EP4051397B1 - Board game - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a board game which comprises a plurality of game pieces which are set up to be placed side by side on a playing surface for random access.

EP3178533A1 discloses a board game that has a base body with a frame, a game level delimited by the frame with a visible playing field and several game pieces. The frame has an at least partially circumferential band on its inside.

The invention is based on the object of making it possible to play with new game rules.

According to the invention, in the board game, one or more frame elements are set up to span a frame which encloses the playing surface in such a way that, if a first of the several playing pieces placed on the playing surface is removed from the playing surface, at least a second of the plurality of playing pieces is on the Playing surface can be moved in a forced manner. At least one effect can be that the second of the plurality of game pieces, which is placed adjacent to the section of the playing area from which the first game piece is removed, can only be moved along the single path until the second of the plurality of game pieces covers the section.

US 4,548,410 reveals a number puzzle that has a series of plates that are slidably housed in an enclosure.

The independent claim defines the invention in one respect. The dependent claims name embodiments of the invention.

• FIG 1A und 1B zeigen eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Ausführungsform in einem ersten Zustand gemäß der Erfindung.
• FIG 2A und 2B zeigen eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Ausführungsform in einem zweiten Zustand gemäß der Erfindung.
• FIG 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine Ausführungsform in einem dritten Zustand gemäß der Erfindung.
• FIG 4 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer perspektivischen Ansicht eines Spielsteins gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform.
• FIG 5A, 5B und 5C zeigen eine Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß der Erfindung in mehreren Zuständen.
• FIG 6A und 6B zeigen eine perspektivische Ansicht von Elementen einer Ausführungsform gemäß der Erfindung.
• FIG 7A und 7B zeigen eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform in mehreren Zuständen gemäß der Erfindung.
• FIG 8 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht von Elementen einer Ausführungsform gemäß der Erfindung.

Exemplary embodiments according to the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings.

• FIG 1A and 1B show a perspective view of an embodiment in a first state according to the invention.
• FIG 2A and 2 B show a perspective view of an embodiment in a second state according to the invention.
• FIG 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment in a third state according to the invention.
• FIG 4 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a token according to an exemplary embodiment.
• FIG 5A , 5B and 5C show a top view of an embodiment according to the invention in several states.
• FIG 6A and 6B show a perspective view of elements of an embodiment according to the invention.
• FIG 7A and 7B show a top view of an embodiment in several states according to the invention.
• FIG 8 shows a perspective view of elements of an embodiment according to the invention.

Reference numerals may be used multiple times in the drawings to indicate correspondence between the elements being referred to. The drawings are provided to illustrate the exemplary embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Views of exemplary embodiments are intended only to illustrate selected features of the embodiment. Views are not necessarily drawn to scale and the dimensions of the structures shown may differ from those in the illustrations.

Examples of embodiments

First, an exemplary first embodiment of a board game according to the invention will be described with reference to FIG 1A and 1B explained in more detail. FIG 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention in a first state. FIG 1B shows a section of the perspective view in FIG 1A , the in FIG 1A is marked with the reference number 1B.

The board game has a frame 100 which surrounds a playing area 109. Furthermore, the board game has several game pieces 111, ..., 155. The several game pieces 111, ..., 155 are set up for storage side by side on the playing surface 109. In one embodiment, the multiple game pieces 111, ..., 155 are set up for random access. At least one effect can be that a user can remove a first game piece of his choice from the playing area 109, for example by the user as in FIG 2A the game piece 124 is shown lifting off the playing surface 109. As will be explained in more detail below, the frame 100 causes: if the first playing piece 124 of the plurality of playing pieces 111, ..., 155 placed on the playing surface is removed from the playing surface, at least a second of the plurality of playing pieces 111, ..., 155 can be positively guided on the playing surface 109; in the in the FIG 2A In the example shown, these are the second game piece 114, the second game piece 123 alone, the second game piece 123 together with a third game piece 122 or the second game piece 123 together with the third game piece 122 and a fourth game piece 121, the second game piece 125, or the second game piece 134 alone, the second game piece 134 together with a third game piece 144 or the second game piece 134 together with the third game piece 144 and a fourth game piece 154.

playing area

In some embodiments ( FIG 1A , 1B ), the frame 100 is set up to surround the playing surface 109 on a level such as a table top as a flat playing surface.

In some embodiments, the frame includes a rectangular playing surface. In some embodiments, the frame surrounds the rectangular playing surface, ie the frame forms the rectangular playing surface. In some embodiments, such as in FIG 1A shown, the frame 100 surrounds the playing surface 109 as a square playing surface. The border of the frame 100 thus forms the square playing area.

The playing surface can have any other shape that can be divided into tracks along which game pieces can be moved. For example, the playing surface can be designed as a parallelogram. In this case, the playing surface can be divided into parallel lanes, with two sets of parallel lanes possible. A path of a first group of parallel paths runs at an acute angle to a path of a second group of parallel paths. The playing surface can be ring-shaped or circular. In this case, the playing surface can be divided into concentric ring-shaped tracks, along which game pieces can be moved, each of which is assigned to one of the ring-shaped tracks, the dimensions of which vary accordingly depending on the distance of the respective ring-shaped track assigned to the game piece from the center of the playing surface distinguish, and which cover an arc section of the associated annular path.

In some embodiments ( FIG 1A ) the multiple game pieces 111, ..., 155, when the multiple game pieces 111, ..., 155 are placed on the playing surface 109, cover the playing surface 109 completely. For example, show FIG 1A and 1B the board game according to one embodiment in a first state in which twenty-five game pieces 111, ..., 155 are placed directly on the playing area, ie without overlapping each other, and essentially completely cover the playing area 109.

In some embodiments, when the plurality of game pieces 111, ..., 155 are placed on the playing surface 109, the plurality of game pieces 111, ..., 155 completely cover the game surface 109 except for a path 104, along which at least a second 123 of the several game pieces 111, ..., 155 can be moved in a positively guided manner on the playing surface 109. For example shows FIG 2A the board game according to one embodiment in a second state in which twenty-four game pieces 111, ..., 123, 125, ..., 155 are placed directly on the playing surface, ie without overlapping each other, and the playing surface 109 except for one Cover the web surface 104 essentially completely. FIG 2B shows a section of the perspective view in FIG 2A , the in FIG 2A is marked with the reference number 2B. A token that is in FIG 1A and 1B The game piece 124 shown is removed from the playing surface 109 in the second state and releases the playing surface 109 as the track surface 104 in its place.

In the example shown, the game piece 125 on the track surface 104 can be moved in a force-guided manner, sweeping over an edge section 104c of the track surface 104, to the location of the removed game piece 124. During a displacement movement of the game piece 125, adjacent game pieces 115, 114 form a positive guide for the side wall 125d of the game piece 125 by means of the side wall 115b, 114b of the respective neighboring game piece 115, 114. Furthermore, adjacent game pieces 115, 114 and 135, 134 form by means of the side wall 135d , 134d of the respective neighboring game piece provides positive guidance for the side wall 125b of the game piece 125. The game pieces 115, 114 and 135, 134 must remain at their respective locations on the playing surface 109 because the game pieces cannot be moved against the constraining forces of the side walls 100b of the frame 100.

In the example shown, corresponding to the game piece 125, the game piece 123 on the track surface 104 can also be forcibly moved in the opposite direction, sweeping over an edge section 104a of the track surface 104 to the location of the removed game piece 124, as in FIG 3 is shown, which shows a perspective view of an embodiment in a third state according to the invention. During a displacement movement of the game piece 123, adjacent game pieces 113, 114 form a positive guide for the side wall 123d of the game piece 123 by means of the side wall 113b, 114b of the respective neighboring game piece 113, 114. Furthermore, adjacent game pieces 113, 114 and 133, 134 form by means of the side wall 133d , 134d of the respective neighboring game piece provides a forced guide for the side wall 123b of the game piece 123. This is because the game pieces 113, 114 and 133, 134 must remain at the respective location on the playing surface 109 because the game pieces cannot be moved against the constraining forces of the side walls 100b of the frame 100 is possible.

According to the aforementioned examples, the game pieces 134 and 114 can optionally also be displaced on the track surface 104 in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of the displacement movement in the aforementioned examples. Forced guidance is effected by the frame 100 by means of the game pieces 135, 125 and 133, 123 or by means of the game pieces 115, 125 and 113, 123.

It should be recognized that after a displacement movement of the game piece 125, 123, 134, 114 has been completed, so that the game piece 125, 123, 134, 114 is moved to the location of the removed game piece 124, the track surface 104 is occupied, so that at least insofar as no further playing piece can be moved onto it, as the playing piece 125, 123, 134, 114 covers the track surface 104.

The phrase "completely cover" should not be taken so strictly that there is not even a narrow gap between the ones placed side by side on the playing surface 109 game pieces are present. Rather, the phrase "completely cover" is to be understood to mean that there is a tolerance between adjacent playing pieces, for example between a first playing piece 113 and a second playing piece 123 as well as between the second playing piece 123 and a third playing piece 133, according to which there is a tolerance between the adjacently placed ones A small gap 108a or 108b can remain in the playing pieces and there is some air, so that the playing pieces 111, ..., 155 have a certain, albeit slight, play. One effect can be that the game pieces 111, ..., 155 can be moved relative to one another on the specified track because they are not clamped laterally on the track. One effect can be that random access to the game pieces is possible in order to lift the respective game piece from the playing surface without lifting neighboring game pieces.

game pieces

In some embodiments ( FIG 1A , 1B , 2A , 2 B , 3 ), the several game pieces 111, ..., 155 have a flat support surface which is designed to rest on the flat playing surface 109.

In some embodiments ( FIG 1A , 1B , 2A , 2 B , 3 ), the multiple pieces 111, ..., 155 are each an instance of a single piece pattern. The several game pieces 111, ..., 155 therefore each have the characteristics of the game piece pattern. An embodiment according to the invention will now be based on FIG 4 explained in more detail, which shows a schematic representation of a perspective view of a game piece 10 according to a game piece pattern in an embodiment as used as an example in the other embodiments of the board game described herein with reference to the drawings. The game piece 10 has a cuboid body with the support surface 11 and with a game piece side wall 12 which extends upwards from the edge of the support surface and which includes the cuboid body. The game piece 10 has a surface 14 opposite the support surface 11, which points downward in the perspective view of the game piece 10 in FIG. 4 and therefore cannot be seen.

The game piece 10 can be symmetrical in such a way that the Support surface 11 and surface 14 do not differ in shape. At least one effect can be that the surface 14 can be used like the support surface 11 of the game piece 10 and, conversely, the support surface 11 can be used like the surface 14. In some embodiments, the cuboid body of the token 10 therefore has two opposing flat support surfaces 11, which are spaced apart from one another by a constant height of the token side wall 12 in the circumferential direction. At least one effect can be that the respective game piece 10 can be placed on one or the other of the two opposing flat support surfaces 11 as required, for example on the game surface 109.

In some embodiments, the support surface 11 of the cuboid body of the game piece 10 is rectangular. The game piece 10 has edge sections 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the associated sections of the side wall 12 each enclosing a right angle 15. In some embodiments, the support surface of the cuboid body of the game piece 10 is square.

In some embodiments (not shown), the length of a first side of the rectangular support surface of the cuboid body of the plurality of game pieces is a multiple of the length of a second side of the rectangular support surface. In some embodiments, the support surface of the cuboid body of the plurality of game pieces is designed as an equilateral parallelogram.

In some embodiments, the cuboid body of the game piece 10 is rounded at least in one corner section 13. At least one effect can be that it is easier to shift the playing piece 10 along the only path on the playing surface 109 because a slight tilting of a playing piece 123 placed on the playing surface 109 does not block the displacement.

In some embodiments (not shown), the supporting surface of the playing piece includes a sliding structure, rolling means or other structure that provides frictional resistance to transverse movement of the playing piece on the playing surface reduced.

In some embodiments (not shown), the cuboid body forms a base for a figurative structure. In some embodiments, the figurative structure of all game pieces is the same. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of game pieces differ from each other in terms of figurative structure.

In some embodiments (not shown), the surface of the token has a structure, plastic, or other structure that, for example, distinguishes a first token from a second token whose surface differs from the surface of the first token.

Now again with reference to the FIG 1A , 1B , 2A , 2 B , 3 In some embodiments, the cuboid body of the playing piece has a flat card shape. Such are the ones in the FIG 1A , 1B , 2A , 2 B , 3 The game pieces 111 ... 155 shown are flat, card-shaped.

Frame

In some embodiments ( FIG 1A , 2A , 3 ), the frame 100 has a frame element which forms the frame 100 as a whole. Thus, the frame element itself is the frame 100.

Examples of use

Below is an exemplary use of the board game with reference to the FIG 1A , 1B , 2A , 2 B and 3 described. FIG 2A and 2 B show the board game according to the in FIG 1A and 1B Embodiment shown, the board game being in different states. FIG 3 shows the board game according to the in FIGS. 1A to 2B Embodiment shown, the board game being in different states.

In a first state ( FIG 1A , 1B ), game pieces 111, ..., 155 are arranged on the playing surface 109, which the frame 100 surrounds. The number and arrangement of the game pieces are chosen so that the game pieces lie next to each other on the playing surface without overlapping, and essentially completely cover the playing surface 109, that is, except for columns 108a, 108b between adjacent game pieces, as in the FIG 1B is entered with regard to the game pieces 114 and 124 as well as the game pieces 124 and 134. For example, an edge section 114b of a first game piece 114 is spaced by a first gap 108a from an opposite edge section 124d of a second game piece 124, which is placed on the playing surface 109 adjacent to the first game piece 114. Correspondingly, for example, an edge section 124b of the second game piece 124 is spaced by a second gap 108b from an opposite edge section 134d of a third game piece 134, which is placed on the playing surface 109 adjacent to the second game piece 124. In one embodiment, the playing pieces are placed in such a way that the columns 108a, 108b are sufficiently large so that the playing pieces do not become jammed, for example the second playing piece 124 is not clamped between the first playing piece 114 and the third playing piece 134, but rather a small amount of play between to allow the playing pieces 114 and 124 or 124 and 134.

At least one effect can be that the user can selectively lift a token of the tokens 111, ..., 155, such as the token 124, from the playing surface without disturbing the arrangement of adjacent tokens according to the regular arrangement shown, such as in the one explained Example of the game pieces 114 and 134 as well as the game pieces 123 and 125, without requiring any special fine motor skills on the part of the user, special learning or special attention on the part of the user.

FIG 2A and 2 B show the board game according to the embodiment in FIG 1A and 1B in a second state in which the playing piece is 124 (in FIG 2B not shown) is taken from the playing surface 109.

At least one effect can be that the user can place a game piece on the playing surface 109, in particular on the track surface 104, without the arrangement of other game pieces on the game surface according to the regular arrangement shown, in particular those game pieces that are adjacent to the track surface 104. to disturb, such as in the explained example of the game pieces 114 and 134 and the game pieces 123 and 125. Furthermore, the user can move one of the neighboring game pieces 113, 134, 125, 114 from its arrangement on the playing surface 109 onto the Move the track surface 104 without disturbing the arrangement of the track surface 104 of adjacent game pieces according to the regular arrangement shown. This is because the frame 100 ensures that one of the other playing pieces, on which a shearing force or other force is exerted when moving a playing piece guided by the user, which could displace the other playing piece from its arrangement, encounters a coercive force that the frame 100 acts on the other playing piece and which compensates for the shear force or the other force so that the other playing piece remains in place.

FIG 3 shows the board game according to the embodiment in FIG 1A and 1B in a third state in which the playing piece 124 is removed from the playing surface 109 and is now pushed laterally onto the playing surface 109 by the user from the frame 100. The game piece 124 presses against a first game piece 121 arranged on the playing surface 109, which in turn presses against a second game piece 122 adjacent to the first game piece 121, which in turn presses against a third game piece 123 adjacent to the second game piece 122. The third game piece 123 is adjacent to the track surface 104, which is free from the game surface due to the removal of the game piece 124. Thus, the first game piece 121, the second game piece 122 and the game piece 123 can yield to the displacement force applied by the user by means of the game piece 124 and carry out a displacement movement along a displacement path in a direction 129 until the third game piece 123 abuts against another game piece 125. which is adjacent to the web surface 104 and delimits it to form a joint 120a. Along the displacement path, the first other playing pieces 111, ..., 114 form a first lateral path boundary 120b, because the first other playing pieces 111, ..., 114 in turn abut the frame 100, so that they are essentially immovable on the playing surface 109 Have to stay put. Furthermore, second other game pieces 131, ..., 134 form a second lateral track boundary 120d. The second other game pieces 131, ..., 134 are each held essentially immovably in place on the playing surface 109 because any forces acting on the second other game pieces Game pieces 131, ..., 134 are exerted, encounter a coercive force that starts from the edge 100 via third other game pieces 141, ..., 144, 151, ..., 154 to the second other game pieces 131, ..., 134 is transmitted and which compensates for any forces. When executing the displacement movement on the displacement path 120 in the direction 129 on the further playing piece 125, the first lateral boundary 120b and the second lateral path boundary 120d ensure positive guidance of the first, second and third playing pieces 123, 122, 121 and from the laterally 124 piece pushed onto the playing surface.

In accordance with the principle of forced guidance using the frame 100, which has just been explained in detail using the example, other displacement movements of game pieces can be carried out on the playing surface 109. With regard to the execution of an intended displacement movement of one or more game pieces on the playing surface 109, there is no need for any special fine motor skills on the part of the user, special training or special attention on the part of the user in order to prevent the arrangement of other game pieces on the playing surface 109 that are outside the path 120 intended for carrying out the displacement movement is retained. This enables a particularly comprehensive use of the board game, with which the user can think about a variety of designs and sets of rules according to which the game should take place.

Multi-part frame

Further embodiments according to the invention are described below with reference to FIG 5A , 5B , 5C and as well as 6A and 6B described. FIG 5A , 5B and 5C show a top view of an embodiment according to the invention, in which the frame comprises a plurality of frame elements, the embodiment assuming several different states. FIG 6A shows a perspective view of frame elements in an embodiment according to the invention. FIG 6B shows a perspective view of the frame elements interacting with each other and with game pieces according to the invention.

First with reference to the FIG 5A According to the further embodiments, the board game has a frame 200 with an outer side wall 200a and an inner side wall 200b. The inside wall 200b encloses a playing surface 209. Furthermore, the board game has several game pieces 211, ..., 244. The game pieces 211, ..., 244 are, for example, like the one in FIG 4 10 shown is formed. In particular, the multiple game pieces 211, ..., 244 are set up to be placed side by side on the playing surface 209.

This in FIG 5A The further embodiment shown differs from that with reference to FIG 1A and 1B ,

FIG 2A and 2 B as well as FIG 3 explained embodiments regarding the number of game pieces required to cover the playing area, namely sixteen game pieces instead of twenty-five game pieces. It should be understood from these examples that the number of pieces in the board game should not be construed as a limitation. In the present example, in a first state of the board game ( FIG 5A ) the sixteen game pieces 211, ..., 244 are placed on the playing surface 209 without an overlap and essentially completely cover the playing surface 209, apart from small gaps 208 between individual game pieces.

In one embodiment, the multiple game pieces 211, ..., 244 are set up for random access. At least one effect can be that a user can remove a first game piece 233 of their choice from the playing area 209, for example by the user lifting the first game piece 233 from the playing area 209. As above regarding the in FIG 2A and 2 B shown embodiment was described with the frame 100, the frame 200 also causes positive guidance, after which in the example FIG. 5A , if for example the first game piece 233 of the plurality of game pieces 211, ..., 244 placed on the playing surface is removed from the playing surface, at least a second 223, 232, 234, 243 of the plurality of game pieces 211, ..., 244 on the playing surface 209 can be moved forcibly. In the in FIG 5B The example shown is the second game piece 223 together with a third game piece 213 in the design of a Displacement movement along a first direction 291, in which the user pushes the first game piece 233 onto the playing surface 209 and thereby exerts a displacement force on the third game piece 213, which in turn presses against the second game piece 223. In the in FIG 5C In the example shown, the second playing piece 242, together with a third playing piece 241, is engaged in the execution of a displacement movement along a second direction 292, in which the user pushes a first playing piece 243 taken from the playing surface 209 onto the playing surface 209 and thereby exerts a displacement force on the third playing piece 241, which in turn presses against the second piece 242.

In some embodiments, such as in FIG 5A shown, the frame has several frame elements 202a, 202b, 202c, 203, which are designed to span the frame. Accordingly, the further embodiment differs from those referred to FIG 1A and 1B , FIG 2A and 2 B as well as FIG 3 explained exemplary embodiments with regard to the number of frame elements that span the frame 200; namely sixteen frame elements 202a, 202b, 202c, 203 instead of a single frame element 100. It should be understood from these examples that the number of frame elements of the frame should not be construed as a limitation.

In some embodiments, the multiple frame elements are releasably connectable to one another to span the frame. In general, a first instance of the first frame element pattern and a second instance of the first frame element pattern can be releasably connected by engaging, for example, a nose wall of the first instance with a groove wall of the second instance.

Below are frame elements according to some embodiments with reference to FIG 6A and 6B explained in more detail, which show a perspective view of several frame elements 20, 30 in embodiments such as those used in the exemplary embodiments of the board game described with reference to the drawings herein, for example in the in FIG 5A , 5B and 5C shown embodiment, the frame elements 202a, 202b, 202c and 203.

In some embodiments, at least a first frame member 20 of the plurality of frame members 20, 30 is formed as an instance of a first frame member pattern in which a nose wall and a groove wall oppose each other. The first frame element 20 is, for example, designed as a substantially rectangular cuboid with at least one support surface and end walls 21, 23 and side walls 22, 24 extending upwards from the support surface.

In some embodiments, one of the two side walls 22, 24 of the first frame member 20 that face each other may form a frame outer wall portion.

In some embodiments, at least one of the end walls 21, 23 of the first frame element 20 has a substantially flat abutting surface.

In some embodiments, at least one of the side walls 22, 24 of the first frame member 20 has a substantially flat abutting surface.

In some embodiments, the end walls 21, 23 are each designed as one of the nose wall and the groove wall. For example, a first end wall 21 of the first frame element 20 can be designed as a nose wall which has a nose 28. A second end wall 23 of the first frame element 20, which is opposite the first end wall 21 with the nose 28, is designed as a groove wall which has a groove 29.

The first end wall 21 with the nose 28 and the second end wall 23 with the groove 29 are designed to complement each other.

In some embodiments, at least a second frame member 30 of the plurality of frame members 20, 30 is formed as an instance of a second frame member pattern in which a nose wall and a groove wall abut in a corner portion. The second frame element 30 is designed, for example, as a substantially rectangular cuboid with at least one support surface and end walls 31, 33 and side walls 32, 34 extending upwards from the support surface.

In some embodiments, an end wall 33 and a side wall 34 of the second frame member 30, which are in one Corner section of the second frame element 30 abut each other, forming a frame outer wall section.

In some embodiments, at least one of the end walls 31, 33 of the second frame element 30 has a substantially flat abutting surface.

In some embodiments, at least one of the side walls 32, 34 of the second frame member 30 has a substantially flat abutting surface.

In some embodiments, a side wall 32 of the second frame member 30 is formed as one of a nose wall and a groove wall, and an end wall 31 of the second frame member 30 is formed as one of a groove wall and a nose wall. For example, a first end wall 31 of the second frame element 30 can be designed as a nose wall which has a nose 38. A side wall 32 of the second frame element 30, which adjoins the first end wall 31 to form a corner section, is designed as a groove wall which has a groove 39.

The first end wall 31 with the nose 38 and the side wall 32 with the groove 39 are designed to complement each other.

Furthermore, the nose 28 of the first end wall 21 of the first frame element 20 is designed to be complementary to the groove 39 of the side wall 32 of the second frame element 30, and the nose 38 of the first end wall 31 of the second frame element 30 is complementary to the groove 29 of the second end wall 23 of the first frame element 20 is formed. At least one effect can be that the nose 28 of the first end wall 21 of the first frame element 20 can be brought into engagement with the groove 39 of the side wall 32 of the second frame element 30. Furthermore, the nose 38 of the first end wall 31 of the second frame element 30 can be brought into engagement with the groove 29 of the second end wall 23 of the first frame element 20.

In one embodiment of the first frame element 20, the first end wall 21 with the nose 28 and the second end wall 23 with the groove 29 are spaced apart from one another by the length of the side walls 22, 24 of the first frame element 20.

Furthermore, as is the case in FIG 6B Example shown, two first frame elements 20 are linked together by the nose 28 of the first end wall 21 of the a first frame element 20 is brought into engagement with the groove 29 of the second end wall 23 of the further first frame element 20. The intervention can cause a force connection.

In general, in some embodiments, the length of the side wall of the first frame element corresponds to the length of the first side wall or the length of the second side wall of the cuboid body of a respective one of the plurality of game pieces or the side length of the rectangular support surface of the cuboid body of such a game piece. For example, in some embodiments the first frame element 20 corresponds, for example, as shown in FIG FIG 6B In the example shown, the length of the opposite side walls 22, 24 of the first frame element 20 is the length of the side wall 12 of the game piece 10. At least one effect can be that a user determines the length of an inner side wall of the frame depending on a number of interconnected first frame elements 20 and thus can determine a number of game pieces that can be arranged along the inside frame wall.

In some embodiments, the second frame element 30 corresponds, for example, as shown in FIG FIG 6B In the example shown, the length of the side walls 32, 34 of the second frame element 30 is the length of the side wall 12 of the game piece 10 plus the length of the first end wall 21 with the nose 28 of the first frame element 20 or the second end wall 23 with the groove 29 of the first frame element 20.

In some embodiments (not shown), the length of the side wall of the first frame element corresponds to a multiple of the length of the side wall of the cuboid body of a respective one of the plurality of game pieces. At least one effect can be that several frame elements can be connected in such a way that the frame formed by the frame elements spans a playing surface, the surface of which can be covered by the several playing pieces placed on the playing surface without overlap.

In some embodiments (not shown), the length of the frame member sidewall of a first frame member pattern and the length of the first side or the length of the second side of the rectangular support surface of the cuboid body of several game pieces in a ratio of whole numbers to each other, e.g. 2:3, 3:4, 4:5. This means that the length of the side wall of the first frame element and the length of the first side wall or the length of the second side wall of the cuboid body of the plurality of game pieces are in a rational relationship to one another, for example 2/3, 3/2, 3/4, 4 /3, 3/5, 5/3, 4/5 or 5/4. In some embodiments, the length of the frame element sidewall of the first frame element pattern or a multiple of the length of the frame element sidewall of the first frame element pattern corresponds to the length of the first side or the length of the second side of the rectangular support surface of the cuboid body of the plurality of game pieces.

More usage examples

Below is an exemplary use of the board game with reference to the FIG 5A and 7A and 7B described. FIG 7A and 7B show the board game according to the in FIG 5A Embodiment shown, the board game being in different states.

In a first state ( FIG 5A ), frame elements 203, 202a, 202b, 202c are connected to one another to form the frame 200, which surrounds the playing surface 209. On the playing surface there is space for sixteen playing pieces 211, ..., 244 in a square arrangement without overlapping, which essentially completely cover the playing surface 209.

In a second state ( FIG 7A ) a frame element 202c is detached from the frame 200 on each of four arms of the frame 200, so that only the frame elements 203, 202a, 202b remain connected. The frame 200 is in a transitional state in which the frame 200 is unable to exert any constraining force because the four arms of the frame, which are formed by the frame elements 203, 202a and 202b, are unconnected and are therefore themselves movable independently of one another.

In a third state ( FIG 7B ) a frame element 202b of each of the four arms is connected to the frame element 203 of a different side arm, so that the frame elements 203, 202a, 202b are joined together to form a smaller frame 300 - in relation to the frame 200 - which has a smaller Playing area 309 surrounds. On the smaller playing area 309 there is space for nine playing pieces 211, ..., 233 in a square arrangement without overlapping, which essentially completely cover the smaller playing area 309.

In accordance with the principle of varying the playing surface using the multi-part frame 200, 300, which has just been explained in detail using the example, other changes to the frame size can be carried out, which are not limited to a square design of the frame. The frame can, for example, be generally rectangular or diamond-shaped. The number of corners does not have to be limited to four. In some embodiments, the frame is designed as a circular ring. This enables a particularly comprehensive use of the board game, with regard to which the user can consider a variety of configurations and sets of rules, according to which, for example, a level of difficulty of the game is to be set up by setting up the frame in order to enclose a playing area corresponding to the level of difficulty, or a course of the game should take place in which a Change of the frame can be provided with regard to the size of the enclosed playing area and / or the shape of the enclosed playing area.

Other embodiments

In some embodiments (not shown), the plurality of frame elements are hingedly connected to one another in such a way that the frame spanned by the plurality of frame elements is foldable.

In some embodiments (not shown), the plurality of frame members include a magnet end portion and an adhesive portion that opposes the magnet end portion. The adhesive end portion is designed such that the adhesive end portion experiences an attractive force emanating from the magnet end portion.

In some embodiments (not shown), the frame elements have fastening means which are designed to interact two frame elements or a frame element with a frame section of the playing surface. In some embodiments, the fastening means are designed for a releasable connection. For example, these are Fastening means set up for a Velcro connection, a plug connection or an adhesive connection.

FIG 8 shows a frame 800 according to a further exemplary embodiment, which surrounds a playing surface 809. The frame 800 has frame elements 801, 802, 803 and 804. In some embodiments, at least one outer side wall of the frame elements has a groove 805. At least one effect can be that the groove can guide a clamping device 806 (in FIG 8 only partially shown), which is placed as a loop tightly around the frame 800 and, due to tensile forces 807a, 807b, holds the frame elements 801, 802, 803 and 804 together in such a way that the frame with the frame elements 801, 802, 803 and 804 is sufficient Coercive forces are created in order to ensure positive guidance during movements of game pieces (not shown in FIG) on the playing surface 809 spanned by the frame 800. For example, a rope is provided as the tensioning means 806. The tensioning means 806 can also be provided as a rubber band, a chain, a Velcro strap, a strap or similar traction means, which in some embodiments is flexible and whose length is variably adjustable in some embodiments.

According to some embodiments (not shown), the board game includes a game board that has a smooth surface as the playing surface. At least one effect can be that a displacement movement of game pieces on the smooth surface of the playing area can be carried out using only a small amount of force and particularly precisely.

In some embodiments (not shown), the frame elements have fastening means which are designed to fasten the frame elements or the frame formed by the frame elements to the game board.

According to some embodiments (not shown), the game board is designed to be rollable or foldable.

It is understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless expressly stated otherwise.

Embodiments according to the invention are described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, it is understood that individual aspects of the statements are claimed separately and one or more of the features of the various embodiments can be combined.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent embodiments may be employed in accordance with the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In particular, the board game can be used as a solitaire game.

In some cases, well-known features are omitted or simplified to clarify the description of exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

In the above description of exemplary embodiments according to the invention, certain numbers, configurations and other details are provided for explanatory purposes in order to better explain the claimed invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the claimed invention may be embodied using details other than those exemplified herein.

While a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments according to the invention, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as desired and advantageous for a given or particular application can.

As used herein, like terms refer to like elements throughout the specification.

As used herein, the word "board game" means a set, device and/or set of devices that may be intended for use in playing according to a set of rules within the meaning of game rules.

Claims (15)

1. Board game, comprising:

   a plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) which are designed for placing side by side on a playing surface (109; 209) for access at random;

   a frame (100; 200) which surrounds the playing surface (109; 209) in such a manner that, if a first (124; 233) of the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) placed on the playing surface (109; 209) is removed from the playing surface (109; 209), at least a second (114, 123, 125, 134; 223, 232, 234, 243) of the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) is displaceable on the playing surface (109; 209) in a forcibly guided manner,

   characterized in that a gap (108a; 108b) is possible between mutually adjacent playing pieces (114, 124; 124, 134) such that the playing pieces (124) have a certain amount of play in such a manner that access at random to the playing pieces is possible in order to lift off the respective playing piece (124) from the playing surface (109) without lifting adjacent playing pieces (114, 134) at the same time.
2. Board game according to Claim 1, characterized in that the frame (200) has a plurality of frame elements (202a, 202b, 202c, 203) which are designed to tension the frame (200).
3. Board game according to Claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of frame elements are connected to one another in an articulated manner such that the frame tensioned by the plurality of frame elements can be folded.
4. Board game according to Claim 2, characterized in that the plurality of frame elements (202a, 202b, 202c, 203) are releasably connectable to one another in order to tension the frame (200).
5. Board game according to Claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of frame elements have a magnetic end portion and an adhesive end portion which lies opposite the magnetic end portion, wherein the adhesive end portion is designed in such a manner that the adhesive end portion is subjected to an attraction force which emanates from the magnetic end portion.
6. Board game according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of frame elements (202a, 202b, 202c, 203) are each designed as an entity of a first frame element pattern (20) which has a frame element side wall (22, 24), a nose wall (21) and a groove wall (23), wherein the nose wall (21) and the groove wall (23) are formed in a complementary manner to each other.
7. Board game according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in the case of the first frame element pattern (20), the nose wall (21) and the groove wall (23) lie opposite each other, and in that at least some of the plurality of frame elements (202a, 202b, 202c, 203) are each designed as an entity of a second frame element pattern (30) in which the nose wall (31) and the groove wall (32) butt against each other in a corner portion of the second frame element pattern (30).
8. Board game according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a frame element outer side wall lying opposite the frame element side wall has a groove (805) which can guide a tensioning means (806) .
9. Board game according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 123, 125, ..., 155) are placed on the playing surface (109), the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 123, 125, ..., 155) completely cover the playing surface (109) at least except for a track (104) along which at least a second (114, 123, 125, 134) of the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 123, 125, ..., 155) is displaceable on the playing surface (109) in a forcibly guided manner.
10. Board game according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) are in each case an entity of a single playing piece pattern (10), wherein the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) have a cuboidal body with the supporting surface (11) and with a playing piece side wall (12) which extends upwards from the edge of the supporting surface and surrounds the cuboidal body, and wherein the cuboidal body of the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) is rounded at least in a corner portion (13).
11. Board game according to Claim 10, characterized in that the length of a first side of the rectangular supporting surface of the cuboidal body of the plurality of playing pieces is a multiple of the length of a second side of the rectangular supporting surface.
12. Board game according to Claim 11, characterized in that the supporting surface (11, 14) of the cuboidal body of the plurality of playing pieces (111, ..., 155; 211, ..., 244) is square.
13. Board game according to Claim 6 and Claim 10, characterized in that the length of the frame element side wall of the first frame element pattern or a multiple of the length of the frame element side wall of the first frame element pattern corresponds to the length of the first side or to a multiple of the length of the first side or to the length of the second side or to a multiple of the length of the second side of the rectangular supporting surface of the cuboidal body of the plurality of playing pieces.
14. Board game according to Claim 2, characterized by a board which has a smooth surface as the playing surface, wherein the frame elements have fastening means which are designed for releasably fastening the frame elements or the frame formed by the frame elements to the board.
15. Board game according to Claim 14, characterized in that the board is designed such that it can be rolled up or folded.

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