GB2489232A

GB2489232A - Construction game based on reciprocal frames

Info

Publication number: GB2489232A
Application number: GB201104699A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shaun Halbert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-19
Filing date: 2011-03-19
Publication date: 2012-09-26
Also published as: GB201104699D0

Abstract

A game based on the structural properties of reciprocal frames comprises elongate sticks or members 1, 2, 3, 4 which are used to build a self-supporting structure. Before play, a starting frame is constructed using four sticks (see figures 1 & 2), with each stick overlapping another stick such that the starting platform frame comprises a reciprocal frame. During play, players attempt to extend the structure by adding one or two sticks to create additional reciprocal frames (see figures 5 & 6) without causing the structure to collapse. The number of sticks a player adds during his or her turn may be determined at random using a die (not shown). The starting frame may support a rigid platform 5, upon which a receptacle (not shown) may be placed for adding weights or counters. The game may be played on a board which has been pre-marked with support posts to indicate end point objectives for each player (see figure 7), with a multi-player game requiring each player to reach a respective pre-marked support point. A one player game may simply require the player to continue building the structure until all the sticks are used.

Description

I Title

Construction game

Background

This invention relates to a construction game that uses the concept of self-supporting reciprocal frames.

By using reciprocal frames for construction it enables complex self-supporting structures to be created which require no additional fixings. Under a set of simple rules that restrict the addition of structural units to only one or two at a time players are able to compete in a game of skill that requires strategy and manual dexterity.

Statement of invention

The invention proposes a construction game that uses reciprocal frames for building a self-supporting structure.

Advantages By using the concept of self -supporting reciprocal frames for construction and a set of simple rules whereby only one or two component members are added at a time, this game requires considerable skill and manual dexterity.

Preferably the construction game has a pre-marked board to play on.

Preferably a rigid platform at the centre of the construction can be used to support additional objects and counters.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: * figure 1 shows a plan of the 4 central reciprocal frame members.

* figure 2 shows an aspect of the 4 central reciprocal frame members.

* Figure 3 shows a rigid platform supported by the 4 reciprocal frame members.

* Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the rigid platform supported bythe4 reciprocal frame members.

* Figures shows the addition of two further members to the central reciprocal frame * Figure 6 shows the addition of a single member to the central reciprocal frame.

* Figure 7 shows a plan of 8 reciprocal frames added to the central frame and support points marked on a playing board.

The invention uses the self-supporting arrangement of reciprocal frames to construct a roof span as the basis of a game of skill. The first 4 members 1,2,3 and 4 are laid in a horizontal plane perpendicularto each other and overlapping to form a reciprocal frame as shown in figure 1.

Figure 2 shows an aspect of this reciprocal frame arrangement and how each member is slightly inclined to support its adjacent member.

Figure 3 shows how a rigid platform 5 is positioned centrally and supported by the reciprocal frame. This is the starting point of the game and is called "the starting platform frame ". A receptacle for adding weights and counters can be placed on this platform at this stage if required.

Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the supported platform and illustrates the resultant inclination that is produced by the supporting reciprocal frame. This starting platform frame is placed at the centre of a marked board if required.

Figure 5 shows the first of two basic construction moves that can be used. Here the first player has placed 2 members 6 and 7 to support and lift member 3. Member 6 is laid first across 4 and then used to support member 7 which is in turn lifting member 3 off the playing surface.

Figure 6 shows the second basic construction move that can be used. Here the first player has placed one member 8 to elevate member 3 by placing it on member 4. This move resu Its in a three member reciprocal frame but is equally effective in the construction.

Using these two basic construction moves each player take it in turn to progressively elevate the starting platform frame. Whether a player uses one or two members for each move can be decided by the throw of a dice. The game continues until there is a failure at one of the supports or the whole structure collapses. Alternatively the end point can be when one player is able to support their side of the structure on support posts that are pre-marked on a playing board.

Figure 7 shows how eight consecutive double member moves can build a self-supporting structure comprised of 9 reciprocal frames. This arrangement is used for the" single player" game where the object isto build as large a span as possible with all the members provided.

With 2 or more players the primary end point objective can be to reach pre-marked support points on the board. In this example members 9 and 10 have reached their support pillars 11 and 12 for the player to the left. However, members 13 and 14 have not yet reached their support pillars 15 and 16 for the player to the right.

Claims

Claims 1. A construction game that uses reciprocal frames for building a self-supporting structure.
2. A construction game according to claim 1, in which reciprocal frames are built by the addition of one or two component members at a time.
3. A construction game according to claim 1, in which the addition of one or two components by each player is determined by the throw of a dice.
4. A construction game according to claim 1, in which a board that has been pre-marked with two halves and support pillars can be used.
5. A construction game according to claim 1, in which the central reciprocal frame supports a rigid platform on which a receptacle for adding weights and counters can be placed.