BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is in the technical area of apparatus for keeping score in games.
2. Description of Related Art
Scoreboards and other scorekeeping apparatus are well known in the conventional art. There are a wide variety of such apparatus commercially available, and often bundled with games for sale. Some such conventional apparatus comprise an apparatus with usually two or more windows through which a number score may be displayed. In many such devices there is a rotatable disk behind the window pivoted at a point such that numbers printed on a periphery of the disk may be displayed individually in the window as the disk is rotated.
In apparatus of the sort the pivot may be a problem, as such elements are subject to wear. Further, to display a large range of numbers for potential scores a disk may be rather large, which will affect the overall structure of the scorekeeping apparatus. Some other such scorekeeping apparatus, such as some used for baseball games and the like, may have a window that is adapted to hang a card in the backside of the window, the card displaying a number, and the score may be changed by removing one card and hanging another. Cards are subject to tearing and deterioration.
What is clearly needed is a scorekeeping apparatus with windows behind which a pocket may be positioned in which a block in the shape of the pocket may be placed in a rotary position to display a single number. And in which the block may be removed, rotated and replaced in the pocket to show a different number.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the invention a scorekeeping apparatus is provided, comprising a body having a front panel with a front surface and a back surface, a window through the front panel, a block in a geometric shape providing a plurality of faces having indicia, and a positioning mechanism implemented in the body having positioning elements adapted to hold the block with one of the plurality of faces against the back surface of the front panel with the indicia on the one face displayed through the window. The positioning mechanism enables a user to remove the block, rotate to another face, and replace the block in the positioning mechanism, displaying a different indicia.
In one embodiment the indicia comprise numerals, such that the indicia displayed through the window is a numerical score. Also, in one embodiment the numerals are implemented on the faces in a sequential order, a numeral next higher or lower than a first numeral being on a face sharing a border with the first numeral. In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a plurality of windows and a plurality of blocks having a plurality of faces. And in one embodiment the block is a cube, having six faces, each face bearing a different indicia.
In one embodiment the positioning mechanism is a pocket comprising a shelf extending from the back surface of the front panel below the window, upon which the block is placed, and side panels implemented on the shelf spaced apart a width of the block, such that block may be placed on the shelf, behind the window, and the side panels position the block with a face parallel to the back surface of the front panel. Also in one embodiment the block is an elongated element having a length and a square cross section through a lengthwise axis, the length enabling two faces on each of four sides of the block, one above the other, totaling eight faces on the sides. Also, in one embodiment the indicia are numerals, and indicia on the four faces on an upper half of the block are implemented upright, and indicia on the four faces on a lower half of the block are implemented upside-down. In one embodiment the positioning mechanism is a pocket implemented with a square floor and three adjacent sides joined at right angles around three edges of the floor, two of the sides and the floor joined to the back surface of the front panel with the back surface of the front panel forming a fourth side of the pocket, the pocket having a depth of about one half of the length of the block, such that, with the block in the pocket, faces on the upper half of the block above the pocket are presented through the window. And in one embodiment the block is an elongated element having a length and a pentagonal cross section through a lengthwise axis, the length enabling two faces on each of five sides of the block, one above the other, totaling ten faces on the sides.
In one embodiment of the invention the indicia are numerals, and indicia on the five faces on an upper half of the block are implemented upright, and indicia on the five faces on a lower half of the block are implemented upside-down. Also, in one embodiment the positioning mechanism is a pocket implemented with a pentagonal floor and four adjacent sides joined around four edges of the floor, two of the sides and the floor joined to the back surface of the front panel with the back surface of the front panel forming a fifth side of the pocket, the pocket having a depth of about one half of the length of the block, such that, with the block in the pocket, faces on the upper half of the block above the pocket are presented through the window.
In one embodiment the positioning mechanism is a pocket implemented with a floor in shape of a regular pentagon, the floor joined to the back surface of the front panel along one of five edges, two rigid sides extending upward from two edges of the floor that also intersect the back surface of the front panel, and two flexible arms extending upward from the floor from the remaining two edges, such that with the block in the pocket, the two flexible arms contact two faces of the block, and urge the block toward the back surface of the front panel. Also, in one embodiment the positioning mechanism comprises two opposing sets of flexible arms extending rearward from the back surface of the front panel, one set above the other, such that a block is snapped into position between the opposing arms, the arms holding the block against the back surface of the front panel in a position that a numeral on one face of the block is displayed through the window. In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a support base extending at a right angle from the back surface of the front panel below the two sets of flexible arms, at a position relative to the window such that indicia on a face of the block supported by the support base and held by the sets of flexible arms is displayed through the window.
In yet another aspect a scorekeeping apparatus comprising a block with a cross section shape of a regular polygon is provided, the block having an upper half with indicia on each of plural faces around the block and a lower half also with indicia on plural faces around the block, a body with a lower portion having a pocket of a depth of about half the height of the block, and an upper portion having a front panel extending upward from the lower portion, the front panel having a window, such that a block placed in the pocket presents a face in the window.
In one embodiment the block is square in cross section, and in one embodiment the block has a regular pentagonal cross section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a view into the open back of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a number block used with the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 1 in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus 301 in another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3B is a view into an open back of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another scorekeeping apparatus in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5A is a view into an open back of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a number block useful with the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a portion of a front plate of a scorekeeping apparatus in an alternative embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a front plate with snap-in brackets in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus in yet another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a view into the open back of the scorekeeping apparatus of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8A is a perspective elevation view of one number block from FIG. 7.
FIG. 8B is a view of the number block of FIG. 8A rotated to rest on a different surface in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus having a windup timer in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a minimal scorekeeping apparatus in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a minimal scorekeeping apparatus in another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a minimal scorekeeping apparatus in yet another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus 101 in one embodiment of the present invention. scorekeeping apparatus 101 in this example has a front panel 102 with two substantially rectangular windows 103a and 103b. Scorekeeping apparatus 101 has side panels, one panel 104a of which is seen in FIG. 1, that are joined to front panel 102 to support front panel 102 at a shallow angle with vertical, as shown. There may also be a bottom panel not seen because of the perspective view, but in some embodiments a bottom panel may not be employed, as the structure is relatively stable without a bottom panel. A bottom panel, however, adds structural stability. In FIG. 1 a portion of two scoring blocks 105a and 105b may be seen through windows 103a and 103b respectively.
Front panel 102, side panels 104a and 104b (104b not shown in FIG. 1) and a bottom panel (also not shown in FIG. 1) of scorekeeping apparatus 101 may be fabricated of workable material such as plywood, metal, polymer or plastic foam panels, and the panels may be joined in the case of plywood or other wood by conventional fasteners, such as staples or nails. Joining may also be commercial adhesive or a combination of adhesive and conventional fasteners. Scoring blocks 105a and 105b are described in enabling detail below with reference to other figures.
FIG. 2A is a view from the rear of scorekeeping apparatus 101 looking into an open back of the scorekeeping apparatus. The back surface of front panel 102 is seen joined to side panels 104a and 104b, and window 103a may be seen through front panel 102. A bottom panel 204 is illustrated in this example, although a bottom panel may or may not be used. Two support pockets 201a and 201b are illustrated as fastened to the back surface of front panel 102, each just below one of the windows 103a and 103b. Each support pocket comprises side panels, a back panel and a bottom panel. Support pocket 201a has side panels 202a and 202b, back panel 203a, and a bottom panel not shown. Similarly, support pocket 201b has side panels 202c and 202d, back panel 203b, and a bottom panel not seen because of the angle of the view.
In this example each support pocket provides a square horizontal cross-section for a depth equal to the height of the side and back panels. The square cross section in this example is to receive and constrain a number block that is held in the support pocket to display a number on a side of the number block through one of windows 103a or 103b through front panel 102. Referring back to FIG. 1, one block 105a displays number 5 through window 103a. In FIG. 2A block 105b is shown supported in pocket 201a, but no number block is shown supported in pocket 201b, so window 103a may be seen.
FIG. 2B is a side view of scorekeeping apparatus 101 with hidden lines showing positioning of pocket 201a relative to other elements of the scorekeeping apparatus, and number block 105b in pocket 201a, positioned to display a numeral through window 103b.
FIG. 2C illustrates number block 105b as having numbers 6 and 7 on two adjacent surfaces of an upper one-half of the number block. It may be assumed that the number 5 is on another of the four vertical surfaces of the upper one-half of the block. Numbers 2 and 4 are illustrated on a lower one-half of block 105b in FIG. 2C. It may be seen that the numbers 2 and 4 are upside down from the numerals 6 and 7 on the upper one-half of the block. In use block 105b as seen in FIG. 2A may be removed from pocket 201a, rotated ninety degrees and replaced, and doing so will display a different numeral through window 103b. Four different numerals may be displayed thusly by removing, rotating and replacing number block 105b in pocket 201a. A user may also remove block 105b from pocket 201a, and turn the block upside down, so four numerals different than those on the upper half may be displayed through the window. So, one number block may display eight different numerals.
In some embodiments the eight different numerals on one block may be the numerals 0 through 7. In scoring for some games this may be sufficient. In soccer (futbol) for example, it is seldom that one side scores more than seven goals. In this embodiment number block 105a may be identical to number block 105b and may be dedicated to showing score for another player through window 103a.
Referring back to FIG. 1, although not shown in FIG. 1, indicia may be displayed over or beside windows 103a and 103b to indicate team or players. The words “Home” and “Visitor” for example may be displayed.
In this example, for games in which a score for one team or player may exceed seven, there may be additional number blocks with higher numbers. For example, there may be available to a scorekeeper number blocks like number block 105b shown in FIG. 2C with numerals 8 through 15 on the eight displayable faces. The scorekeeper simply selects the correct block with the needed number on one face, and positions that block in the pocket for a window to display the desired score. In most implementations numerals are preferably placed on blocks in a sequence from lower to higher in either direction around the faces of a block.
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus 301 in another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the structure is that of a rectangular box having a front panel 302, a top panel 303 and side panels and a bottom panel not seen in FIG. 3A. The box structure is open in the back, as is the case for scorekeeping apparatus 101 enabling a user to manipulate number blocks, and there are, in this example, two windows 303a and 303b through the front panel. Number blocks 304a and 304b may be seen through the windows through the front panel, displaying, in this example numerals 4 and 1. One window is labeled Home and the other Guest in this example.
FIG. 3B is an elevation view of scorekeeping apparatus 301 looking into the open back of the scorekeeping apparatus. Front panel 302, top panel 303, side panels 305a and 305b and bottom panel 306 form an open rectangular box. A support shelf 307 is joined to front panel 302 and to both side panels 305a and 305b. There are four positioning panels 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d each joined to front panel 302 and to shelf 307 providing side constraint for number blocks 304a and 304b. Windows 303a and 303b cannot be seen in FIG. 3B because of the positions of number blocks 304a and 304b, but the windows are shown as hidden lines.
FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of scorekeeping apparatus 301 with internal elements shown by hidden lines. One of constraint panels 308d joined to shelf 307 may be seen constraining number block 304a within the scorekeeping apparatus, with number block 304a displaying a numeral through window 303a. An additional number block 304d is seen stored on bottom panel 306.
In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C the number blocks are cubical, and may display six numerals on the six individual faces of the cubical number block. A scorekeeper may turn the number blocks to whatever face displays the numeral needed to keep score and may also replace a number block on shelf 307 with another number block with a different set of numerals.
FIG. 4 illustrates a scorekeeping apparatus 401 with a front panel 402, side panels 404a and 404b (404b not seen) windows 403a and 403b, with number blocks 405a and 405b behind the windows. Scorekeeping apparatus 401 in this illustration appears to be the same as scorekeeping apparatus 101 in FIG. 1, but there are significant differences as described below.
FIG. 5A is a view looking into the open back of scorekeeping apparatus 401. In this embodiment there are two pockets 501a and 501b for holding number blocks, as in scorekeeping apparatus 101, but the pockets are not square in horizontal cross section as they are in scorekeeping apparatus 101. In alternative embodiments there may be more than two windows and pockets. For scorekeeping apparatus 401 pockets 501a and 501b each have a pentagonal horizontal cross section, that is, having five sides, instead of four, as in scorekeeping apparatus 101.
Pocket 501a in this example has four sides 502a, 503a, 504a and 505a, with a portion of front panel 402 forming a fifth side of the pocket. Pocket 501a has a bottom panel 506a. Pocket 501a is positioned such that a pentagonal block placed in the pocket may display a numeral through window 403b from any one of five sides. A second pocket 501b is implemented for window 403a, having sides 502b, 503b, 504b and 505b, with a fifth side formed by a portion of front panel 402.
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a number block 507 with a pentagonal cross section and a height having an upper half with five numerals on the five faces, and a lower half with five different numerals on the five faces, such that ten numerals may be displayed with a single block, which may be numerals 0 through 9.
The skilled person will understand that the invention is not limited to displaying numerals, but may in some circumstances also display characters, images, symbols, icons, letters, colors or patterns.
FIG. 5D is a perspective view of a portion of a front plate 508 of a scorekeeping apparatus similar to apparatus 401, for which FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5C show a view into the back of the apparatus. In this apparatus a unique pocket 509 is implemented on the back surface of front plate 508, below a window 515, such as pocket 501a is implemented in FIG. 5A. Pocket 509 has a floor 512 and rigid side panels 510 and 511. Two flexible arms 513 and 514 are implemented from floor 512 in a manner that arms 513 and 514 exert a force on a pentagonal block placed in pocket 509, the force urging the block against the back surface of front plate 508. The block placed in pocket 509 will have one surface with a numeral urged against window 515. Only one pocket 509 is illustrated in FIG. 5D, but in practice two or more pockets and windows may be implemented.
FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a front plate 516 with an alternative design for holding number blocks in an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment snap-in brackets 518a and 518b are affixed to the back surface of front plate 516 around windows 517, and base supports 519 are affixed below the brackets. Number blocks, such as block 520 as shown in one set of brackets, may be snapped into place from the rear, and are held in place on the base supports. The snap-in brackets are useful for pentagonal blocks, which again have numerals on upper and lower faces as shown.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a scorekeeping apparatus 601 in yet another embodiment of the invention. Scorekeeping apparatus 601 has a front panel 602 that is curved in this example toward a top region for aesthetic value. Front panel 602 is joined to side panels 603a and 603b, of which 603b is shown. The scorekeeping apparatus has a base plate 606. Scorekeeping apparatus 601 further has two windows 604a and 604b in this example and faces of number blocks 605a and 605b may be seen through the windows. Scorekeeping apparatus 601 is open at the back as are other examples above.
FIG. 7 is a view into the open back of scorekeeping apparatus 601. In this example both side panels 603a and 603b may be seen, as well as a center panel 603c that divides the volume of the scorekeeping apparatus into two separate pockets 702 and 703. Base 606 supports center panel 603c, and there are further two upper structural pieces 606c and 606d. It may be seen that the two pockets in the scorekeeping apparatus are pockets 702 and 703, and there is a number block 701a devoted to pocket 702 and a number block 701b devoted to pocket 703. In one instance base 606 may be sloped toward the front panel such that gravity may aid in keeping the front face of a block against the inside of the front panel.
FIG. 8a is a perspective elevation view of number block 701a of FIG. 7C, somewhat simplified. Number block 701a is shaped as a truncated tetrahedron having four planar surfaces, in this example labeled surface 801a, 801b, 801c and 801d. The structure of number block 701a is such that the angle of any one planar surface with an adjacent planar surface of the number block is the same as the angle of front panel 602. Therefore, with the number block resting on any one of the four planar surfaces on base 606a in pocket 702, one surface of the number block is parallel with the inside surface of front panel 602, and the size is such that one of three numerals on the surface of the number block parallel with the front panel will appear in window 604b.
In the example depicted in FIG. 8A number block 701a is resting on base 606a (FIG. 7), on a surface 801d of the number block. There are three numerals 5, 3 and 4 inscribed on surface 801a in a pattern about a center point such that rotating the number block to rest on a next adjacent surface other than surface 801a will bring another numeral into window 604b. FIG. 8B shows number block 701a rotated to rest on surface 801b with surface 801a still facing the inside surface of front panel 602, which brings the numeral 4 into window 604b.
A skilled person will understand that the four surfaces of the number block, each with three different numerals provides for twelve numerals that may be displayed through one window by simply rotating a number block to rest on different surfaces in one pocket. By providing an identical number block for pocket 703 a scorekeeper may display any one of twelve numerals through each of the two windows to display a score for two different players or teams or contestants. In other embodiments many other geometric shapes may be used.
FIG. 9 depicts a scorekeeping apparatus 901 quite similar to scorekeeping apparatus 101, 301, 401 or 601 with addition of a windup timer device 906 implemented through front panel 902 between the two windows 903a and 903b. Scorekeeping apparatus with timers as illustrated may be used to keep score and to time play as well. The skilled person will understand that a timer may be implemented in any one of the embodiments described above.
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a minimal scorekeeping apparatus 1001 in an embodiment of the invention. Apparatus 1001 has a body 1002 with a front face 1005 through which a window 1006 is implemented. A single pocket is formed in the body for two number blocks 1003 and 1004. The number blocks are square in cross section, and positioned and used side-by-side as shown, one displaying the numeral 2 in this view, and the other the numeral 8. In this version the number blocks may be removed and replaced either vertically out the top or horizontally out the back of the body to display other numerals.
FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a minimal scorekeeping appaeratus 1007 in another embodiment of the invention, having a body 1008 with a front face 1011, with a window 1012. In this version the pocket is formed such that blocks 1009 and 1010 may be removed and replaced only out the back.
FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a minimal scorekeeping apparatus 1013 in yet another embodiment of the invention, having a body 1014 with a front face 1017, and two windows 1018 and 1019 through the front face. In this version blocks 1015 and 1016 each have a pentagonal cross section, having five surfaces with numbers that may be displayed by removing, turning and replacing the blocks. In one embodiment the pockets below the windows may be deep enough that the blocks may have ten faces for numerals, the numerals on a lower half implemented upside down from the numerals on the upper half, as shown for block 507 in FIG. 5C.
Given the variety of positioning mechanisms illustrated and described above, there is yet another means to aid in positioning blocks and holding blocks against a surface, such as the back surface of the front panel. In some embodiments an individual block may have embedded magnets in faces of the block, and there may be magnets of opposite polarity or pieces of magnetically permeable metal in the back surface of the front panel, such that the block may be drawn into intimate contact by magnetic force. There are a variety of ways that magnets may be used to aid in positioning blocks and keeping blocks in place.
The skilled artisan will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary only, and that features of any one of the embodiments may be implemented in one or more other embodiments. As the descriptions are examples, the scope of the invention is limited only by the claims.
Patent Application
20220105419
