ES2683444T3 - Game piece with interchangeable base - Google Patents

Abstract

Game piece (100), comprising: a base (110) that includes a top surface (130); a junction zone (134) on the upper surface; a selector dial (124) engaged in the base so that it can rotate; a figure (120) including a character (148) mounted on a platform (142), the platform dimensioned to be received in the joint area; and means for attaching the platform to the base removably, wherein the means for attaching the platform to the base removably comprise at least one opening (140a, 140b) provided in the base, and at least one projection (150a , 150b) provided in the platform, the at least one opening and the at least one protrusion being configured to removably engage, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a protrusion (350a, 350b) formed on an exterior wall of the al at least one protrusion, the protrusion configured to engage a wall of the at least one opening to deflect the at least one protrusion during insertion, and to disengage from the wall when fully inserted into the at least one opening causing the at least one a protrusion returns to its original position, and wherein the at least one opening comprises first and second retention openings (140a, 140b) and the at least one protrusion comprises first and second protrusions, therein as the first and second protrusions (350a, 350b) extend outwardly from each of the first and second protrusions (150a, 150b).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Game piece with interchangeable base Background of the invention Field of the invention

The present invention relates to game pieces for games and more specifically to a game piece that has a base with a selector disk and a miniature figure on the base, in which the miniature figure can be attached to the base in a manner detachable, and in which the bases are interchangeable with other bases.

Related Technique

A degree of realism can be added to the games, especially war games and fantasy games, by using miniature figures to represent characters in the games. Each participant in the game manipulates characters, each represented by a miniature figure and each being endowed with certain characteristics, for example, strength and breadth of movement, which intervene in the resolution of a given event, such as a battle or another interplay between characters. As the complexity of each character and each scenario increases, and as the number of characters increases, the complexity of the game increases. The game pieces are often provided as a miniature figure connected to a base that allows the miniature figure to be placed on a playing field stably. As such, miniature figures are generally limited to the base with which they are sold and to which they are attached.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a game piece having a base with a selector disk and a figure mounted on the base in a detachable manner, according to claim 1.

Brief description of the drawings

The above features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, taken in connection with the attached drawings, Figures 1-8, 10-19 relating to game pieces that are not part of the invention, in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded schematic representation of a prior art game piece base;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the game piece base of the prior art illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a prior art game piece that includes a figure mounted on a base;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a game piece having a base and a separate figure;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the game piece of Figure 4 showing the figure attached to the first base detachably;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the game piece of Figure 4 showing the figure separated from a first base and transferable to a second base;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the game piece of Figure 4 showing the figure positioned above the second base;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the game piece of Figure 4 attached to the second base detachably;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached with claws having first and second locking protuberances;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with magnetic components;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with hook and loop fastening components;

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Figure 12 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with a threaded opening and bolt;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with a threaded opening and bolt;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with adhesive;

Figure 15A is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure separated with a sliding locking tab in the figure and a coupling opening in the base;

Figure 15B is a perspective view of the base and the figure that can be detachably attached from Figure 15A showing the base and the figure connected with the sliding locking tab in a "locked" position;

Figure 16A is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure separated with a slide-in locking tab on the base and a coupling opening in the platform of the figure;

Figure 16B is a perspective view of the base and the figure that can be detachably attached from Figure 16A showing the base and the figure connected with the sliding locking tab in a "locked" position;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with snap button components;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with a projection and a coupling cavity;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with a clamp and a coupling cavity;

Figure 20A is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure separated with a clamp on the base;

Figure 20B is a perspective view of the base and the figure that can be detachably attached from Figure 20A showing the base and the figure together, the figure being retained by the clamp;

Figure 21A is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure separated with a clamp on the base;

Figure 21B is a perspective view of the base and the removable figure of Figure 21A showing the base and the figure together, the figure being retained by the clamp;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure with a snap fit connection;

Figure 23A is a perspective view of a base and a figure that can be detachably attached showing the base and the figure separated with first and second compartments on the base to hold the figure;

Figure 23B is a perspective view of the base and the figure that can be detachably attached from Figure 23A showing the figure rotated to join the base;

Figure 23C is a perspective view of the base and the figure that can be detachably attached to the figure

23A showing the figure placed on the base in position to join the base detachably;

Figure 23D is a perspective view of the base and the figure that can be detachably attached to the figure

23A showing the figure rotated and attached to the base; Y

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a base that functions as an exhibitor.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention is disclosed in relation to Figure 9. The game pieces disclosed in relation to Figures 1-8, 10-19 are not part of the invention and are disclosed for illustrative purposes.

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Miniature figures are often used in games, especially war games and fantasy games, to represent characters in games. These characters, for example, can be a Roman legionnaire, a soldier of the Union of the American Civil War, a magician or a mythological animal, depending on the game. The games can be played to recreate historical battles, such as the Spartan defense of Thermopylae against the Persian invading army under the command of King Xerxes, or to create a fantasy battle such as one of elves and humans against trolls and orcs. Each participant in the game is in charge of an army of characters, each represented by a miniature figure. Each character is endowed with certain strengths and weaknesses, all of which are involved in the resolution of a given battle. To add interest to the battle, other factors such as magic and terrain can be included. Miniature figures and bases are described by way of example in U.S. Patent No. 6,899,332, issued May 31, 2005, entitled "Game Piece and Method of Playing a Game and Supplying the Game Piece," U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,333, issued May 31, 2005, entitled "Game Piece and Method of Playing a Game and Supplying the Game Piece" and US Patent No. D506,788, issued June 28, 2005, entitled " Viewer Portion of Game Piece. ”

As the complexity of each character and each scenario increases, and as the number of characters increases, the complexity of the game increases. The challenge of miniature games for players is the extensive and complicated nature of the rules and the need to record data for each figure within the game.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a game piece base 10 designed to reduce the complexity of such games. Each game piece base 10 is an autonomous data recording device that includes a base disk 20, a tag 25 and a selector disk 30.

The selector disk 30 includes an upper surface 34, a foot 38 mounted in the center of the selector disk 30, and a plurality of fingers 42 mounted on the periphery of the selector disk 30. The plurality of fingers 42 includes six alternating short fingers 46 46 with six long fingers 50. In alternative embodiments, any other suitable number or size of fingers may be used. One of the short fingers 46 includes a button 54 formed together with it and rising vertically from the upper surface 34.

The label 25 that includes an opening 58 is attached to the upper surface 34 of the selector disk 30 so that the opening 58 is aligned with the foot 38. A series of numbers in twelve columns of three appears on the label (not shown). Each column is separated at intervals of approximately thirty degrees around the label. In alternative embodiments, any other suitable number arrangement may be used.

The base disk 20 includes an L-shaped statistic opening or slot 62 which allows a column of numbers and additional data of the tag 25 to be seen at a given position of the base disk 20 relative to the selector disk 30.

As illustrated in Figure 3, a figure 80 can be attached to an upper surface 74 of the base disk 20 to form a game piece or warrior 90. Figure 80 can be any representative figure representing a character in a game.

In other embodiments (not shown), the game piece base 10 described may be any data recording device, such as mechanical and electronic counters that are suitable for recording and transmitting information. Specifically, the game piece base 10 allows the variation of clues during the course of the game. In still other embodiments, Figure 80 may be any suitable type of figure, including humans, animals, and magical, mechanical or fantasy creatures. The game piece base 10 may be available together with or separated from Figure 80 to allow interchangeability between figures 80 and bases, or to allow the acquisition of a base that is complementary to a figure 80 that is already possessed.

The game pieces 90 are preferably molded in plastic, pre-painted and randomly inserted into opaque packages that are preferably closed with glue or shrink-wrapped to prevent them from opening. The package could be designed to hide the identity of the game piece 90 from the buyer. These game pieces 90 are produced in different quantities. As a result, some are designed to be exclusive and very collectible. Players buy packages to try to collect game pieces 90 that the player wants to accumulate and with which to play. Normally, the exclusivity of a game piece 90 corresponds to the value of that game piece 90. That is, a more exclusive game piece 90 is more effective in the game. This method of packaging, selling and collecting miniature game pieces has the advantage of being unique.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a game piece 100 illustrating a first base 110 separated from a figure 120. The first base 110 includes a base disk 122, a selector disk 124 and a label 126. The base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 can be joined so that they can rotate relative to each other with the tag 126 held between them. For example, the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 can be joined in the manner described above with respect to Figures 1-3. Alternatively and as illustrated in Figure 4, the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 can be configured and joined so that the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 are coaxial with the same circumference. In this configuration, the base disk 122 can be provided

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above the selector disk 124 so that the outer perimeter wall of each is aligned, unlike the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-3 that requires a wall or fingers of the selector disk to essentially house the base disk. However, the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124 are attached so as to allow the rotation of the selector disk 124 relative to the base disk 122. In addition, the label 126 must be secured so that it can rotate with the selector disk 124 , so that the rotation of the selector disk 124 makes the label 126 also rotate. The selector disc 124 has a plurality of ridges 128 that provide a grip surface so that a player can manually rotate the selector disc 124 relative to the base disk 122. It should be noted that any base configuration according to the removable figures may be used. disclosed in this document.

The base disk 122 includes an upper surface 130, a window 132 and a retention area of Fig. 134. The window 132 extends from the upper surface 130 of the base disk 122 across its entire thickness, so that a player can see the tag 126 provided between the base disk 122 and the selector disk 124. As such, the tag 126 could contain various information such as the statistic data of the figure, figure attributes, state of the figure, data of the game, game state, etc. This information could be organized into separate groups or columns at intervals of particular degrees around label 126, for example, at intervals of thirty degrees. During the game, a player can rotate the selector disc 124 and, therefore, the label 126, so that different information is displayed through the window 132.

A retention zone of Figure 134 is provided on an upper surface 130 of the base disk 122. The zone 134 could be a defined space 136 on the top surface 130 of the base disk 122. A edge 138 could be formed around the Space 136 for defining the penimeter of the retention zone of Figure 134. The retention zone of Figure 134, as shown in Figure 4, could include a first retention opening 140a and a second retention opening 140b.

Figure 120 includes a character 148 that can be attached directly to the base 110 or could be mounted on a platform 142, which has a top surface 144 and a bottom surface 146. The character 148 is attached to the top surface 144 of the platform 142 and can be any character that can fit the game being played, as described above with respect to figures 1-3. For example, the character 148 could be a human being, an elf, an orc, a soldier, a warrior, a civil war soldier, a Roman legionnaire, a polida, a thief, a superhero, etc. The platform 142 must have a perimeter shape that is complementary to the penimeter of the retention zone of Figure 134 to facilitate seating of Figure 120 in the space 136 of the base 110. There is a first projection 150a and a second projection 150b extending from the bottom surface 146 of the platform 142. The first and second projections 150a, 150b are configured to be inserted into the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b, such that Figure 120 is attached to the base 110 detachable. The first and second projections 150a, 150b and the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b are shown with complementary square geometries with rounded edges. This facilitates the insertion of the first and second projections 150a, 150b into the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b. However, it should be noted that the first and second projections 150a, 150b and the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b can have any complementary geometry, and is not limited to square with rounded edges. For example, they can be circular, rectangular, oval, etc. In addition, it should be understood that there may be any number of projections and retention openings, provided there are at least as many openings as projections, for example, three openings and three projections or three openings and two projections. Additionally, there may be only one opening and only one protrusion. It should also be noted that the connection between Figure 120 and base 110 can be improved by creating a friction fit between them, created by the size, shape or separation of openings 140a, 140b and projections 150a, 150b.

To attach figure 120 to base 110 detachably, a player moves figure 120 in the direction of arrow A so that the first and second projections 150a, 150b are inserted respectively into the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b . As shown in Figure 5, when Figure 120 is detachably attached to the base 110, the platform 142 sits in the retention area of Figure 134. As such, Figure 120 cannot be rotated, but may withdrawing by pulling figure 120 of the base 110. The platform 142 may be configured with a thickness that is complementary to the height of the edge 138, so that the top surface 144 of the platform 142 is coplanar with the top surface 130 of the edge 138. However, a edge is not required and the detachable figure 120 could be attached to a base that does not have a edge.

The ability to disassemble figure 120 and base 110 allows a player to replace figure 120 that is originally associated with base 110, or, alternatively, replace base 110 that is associated with figure 120. For example, a player you can play a game in which he / she has a first figure 120 and a first base 110. During this game, figure 120 can receive a promotion, a promotion or can “evolve” by becoming a higher version of itself, by For example, Figure 120 may ascend from warrior orc to commander orc, or a two-star general figure may rise from rank to three-star general figure depending on the game's game. In such a scenario, the player can replace the original figure 120 with the ascended figure, but maintain the same base, or vice versa.

Alternatively, there may be multiple types of bases that relate to different games that have

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Different elements of the game heading. For example, a base may have a plurality of figure attributes listed on the tag, as described above, while another element of the game's game may simply have a first position of the tag meaning live and a second position. of the label that means dead. Therefore, a player can change his acquired figures to different bases when the player wishes to play different games.

Figures 6-9 are perspective views illustrating how a figure 120 can be transferred from a first base 110 to a second base 210. The second base 210 is substantially identical in construction to the first base 110 as described above with respect to to figure 8, the only difference being the marks on the label. That is, the second base 210 includes a base disk 222, a selector disk 224 and a tag 226. The base disk 222 and the selector disk 224 are interconnected so that they can rotate with the tag 226 held between the base disk. 222 and the selector disc 224. The selector disc 224 includes a plurality of ridges 228 that provide a grip surface so that a player can manually rotate the selector disc 224 relative to the base disc 222. The base disc 222 includes a top surface 230, a window 232 and a retention zone of figure 234. The window 232 extends from the top surface 230 of the base disk 222 through its entire thickness, so that a player can see the tag 226 provided between the base disk 222 and the selector disk 224. Alternatively, any other type of game base can be used. The retention zone of Figure 234 is formed by a space 236 on the upper surface 230 of the base disk 222 defined by a ridge 238 formed around the space 236 and defines the penimeter of the retention zone of Figure 234. The retention area of Figure 234 also includes a first retention opening 240a and a second retention opening 240b.

As shown in Figures 6-8, the second base 210 could have a tag 226 having a design that is different from the tag 126 of the first base 110.

When a player changes a figure 120 from a first base 110 to a second base 210, the player lifts figure 120 in an upward direction, indicated by arrow B, relative to base 110, to remove the first and second projections 150a , 150b of the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b. Then, the player transfers figure 120 to second base 210, for example, in the direction of arrow C, as shown in figure 6. Once the player has figure 120 adjacent to second base 210, the player lowers figure 120 in the direction of arrow D so that the first and second projections 150a, 150b are inserted respectively into the first and second retention openings 240a, 240b of the second base 210, as shown in the Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, when Figure 120 is attached to the base 110 detachably, the platform 142 sits in the retention zone of Figure 234. Like the first base 110, the height of the space 236, for example, the height of the edge 238, can be complementary to the thickness of the platform 142 so that the upper surface 144 of the platform 142 is coplanar with the upper surface of the edge 138.

Figures 9-23D show alternative mechanisms for attaching a figure to a base in a releasable manner, Figure 9 showing the invention.

As shown in Figure 9, first and second protrusions 350a, 350b extend outwardly from each of the first and second projections 150a, 150b. In such an arrangement, the first and second projections 150a, 150b are smaller than the first and second retention openings 140a, 140b so that when the projections 150a, 150b are inserted into the respective retention openings 140a, 140b, the first and second protuberances 350a, 350b come into contact with the external part of the retention openings 140a, 140b forcing the projections 150a, 150b to flex inwards towards each other. When the projections 150a, 150b are fully inserted, the first and second protrusions 350a, 350b are located beyond the depth of the openings 140a, 140b allowing the projections 150a, 150b to return to their normal position, engaging the first and second protuberances. 350a, 350b at the bottom of the openings 140a, 140b and blocking figure 120 with the base 110. To remove figure 120, a player simply pulls up, which causes the first and second bulges 350a, 350b to engage in the walls of the openings and forces the projections 150a, 150b to flex inwards towards each other, thus facilitating their removal.

As shown in Figure 10, a magnetic material 402 may be embedded in or positioned under the platform 142 of Figure 120, while a corresponding magnet 404 may be embedded in or positioned over the retention area of Figure 134 of the base 110. In such an arrangement, figure 120 can be placed on base 110 so that platform 142 nests in the retention zone of figure 134 and is held in position due to the magnetic attraction between magnet 404 and the magnetic material 402.

As shown in Figure 11, one of a hook and loop fastener 502 can be held on the bottom surface 146 of the platform 142 of Figure 120, while the other of the hook and loop fastener 504 can be held in the retention zone of figure 134 of the base 110. In such an arrangement, figure 120 can be placed on the base 110 so that the platform 142 nests in the retention zone of figure 134 and is held in its position by hooking the hook and loop fasteners 502, 504.

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As shown in Figure 12, the platform 142 of Figure 120 may include a threaded bolt 600 extending therethrough. The threaded bolt 600 includes a threaded rod 602 and a user-operated head portion 604. The retaining area of Figure 134 of the base 100 includes a threaded opening 606 configured and positioned to engage thread with the threaded rod 602. In such an arrangement, Figure 120 can be placed on the base 100 so that the platform 142 nests in the retention zone of Figure 134 and is held in position by a user who manually rotates the bolt head 604, causing threaded rod 602 to engage in threaded opening 606. Continuous rotation of bolt head 604 causes threaded rod 602 to penetrate deeper through threaded opening 606. A user can rotate bolt 604 until it is flush. from the top surface 144 of the platform 142. The bolt head 604, as illustrated, may include one or more radial flanges that facilitate the engagement and rotation of the bolt head 604 per part of a user.

Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of Figure 12 similarly showing a threaded bolt 700 that includes a threaded rod 702 and a user-operated head portion 704, and a threaded opening 706 in the retention zone of Figure 134 However, the bolt head 704 of Figure 13 is a fin head that facilitates the engagement and rotation of the threaded bolt 600 by a user. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the bolt heads 604, 704 illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 are only two variations that are possible between a multitude of possible bolt heads that can be employed to facilitate the engagement of the bolt head and / or the rotation of the associated bolt. As such, a person skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure is not limited to a bolt head that includes radial flanges or a fin head.

As shown in Figure 14, an adhesive of Figure 802 may be disposed on the bottom surface 146 of the platform of Figure 142. In addition, or alternatively, a base adhesive 804 may be disposed on a surface of the area of retention of figure 134 of the base 110 engaging the adhesive of figure 802. In such an arrangement, figure 120 can be placed on the base 110 so that the platform 142 nests in the retention area of figure 134 and it is held in position by the adhesive of Figure 802 that engages the base adhesive 804, the adhesive of Figure 802 engages a surface of the retention zone of Figure 134, or the base adhesive 804 engages the bottom surface 146 of platform 142. The adhesive of Figure 802 and the base adhesive 804 are generally not permanent adhesives, but also retain their adhesive power after multiple uses. As such, a user can separate figure 120 and base 110 after having joined them and place figure 120 on a different base.

As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the platform 142 of Figure 120 may include a locking mechanism 900 comprising a sliding tongue 902 and a rail 904 extending through the platform 142. The sliding tongue 902 includes an upper flange 906, a neck of reduced width 908 and a locking flange 910. The reduced width collar 908 connects the upper flange 906 and the locking flange 910, so that the neck 908 is positioned within the thread 904 while that the upper flange 906 is adjacent to the upper surface 144 of the platform and the locking flange 910 is adjacent to the lower surface 146 of the platform. The sliding tab 902 is generally defined so that the neck 908 has a width equal to the width of the grind 904, while the upper flange 906 and the locking flange 910 have a width that is greater than the width of the grind 904 Accordingly, the sliding tongue 902 is captured on the grille 904 so that it can slide laterally along the grille 904, but cannot be removed from the grind 904. Additionally, the neck 908 may have a geometry that does not allow rotation of the sliding tongue 902 inside the grind 904.

The base 110 includes a T-shaped opening 912 disposed on a surface of the retention zone of Figure 134. The T-shaped opening 912 includes an insertion slot 914 and a locking crane 916 extending in the perpendicular direction. of the insertion groove 914. The insertion groove 914 may have a geometry that is generally complementary to the geometry of the locking flange 910, while the blocking groove 916 may have a geometry that is generally complementary to the geometry of the neck 908. The T-shaped opening 912 is positioned on the base 110 so that a user can place Figure 120 on the base 110 so that the platform 142 nests in the retention area of Figure 134, and the flange of Lock 910 is inserted into the insertion slot 914 when the lock flange 910 is in a first "unlocked" position. At this point, Figure 120 is on the base 110 in an "unlocked" condition in which the locking flange 910 has been inserted into the insertion slot 914 and is positioned within a cavity 918 of the base 110. Then, A user can move the tongue 902 along the line 904 so that the neck 908 slides along the line 904 and the locking line 916, placing the tongue 902 in a "locked" position. Figure 120 is locked in position with the base 110, because the locking flange 910 has a width greater than the locking latch 916 and, as such, cannot be removed from the T-shaped opening 912 without first sliding the tab 902 and, therefore, the locking flange 910, towards the insertion slot 914. Figure 15B illustrates the tab 902 in a "locked" position.

As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the base 110 may include a locking mechanism 1000 comprising a sliding bolt 1002, a rail 1004 and a chamber 1006. As shown in Figure 16A, the retention zone of Figure 134 of the base disk 122 may be an inlet within the base disk 122. In such an arrangement, the inlet is defined by a shoulder 138 that extends from the surface of

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up 130 to the surface below space 136.

The gma 1004 extends through the upper surface 130 of the base disk 122 and into the chamber 1006. The sliding bolt 1002 includes an upper flange 1008, a neck of reduced width 1010 and a locking tab 1012. reduced width neck 1010 connects the upper flange 1008 and the locking tongue 1012, so that the neck 1010 is positioned within the gma 1004 while the upper flange 1008 is adjacent to the upper surface 130 and the locking tongue 1012 it is inside the chamber 1006. The sliding bolt 1002 is generally defined so that the neck 1010 has a width equal to the width of the gma 1004, while the upper flange 1008 and the locking tab 1012 have a width that is larger than the width of the gma 1004. A gap 1014 may be arranged in the shoulder 138 so that the sliding bolt 1002 can slide laterally along the gma 1004 from a "unlocked" position in which the locking tongue 1012 is housed by complex within the chamber 1006 to a "locked" position in which the locking tongue 1012 protrudes at least partially from the gap 1014.

The platform 142 of Figure 120 includes a locking slot 1016 which can be accessed through a slot recess 1018 positioned on a side wall of the platform 142. Generally, the blocking slot 1016 and the slot recess 1018 are positioned so that the slot recess 1018 is adjacent to the recess 1014 of the base 110 when the platform 142 is placed in the retention zone of Figure 134. Accordingly, when the sliding bolt 1002 is in the "unlocked" position, a user can place figure 120 on the base 110 so that the platform 142 nests in the retention area of figure 134 and the slot recess 1018 is adjacent to the recess 1014 of the base 1014. At this point, figure 120 it is on the base 110 in an "unlocked" condition in which the locking tab 1012 is housed inside the cavity 1006. Then, a user can slide the bolt 1002 along the gma 1004 so that the neck 1010 is des Liza along the GMA 1004 and the locking tab 1012 extends out of the gap 1014 and into the locking slot 1016, placing the sliding bolt 1002 in a "locked" position. Figure 120 is now locked in position with the base 110, and cannot be removed until the sliding bolt 1002 slides laterally away from Figure 120 causing the locking tab 1012 to disengage from the locking slot 1016. Figure 16B illustrates the sliding bolt 1002 in a "locked" position.

As shown in Figure 17, a male pressure adjustment button 1102 can be attached to the bottom surface 146 of the platform 142 of Figure 120, while a female pressure adjustment button 1104 can be held in the area of retention of figure 134 of the base 110. In such an arrangement, figure 120 can be placed on the base 110 so that the platform 142 nests in the retention area of figure 134 and is held in position by pressing towards down and causing the male pressure adjustment button 1102 and the female pressure adjustment button 1104 to engage each other.

As shown in Figure 18, the platform 142 could have a square shape and include a locking boss 1200 extending from the bottom surface 146. The locking boss 1200 could have a T-shape with a trunk 1202 which extends from the bottom surface 146 to a plate 1204. The base 110 could include a locking prominence 1206 extending from the top surface 130 of the base disk 122. The locking prominence 1206 could include a body 1208 that includes a gma 1210 extending through a surface above it to a lock chamber 1212 that is adjacent to the top surface 120 of the base disk 122. Additionally, the body 1208 includes a gap 1214 in a wall of the which provides access to the blocking chamber 1212. The blocking projection 1200 and the blocking prominence 1206 can be configured and sized so that the trunk 1202 has a width that fits within the gma 1210 while the plate 1204 has a width that fits inside the lock chamber 1212 and the gap 1214. As such, the profile of the lock boss 1200 is substantially similar to the profile of the gma 1210 and the gap 1214. In a configuration of this type, a user can place Figure 120 on the base disk 122 so that the plate 1204 is adjacent to the top surface 130 of the base disk 122 and a face of the profile of the locking boss 1200 is adjacent to the gap 1214. Then, the user can slide the figure 120 laterally in the direction of the arrow B, so that the trunk 1202 enters the gma 1210 and the plate 1204 enters the locking chamber 1212. With the plate 1204 inside the lock chamber 1212, Figure 120 is connected to the base 110 until the lock boss 1200 disengages from the lock prominence 1206.

As shown in Figure 19, Figure 120 may include a C-shaped platform 1300 that includes a top plate 1302, a bottom plate 1304 and a side wall 1306 connecting the top plate 1302 and the plate below 1304. The upper plate 1302 and the lower plate 1304 are separated from each other. The base 110 may include a retaining element 1308 extending from an upper surface 130 of the base disk 122. The retaining element 1308 includes a body 1310 defining a cavity 1312 adjacent to the upper surface 130 of the base 110 The cavity 1312 is defined to have a geometry substantially similar to the bottom plate 1304 so that the bottom plate 1304 can be inserted therein. More specifically, a user can position Figure 120 so that the bottom plate 1304 is adjacent to the top surface 130 of the base disk 122 and the open end of the platform 1300 is adjacent to the cavity 1312. Then, the user You can slide the platform 1300 laterally in the direction of the arrow B so that the bottom plate 1304 is inserted into the cavity 1312. In this position, Figure 120 is detachably connected to the base 110.

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As shown in Figures 20A, 20B, 21A and 21B, the base 110 includes a clamp 1402 disposed on the upper surface 130 of the base disk 122. The clamp 1402 can be integral with the base disk 122 or can be an independent component that is welded, for example, by means of heat welding or ultrasonic welding, to the base disk 122. The clamp 1402 can be constructed of a material that allows a small flexion so that the platform 142 of Figure 120 can inserted under the clamp 1402 while the clamp 1402 provides an inherent spring force against the platform 142, thereby securing the figure 120 to the base disk 122. For example, the clamp 1402 could be made of metal or plastic. Figure 20B is an illustration showing the platform 142 attached to the base disk 122 by means of clip 1402. Figures 21A and 21B show an alternative embodiment of Figures 20A and 20B illustrating that clip 1402 can be placed at any point of the surface above 130 or that any portion of platform 142 of Figure 120 may be placed under clip 1402.

Figure 22 is an alternative embodiment showing that the base 142 of Figure 120 can be engaged in the retaining area of Figure 134 with a snap-in catch. The platform 142 may have a penimeter that is slightly larger than the internal penimeter of the edge 138 around the retention zone of Figure 134 so that when platform 142 is pressed in the retention zone of Figure 134, platform 142 generates a force outward in the direction of the arrows C against the edge 138 of the retention zone of Figure 134. This force makes a resulting snap fit between the platform 142 and the retention area of Figure 134 causing the Figure 120 snaps with base 110 detachable. To remove figure 120, a user pulls figure 120 to separate it from base 110.

Figures 23A-23D show a rotary locking mechanism. A figure may be mounted on an oval-shaped platform 1500 that includes a first side 1502, a second side 1504, a bottom surface 1506 and a top surface 1508. First and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b may be attached to the top surface 130 of the base disk 122. The first and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b are identical in structure, and include a body 1514a, 1514b defining an internal chamber 1512a, 1512b. The first and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b also include a longitudinal recess 1516a, 1516b disposed in a first peripheral wall thereof that connects with a lateral recess 1518a, 1518b disposed in a second peripheral wall thereof, so that the Longitudinal recess 1516a, 1516b and lateral recess 1518a, 1518b provide access to the internal chamber 1512a, 1512b. The first and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b are positioned on the upper surface 130 of the base disk 122 so that the longitudinal gap 1516a of the first compartment 1510a is in the same plane and faces the longitudinal gap 1518b of the second compartment 1510b. Generally, the first and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b are separated by a distance equal to the width of the platform 1500. In addition, the inner chamber 1512a, 1512b of the first and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b is configured so that, when the compartments 1510a, 1510b are attached to the upper surface 130, the length of the distance between the furthest point of each internal chamber 1512a, 1512b is approximately equal to the length of the platform 1500.

Accordingly, a figure 120 is detachably attached to the base 110 by positioning the platform 1500 between the first and second locking compartments 1510a, 1510b, as shown in Figure 23C. Figure 120 is then rotated counterclockwise so that the first side 1502 rotates entering the inner chamber 1512a of the first locking compartment 1510a passing through the side gap 1518a and the longitudinal gap 1516a, and the second side 1504 rotates entering the internal chamber 1512b of the second locking compartment 1510b passing through the lateral recess 1518b and the longitudinal recess 1516b, as shown in Figure 23D. Once fully rotated, the platform 1500 is held between the first and second 1510a locking compartments until a user wishes to remove the figure by turning clockwise.

Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment in which a base 1600 can be used as an display for a figure. The base 1600 includes a body 1602 having an upper surface 1604 and a retention zone of Figure 1606 provided on the upper surface 1604. The retention area of Figure 1606 may include a space 1608 defined by a edge 1610. The retention area of figure 1606 serves to hold a figure therein for expository purposes when the figure is not being used in a game. The base 1600 can include various designs that can fit a particular "character", for example, the base 1600 can be decorated as a jail cell or correctional facility so that it can display any type of "prisoner" or "figures" criminal". As an alternative, the 1600 base can be designed with many characters in mind.

Claims (6)

one. 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 2. 35 3. Game piece (100), comprising: a base (110) that includes an upper surface (130); a junction zone (134) on the upper surface; a selector disk (124) engaged in the base so that it can rotate; a figure (120) that includes a character (148) mounted on a platform (142), sized the platform to be received in the joining area; Y means for attaching the platform to the base detachably, wherein the means for attaching the platform to the base detachably comprise at least one opening (140a, 140b) provided in the base, and at least one projection (150a, 150b) provided on the platform, the at least one being opening and the at least one projection configured to engage detachably, wherein the at least one projection comprises a protuberance (350a, 350b) formed on an outer wall of the at least one projection, the protuberance configured to engage in a wall of the at least one opening to deflect the at least one projection during the insertion, and to disengage from the wall when fully inserted into the at least one opening causing the at least one projection to return to its original position, and wherein the at least one opening comprises first and second retention openings (140a, 140b) and the at least one projection comprises first and second projections, in which the first and second protuberances (350a, 350b) extend outward from each of the first and second projections (150a, 150b). The game piece of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of ridges (128) that facilitate rotation. The game piece of claim 1, wherein the at least one projection and the at least one opening have a square cross section. Four. 40 The game piece of claim 1, wherein the at least one projection and the at least one opening have a circular cross-section. 5. The game piece of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second projections (150a, 150b) are smaller than the first and second retention openings (140a, 140b) so that when the projections (150a, 150b ) are inserted into the respective retention openings (140a, 140b), the 45 first and second protuberances (350a, 350b) come into contact with an external wall of the openings of retention (140a, 140b) forcing the projections (150a, 150b) to flex inwards towards each other and so that when the projections (150a, 150b) are fully inserted, the first and second protuberances (350a, 350b) are located beyond the depth of the openings (140a, 140b) allowing the projections (150a, 150b) to return to their normal position, engaging the 50 first and second protuberances (350a, 350b) at the bottom of the openings (140a, 140b) and blocking the Figure (120) with the base (110). 6. The game piece of claim 5, configured so that to remove the figure (120), a player will pull up, which will cause the first and second protuberances (350a, 350b) to engage in the 55 walls of the openings and force the projections (150a, 150b) to flex inwards towards each other, facilitating therefore its withdrawal.