GB2467368A

GB2467368A - Game Apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2467368A
Application number: GB0901637A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bram Swinnerton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-31
Filing date: 2009-01-31
Publication date: 2010-08-04
Also published as: GB0901637D0

Abstract

A game apparatus comprises sets of playing pieces 13, 15 having different weights but being substantially identical in appearance and a weight comparator 5 which provides an indication of the relative weights of the playing pieces 13, 15; preferably the weight comparator is a mechanical balance or see-saw and includes blocks or wedges so that it may be locked in a position and prevented from tipping, or the comparator may be electronic and read data representing weight stored in the pieces via RFID tags.

Description

Game Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game apparatus, particularly a game apparatus for use in a strategy-type game between at least two players.

Background of the Invention

Many different types of game and gaming apparatus are known. Although computer video games continue to be popular, these games tend to be expensive and there are concerns over the long-term effect they can have on children, particularly as some computer games require little mental skill, may feature violence or inappropriate language and users often play them alone for many hours at a time.

There is still therefore a market for non-video games such as card games, board games and the like. Such games tend to be cheaper, encourage face-to-face interaction and, in the case of strategy-type games, develop mental skill and learning in a fun and engaging way.

A known game consists of a balance bridge having a plurality of pawn holding slots on either side of a pivot point, the arrangement of slots forming a track similar to that of a backgammon board. Each player has a predetermined number of pawn pieces made up of large pawns and small pawns which are visibly different in size. A player moves his or her pawns around a track according to the throw of a dice, the winner being the player who is able to move all their pawns around the track without tipping the balance bridge.

Statement of Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a game apparatus comprising first and second sets of playing pieces, each set comprising a plurality of differently-weighted pieces each piece having an appearance not indicative of its weight relative to other pieces in the set, and a weight comparator arranged to receive at least two pieces and to provide an indication of the relative weights.

The game apparatus provides for one or more games based on the relative weights of selected pieces in which a player is unable to tell the relative weight of an opponent's piece by appearance alone, at least not until it is played on the comparator. The apparatus may be employed, for example, in a game the aim of which is to select a piece which is heavier than that selected by an opponent. Success for a particular player may result in the player capturing the other player's lighter piece and the game can continue for a number of rounds with the winner being the person with the most pieces. Various rules and options can be used, as will be described in the specific description.

The appearance of a piece may be non-indicative of its relative weight when the piece is in a predetermined position or orientation, for example with respect to another player. In this case, a player can determine the weight of his or her own pieces whilst easily concealing this information from his or her opponent. Once captured, a player can also determine the weight of an opponent's pieces where rules permit. This allows for strategic-type games in which a user can use knowledge of remaining weights to decide which one to play next based on, for example, which weights the opponent has left As more pieces are captured, a player acquires extra knowledge as to which pieces the opponent has remaining and so can make informed decisions as to which pieces he or she should play next. Examples of such strategies will be discussed later on. If players do not look at opponent's pieces once taken, it opens the game up to more intuitive playing. A player can still estimate an opponent's pieces based on past plays but relies more on reading the opponent's mood.

An indication of a piece's weight can be provided on an underside of the piece so as to be hidden from view when the piece is placed on an underlying surface. Alternative configurations can be envisaged, for example where the pieces are marked on one side only which, in use, faces the player and is hidden from the opponent. Such implementations, i.e. where an indication of weight is provided in an easily-concealable area of a piece, can be considered within the scope of the invention given that the general overall appearance of each piece does not give away its weight relative to the other pieces and can be easily hidden from an opponent.

Each piece of a set can be substantially identical in shape, size and/or colour. Different sets can use pieces of respective shapes, sizes and/or colours to indicate which piece belongs to which set.

The weight of a piece may be determined by its mechanical properties. Here, the playing pieces might be weighted by different amounts of a particular material, although in theory one can use different materials. Examples include the use of metal, sand or even liquId. In the first preferred embodiment, a set of playing pieces comprises identically-shaped cylindrical containers containing different numbers of metal discs to provide the different weightings.

The comparator may comprise a mechanical balance, for example a see-saw, which tips one way or the other to indicate the relative weights of the selected pieces when placed at different ends thereof. The see-saw can be a simple strip of material on a raised pivot or, as in the first embodiment described below, a triangular-shaped wedge having a lower apex resting on a housing thereby providing the pivot point. The lower apex may be a point or may comprise a small flat portion; in practice a point apex may still result in tipping even if both sides are balanced whereas an apex with a small flat portion will keep balanced when the weights are the same.

The balance may comprise first and second locations indicating where a playing piece from each set should be placed during use. Said locations can be recessed so as to substantially prevent weights from falling off the balance when it tips one way or the other. Alternatively, or additionally, magnets might be employed for this purpose.

The balance may comprise temporary locking means for holding it in a neutral, balanced, state. During play, pieces can be placed by players on their respective end without the balance tipping. This prevents a player getting any idea of the weight of the opponent's selected piece before they place their own. Once both are played, the lock is disengaged to reveal the heavier piece. The temporary locking means may comprise one or more wedges placed under one or more surfaces of the balance to prevent tipping. Wedges or a similar ocking mechanism prevents players ascertaining the differences in weight by the force at which the balance falls. The balance goes down slowly and under control.

In a second, electronic, embodiment, each piece comprises means for storing data representing that piece's respective weighting, e.g. numerically, and the comparator comprises one or more data readers for reading the weighting data from the storage means of played pieces and means for determining the relative weightings.

The storage means of each piece may be passive and actuated when placed in proximity of the data reader. REID technology might be employed for this purpose. Eirst and second data readers may be provided, each being arranged only to read weighting data from one of the sets of pieces. The comparator may be arranged to generate an electronic visual indication of relative weight, for example using a set of LEDs at either end of the comparator device. A visual indication may be provided only after pieces from different sets are placed on respective reading means.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a game apparatus comprising first and second sets of playing pieces, each set comprising a plurality of substantially identical but differently-weighted pieces, and a weight comparator arranged to receive at least two pieces and to provide an indication of the relative weights.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective exploded view of a balance which comprises part of a game apparatus described herein; Figure 2 is a perspective view of two sets of playing pieces which, together with the balance shown in Figure 1, comprise a first embodiment of the game apparatus; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the balance of Figure 1 with first and second playing pieces laid at first and second ends thereof; Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of the balance together with locking means in the form of wedges for locating at either end; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment comprising an electronic comparator for use with playing pieces having respective weights represented as data readable by said comparator.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of a game apparatus will now be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. The game apparatus comprises a balance 2 and first and second sets of playing pieces 7, 9 for use by opposing players in accordance with game rules. Each set 7, 9 comprises a plurality, in this case ten, individual pieces having substantially the same appearance but, within a given set, have different weights, i.e. the weights are unique within the set. The weighting is provided by mechanical means, for example using different amounts of a particular material. In this case, each piece is formed as a hollow container with different numbers of metal discs located within the interior cavity.

Other materials such as sand or even a liquid can be used to provide the internal weighting.

The balance 2 in this case comprises a mechanical see-saw comprising a wedge-shaped member 5 removably located within a support frame 3. The lower apex 4 of the wedge 5 provides the pivot-point about which the balance tips one way or the other depending on the relative weights of playing pieces placed on markers 21 at opposing ends of the balance 2 surface. The markers 21 indicate where playing pieces should be placed and may comprise recesses for prevent the pieces slipping off, e.g. recesses shaped in accordance with the bottom perimeter of the pieces. Magnets may also be used to prevent the pieces slipping off.

As mentioned above, the playing pieces of each set 7, 9 have different weights. For the sake of illustration we might say the weight of the first (left hand) piece in Figure 2 is 1', the second piece has a weight of 2', i.e. double that of the first weight, and so on up to the heaviest (right hand piece) which has a weight of 10'. The same distribution of weights is used for both sets 7, 9. The pieces are substantially identical in terms of size and shape such that it is not possible to discern from the size and shape the relative differences in weight between pieces in a given set. One exception is that an indication of a piece's weight may be provided in or on an easily-concealable part of each piece, for example on the underside of the piece as indicated by reference numeral 11 in Figure 2. In play, the underside of each piece will ordinarily be situated downwards on a surface and therefore concealed to both players although, of course, a player can look at the underside of his or her own pieces to identify their weights during the course of a game. In a variation, no indication is used and the player is required to estimate the weight of a piece by picking it up.

In order that the balance 2 does not tip (and therefore indicate the weight of a piece) before both pieces have been laid on markers 22, a temporary locking mechanism is provided as part of the balance. As shown in Figure 4, this is in the form of first and second wedges 6 which can be located under the lower diagonal surfaces of the balance member 5. In play, when both pieces have been laid, the wedges 6 are removed and the balance 5 tips in favour of the heavier piece. The combined unit of casing 3, balance 5 and wedges 6 forms a complete block which is useful for storage and transport. Other types of locking mechanism can be employed, for example a rod (not shown) that slidably passes through the casing 3 and balance 5 and which is removed when both pieces are played to allow tipping.

The above-described apparatus 2, 7, 9 is used in combination with a set of rules to enable the playing of a strategy-type game to be described below.

In essence, the basic game involves two players having control over a respective set of pieces 7, 9. Each player selects a piece from their set with a view to selecting a piece that is heavier than that of their opponent (although clearly the aim of the game could be reversed so that a lighter piece wins). The selected pieces are placed on markers 21 at opposing ends of the balance 2 and the heavier piece is indicated by the balance tipping in its favour, as indicated in Figure 3. This single turn by both players is termed a play' and the winner of a play captures the loser's lighter piece. A round is complete when each of the ten pieces is played and the winner of a round is the person with the most pieces at the end. It is proposed that a full game should comprise a predetermined number of rounds with the overall winner of the game being the person winning the most rounds.

Various rules can be applied, as summarised below.

In the standard game, the rules are as follows: 1) each player lays a playing piece on a marker 21 of balance member 5; 2) locking members 6 are released to determine which piece is heavier; 3) player with the heaviest piece wins that play and the pieces are removed to the winning player's side; 4) if equally-weighted pieces are laid, neither player wins and the play is a draw; 5) steps 1-3 are repeated until all pieces have been played; 6) winner of a round is the player with the most pieces.

In the preferred case, players may play each of their pieces only once in a round; players may therefore develop strategies in terms of deciding which piece to play at which point in the round. For example, playing the heaviest piece from the set in an opening play has a very high chance of winning but of course sacrifices that player's heaviest piece against what might have been a very low opposing weight. Certain players may prefer to win early rounds for a psychological advantage whereas others may prefer to use medium-weighted pieces in order to save their powerful pieces for later on. Each time a player captures an opponent's piece, they will learn the weight of the piece laid by the opponent and therefore the player acquires extra information as to which pieces the opponent has remaining. In contrast, the losing player will only know that the opponent's piece was heavier than their one.

Variations on the standard game may be used. Whether or not a player looks at an opponent's piece once taken will change the game play of each set of rules. Both have their advantages.

Half/half flame play In this variation, players start with five pieces from each set, e.g. weights one to five from one set and six to ten from the other set. This allows a player an extra clue in determining the opponent's pieces. Because each set is different, by having half of one set you could make a better estimation of what pieces an opponent has left. This rule would be more worthwhile when not looking at an opponents' piece when pieces are taken.

Chance game play All pieces are jumbled and players take turns choosing pieces at random with no information as to the actual weights.

Gambling game play Any of the above versions can be used and you start the game by laying a starting bet before pieces are laid then bets are laid after the fourth play and every play after that until a player folds or ultimately wins the game. A player can fold' at any time after laying the fifth piece. Bets stay in a pool of bets in the event of a draw.

Last piece out Any of the above versions can be used, but after the last play in a round, the final pieces are removed from the game. Another round is played minus the removed pieces. This continues until all pieces have gone. Ones

When a play is won the winning player discards his own piece from the game but retains his opponent's piece for play in future plays. The game ends when one player has no pieces left and therefore loses. When two equal pieces are laid together they are discarded.

A second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 5. This embodiment is essentially an electronic version of the above. In this case, the playing pieces are weighted in terms of data rather than mechanical weight; a heavier weight is indicated by a larger number. Within each piece 29 is ocated a passive RFID tag 31 which comprises means for storing data representing that pieces respective weight and an antenna which transmits the data to a local RFID reader when energised by that reader. The balance device 23 comprises a plafform within which is provided first and second RFID readers 27 located below respective playing markers on the platform's upper surface. Both RFID readers 27 are electrically connected to a comparator 25. The electrical components are powered by batteries or a mains power supply (not shown).

In use, players select a piece from their respective set and place it on one of the markers situated above the RFID readers 27. The proximity of the RFID tag 31 to the RFID reader 27 below causes it to be energised and to transmit its weight data back to the reader. Each set of weight data is then transmitted to the comparator 25 which identifies the heavier weight (the larger number) and subsequently indicates the result using LEDs 32 at the platform ends, perhaps by displaying a green colour at the heavier end and a red colour at the losing end. A draw can be indicated by a different colour at both ends.

Claims

Claims 1. A game apparatus comprising first and second sets of playing pieces, each set comprising a plurality of differently-weighted pieces each piece having an appearance not indicative of its weight relative to other pieces in the set, and a weight comparator arranged to receive at least two pieces and to provide an indication of the relative weights.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the appearance of a piece is arranged to be non-indicative of its relative weight when the piece is in a predetermined position or orientation, for example with respect to another player.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an indication of weight is provided on the underside of the piece so as to be hidden from view when the piece is placed on an underlying surface.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each piece of a set is substantially identical in shape, size and/or colour.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the weight of a piece is determined by its mechanical properties.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the comparator comprises a mechanical balance, for example a see-saw, which tips one way or the other to indicate the relative weights of the selected pieces when placed at opposite ends thereof.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical balance comprises first and second locations indicating where a playing piece from each set should be placed during playing of the game.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said locations are recessed so as to substantially prevent weights from failing off the balance when it tips one way or the other.
9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising means for holding the balance in a neutral, balanced, state.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the holding means comprises one or more removable blocks arranged to be placed under one or more surfaces of the balance to prevent tipping.

S
Ii. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the holding means comprises one or more removable wedges arranged to be placed under one or more surfaces of the balance to prevent tipping.
12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each piece comprises means for storing data representing that piece's respective weighting and the comparator comprises one or more data readers for reading the weighting data from the storage means and processing means to determine the relative weightings.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the storage means of each piece is passive and actuated when placed in proximity of the data reader.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein first and second data readers are provided, each being arranged only to read weighting data from one of the sets of pieces.
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the comparator is arranged to generate an electronic visual indication of relative weight.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the visual indication is provided only after pieces from different sets are placed on respective reading means.
17. A game apparatus comprising first and second sets of playing pieces, each set comprising a plurality of substantially identical but differently-weighted pieces, and a weight comparator arranged to receive at least two pieces and to provide an indication of the relative weights.
18. A game apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.