all utilized essentially the same parallelepiped shaped pieces. For a particular game in this additional example, the rules may require the stack to be constructed with each layer having the same game piece characteristics, i.e., same shape, but with some layers formed of shaped different pieces.
For example,
In
b illustrates one example of a layer 58 incorporating different length game pieces, thus yielding pieces of different shape. Each game piece 20, 110, or 112 is a parallelepiped such that the pieces can nest together side-to-side. The pieces are constructed such that uniform layer sizes can be arranged utilizing the different length pieces 20, 110, and 112. In this example, some pieces are the disclosed pieces 20. The other pieces in this example include those pieces 110 having one-third the length L of the pieces 20, and those pieces 112 having two-thirds the length L of the pieces 20. Different proportional length pieces can be utilized as well. This example will incorporate additional strategy into the game, both when building the stacks and when removing pieces while playing a game. A player will have to decide what size piece to remove and the ramifications of doing so when making a move. In this example, a player may not be able, at least for middle pieces in a layer, to determine the length of a piece selected for removal. Depending upon the size of the piece removed, a player would also have different options available for replacing a shorter length piece on top of the stack.
c illustrates a portion of a game piece stack 650 utilizing different shape game pieces 114 within a given layer 58. In this example, hexagonal pieces 114 with six sides, a top, and a bottom are shown forming several of a plurality of layers 58 of the stack 650. Again, the pieces 114 in this example can have a height H that is the same as the height of the pieces 20, permitting mingling of pieces within a given layer, if desired. Clearly, many different sizes, shapes, and configurations of game pieces can be mixed with the pieces 20 disclosed herein to create an exciting, challenging game.
All of the above variations and modifications add complexity, excitement, difficulty, and different challenges to the basic game playing method disclosed herein. Many of the variations can be utilized alone or in combination with other variations in conjunction with the parallelepiped game pieces and stacks disclosed herein.
Modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. This description is to be construed as illustrative only, and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of the structure and method may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the exclusive use of all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.
