Patent Grant
7878507
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1. Field
This application relates to games and puzzles of spatial logic that involve moving game objects within or through an apparatus.
2. Prior Art
Within the field of games and puzzles there exist games and puzzles that require the application of spatial logic in the manipulation of apparatus pieces or parts. These may or may not be linked via mechanisms to achieve a desired result or determine specific information about the apparatus. There are also games and puzzles that utilize gravity in conjunction with parts and mechanisms to allow for the movement of game objects through the game.
Puzzles and games that involve spatial logic are well known. Puzzles comprised of tiles secured in a base so that the tiles can be maneuvered in two dimensions around one another until a particular pattern is achieved are common. Puzzles where pieces are mechanically secured to one another so that they can be maneuvered in three dimensions until a particular pattern is achieved are well known under the name Rubik's Cube. The challenge in these puzzles is to determine the sequence of moves to achieve the desired result. Once the player has determined the necessary sequence or family of sequences the challenge is mastered.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,540,731 (1970), MUNCEY, discloses a puzzle maze where the player moves a ball through a maze located under a clear cover that can be reconfigured. U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,825 (2003), FRANCIS, discloses a spatial game toy where pieces are mechanically secured to one another. These pieces then may be maneuvered in three dimensions to change the alignment of holes in the pieces to create a dynamic maze for an object inserted into the game toy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,198 (1992), COOK, discloses a mechanical game device that requires spatial logic. The device has removable parts that can be inserted into the device in various patterns to create different internal pathways for balls to be inserted into the device. The player is then to determine the specific internal pathways created based on how the balls exit the device despite not being able to see the pathways. These puzzles add either the ability to create multiple versions of the same puzzle or a new dimension or factor in the puzzle. These new factors increase the challenge. The basic challenge is of the same type as those in the previous paragraph.
Puzzles and games that involve the use of gravity and mechanisms to manipulate the path of a game object are well known. These games or puzzles utilize either, or both, skill and strategy. A common game of skill in this realm is marketed under the name “Labyrinth” by Brio. Labyrinth requires the player to tilt a tray containing a maze defined by walls within the tray and random holes through the tray so that a ball travels through the maze without falling into the holes. U.S. Pat. No. 3,075,770 (1963), YOUNG, discloses a puzzle game of skill where the player manipulates an assembly so that a ball travels through a three dimensional maze. In the 1960's Milton Bradley marketed a skill puzzle game under the name of Tilt'n Roll that combined a three dimensional maze with holes to be avoided. U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,577 (1985), RANDLEMAN, discloses a maze game device where a game object is moved through a three-dimensional maze by orienting the game housing and depressing external buttons protruding from the game housing. These puzzle and games introduce varying combinations of skill and strategy. Despite these varying levels the player can master the game or puzzle.
In the 1950's Shaper marketed a spatial logic game under the name of Stadium Checkers where players moved marbles down into a bowl shaped game apparatus where the internal surface is comprised of concentric rings. The surfaces of these rings were formed with features that the marbles could roll into and from. Players would then rotate the rings causing the marbles to move down through the rings. The goal of each player was to cause his or her marbles, as identified by color, to move from the top level of the game apparatus to a specific location at the bottom center of the game apparatus, before the other players accomplished the same task. U.S. Pat. No. 5,494,292 (1996), Mileti, discloses a device consisting of a stack of alternately rotatable and stationary discs. The discs have passageways through which players can move their game object down and through the device in a race to the bottom. These games introduce the additional challenge of opposing players. This challenge is played in a relatively simple apparatus. In these apparatus the possible sequence of moves can be mastered by experienced players well enough to allow them to win based on the advantage of the first move.
The embodiment presents an apparatus with a stationary frame and moving pieces. Players manipulate the moving pieces causing Game Objects to move down through the apparatus into two different collection trays. Interactions between some of the moving pieces balance and complicate the challenge presented to the two players.
a is a perspective view of the back of the apparatus.
a is an exploded perspective view of the assembly depicted in
a is a close up view of the apparatus with the top three layers and two of the pieces on the fourth layer removed. This view shows specific positions of internal assemblies of the apparatus.
a is a close up view of the apparatus with the top three layers and two of the pieces on the fourth layer removed. This view shows specific positions of internal assemblies of the apparatus.
a is a close up view of the apparatus with the top three layers and two of the pieces on the fourth layer removed. This view shows specific positions of internal assemblies of the apparatus.
a is a close up of the same view in
a is a close up of the same view in
a is a close up of the same view in
a is a close up of the same view in
An embodiment is presented here consisting of a stack of layers. The layers comprise a game apparatus. The material used to form the parts of the game apparatus need only be rigid and strong enough to perform the functions described in the following. The material may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
In the figures depicting the embodiment specific items and features are indicated by reference numbers. Each reference number has two numerical digits indicating the specific item or feature in a figure. One or two numerical digits indicating the specific figure where the item or feature is referenced precede these digits. The digits indicating the specific item or feature in a figure may or may not be followed by a letter.
Overall Game Apparatus
In this embodiment the apparatus has pieces assembled as a frame and various movable pieces within the frame. In addition to the game apparatus, nine Game Objects 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, and 231, are required for play. There are cavities within the frame. These cavities contain most of the movable pieces. Below most cavities in the frame there is a thickness of material. Portions of the frame and many of the movable pieces are formed with passageways. The moveable pieces with passageways are pucks and the Pair Start Assemblies. These passageways in these pieces form openings in the top and bottom surfaces of the pucks and portions of the Pair Start Assemblies. Each thickness of material in the frame below the cavities has passageways. These passageways form openings in the top and bottom surfaces of the cavities within the frame. These passageways allow the Game Objects to pass through the pucks and Pair Start Assemblies and from one cavity to another. The remaining movable pieces cause interactions between the movable parts with passageways.
The Game Objects may be of any size or shape that will pass through passageways and between any two adequately aligned passageways in the game apparatus due to the force of gravity. When passageways are described as aligned, the alignment is adequate to allow the Game Objects to pass between them by force of gravity.
The pucks and Pair Start Assemblies within the cavities can be moved to and between specific positions. These specific positions are Named Positions. In these Names Positions the passageways in the pucks and Pair Start Assemblies align with passageways in the frame. Depending on the specific position of the pucks and Pair Start Assemblies the alignment may be with the passageways above or below. As the pucks and Pair Start Assemblies are moved from one Named Position to another a first set of alignments is closed off and a second set opens. As these alignments are changed, the Game Objects move down through the apparatus.
Tracks
At the top of the apparatus there are nine passageways of a type indicated by and including 205. Each one of these is the first in nine independent series of passageways in the game apparatus. Each series contains a plurality of passageways throughout the layers of the game apparatus. Within a series, the individual passageways in one layer may or may not align with the passageways in the layers above or below depending on the current position of the pucks in the game apparatus. Each series of passageways is known as a Track. There is no alignment of passageways in any Track with the passageways of any other Track.
The Track closest to the Left Side of the game apparatus is Track 1. The Track just to the right of Track 1 is Track 2. The Track just to the right of Track 2 is Track 3. The Track just to the right of Track 3 is Track 4. The Track just to the right of Track 4 is Track 5. The Track just to the right of Track 5 is Track 6. The Track just to the right of Track 6 is Track 7. The Track just to the right of Track 7 is Track 8. The Track just to the right of Track 8 is Track 9.
Frame
The following parts are assembled into a frame. Left Game Start Frame Piece 201. Right Game Start Frame Piece 202. Pair Start Frame 204. Pair Start Static Frame 217. Front Rotary Frame Piece 301. Back Rotary Frame Piece 302. Cam Frame Piece, 303. Three Hole Frame Pieces, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, and, 408. Three Hole Static Frame 417. Upper Four Hole Frame Pieces 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, and, 429. Upper 4 Hole Static Frame, 436. Five Hole Frame Pieces 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and, 506. Five Hole Static Frame, 507. Lower Four Hole Frame Pieces 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, and, 526. Lower Four Hole Static Frame, 536. Collection Tray, 601.
The sizes of the cavities formed by this frame are sufficient to contain the pucks. The fit of the pucks in the cavities is such that the pucks can move to and between the Named Positions.
Moveable Pieces
Some of the pucks and the Pair Start Assemblies can be moved in a linear motion between the Named Positions. Other pucks can be moved in a rotational motion between the Named Positions. The pieces that can be moved in a linear motion are the Game Start Piece 203, the Pair Start Assemblies 213, 214, 215, 216, the Ratchet Puck, 314, and the lower moveable pucks. The following are lower moveable pucks. Left 3×3 Puck, 409. Odd Game Object Puck, 401. Right 3×3 Puck, 410. Left Upper 4×2 Puck, 430. Upper 4×5 Puck, 431. Right Upper 4×2 Puck, 432. Left 5×3 Puck, 508. Center 5×3 Puck, 509. Right 5×3 Puck, 510. Left Lower 4×2 Puck, 527. Lower 4×5 Puck, 528. Right Lower 4×2 Puck, 529. The pieces that can be moved in a rotational motion are rotatable pucks Left Rotary Puck, 304, and Right Rotary Puck, 305.
Each of the pucks and the Pair Start Assemblies have handles that extend outside the frame. These handles can be used to move the pieces. These are handles Back Game Start Control Handle, 206, Front Game Start Control Handle, 207, handle 306, handle 307, handle 315, handle 316, handles of the types 901, 418, 419, 420, 433, 434, 435, 511, 512, 513, 530, 531, and 532.
Game Start Piece
In
Pair Start Assemblies
In
Eight compression springs (not shown) are located between the sliding bodies of types 903, and 904 of Pair Start Assemblies 213, 214, 215, and 216, and Pair Start Frame 204 inside cavities of the type 802. These springs lie partially within holes of type 905 in the ends of the sliding bodies of types 903, and 904. The remainders of the springs lie in the portion of the cavities not occupied by the sliding bodies when at the Rest Position. These compression springs serve to return the Pair Start Assemblies 213, 214, 215, and 216, to their Rest Positions from the Activated Positions.
Named Position Indication and Retention
All of the pucks other than the Game start Piece, 203, can be moved between and to three or more Named Positions. In this embodiment a retention system provides feedback to players about the position of these pucks. When in the Named Positions the player can feel the retention system engage the pucks. Players can easily overcome the retention and move the pucks from a Named Position. This retention is achieved by the use of ball plungers of the type shown in
The ball plungers 220, 221, 222, 325, 326, 327, 421, 422, 423, 441, 442, 443, 518, 519, and, 520, are secured in vertical holes in the frame pieces. Specifically in three vertical holes of types 219 in Pair Start Static Frame, 217. In three vertical holes of type 1212, in Cam Frame Piece, 303. In three vertical holes of type 2701 in Three Hole Static Frame, 417. In three vertical holes of type 444 in Upper Four Hole Static Frame, 436. In three vertical holes of type 3301 in Five Hole Static Frame, 507. The ball plungers are secured with the balls of the ball plungers protruding from the bottom of the frame pieces. They protrude by a distance that is less than half of the ball diameter but of sufficient distance for the ball to engage, in part, with the holes of the respective pucks of the game apparatus described as passing under the ball plunger later in this document.
Rotatable Pucks
Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, are affixed to Cam Frame Piece 303 with axles 323, and 324. The axles are fixed to Cam Frame Piece 303 in holes 1201, and 1202, so as to allow no relative movement. The axles are located in holes 310, and 311, in Rotary Pucks 304, and 305. The axles fit these holes so as to allow rotational movement.
The positions of the Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, shown in
For the purpose of this presentation the terms clockwise and counter clockwise are applied to the game apparatus as viewed from above. In each of Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, there are three holes of type 308, and 309. These holes are of a size appropriate to engage the ball of the ball plungers. These holes are all located at an equal radial distance from the center of the respective rotatable pucks in which they are located. An equal angular dimension separates the holes relative to center of Rotary Pucks 304, and 305. In this three-hole pattern there is a hole in the center of the pattern, a hole at a specific angular distance clockwise from the center hole of the pattern and a hole at an equal angular distance counter clockwise from the center hole of the pattern. These holes are of a size appropriate to engage the ball of the ball plungers. The center hole of these patterns are located such that when Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, are in the Center Position, the center hole aligns with the ball of the ball plungers 220, and 222, that are protruding from the bottom of Pair Start Static Frame 217. When the Rotary Pucks 304, or 305, are rotated in a clockwise direction from the Center Position until the hole that is counter clockwise from the center hole is aligned with the ball of the ball plungers 220, and 222, the pucks are in the Clockwise Position. When the Rotary Pucks 304, or 305, are rotated in a counter clockwise direction from the Center Position until the hole that is clockwise from the center hole is aligned with the ball of the ball plungers 220, and 222, the pucks are in the Counter Clockwise Position.
When Left Rotary Puck 304 is in the Clockwise Position each of the passageways of type 312 in Left Rotary Puck 304 align with one of passageways 1221, 1222, 1223, and 1224, in Cam Frame Piece 303. When Left Rotary Puck 304 is in the Counter Clockwise Position each of the passageways of type 312 in Left Rotary Puck 304 align with one of passageways 1231, 1232, 1233, and 1234, in Cam Frame Piece 303. When Right Rotary Puck 305 is in the Clockwise Position each of the passageways of type 313 in Right Rotary Puck 305 align with one of passageways 1241, 1242, 1243, and 1244, in Cam Frame Piece 303. When Right Rotary Puck 305 is in the Counter Clockwise Position each of passageways of type 313 in Right Rotary Puck 305 align with one of the passageways 1251, 1252, 1253, and 1254, in Cam Frame Piece 303.
Named Positions of the Lower Moveable Pucks
The lower moveable pucks Odd Game Object Puck, 401, Left 3×3 Puck, 409, Right 3×3 Puck, 410, Left Upper 4×2 Puck, 430, Upper 4×5 Puck, 431, Right Upper 4×2 Puck, 432, Left 5×3 Puck, 508, Center 5×3 Puck, 509, Right 5×3 Puck, 510, Left Lower 4×2 Puck, 527, Lower 4×5 Puck, 528, and Right Lower 4×2 Puck, 530, all can be moved to and between three Named Positions.
Holes 1401, 1402, 1403, 3202, and holes of types 2601, 2602, 2801, 2802, 2901, 2902, 3101, 3102, and 3201, are of a size appropriate to engage with the balls of the ball plungers.
When holes 1402, 3202 and holes of types 2602, 2801, 2902, 3102 in each of the respective lower moveable pucks are aligned with the respective ball plungers in the frame pieces the lower moveable pucks are in their Center Positions.
When the lower moveable pucks are moved towards the Far Side of the apparatus until hole 1403 and holes of types 2601, 2802, 2901, 3101, and 3201, in each of the respective lower moveable pucks are aligned with the respective ball plungers the lower moveable pucks are their Backward Position. When the lower moveable pucks are moved towards the Near Side of the apparatus until hole 1401 and holes of types 2601, 2802, 2901, 3101, and 3201, in each of the respective lower moveable pucks are aligned with the respective ball plungers the lower moveable pucks are their Forward Position.
Passageway Rows and Columns
The passageways in Cam Frame Piece, 303, are formed at angles. The angles are such that the passageway openings form the patterns shown on the top and bottom of the Cam Frame Piece, 303 in
The passageways in the Three Hole Static Frame, 417, the Upper Four Hole Static Frame, 436, the Five Hole Static Frame, 507, and the Lower Four Hole Static Frame, 536, are approximately vertical. The pattern formed by the openings of the passageways is approximately the same on the top and bottom of these frame pieces.
On the bottom of Three Hole Static Frame, 417, the passageway openings form three rows that run in the Left Side to Right Side direction of the apparatus. The rows closest to the Near Side and the Far Side of the apparatus each have nine openings. The center row has eight openings. The openings of the passageways on the bottom also form nine columns of openings that run in the Near Side to Far Side direction of the frame. The center column is incomplete and has only two openings. The other eight columns are complete with three openings in each.
On the top and bottom of Upper Four Hole Static Frame, 436, and Lower Four Hole Static Frame, 536, the passageway openings form four rows that run in the Left Side to Right Side direction of the apparatus. Each row has nine openings. The openings of the passageways on the top and bottom also form nine columns of openings that run in the Near Side to Far Side direction of the frame. Each column has four openings.
On the top and bottom of Five Hole Static Frame, 507, the passageway openings form five rows that run in the Left Side to Right Side direction of the apparatus. Each row has nine openings. The openings of the passageways on the top and bottom also form nine columns of openings that run in the Near Side to Far Side direction of the frame. Each column has five openings.
Passageway Alignments of Lower Moveable Pucks
When the lower moveable pucks are in their Center Positions the pattern of openings in the bottom of each puck matches the pattern of openings in the top surface of the frame piece directly below. With this match, each of the passageways in the pucks aligns with one of the passageways in the frame pieces directly below each respective puck. Specifically the passageways of type 413, 414, and 415, align with passageways of type 411. Passageways of types 438, 439, and 440, align with passageways of type 437. Passageways of types 514, 515, and 516, align with passageways of type 517. Passageways of type 533, 534, and 535, align with passageways of type 537.
When pucks 401, 409, and 410, are in the Forward Position the following passageways align. Each of the two passageways of types 413, 414, and 415, closer to the Far Side of the game apparatus in Pucks 401, 409, and 410 in Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 align with one passageway at the bottom of Cam Frame Piece 303. When Pucks 401, 409, and 410 are in the Backward Position the following passageways align. Each of the two passageways of types 413, 414, and 415 closer to the Near Side of the game apparatus in Pucks 401, 409, and 410 in Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 align with one passageways at the bottom of Cam Frame Piece 303.
When pucks 430, 431, and 432, are in the Forward Position the following passageways align. Each of the three passageways of types 438, 439, and 440, closer to the Far Side of the game apparatus in Pucks 430, 431, and 432, in each of the nine Tracks, align with one passageway of type 411 at the bottom of Three Hole Static Frame, 417. When pucks 430, 431, and 432, are in the Backward Position the following passageways align. Each of the three passageways of types 438, 439, and 440, closer to the Near Side of the game apparatus in Pucks 430, 431, and 432, in each of the nine Tracks, align with one passageway of type 411 at the bottom of Three Hole Static Frame 417.
When pucks 508, 509, and 510, are in the Forward Position the following passageways align. Each of the four passageways of types 514, 515, and 516, closer to the Far Side of the game apparatus in Pucks 508, 509, and 510, in each of the nine Tracks, align with one passageways of type 437 at the bottom of Upper Four Hole Static Frame 436. When pucks 508, 509, and 510 are in the Backward Position the following passageways align. Each of the four passageways of types 514, 515, and 516, closer to the Near Side of the game apparatus in Pucks 508, 509, and 510 in each of the nine Tracks, align with one passageways if type 437 at the bottom of Upper Four Hole Static Frame 436.
When pucks 527, 528, and 529, are in the Forward Position the following passageways align. Each passageway of types 533, 534, and 535, in each of the nine Tracks, align with one of the four passageways of type 517 in the bottom of the Five Hole Static Frame 507 closer to the Near Side of the game apparatus in the same Track. When pucks 527, 528, and 529, are in the Backward Position the following passageways align. Each passageways of types 533, 534, and 535, in each of the nine Tracks, align with one of the four passageways of type 517 in the bottom of Five Hole Static Frame 507 closer to the Far Side of the game apparatus in the same Track.
Named Positions of the Ratchet Puck
In the top of Ratchet Puck 314 there are five holes of type 318. These holes are of a size appropriate to engage the ball of the ball plungers. These holes are positioned on Ratchet Puck 314 in a single row with equal spacing between the holes. The row lies in the Near Side to Far Side direction. When Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Center Position the center hole of the row aligns with the ball of the ball plunger 221 that is protruding from the bottom of Pair Start Static Frame 217. When Ratchet Puck 314 is moved from the Center Position towards the Far Side of the game apparatus until the next hole of type 318 aligns with the ball of the ball plunger 221 Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Minus One Position. When Ratchet Puck 314 is moved from the Minus One Position towards the Far Side of the game apparatus until the next hole of type 318 aligns with the ball of the ball plunger 221 Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Minus Two Position. When Ratchet Puck 314 is moved from the Center Position towards the Near Side of the game apparatus until the next hole of type 318 aligns with the ball of the ball plunger 221 Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Plus One Position. When Ratchet Puck 314 is moved from the Plus One Position towards the Near Side of the game apparatus until the next hole of type 318 aligns with the ball of the ball plunger 221 Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Plus Two Position.
Passageway Alignments of Ratchet Puck
When Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Center Position, passageway 317 is aligned with the passageway of the corresponding Track of type 218 in Pair Start Static Frame 217.
As Ratchet Puck 314, and Odd Game Object Puck 401 are moved among their respective Named Positions the passageway 317, in Ratchet Puck 314 may or may not align with either passageways 1404, or 1405, in Odd Game Object Puck 401. The following lists the combination of positions where an alignment occurs and which passageway in Odd Game Object Puck 401 aligns with passageway 317 in Ratchet Puck 314. When Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Plus Two Position and Odd Game Object Puck 401 is in the Center Position, passageway 317 aligns with passageway 1405. When Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Plus One Position and Odd Game Object Puck 401 is in the Backward Position passageway 317 aligns with passageway 1405. When Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Minus Two Position and Odd Game Object Puck 401 is in the Center Position passageway 317 aligns with passageway 1404. When Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Minus One Position and Odd Game Object Puck 401 is in the Forward Position passageway 317 aligns with passageway 1404.
Rotary Level Interaction Mechanism
In addition to moving Rotary Pucks 304, 305, and Ratchet Puck 314, by the handles attached to them, under certain circumstances motion imparted to Rotary Pucks 304, or 305, by a player, may cause motion of Ratchet Puck 314. This function is performed by the mechanism described in the following.
a is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
Channels 1204, and 1205, in Cam Frame Piece 303, are of rectangular cross section. The channels are of sufficient depth that the pins of type 1704 may extend fully into them without any interference. The width of the channels is such that the pins of type 1704 will fit into the channels, but still close enough to the diameter of the pins to perform the functions described in the following. With the Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, secured above Cam Frame Piece 303 via the aforementioned axles, the four pins of type 1704 protrude down into the channels 1204, and 1205. The radial locations of the four Spring Pin Assemblies relative to Rotary Pucks 304, and 304, are controlled by the contact of pins of type 1704 with the walls of channels 1204, and 1205. As Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, are rotated between the Clockwise Position, Center Position, and Counterclockwise Position, the bodies of type 1701 and subsequently the pins of type 1704 are also rotated around the axis of Rotary Pucks 304, and 305. This forces the pins of type 1704 through a portion of the length of the channels 1204, and 1205. Each channel, 1204, and 1205, consists of two semicircular channel sections, 1206, 1207, and 1208, 1209, and one deviating channel section 1210, and 1211. Channel sections 1210, and 1211 deviate from the semicircular path towards the center of the game apparatus. This deviation is shaped adequately to achieve the path of the Spring Pin Assemblies described later. When the pins of type 1704 are located in semicircular sections 1206, 1207, 1208, and 1209 the radial position of the entire assembly is such that the flat surface of pin 1702 lies close to the outer cylindrical surface of Rotary Pucks 304 or 305. This position is the Retracted Position. The Spring Pin Assembly in
In
When Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, are moved clockwise from one Named Position to another, the pins of type 1704 will be forced through portions 1210, and 1211, of the channels. When this occurs, the Spring Pin Assemblies will be moved to the Extended Position. While in the Extended Position The pins of type 1702 may or may not contact a surface of type 1302 depending on the location of Ratchet Puck 314. Under counter clockwise rotation from one Named Position to another, a pin of type 1702 of the assemblies within Left Rotary Puck 304 will contact a surface of type 1302 when Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Plus Two Position, Plus One Position, Center Position, and Minus One Position. Under counter clockwise rotation from one Named Position to another, a pin of type 1702 of the assemblies within Left Rotary Puck 304 will contact the flat edge of Ratchet Puck 314 when Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Minus Two Position. When this occurs, no motion of Ratchet Puck 314 will occur. Under counter clockwise rotation from one Named Position to another, a pin of type 1702 of the assemblies in Right Rotary Puck 305 will contact a surface of type 1302 when Ratchet Puck 314 is in the, Plus One Position, Center Position, Minus One Position, and Minus Two Position. Under counter clockwise rotation from one Named Position to another, a pin of type 1702 of the assemblies within Right Rotary Puck 305 will contact the flat edge of Ratchet Puck 314 when Ratchet Puck 314 is in the Plus Two Position. When this occurs, no motion of Ratchet Puck 314 will occur. When the pins of type 1702 contact a surface of type 1302 during counterclockwise rotation of either Rotary Puck 304 or 305 motion will be imparted to Ratchet Puck 314. When this occurs, Ratchet Puck 314 will be driven from one Named Position to another. When this motion is imparted due to counterclockwise motion from one Named Position to another of Left Rotary Puck 304, Ratchet Puck 314 will move from one Named Position to another towards the Far Side of the game apparatus. When this motion is imparted due to counterclockwise motion from one Named Position to another of Right Rotary Puck 305, Ratchet Puck 314 will move from one Named Position to another towards the Near Side of the game apparatus.
Rotary Level Interaction Example
In
In
In
In
Level to Level Interaction Mechanisms
Pucks 401, and 431 are linked so that moving one of them will cause the other to move. Pucks 509 and 534 are linked in the same way. This is accomplished via the following mechanisms.
Slot 1406 is in puck 401. Pin 1407 is secured a distance from the bottom of Puck 401. Pin 1407 extends across slot 1406. Slot 1406 is of a size such that Linkage Lever 412 will fit into the slot. A slot of type 2903 is in Puck 431. A pin of type 2904 is secured a distance from the top of Puck 431. That distance is approximately equal to the distance from pin 1407 to the bottom of puck 401. The pin of type 2904 extends across slot of type 2903 in puck 431. In the assembled state, pin 1407, and the pin of type 2904, within Pucks 401, and 431, are located within the slots 3002, and 3003 of Linkage Lever 412.
Linkage Lever 412 links Pucks 401, and 431 so that their positions are related as follows. When Puck 401 is in the Forward Position Puck 431 will be in the Backward Position. When Puck 401 is in the Backward Position Puck 431 will be in the Forward Position. When Puck 401 is in the Center Position Puck 431 will be in the Center Position.
Slot 3203 is in puck 509. Pin 3204 is secured a distance from the bottom of Puck 509. Pin 3204 extends across slot 3203. Slot 3203 is of a size such that Linkage Lever 538 will fit into the slot. A slot of type 2903 is in Puck 528. A pin of type 2904 is secured a distance from the top of Puck 528. That distance is approximately equal to the distance from pin 3204 to the bottom of puck 509. The pin of type 2904 extends across slot of type 2903 in puck 528. In the assembled state, pin 3204, and pin of type 2904, within Pucks 509, and 528, are located within the slots 3002, and 3003 of Linkage Lever 538.
Linkage Lever 530 links Pucks 509, and 528 so that their positions are related as follows. When Puck 509 is in the Forward Position Puck 528 will be in the Backward Position. When Puck 509 is in the Backward Position Puck 538 will be in the Forward Position. When Puck 509 is in the Center Position Puck 538 will be in the Center Position.
Collection Tray Level
The Collection Tray has a divider 602 and two inclined panels 603, and 604. The divider is positioned in the Near Side to Far Side direction of the game apparatus so that half of the passageways in Lower 4 Hole Static Frame 536 are on the Far Side of the divider and the other half are on the Near Side of the divider. Game Objects dropping from the passageways 537 will drop on one or the other side of the divider. The panels are inclined to move the Game Objects towards the Near Side or Far Side of the game apparatus for easy retrieval by the players.
Operation
The game apparatus is prepared for play by placing all of the moveable pucks and all of the rotatable pucks in their center positions. The game apparatus has nine passageways of type 205 in the top layer where players place all nine Game Objects. One Game Object is placed in each passageway. Once the Game Objects are in the passageways, moving Game Start Piece 203 to the Activated Position begins play. Play then consists of the first player moving a handle to move one moveable piece or one rotatable piece from one Named Position to an adjacent Named Position. Then the second player does the same. Play continues with each player moving one handle from one Named Position to an adjacent Named Position per turn. When played as a two-player game, one player plays the game associated with the Near Side of the game apparatus. The other player plays associated with the Far Side of the game apparatus. The goal of each player is to move the movable pieces in the game apparatus in such a manner as to control the paths of the Game Objects down through the game apparatus. The outcome of the game is then determined in relation to the number of Game Objects each player directs into each side of the Collection Tray. Typically the player who directs the most Game Objects into the side of the Collection tray to which they are associated is the winner. As a one-player game, the player may attempt specific tasks such as the minimum number of moves to move all of the Game Objects through the game apparatus. Or, predicting and controlling the paths of the Game Objects.
The objective of the game apparatus is to create a mechanical field of play where players must use knowledge, memory, and strategy to gain advantage. This advantage may be against just the game apparatus when played by one player. Or, the advantage may be gained against both the game apparatus and another player when played as a two-person game. In the case of transparent or translucent materials, the challenge is less, as the players do not have to track the Game Objects by way of knowledge and memory. When constructed of opaque materials, the players must use knowledge of the internal construction of the game apparatus and remember or record the moves made previously in the game in order to track the paths of the Game Objects. They must also use their knowledge of the internal construction of the game apparatus in order to plan their strategy.
Performance of the first move presents an inherent advantage to a player in games of this nature. In order to minimize that advantage, a mechanism that presents a balanced and complex field of play to the two players is presented. Despite the advantage of the first move, predicting the outcome of play through the Pair Start Levels, Rotary Levels, and the Three Hole Levels is a challenge to most players. This challenge is made up of several factors related to the apparatus. One factor is the release of the Game Objects by the Pair Start Assemblies in a balanced situation relative to the interaction of the Rotary Pucks 304 and 305 and the Ratchet Puck 314. This balance creates a situation where players may compete for many turns before the outcome of the play of the Pair Start Levels and the Rotary Levels is determined. In particular, the Game Object in Track 5 represents an Odd Game Object where control of it can be the difference between controlling the paths of less or more than half of the Game Objects in the apparatus. It requires two moves of Ratchet Puck 314 or one move of Ratchet Puck 314 and one move of Odd Game Object Puck 401 to move the Game Object in Ratchet Puck 314 far enough to fall to the next level down. Many other moves may occur before this is accomplished. Another factor is the large number of possible move sequences. The number of possible move sequences is large enough to be difficult for most players to consider. Another factor is the interaction of Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, and the Ratchet Puck 314. This requires the players to consider the movement of the Ratchet Puck 314 relative to the movements of Rotary Pucks 304, and 305.
The transfer of counterclockwise motion from Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, to Ratchet Puck 314 is significant in the play of the game. When played as a two player game, the typical object of the game is to manipulate the game handles so that more of the Game Objects end up in the collection tray on a player's side than in the collection tray on the opposing player's side. In the attempt to achieve this goal, the players move the moveable pieces containing Game Objects in a fashion that moves them towards the side with the desired collection tray. When a player moves a movable piece or interactive moveable pieces with more than one Game Object in their passageways, the player may gain an advantage.
In order to balance this potential advantage of the rotary level interaction, the Pair Start Assemblies are positioned within the game apparatus to transfer the Game Objects to the layers below in four pairs. When these pairs of Game Objects drop into the passageways in Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, two of the pairs present one type of scenario to the players and the other two pairs present a reversed scenario to the players.
Specifically, when the pair of Game Objects in Track 1, and Track 6, or the pair of Game Objects in Track 2, and Track 7, are dropped and progress at the same time into the passageways in Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, four possible moves are presented. The first possible move moves a Game Object inside Left Rotary Puck 304 towards the Near Side and may move Ratchet Puck 314 via the Countering Ratchet Mechanism towards the Far Side. A second possible move moves a Game Object inside Left Rotary Puck 304 towards the Far Side and has no affect on Ratchet Puck 314. A third possible move moves a Game Object inside Right Rotary Puck 305 towards the Near Side and may move Ratchet Puck 314 via the Countering Ratchet Mechanism towards the Near Side. The fourth possible move moves a Game Object inside Right Rotary Puck 305 towards the Far Side and has no affect on Ratchet Puck 314. Thus, the possibilities are as follows. Two where the Game Objects can be moved towards the Near Side of the game apparatus with the possibility of affecting the position of Ratchet Puck 314 and two where the Game Objects can be moved towards the Far Side without affecting the position of Ratchet Puck 314. Of the two moves that may affect the position of Ratchet Puck 314, one is in favor of one player and the other in favor of the other player.
The pair of Game Objects in Track 3, and Track 8, or the pair of Game Objects in Track 4, and Track 9, present a mirrored scenario. In that scenario there are the following moves. Two where the Game Objects can moved towards the Far Side of the game apparatus with the possibility of affecting the position of Ratchet Puck 314 and two where the Game Objects can be moved towards the Near Side without affecting the position of Ratchet Puck 314. Of the two moves that may affect the position of Ratchet Puck 314, one is in favor of one player and the other in favor of the other player.
The described possible moves of the pairs of Game Objects arriving at the same time in Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, and the potential for also affecting Ratchet Puck 314 and the Game Object in its passageway presents a balance of play to the players. This balance is such that if all four pairs of Game Objects arrive in the passageways Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, at the same time there is no advantage presented to either player. When played as a two-player game, the players have the ability to disrupt this balance by interspersing moves of Rotary Pucks 304, and 305, between activating the Pair Start Assemblies 213, 214, 215, and 216. By doing so the players may affect the timing of the Game Object's arrivals in Rotary Pucks 304, and 305. Strategies exist with regards to disrupting this balance that can provide a player an advantage in this portion of the game apparatus. These strategies can also be timed to take advantage of the play in the lower parts of the game apparatus. In the lower parts, moveable Upper 5×4 Puck 431 is linked to Odd Game Object Puck 401. If a desired move of Upper 5×4 Puck 431 can be timed to cause one of the passageways in Odd Game Object Puck 401 to align with the passageway in Ratchet Puck 314 as the play in the upper parts of the apparatus unfold, the player may gain advantage.
The linking of Puck 401 and Puck 431 and the linking of Puck 509 and Puck 528 provides additional opportunities for the players to gain advantage as they move the Game Objects down through the game apparatus. It is possible to move multiple Game Objects on different levels to a player's advantage. It is also possible for the other player to disrupt this sort of strategy.
The combination of the various portions of the apparatus and the large number of possible paths challenges even a single player to predict and control the paths of the Game Objects down through the apparatus. Adding a second player who is attempting to disrupt and counter the efforts of the first adds a significant level of complication and challenge. This is particularly true because of the arrangement of the presented mechanisms. Thus the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the game apparatus provides a challenging game to two players.
While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example the number of Tracks in the game apparatus parts could be varied. This could be done in several manners with regard to the balance of play previously described.
Increasing the number of Tracks so that the following are met would result in variations with the same type of balance as the described embodiment. A number of Tracks in the game apparatus less those passing through the Ratchet Puck that can be divided into an even number of assemblies performing the same function as the Pair Start Assemblies in the described embodiment. It would also be necessary for each assembly to contain an equal number of sliding bodies, an equal number of passageways, an even number of sliding bodies, an even number of passageways, and an equal number of passageways in each sliding body. It would also be necessary for the sliding bodies to be placed in a balanced pattern in relation to the rotatable pucks. The number of passageways in the Ratchet Puck could be increased. In order to maintain the same balance it would also be necessary for the total number of passageways in the Ratchet Puck to be an odd number.
Using the same mechanisms as the described embodiment, the number of Tracks can be reduced to create an game apparatus that presents a different balanced field of play. An embodiment similar to the described embodiment but differing only in the following manner would be examples of this. Any combination of the following pairs of Tracks other than all of them would not be present. Track 1 and Track 9, Track 2 and Track 8, Track 3 and Track 7, Track 4 and 6. The described embodiment can be used to play these alternates by simply omitting the Game Objects in these Tracks.
More complex versions with the similar type of balance as those described in the previous paragraph can be created. This would require a number of Tracks in the game apparatus less those passing through the Ratchet Puck that can be divided into an even number of assemblies performing the same function as the Pair Start Assemblies in the described embodiment. It would also require the collection of assemblies be such that it may be divided into two equal subsets. Each subset could contain assemblies of various forms. But for each assembly of a form in one subset there would need to be an assembly of the same form in the other subset. Any two assemblies from the two subsets that are of the same form would make a matched pair. A matched pair being such that both assemblies have an equal number of sliding bodies located in a same position in each assembly with the same number of passageways in each said sliding body. It would also require the members of each subset to be positioned in a pattern around the Rotary Pucks that mirrors the other subset. In order to create this balance it would also be necessary for the total number of passageways in the Ratchet Puck to be an odd number.
The Cam Frame Piece could be thicker. The passageways in the Cam Frame Piece that align with the passageways in the Rotary Pucks could be formed at different angles so that the openings of the passageways at the bottom of the Cam Frame Piece form more than two rows. In this configuration the number of openings in each row would be reduced by the same factor as the number of rows were increased. This would result in a situation where not all positions of the grid formed by the rows and columns of openings in the bottom of the Cam Frame Pieces would have an opening present. In this situation, if the pucks just below the Cam Frame Piece were formed with complete rows and columns of passageways and openings, only some of the openings on the top surfaces of the pucks would align with the passageways present in the bottom surface of the Cam Frame Piece. To be balanced, this would require an even number of rows and a balanced pattern with regards to which passageways lead to each row. This would also require the next level below the Cam Frame Piece to have at least one more row of passageways than the Cam Frame Piece.
The number of Named Positions of the Ratchet Puck could be increased. With this, more moves of the Ratchet Puck would required before the Odd Game Object drops to the next level. The only constraint on the number of positions of the Ratchet Puck would be an odd numbered plurality of positions. The number of Named Positions of the Rotary Pucks could be increased. This could be done so that more Rotary Puck moves are required for all of the passageways in the Rotary Pucks to align with the passageways in the Cam Frame Piece. This could also be done so that the various passageways would require various numbers of moves of the Rotary Pucks to align with the passageways in the Cam Frame Piece. The only constraint on the number of positions of the Rotary Pucks would an odd numbered plurality of positions. It would also be necessary to increase the number of channels in the bottom of the Rotary Pucks and the number of Spring Pin Assemblies.
The use of ball plungers to locate the pucks in the named positions could be replaced by any means that indicates to the players that the puck is in the named positions. Simple marks on the handles could perform this function.
There can be more levels of the same types as the Upper Four Hole Level, and the Five Hole Level, and the Lower four Hole Level. There can be levels of types similar to the Upper Four Hole Level, and the Five Hole Level, and the Lower four Hole Level differing only by the number of passageways in the Near Side to Far Side direction. There can be layers of types similar to the Upper Four Hole Level, and the Five Hole Level, and the Lower four Hole Level differing only by the number of Tracks. There can be layers of types similar to the Upper Four Hole Level, and the Five Hole Level, and the Lower four Hole Level, differing only by the number of pucks per level. The width of the pucks and the number of passageways in each puck in the Left Side to Right Side direction can be varied. The stacking of layers similar to the Upper Four Hole Level, and the Five Hole Level, and the Lower four Hole Level can be of any possible combination of any number of levels. There can be any combination of the just listed differences.
With regards to these variations the requirements for a functional game apparatus would be as follows. The number of Tracks in a game apparatus must be consistent through all Levels. The number of passageways in the Front Side to Rear Side direction in one Level located below another Level must be no more than one different than the layer above and not equal to the layer above.
There can be more and different types of Level to Level interactions. Pucks in any position within a level can be linked to pucks of the same position in an adjacent level. Using longer linking levers and appropriately positioned slots and appropriately positioned pivot points there can be Level to Level interactions between any two levels.
The thickness of any part of the game apparatus could be varied. The angles of the passageways could be varied. The shapes of the Pucks could be varied. It would only be necessary for Pucks to have the following characteristics. The Pucks would need to encompass the passageways sufficiently to contain the Game Objects inside. The Pucks would need to cover the passageways in the levels above when in the Center Position sufficiently to hold Game Objects in those passageways. The Pucks would need to be such that they could slide between the Named Positions. The Pucks would need to have surfaces so that the openings of the passageways can be adequately aligned with the passageways in the frame pieces to allow the Game Objects to pass between them by force of gravity.
The direction of rotation of the Rotary Pucks that transmits motion to the Ratchet Puck can be reversed. The type of mechanism that translates the movement of the Rotary Pucks into movement of the Ratchet Puck could be different. Frictional elements could be used. Electromechanical means could be used. The direction the Ratchet Puck moves in response to the direction the Rotary Pucks could be reversed.
The construction of the game apparatus can also be varied. The separate Frames pieces in the described embodiment can be formed in many forms. The Frame pieces in the entire game apparatus can be formed as a single piece with allowances for inserting the movable pieces. The stationary pieces can be formed in any number of pieces.
Accordingly the scope should be determined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the claims and their legal equivalents.
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