Patent Application
20090206548
The present invention relates to game pieces such as, for example, gaming dice. More specifically, the invention relates to configuring and protecting game pieces.
Game pieces are used in board games, computer games, video games, role playing games, games of chance, and other games. One type of game piece, a die, is polyhedral object used for generating random numbers or other symbols, used in association with games or gambling. A die or a plurality of dice is thrown or rolled so that the sides of the polyhedron move about until the die or dice come to rest. At rest, the polyhedral then indicates the generated number, numbers, symbol, or symbols. Games traditionally employing the use of dice include board games, tabletop games such as backgammon, and gambling games such as craps and sic bo.
The use of dice in games can be enhanced by relating the generated number, numbers, symbol, or symbols, to one or more aspects of game play. Traditionally game sellers have packaged dice with differentiating features such as colors, number of sides, markings, or other features. For example, a board game might include red dice for use in one aspect of game play and white dice for another aspect. Another example might be a game including dice with numbers indicated on the faces for use in one aspect of play and dice with a number of symbols or colors for another aspect of game play.
The surface on which dice are rolled and surrounding area can impact the roll results. Dice can also damage objects on which or proximate to the surfaces on which they are rolled. The surfaces on which dice or rolled or objects proximate to the roll location can also damage dice.
Based on some or all of the foregoing, there is an industry need for dice with differentiating features and to protect the original shape and finish game pieces and surrounding areas against damage generally associated with normal use. A need also exists for a straightforward, easily portable, protective device for reducing damaging dings and chips consistent with both short and long term normal use. Aspects of the present disclosure include a game piece cover and faceplates for customizing game pieces. In an embodiment, a customizable game piece includes one or more faceplates and a protective cover. In an embodiment, the protective cover is a flexible jacket.
Aspects of the present disclosure further include the selection of appropriate materials, shape, and markings of faceplates and protective covers. Roll performance for dice on different surfaces, in particular, can make the selection of materials difficult.
In an embodiment, a protective cover is placed over some or all of the edges of a game piece. For example, in the instance of a die, a cover may comprise a pliable rubber jacket that friction fits over one or more extremities. In an embodiment, the pliable jacket may be pre-formed to substantially match a particular game piece, or may be shaped to generically fit multiple game pieces and/or brands of game pieces. In an embodiment, the protective cover comprises a transparent material such that the finish of the game piece is readily viewable through the cover. In other embodiments, the cover may be colored for aesthetic value. In an embodiment, the cover can remain on the game piece without changing, or at least without substantially changing or impacting the game performance piece.
In some embodiments, the protective cover comprises a plastic or other type of enclosure (including without limitation, wood, metal, cardboard, glass, fabric, leather, rubber, rubber-like materials, combinations of some or all of the previous, or the like) having at least one open side for accepting the shape of a particular game piece. In an embodiment, the cover may include a pivot point capable of opening the enclosure to accept, for example, a multi-edge extremity of a game piece. Once positioned, portions of the plastic enclosure pivot around, for example, a hinge, and snap closed over the game piece. In an embodiment, components of the plastic enclosure may include an attachment mechanism, such as, for example, a detent and catch, or the like (such as a velcro type attachment), for releasably securing the enclosure around portions of the game piece. In still other embodiments, the hard plastic enclosure may comprise a multi-component enclosure that, for example, removably snaps fits together to form an appropriate protective cover. In still other embodiments, the enclosure may be flexible to allow the user to manually stretch it over the game piece, with the device held onto the game piece by the force of the device as it tries to return to its natural state.
In other embodiments, the device may be made to attach to any edge of a game piece that may be at risk of damage from accidental contact. The protective cover could be tape or a material that is cut or terminated to fit a game piece and the selected portion to be protected. In an embodiment, the protective cover does not substantially affect roll performance. In an embodiment, the protective cover encourages better rolling by, for example, increasing the grip on a rolling surface. There may be a sliding scale for roll performance depending on, for example, price, application, market, material type, weight, size, or other factors. In an embodiment, a protective cover approximately maintains the center of gravity of the game piece when positioned on the game piece.
A need also exists for customizing game pieces for use in additional games. In an embodiment, reversible faceplates attached to a die. The faceplates can include different indicators on each side, allowing for user customization and enhanced game play. For example, in the instance of a die, a faceplate may comprise a plastic piece that friction fits over one or more sides. In an embodiment, the faceplate may be pre-formed to substantially match a particular game piece, or may be shaped to generically fit multiple game pieces and/or brands of game pieces. In an embodiment, the faceplate comprises a reversible accessory with number indicators on one side and a different indicator on the other side. In other embodiments, the indicators may user definable. In an embodiment, the faceplate can remain on the game piece without changing, or at least without substantively changing or impacting the game performance piece, such as the roll characteristics of a die.
In some embodiments, the faceplate comprises a plastic, wood, metal, rubber, composite, or other type of material. In an embodiment, the faceplate may be adapted to receive screw or other attachment aid to secure the faceplate to the game piece. In an embodiment, components of a game piece may include an attachment mechanism, such as, for example, a detent and catch, or the like (such as a velcro type attachment), for releasably securing the faceplate to the game piece. In still other embodiments, the hard plastic faceplate may a shape that removably snaps fits together with the game piece. In still other embodiments, the faceplate may be shaped to fit particular aspects of a game piece.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages or features will be embodied in any particular embodiment of the invention.
The following drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the claims.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a configurable game piece and protective barrier between an object against which a game piece can come into contact and the game piece itself. Allowing a user to configure a game piece can allow, for example, enhanced game play, customizable appearance, adaptability to different games, and other functions. Game pieces can be configured according to embodiments described herein, for example, by changing faceplates, protective covers, other accessories, or the like. While disclosed generally with reference to a gaming die, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the embodiments of disclosure herein may advantageously be applied to portions of other game pieces.
Embodiments of a configured game piece 100 need not include all of the elements shown in
Protective Cover
Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide a protective barrier between an object against which a game piece may come into contact and the game piece itself. While disclosed generally with reference to a die, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the protective barriers consistent with the disclosure herein may advantageously be applied to any edge or portion of any game piece.
A protective cover or jacket can surround at least a portion of a game piece. Protective covers can serve functions such as, for example, protecting game pieces, protecting other objects from game pieces, secure aspects or accessories to game pieces, altering the texture of game pieces, changing interaction of game pieces with surfaces, or other suitable functions. In an embodiment, a protective cover protects a die from a roll surface. In an embodiment, a protective cover protects a roll surface. In an embodiment, a protective cover secures an accessory to a game piece. In an embodiment, a protective cover includes a texture, pattern, or material that allows the game piece to be identified by touch or sight. In an embodiment, a protective cover for a die changes the roll characteristics of the game piece.
A protective cover can be sized to fit existing game pieces, custom game pieces, or can provide structure for a game piece. In an embodiment, a protective cover is sized to fit an existing die.
The fit of the protective cover can be loose, tight, or loose in some dimensions while being tight in other dimensions. One or more portions of the protective cover can stretch, for example, to allow the protective cover to be placed on a game piece. The protective cover can be soft, medium, or hard. In an embodiment, the protective cover is softer than the game piece. In an embodiment, the protective cover is harder than a game surface. In an embodiment, the protective cover is softer than a game surface. The protective cover can have uniform or varying thickness. In an embodiment, a protective cover is uniformly thick. In an embodiment, a protective cover is thicker above game piece edges.
Embodiments of the protective cover disclosed herein can be disposable per use, can be adapted for long term application, can comprise a pliable jacket, can comprise a harder plastic cover, can be of any material such as, without limitation, wood, metal, plastic, cardboard, glass, fabric or leather can comprise multiple components, can be transparent to allow the original finish of the game piece to be visible or be colored, can be assembled by the user, combinations of the same or the like. It will be apparent to an artisan from the disclosure herein that a large number of different shaped protective covers can be applied to, for example, a game piece. For example, a pliable protective jacket can be stretched over the game piece. Alternatively, a harder plastic cover may be hingably applied, can comprise multiple components that snap fit together, or the like. In various embodiments, the protective cover comprises a transparent material providing view of the finish of the game piece.
As shown in
Outside surface 210 and inside surface 230 can be constructed from dissimilar materials or have different characteristics. For example, outside surface 210 may be a softer material than inside surface 230. In an embodiment, the outside surface 210 material is advantageously chosen to protect objects other than the game piece. In an embodiment, the inside surface 230 is advantageously chosen to protect the game piece. In an embodiment, protective cover 200 comprises a substantially transparent material. In an embodiment, protective cover 200 comprises a substantially translucent material.
In an embodiment, aspects outside surface 210 or inside surface 230 are advantageously selected for roll performance on a smooth surface. In an embodiment, aspects of outside surface 210 are advantageously selected for roll performance on a rough surface. Outside surface 210 and inside surface 230 of protective cover 200 also can be reversible. In an embodiment, protective cover 200 is reversible. In an embodiment, outside surface 210 is a different color than inside surface 230. In an embodiment, aspects of outside surface 210 are advantageously selected for roll performance on a surface while aspects of inside surface 230 are selected for roll performance on another surface.
One or more recesses 220 provide a view of the game piece. Recess 220 can be an opening that exposes portions of the game piece. In an embodiment, recess 220 comprises a substantially transparent material. In an embodiment, recess 220 comprises a substantially translucent material. In an embodiment, a jacket for a die includes a recess 220 for each face. In an embodiment, recess 220 is a cavity that exposes portions of a game piece. In an embodiment, recess 220 is a cutout. In an embodiment, one or more of the recesses 220 are comprised of different colors than the outside surface 210. In an embodiment, recess 220 is comprised of a different material than outside surface 210. In an embodiment, protective cover 200 includes indicia for alignment with a game piece, faceplates, or other accessories.
Protective cover 200 can include rounded edges and corners 240. Rounded edges and corners 240 can, for example, help protect the game piece or nearby objects from damage. The edges and corners 240 can be made of a material advantageously selected to provide protection to high wear or contact areas of the game piece. In an embodiment, edges and corners 240 comprise additional thickness. In an embodiment, edges and corners 240 are comprised of a material different from the remaining portions of protective cover 200.
The cover 200 may advantageously comprise a shape and a material that is applied to the game piece in a disposable, semi-permanent, or even permanent manner. For example, the cover 200 may advantageously comprise a pliable plastic that can be stretched to form fit over the game piece. In other embodiments, the cover 200 may advantageously be customized to a particular taste, to a particular shape, color, pattern, material, suited to protect a different portion of the game piece, or combination thereof. In an embodiment, when the cover 200 is scratched or damaged, the cover 200 is advantageously discarded and another cover could be applied. The materials chosen for any aspect of protective cover 200 can also be advantageously chosen for other properties, such as, for example, to be substantially transparent to wireless signals that could be sent from or received by the game piece.
As shown, the cover 200 can be secured through, for example, a friction fit, such that any wear will occur to the cover 200 as opposed to the extremity of the game piece. The cover 200 can also be secured using, for example, example hook-and-loop materials, snaps, buckles, bumps, velcro, an adhesive or the like.
Although disclosed as a jacket for a particular die, an artisan will recognize form the disclosure herein that the cover 200 may advantageously be fitted to protect a smaller portion, corner, curve, surface, protrusion, or the like, or be capable of protecting larger portions or surfaces, or even entire game pieces. The cover 200 can also be comprised of multiple pieces.
Faceplates
One or more faceplates can provide further functionality of the game pieces described in the present disclosure. Faceplates can serve functions such as, for example, protecting game pieces, protecting other objects from game pieces, secure aspects or accessories to game pieces, altering the texture of game pieces, changing interaction of game pieces with surfaces, or other suitable functions. Faceplates can allow game pieces to have different themes or styles. Players can swap them out for other to adapt game pieces to additional games.
For example, a six-sided die normally includes six faces. By providing removably attachable plates to the six faces, additional face possibilities become possible. A removable faceplate can, for example, have different indicators on each side. The reversibility of certain embodiments of the faceplates can provide additional aspects of game play. The faceplates can contain different themes for different games on different sides. Game play can involve using both sides of a faceplate. For example, a user could change side of a faceplate based on game play results or actions. In an embodiment, faceplates can keep track of player states. In one popular game, Trivial Pursuit®, players keep track of whether they have met a certain goal by filling in one or more pieces of a pie. Faceplates could, for example, track a player's state in a similar manner.
Reversible faceplates on a die can have the same image on one side and unique images on a second side. In some games, game play could begin with the common images showing on each die face. Based on game play or a player decision, a choice could be made whether to reveal the hidden unique image on the second side of faceplate.
The faceplates 300 can also have indicia, for example, to aid in alignment or to identify the portions of a game piece with which they should be associated. The indicia can be, for example, mechanical interfaces, alphanumerical identifiers, shapes, colors, patterns, magnetic attraction, fittings, sizes, or other suitable indicia. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 includes an alphanumeric identifier of a corresponding die side. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 includes a mechanical interface for identifying a corresponding die side. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 is shaped to fit a particular aspect of a game piece. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 has a colored edge to identify a corresponding aspect of a game piece. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 has a shaped corner that corresponds to an aspect of a game piece.
Faceplate 300 can also have features that allow underlying game pieces to interact with other objects. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 includes a pass through for charging an electronic game piece. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 is substantially transparent at radio frequencies. In an embodiment, faceplate 300 is advantageously made of a material that allows inductive charging of an electronic game piece.
Although the faceplates 300 shown in the embodiments of
Combination of Faceplates and Protective Covers
Faceplates and protective covers described herein can be used together. As previously discussed, protective covers can include features to help attach or secure faceplates. Faceplates can also include features to help attach or secure protective covers.
Game piece core 402 can be designed specifically to receive faceplates (410, 420, 430, 440, 450, and 460) and/or a jacket or protective cover 480. Game piece core 402 can also be an existing game piece not specifically designed to receive faceplates and protective covers. In an embodiment, game piece core 402 is a gaming die. In an embodiment, game piece core 402 is housing. Game piece core 402 can also include features to help secure faceplates and/or jackets 480. Features that might help secure faceplates and/or jackets include cavities, pockets, recesses, edges, magnets, metals, snaps, fittings, hook and loop tape, adhesives, combinations of the preceding, or the like. In an embodiment, faceplates snap fit into game piece core 402. In an embodiment, faceplates are magnetically attached to game piece core 402. In an embodiment, edges of a game piece core 402 secure game piece cover 480.
In an embodiment, to assemble a customized game piece 400, a user attaches faceplates and jacket 480. The attachment order can depend on specific aspects of the design of one or more of the features of customized game piece 400. In an embodiment, a user stretches at least one side of jacket 480 to insert game piece core 402. In an embodiment, faceplates are inserted within the jacket 480. In an embodiment, jacket 480 is snap fit around game piece core 402.
Other Game Pieces
Although disclosed primarily with reference to six sided die, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the faceplates and protective covers can be adapted for used on a large number of game piece shapes and types. Some additional exemplary game pieces are identified in
Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred and alternative embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein. One of skill in the art will recognize from the present disclosure that the previously disclosed embodiments are not to be read in isolation. Moreover, an artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that features and advantages disclosed with respect to any individual embodiment may be applied individually or in any combination to that disclosed embodiment or any other embodiment disclosed or recognizable by the artisan. For example, the description of a six sided, cubical die was meant as a descriptive aid. In an embodiment, the protective cover and/or faceplates can be used with an electronic game piece. In an embodiment, the protective cover and/or faceplates can be used with an electronic die.
Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions and modifications will be apparent to the artisan from the disclosure herein. It is contemplated that various aspects and features of the disclosure described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the systems described above need not include all of the modules and functions described in the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited by the reaction of the preferred embodiments, but is to be defined by reference to the appended claims.
Additionally, all publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The present application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/029,270, filed Feb. 15, 2008, entitled “Electronic Dice.” The present application incorporates the entirety of the foregoing disclosure herein by reference. The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed herewith, entitled “Electronic Dice” incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61029270 | Feb 2008 | US |
