Portable self-contained game

Abstract

A game apparatus includes a plurality of dice and a master cube which is larger than the dice. A container for the game has a cover and a base, with the cover and the base having tubular peripheral engagement portions to telescopically mate with and frictionally engage each other. The tubular peripheral engagement portions interact in a non-planar configuration, thereby facilitating grasping of the cover portion relative to the base portion. The base includes recesses to receive the playing pieces during play, and the cover holds the playing pieces in place in the recesses during storage and transportation. The cover includes a window for viewing the playing pieces through the cover. The cover and the base slope the playing pieces and a scoring chart relative to a flat underlying surface. The cover is constructed so it can be flipped over and used as a casting chute.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to game devices, and more specifically to a game of chance and entertainment having a housing apparatus for both playing and storing the game.

[0003] Numerous games of amusement have dice-like playing pieces, and many apparatus for playing such games of amusement are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,329, discloses such a game including its housing apparatus. The game disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,329 has a container which doubles as a shaker cup. Improvements to this game and the container can increase the aesthetic appearance of the game and can make the game less expensive to manufacture and/or market. Improvements to this game and the container can make the game easier to store and transport, and can increase the longevity of the game against wear. Further, improvements to this game and the container can make the play of the game even more exciting to players.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is a game apparatus for use in playing a game which may include a plurality of dice and a master cube. A container for the game has a cover and a base, with the cover and the base having tubular peripheral engagement portions to telescopically mate with and frictionally engage each other. The tubular peripheral engagement portions interact in a non-planar configuration, thereby facilitating grasping of the cover portion relative to the base portion. In one aspect, the cover holds the playing pieces in place during storage and transportation, and includes a window for viewing the playing pieces through the cover. In another aspect, the cover and the base slope the playing pieces and a scoring chart relative to a flat underlying surface. In yet another aspect, the cover can be flipped over and used as a chute.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred game apparatus of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the base portion of the game apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a side view showing how the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1 attaches to the base portion.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view showing how the cover attaches to the base portion, taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of the embodiment of FIG. 1, turned over for use as a chute.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative base and cover for the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of the cover portion of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second alternative construction of a base and cover.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternative construction of a base and cover.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base for the embodiment of FIG. 9.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of a base.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the inside of the cover for use with the base embodiment of FIG. 11.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a clamshell embodiment in the open position.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the clamshell embodiment of FIG. 13 in the closed position.

[0019] FIGS. 15-18 are perspective views showing alternative clamshell embodiments in the closed position.

[0020] While the above-identified drawing figures set forth preferred embodiments, other embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated, some of which are noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the illustrated embodiments of the present invention by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other minor modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The game apparatus 10 of the present invention can be used to play any of several different games, but is specifically intended for use in playing the game described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,329 entitled “Self-Contained Game” (“'329 game”). The entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,469,329 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] As shown in each of the ten embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 8, FIGS. 9 and 10; FIGS. 11 and 12, FIGS. 13 and 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a game apparatus 10 includes a container 12 made up of a cover 14 and a base 16. The cover 14 is selectively securable upon the base 16 to form a closed chamber for storing playing pieces 18, 20.

[0023] As shown for instance in FIGS. 2-4, the base 16 has a first recess 22 which can be referred to as the rack. A plurality of dice-like playing pieces 18, such as for the five dice version disclosed in the '329 game, are included as shown in FIG. 4. The preferred dice 18 are five identically-sized, six-sided cubes, with each cube having indicium of a number of dots representing a number from “1” to “6”. As is known, the dice 18, when rolled on a generally horizontal flat surface, will come to rest with one of the number indicium facing upward which is used for the score. Workers skilled in the art will appreciate that the dice-like playing pieces 16 could have a number of different shapes or could have any of a wide variety of indicium (including differing colors, surface finishes, symbols, etc.) displayed thereon, but the preferred playing pieces 16 include five standard dice. The rack 22 is sized to correspond to the collective shape and size of the dice 18. The dice 18 are contained in the rack 22, both during storage of the game 10 and, in part, during the play of the game 10.

[0024] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2, 11 and 13, the rack 22 is disposed in a straight line, with no room for separation between dice 18. Alternatively, the rack 22 may have a curve 24, to hold the playing pieces in a curved line, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10. The curve 24 of the rack 22 is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it allows the dice 18 in the rack 22 to be more easily and separately grasped, leaving slight separation between adjacent dice corners on the convex side 26 of the curve 24. In either a straight line or a curved line configuration, the single recess of the rack 22 as shown could be alternatively replaced with separate (square) recesses for each of the dice 18.

[0025] The base 16 has a second recess 28 that can be referred to as the master square. The preferred location for the master square 28 is on top (i.e., for discussion purposes, to the “north”, if the game 10 is placed on a table and directions are oriented like a map) of the rack 22, centered from right to left (east to west). A master die or master cube 20 is included. Workers skilled in the art will appreciate that the master cube 20 could have a number of different shapes (i.e., need not be cubical at all) or could have any of a wide variety of indicium displayed thereon, but the preferred master cube 20 is a cube having indicia H1, H2, H3, L1, L2 and L3 on its six sides as taught in the '329 game. When rolled on a generally horizontal flat surface, the master cube 20 will come to rest with one of its indicium facing upward being used for the score. The master cube 20 is cast together with the plurality of dice 18 in at least one roll of the game.

[0026] The master cube 20 is preferably sized differently than any of the dice 18. In the preferred embodiment best shown in FIG. 4, the master cube 20 has sides which are approximately 115% the length of the sides of the dice 18. With this differing size, the master cube 20 can be readily distinguished by a player from any of the dice 18. Further, many players will find casting a master cube 20 of larger size together with the dice 18 to be a more exciting proposition which (in the player's view) affects the roll, as the smaller dice 18 can easily bounce off the larger master cube 20 or be turned over through contact with the larger master cube 20. From such a viewpoint, casting the dice 18 with the master cube 20 will result in dice values which are very different from casting the dice 18 without the master cube 20. The master square 28 is sized to correspond to the shape and size of the master cube 20. The master cube 20 is contained in the master square 28, both during storage of the game 10 and, in part, during the play of the game 10.

[0027] The base 16 preferably includes a third recess which can be referred to as the bullpen 30, used as taught in the '329 game. The bullpen 30 is preferably located in the base 16 to the bottom (south) of the rack 22. The bullpen 30 preferably has a flat bottom 32 and walls 34 to temporarily retain the dice 18 and the master cube 20 when desired, in accordance with the '329 game. The bullpen 30 is preferably substantially larger than any of the playing pieces 18, 20, indicating to players that a playing piece 18,20 placed in the bullpen 30 is not necessarily secured in its position or value, but could be recast at the option of the player.

[0028] The base 16 is constructed with a planar support undersurface 36 which facilitates placing the base 16 on a planar table. For instance, the base 16 could include legs (not shown) having ends which collectively define a planar support undersurface 36. In the embodiments shown, the entire lower periphery of the base 16 is part of the planar support undersurface 36. In the preferred embodiment best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom 32 of the bullpen 30 is parallel to the planer support undersurface 36. The rack 22, conversely, has surfaces such as a rack bottom 38 which is oriented such that the rack 22 retains the dice 18 in a sloped forward position relative to the planar support undersurface 36. Similarly, the master square 28 has surfaces such as a master square bottom 40 which is oriented such that the master square 28 retains the master cube 20 in a sloped forward position relative to the planar support undersurface 36. In the preferred embodiment best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the dice 18 in the rack 22 and the master cube 20 in the master square 28 are angled forward at about 5° relative to the planar support undersurface 36. This angle places the dice 18 and the master cube 20 in an optimal viewing position for the casting player, while not being so far angled that other players (e.g., across the table) cannot see the indicia facing upward on the dice 18 and master cube 20 retained in the rack 22 and master square 28, respectively. Depending upon the intended environment of use, angles within a preferred range of from about 5° to about 40° relative to the planar support undersurface 36 are appropriate. For instance, the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 angles the dice 18 and master cube 20 at about 20° relative to the planar support undersurface 36.

[0029] As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 13, a scoring pad 42 can be placed in the bullpen 30 and retained in the bullpen 30 during transportation and storage of the game 10. A pencil holder 44 may also be provided in the base 16, and a pencil 46 placed therein for scoring of the game 10. The preferred location for the pencil holder 44 is between the bullpen 30 and the rack 22.

[0030] The cover 14 is selectively securable upon the base 16. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-12, the cover 14 slides downward onto the base 16, but is completely removable from the base 16. In the embodiments of FIGS. 13-18, the cover 14 is attached with a hinge 48 to the base 16, hinging the cover 14 and the base 16 together in a clam-shell configuration. When secured upon the base 16, the cover 14 and the base 16 form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces 18, 20. When the cover 14 is removed from the base 16, a player has access to the playing pieces 18, 20 for casting, and has access to the base 16 for placing the playing pieces 18, 20 into the bullpen 30 and/or rack 22 and/or master square 28 during a turn.

[0031] In the clamshell hinged structure of FIGS. 13-18 and more importantly in the fully removable cover structures of FIGS. 1-12, the cover 14 and the base 16 preferably have a tubular peripheral engagement. In the preferred embodiments shown, the cover 14 has an outer tube portion 50, while the base 16 has an inner tube portion 52. Alternatively, the outer tube portion could be provided on the base 16 with the inner tube portion provided on the cover 14. The two tube portions 50, 52 telescopically mate with and frictionally engage each other, thereby securing the cover 14 upon the base 16. If desired, a mating interference bump/recess profile can be further provided on the cover 14 and base 16, so the cover 14 and base 16 positively seat together in a closed position with a tactile click.

[0032] The game 10 can be made with a very low, sleek profile, having a height if desired which is only slightly greater than the height of the dice 18 and master cube 20. The preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 has a maximum height of about 2 inches toward the top (north) side 54, sloping to a height of about 1 inch toward the bottom (south) side 56.

[0033] One beneficial aspect of the tubular peripheral engagement shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 involves the fact that the outer tube portion 50 does not terminate in a planar edge. Rather, the outer tube portion 50 terminates in a raised portion 58 centrally located on the left (west) side 60 and a raised portion 58 centrally located on the right (east) side 62. Thus, the engagement surface between the cover 14 and the base 16 (i.e., the surfaces of the cover 14 and the base 16 which contact each other in the closed position) is not flat or planar, but instead includes two portions 58 raised relative to the plane defined by the planar support undersurface 36 of the base 16.

[0034] This non-planar configuration of the outer tube portion 50 relative to the inner tube portion 52 facilitates grasping of and separating the cover 14 relative to the base 16. In particular, the container 12, including both the base 16 and the cover 14, has an overall width from the left (west) side 60 to the right (east) side 62 selected from about 2 to about 8 inches, and preferably a width of approximately 5 inches. At this width, the container 12 as a whole can be easily grasped with one hand, with a player's fingers on one (i.e., right or left) side 62, 60 and the player's thumb on the other (left or right) side 60, 62. Most adults will be able to place a single hand across the cover 14 and grasp the base 16 on both sides 60, 62, holding the game 10 closed. Similarly, most adults will be able to hold the game 10 closed with a single hand extending across the base 16 and grasping both sides 60, 62 of the cover 14.

[0035] Removal of the base 16 from the cover 14 is performed by slightly retracting the fingers and thumb of the grasping hand. The player can place one hand downward across the front side of the cover 14, with the player's thumb and fingers extending downward at opposing corners 64 to grasp only the cover 14. Because the corners 64 of the cover 14 project downward, grasping areas 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 of significant height are provided on the cover 14. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the top (north) side 54 has a cover grasping surface 66 which is about 1½ inches deep, while the bottom (south) side 56 has a cover grasping surface 68 which is about ⅔ inch deep. Because of the raised portions 58, the depth of the cover grasping surfaces 70, 72, 74 on the right and left (east and west) sides 60, 62 are not constant. Rather, the upper (northerly) cover grasping surface 70 is about 1½ inch deep, the central cover grasping surface 72 is about ½ inch deep, and the bottom (southerly) cover grasping surface 74 is about ⅔ inch deep. Depending upon the amount of frictional engagement or positive “click” engagement between the cover 14 and the base 16, the player may be able to place the base 16 on a table and remove the cover 14 merely be lifting the cover 14, with the weight of the base 16 and playing pieces 18, 20 overcoming the engagement force. The easiest place to grasp the cover 14 without interference from the base 16 is along the more substantial cover grasping surfaces 66, 70, i.e., toward the top (north), while the hardest place to grasp the cover 14 without interference from the base 16 is along the smallest cover grasping surface, i.e., in the central grasping surface 72 in the middle of the right and left (east and west) sides 60, 62.

[0036] However, the engagement force between the cover 14 and the base 16 can be more substantial, either as a result of design to prevent unintentional opening, or as a result of deformation of the cover/base during ownership of the game 10. A more substantial engagement force will not be overcome by gravity, but rather can only be overcome by pulling the base 16 relative to the cover 14. A player can place one hand across the back side of the base 16, with the player's thumb and fingers extending upward toward the raised portions 58 to grasp the base 16. The easiest place to grasp the base 16 is centrally toward the raised portions 58, where a base grasping surface 76 of about 1 inch deep is provided on opposing right and left (east and west) sides 62, 60 of the container 12. With the cover 14 easily grasped in one hand and the base 16 easily grasped in the other, the player can readily separate the cover 14 from the base 16. The two raised portions 58 thus result in a non-planar configuration of the tubular peripheral engagement portions which allows the player to have more room for grasping the base 16 with one hand, without interfering with the cover 14, and vice versa.

[0037] While raised portions could additionally be provided on the top (north) and bottom (south) sides 54, 56, providing the raised portions 58 on only two opposing sides 60, 62 sufficiently allows the separation function. While raised portions could alternatively be provided on the top (north) and bottom (south) sides 54, 56, the right (east) and left (west) side locations are preferred, in part because the width of the preferred container 12 is slightly less than its length (thus making the container 12 easier to grasp on right (east) and left (west) sides 62, 60 than on top (north) and bottom (south) sides 54, 56), in part because the raised portions 58 on the right (east) and left (west) sides 62, 60 fit in better with the overall top to bottom (north to south) slope of the cover 14, and in part because right/left (east/west) orientation of the thumb and fingers is less likely to obscure the name plate 78, which is written from left to right (west to east).

[0038] The raised portion 58 is preferably sloped to the corners 64. The slope tends to induce self-seating alignment of the cover portion 14 relative to the base portion 16 when the cover portion 14 is placed on the base portion 16. That is, the slope tends to bias and center the cover portion 14 relative to the base portion 16 and assist in aligning the mating portions of the telescoping engagement portions together. The slope of the raised portion 58 is preferably curved. The curved, sloped engagement avoids any sharp edges and provides an aesthetically pleasing look.

[0039] As an alternative to the raised portions 58, and as particularly appropriate for clam-shell configurations, the cover 14 may include one or two lifting tabs 80 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 8, 9, 15 and 16. The lifting tabs 80 provide alternative locations to bias the cover 14 upward in separating the cover 14 from the base 16. In clam-shell configurations of FIGS. 13-18, the hinge 48 prevents the cover 14 from coming out of alignment from the base 16. Further, because the hinge 48 holds the cover 14 to the base 16, the need for frictional engagement between the cover 14 and the base 16 as provided by the cooperating telescoping tubular sections is significantly reduced. As a further alternative to securing the cover 14 to the base 16 through cooperating telescoping tubular sections and as particularly applicable to clam-shell configurations, the cover 14 may be positively secured to the base 16 with a spring clip 82. To open the clamshell construction, the player depresses the spring clip 82 with a finger or thumb, thereby releasing the cover 14 from the base 16 for hinged movement.

[0040] The container 12 may be made out of any suitable substantially rigid material, such as molded or drawn of plastic. The container 12 can, for instance, be formed of plastic having a consistent thickness of about {fraction (1/16)} of an inch, as best shown in FIG. 4.

[0041] If desired, the container 12 could be made even more streamlined, with the cover plate surface lowered down to the level of the raised portion 58, and with the corners 64 of the cover 14 extending all the way down to the planar support undersurface 36 of the base 16 (so the corners 64 of the cover 14 would touch an underlying table). However, leaving a small height (in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, a minimum height of about ⅓ inch provided along the bottom (south) side 56) on the entire periphery of the base 16 significantly strengthens the base 16 and makes the base 16 more rigid and robust. Similarly, leaving a small height (in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, a minimum height at the central cover grasping surface 72 of about 12 inch) on the entire periphery of the cover 14 significantly strengthens the cover 14 and makes the cover 14 more rigid and robust.

[0042] It is common for players to play the game 10 in locations wherein no flat rolling surfaces (such as a tabletop) are readily available, such as in a car or plane. FIG. 5 depicts the cover 14 flipped over to form a chute 84 for the traveling version of the game 10. The chute 84 primarily includes three of the sidewalls 54, 56, 60, 62 of the peripheral engagement portion of the cover 14. In the preferred embodiment, the cover 14 includes a cover face 86 which, when flipped over, is surrounded by one relatively low bottom (south) side wall 56, and relatively high right (east), left (west) and top (north) side walls 62, 60, 54. The relatively low wall 56 defines an opening into the chute 84. The chute 84 is thus used to retain the master cube 20 and the dice 18 for the cast. Many players will find casting into the chute 84 to be a more exciting proposition, as it more similarly reflects shaking of dice 18 at a gambling casino craps table.

[0043] If desired, the lower inside surface of the cover face 86 could be coated with a soft material, such as a cloth, felt or rubber layer (not shown). Such a soft material makes the game quieter and even more like a gambling casino craps table. The soft material helps to lessen wear on the playing pieces 18, 20, both during casting and during transportation of the game 10. The soft material will further be viewed by some players as affecting the roll values in comparison to casting on a hard, bouncer surface.

[0044] The bullpen 30 doubles as a recess for holding a score pad 42 during storage of the game 10. As best shown in FIG. 4, the cover 14 has a pad retaining surface 88, positioned to overlie the placement of the score pad 42 in the bullpen 30. The pad retaining surface 88, in the preferred embodiment, is provided as a recess into the slope of the cover face 86. During storage and shipping, the undersurface of the pad retaining recess 88 contacts the score pad 42 and retains the score pad 42 in position. Because the score pad 42 is flat, the undersurface of the pad retaining recess 88 should be flat (planar) and parallel to the bottom surface 32 of the bullpen 30. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, both the bottom surface 32 of the bullpen 30 and the undersurface of the pad retaining recess 88 in the cover 14 extend parallel to the plane defined by the support undersurface 36 of the base 16, i.e., horizontal when the container 12 is placed on a horizontal table. The non-planar configuration of the tubular peripheral engagement thus extends at different heights both relative to the support undersurface 36 or an underlying table and relative to the generally planar undersurface of the pad retaining recess 88.

[0045] The cover 14 has a piece retaining section 90. The piece retaining section 90 is positioned such that, when the cover 14 is secured upon the base 16 with the playing pieces 18, 20 within the rack 22 and the master square 28, the piece retaining section 90 contacts and retains the playing pieces 18, 20 in a stationary position relative to the base 16. The piece retaining section 90 facilitates storage and transportation of the game 10, both in significantly reducing noise associated with shaking of the dice 18 within the container 12 and significantly reducing wear on the indicia faces of the dice 18 and master cube 20 during transportation. One preferred piece retaining section 90 is provided just as the planar undersurface of the cover face 86 as best shown in FIG. 4. If desired however, downwardly directed stubs 92 may be placed on the undersurface of the cover face 86 as shown in FIG. 12, so the exterior surface of the cover face 86 may extend at a height higher than the top surface of the playing pieces 18, 20 when retained in the rack 22 and master square 28.

[0046] The piece retaining section 90 is preferably provided as a translucent or transparent window 94. The window 94 is thus located such that, when the playing pieces 18, 20 are retained within the rack 22 and master square 28, at least some indicia facing the window 94 are visible through the window 94. Alternatively, the cover 14 may be formed of a translucent or transparent plastic, such that the entirety of the cover 14 provides such a window 94. As another alternative, the window 94 could be provided as a hole or slot through the cover 14. Providing a window 94 through which the playing pieces 18, 20 can be viewed provides several advantages. A player can see the interior of the game 10 when making a purchase. Further, the players are likely to have a better understanding of proper playing placement of the dice 18 and master cube 20 in the rack 22 and master square 28, respectively, when this placement can be viewed even before the cover 14 is removed from the base 16. The window 94 also helps a player identify and recall which game it is, which is particularly useful when the game 10 is stored as one of numerous games in a dark drawer or closet.

[0047] A scoring chart 96 is preferably visibly positioned on the outside of the cover 14. The scoring chart 96 is used to determine a player's score for a turn, depending upon the indicia displayed on the playing pieces 18, 20. For instance, the scoring chart 96 can be on an outer surface of the window 94, as shown in the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 6-9. Alternatively, the scoring chart 96 can be placed over the pad retaining recess 88. In either of these preferred placements, the scoring chart 96 can be easily viewed during play simply by placing the cover 14 in a viewable location. The cover 14 has a support undersurface which contacts a flat supporting structure during placement thereon. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the support undersurface of the cover 14 includes the underlying edge 98 of the bottom (south) side 56 and the underlying edge 100 of the top (north) side 54. The scoring chart 96 is preferably on a planar face of the cover 14 such as the cover face 86, such that when the cover 14 is placed on a supporting structure such as a table with the support undersurface 98, 100 of the cover 14 contacting the supporting structure, the scoring chart 96 can be viewed equally by all players.

[0048] Similar to the dice 18 and the master cube 20, the scoring chart 96 may be placed as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 on an outer surface of the cover 14 which is slanted relative to the cover support undersurface 98, 100, such that the scoring chart 96 is displayed in a sloped position when the cover 14 is placed upon a flat supporting structure. While angles from about 5° to about 80° are suitable for different purposes, a preferred angle is about 5°. This angle is chosen to provide optimal viewing by the player casting, while still permitting the other players to see the scoring chart 96.

[0049] The scoring chart 96 may consist of information which is desired to have exposed at all times. Therefore, the scoring chart 96 is visible on the exterior of the container 12 when the cover 14 is secured on the base 16. Alternatively, it may be desired to have certain information on the scoring chart 96 when the game 10 is first purchased, which will not be identical to the scoring chart 96 used by players familiar with the game 10. Accordingly, the present invention provides for a peelable label 102 extending over the scoring chart 96, shown in FIG. 7. The peelable label 102 may, for instance, provide promotional information, or a coupon for subsequent game purchases. The peelable label 102 may also have rules, which may be read by beginning players but are not often referred to during the play of the game 10.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, while virtually the entirety of the invention has been described as to how the invention is used in conjunction with the '329 game, the improvements can be readily adapted into other games having different playing pieces 18, 20 and different rules.

Claims

1. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion having a least one recess therein formed to retain at least one of the playing pieces during play; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces, the cover portion and the base portion having tubular peripheral engagement portions to telescopically mate with and frictionally engage and thereby secure the cover upon the base portion, wherein the tubular peripheral engagement portions interact in a non-planar configuration to facilitate grasping of the cover portion relative to the base portion.

2. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a pad retaining face, the pad retaining face having a generally planar undersurface for contacting a score pad, and wherein the non-planar configuration of the tubular peripheral engagement extends at different heights relative to the generally planar undersurface of the pad retaining face.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container has opposing sides separated from each other by a grasping distance of from about 2 inches to about 8 inches such that a user can grasp across the container from the opposing sides with a single hand, and wherein the non-planar configuration of the tubular peripheral engagement portions is disposed on the opposing sides of the container.

4. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container has a left side and a right side opposing the left side and separated from the left side by a grasping distance of from about 2 inches to about 8 inches such that a user can grasp across the container from the left side and the right side with a single hand, and wherein the non-planar configuration of the tubular peripheral engagement portions is disposed on the left and right sides of the container.

5. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion having a least one recess therein formed to retain at least one of the playing pieces during play; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces, wherein the cover portion interacts with the base portion along a sloped engagement portion tending to induce self-seating alignment of the cover portion relative to the base portion when the cover portion is placed on the base portion.

6. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion having a least one recess therein formed to retain at least one of the playing pieces during play; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces the cover portion having a piece retaining section positioned such that, when the cover portion is secured upon the base portion with the playing pieces within the recess, the piece retaining section contacts and retains the playing pieces within the recess in a stationary position relative to the base portion.

7. The game apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cover portion has a translucent or transparent window disposed therein such that, when the playing pieces are retained within the recess, at least some indicia facing the window are visible through the window.

8. The game apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a visible scoring chart which is used to determine a player's score for a turn, depending upon the indicia displayed on the playing pieces, the scoring chart being on an outer surface of the window.

9. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion having a least one recess therein formed to retain at least one of the playing pieces during play, the base portion having a planar support undersurface for contacting a flat supporting structure during placement thereon, the recess being oriented such that it retains the playing pieces in a sloped position relative to the planar support undersurface; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces.

10. The game apparatus of claim 9, wherein the recess is oriented such that it retains the playing pieces in a position sloped at an angle of from about 5° to about 40° relative to the planar support undersurface.

11. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion having a least one recess therein formed to retain at least one of the playing pieces during play; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces; the cover portion comprising: a support undersurface for contacting a flat supporting structure during placement thereon; and a scoring chart which is used to determine a player's score for a turn, depending upon the indicia displayed on the playing pieces, the scoring chart being visible when the cover portion is positioned on its support undersurface.

12. The game apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a peelable label extending over the scoring chart.

13. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein the scoring chart is visible on the exterior of the container when the cover portion is secured on the base portion.

14. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein the scoring chart is on a planar surface of the cover portion.

15. The game apparatus of claim 11, wherein the scoring chart is disposed on an outer surface of the cover portion which is slanted relative to the support undersurface such that the scoring chart is displayed in a sloped position when the cover portion is placed upon a flat supporting structure.

16. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion having a least two recesses therein, each recess being formed to retain at least one of the playing pieces during play, at least one of the recesses being formed to retain a plurality of playing pieces during play in a curved line; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces.

17. A game apparatus comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon; and a container comprising: a base portion; and a cover portion selectively securable upon the base portion to form a closed chamber for storing the playing pieces, the cover portion and the base portion having tubular peripheral engagement portions to telescopically mate with and frictionally engage and thereby secure the cover upon the base portion, wherein the tubular peripheral engagement portion of the cover portion comprises a cover face surrounded by one relatively low wall and remaining relatively high walls, such that the cover when flipped over forms a chute for receiving a roll of the plurality of dice-like playing pieces with the relatively low wall defining an opening into the chute.

18. A game comprising: a plurality of dice-like playing pieces, each dice-like playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon, such that the plurality of dice-like playing pieces when cast on a generally horizontal flat surface will come to rest with one of the indicium on each dice-like playing piece facing upward; and a master playing piece which is dice-like, the master playing piece having a plurality of faces, and each face bearing a different indicium thereon, such that the master playing piece when cast on a generally horizontal flat surface will come to rest with one of its indicium facing upward, the master playing piece being sized differently than any of the dice-like playing pieces; wherein the master playing piece is cast together with the plurality of dice-like playing pieces in at least one roll, with the indicium facing upward on the master playing piece affecting how the roll of the plurality of dice-like playing pieces is scored.

19. The game of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of dice-like playing pieces is similarly sized, and wherein the master playing piece is larger than all of the dice-like playing pieces.