US20100084816A1

US20100084816A1 - Travel game

Info

Publication number: US20100084816A1
Application number: US12/246,910
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael E. Klockenga
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-07
Filing date: 2008-10-07
Publication date: 2010-04-08

Abstract

The disclosure depicts a travel game that is best used for helping automobile passengers pass the time on trips. The game comprises numerous steps, including spinning wheels, scanning the environment, and moving tokens along a path from a starting space to a finishing space.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a travel game that is ideal for helping automobile passengers pass the time. The travel game is ideal for any land vehicle, such as a car, van, bus, or even a train. The game includes the steps of providing a game board that has a path with a starting space and a finish space, and a plurality of spaces positioned consecutively therebetween. The object of this game is to move one's token from the starting space along the path to the finishing space. The first player to reach the finishing space wins the game
The game is ideal for two or more players, each of whom will be assigned a token to move along the path. The game includes first and second spinning wheels (or any other random indicator, such as a die or electronic selector). The game is played by having the players alternate turns.
Each turn requires a player to spinning the first spinning wheel until it selects an indicated condition, then spin the second spinning wheel until it selects an indicated criterion. The turn progresses to the step of having the player scan the environment in an attempt to locate single item that meets both the condition and the criterion. If the player cannot locate such a single item, then that player's turn concludes.
If the player is able to locate a single item having both the indicated condition and the indicated criterion (preferably within a preselected amount of time), then the turn continues by having the player spin a third spinning wheel to select an indicated instruction. This instruction revealed by the third spinning wheel will tell the player how—if at all—to move the player's token along the path. For example, the third spinning wheel may include instructions such as: lose a turn, spin again, move the token forward one space, move the token forward two spaces, move the token forward three spaces, move the token forward four spaces, move the token forward five spaces; or, move the token forward six spaces. Finally, of course, the turn concludes with the player complying with the instruction, usually by moving his token.
Because the game is well-suited for play in a moving vehicle, it is preferred to create an attraction between the tokens and the game board. This can be accomplished by a magnetic attraction, or even by creating the board out of a cloth and equipping the tokens with a hook-and-loop fastener to engage and adhere to the cloth. Additionally, the board may be a single board that bears both the path and the spinning wheels (as set out herein). Alternatively, the game board may be two separate parts, or may be a pair of panels that are hinged together and fold onto one another for easy storage.
In an alternate embodiment of the game, selected spaces on the path have requirements imprinted on them. For example, a space, if landed on, may require a player to move forward or backward a select number of spaces, or may even require the player to spin a fourth wheel. In this embodiment, several spaces are designated “road hazard” spaces. If a player's token finally lands on a road hazard space, the player must spin a fourth wheel (or activate a fourth random indicator) for further instruction.
For example, a preferred embodiment of the game requires a player spinning the fourth wheel to either go to a Garage (for an instructed repair), or to a rest stop (for a travel break that is designated by the wheel). Also, in an alternate embodiment of the game, a player who is in a rest stop must remain there until s/he can spin a chosen number on the third wheel (i.e., a 1 or a 6, for example). Additionally, a player who is in a garage may be compelled to spin a chosen number on the third wheel (i.e., a 1 or 6 for example) before being let out of the garage to progress along the path toward the finishing space.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a game board for a travel game, according to the principles of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing another portion of a game board for a travel game.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a game board for a travel game.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate of the game board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows the game board 10 that comprises a first portion 25 imprinted with a path having a start space 14 and a finish space 16, and a plurality of intermediate spaces 22 consecutively positioned therebetween. Some of the intermediate spaces 22 have an instruction 24 (i.e, Forward 3, go Back 3, etc.) on them; and a select few of the intermediate spaces 22 bear a HAZARD instruction 24.
Still referring to FIG. 1, each player is given a respective token 13 a, 13 b, 13 c; the object of the game is to move one's token from the start space 14 to the finish space 16 as quickly as possible by taking turns that require movement of the tokens 13 a, 13 b 13 c along the path.
If one's turn concludes by landing on an intermediate space 22 having an instruction 24, the player must comply with the instruction prior to concluding the turn. If one's turn concludes by landing on a HAZARD instruction 24, then the player must spin the hazard wheel (shown aft) for further instruction.
FIG. 2 shows a second portion of the game board 26 having a group of spinning wheels 28, 36, 44,56. The first wheel 28 bears a general circular shape divided into a plurality of wedges 30, aid a spinning arrow 34 adjacent the center. As shown in FIG. 2, the first wheel 28 is a color wheel wherein each of the wedges 30 bears a printed condition 32. As shown in FIG. 2, each condition is a respective color.
As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion of the game board 26 also bears a second wheel 36 that bears a generally circular shape divided into a plurality of wedges 38, and a spinning arrow 40 adjacent the center of the second wheel 36. Each wedge 38 of the second wheel 36 bears a respective criterion 42. At the start of a player's turn, the player spins both the first wheel 28 and second wheel 36. When each spinning arrow 34, 40 comes to rest, the player will scan the environment (i.e., look out the windows of the vehicle) in search of a single item that meets both the condition 32 and the criterion 42.
For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 requires the player to locate a red car. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the player's turn is limited to a preselected amount of time with the help of a timing device 37. Of course, the preselected time may be varied in order to accommodate the need to keep the game moving quickly, and accommodate the ages and abilities of the players. It has been found, though, that times of less than one minute work best.
If the player successfully locates a single item meeting both the criterion and the condition, then the player may spin the third wheel 44. The third wheel 44 bears a generally circular shape with a spinning arrow 54 located adjacent its center. The circular shape is divided into a plurality of wedges 46 that bear respective instructions 48,50, 52. For example, the respective instructions may require the player to lose his turn (as in 48), to move his token forward a select number of spaces (as in 52) or to spin again (as in 50).
As shown in FIG. 2, the second portion 26 also bears a fourth wheel 56 having a generally circular shape divided into a plurality of wedges 58, and each wedge bears an imprinted requirement 60. If a player's turn terminates with a ROAD HAZARD space (as explained aft), the player spins the fourth wheel 56 to obtain a requirement.
As in FIG. 2, the requirements 60 imprinted on wedges 58 of the fourth wheel 56 are divided into two main categories: a) GARAGE and b) Rest Stop, which represent various interruptions to a trip. As shown in FIG. 2, the wedges 58 may include a description of the specific interruption 62 incurred by the player. For example, one may need to visit a garage due to battery problems or brake problems, or a family may need to stop for a quick nap or to take their pet for a walk.
Still referring to FIG. 2, it should be noted that the conditions 32 and criteria 42 may be changed by means of an overlay that can change the game. It is well-known that travel on rural roads (or at times when there is little traffic) may make locating vehicles difficult. In that regard, one or more of the conditions on first wheel 28) or criteria (on second wheel) may be varied. For example, instead of having each criterion 42 be a vehicle, the game may require one to locate street signs or landmarks. In that regard, the game may include overlays that could be used in conjunction with various spinners in order to accommodate the type of travel (rural, heavy/light traffic, etc) that is taking place.
While the embodiment of FIG. 2 shows that spinning wheels are used to randomly choose conditions, criteria, or requirements, these can also be randomly selected by means of an electronic device that selects these at random. Of course, other means of randomly selecting these conditions, criteria, or requirements are also within the scope of this invention.
FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the game board 10. As with the prior embodiments, the game-board 10 comprises a first portion 25 and a second portion 26. As previously discussed, the path includes a starting space 14, a finishing space 16, and a plurality of spaces 12 consecutively positioned therebetween. Moreover, the second portion 26 includes spinning wheels 28,36,44, and 56. As with other versions, a timer 37 is also included.
In the embodiment of FIG. 3, however, the first portion 25 and second portion 26 form a game board 10 that is a unitary, monolithic one-piece structure. Alternatively, however, the first portion 25 and second portion 26 may be separate from one another, allowing the first portion 25 to stay put, while the players pass around the second portion 26 so that the wheels could be spun.
FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment of the game board 10. In this embodiment, the game board 10 includes a first portion 25 and a second portion 26 that share a common edge 27. The game board 10 is foldable along this common edge 27 to allow for easy storage.
The game depicted herein is ideal for use during automobile travel. However, it is also well-suited to be used in other environments as well. For example, one can be positioned near a roadway and the game could be played by observing vehicles or people that are within the environment. Also, the environment may be simulated by playing a video on a television of dvd player.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the appended claims that precisely define the metes and bounds of the invention.

Claims

1. A travel game comprising the method steps of:

providing a game board having a path with a starting space and a finish space, and a plurality of intermittent spaces positioned consecutively therebetween;

providing at least a first player and a second player;

assigning a respective token to each respective player;

providing a first spinning wheel and a second spinning wheel;

dividing each of the first wheel and second wheel into a plurality of wedges;

assigning a condition to each wedge of the first wheel;

assigning a criterion to each wedge of the second wheel;

allowing the players to alternate completing a turn; and wherein,

a turn includes

spinning the first spinning wheel having a plurality of conditions until it comes to rest upon a wedge corresponding to an indicated condition;

spinning the second spinning wheel having a plurality of criteria until it comes to rest upon a wedge corresponding to an indicated criterion;

attempting to locate single item that meets both the condition and the criterion.

2. The travel game as in claim 1, the turn further comprising the steps of:

locating a single item having both the indicated condition and the indicated criterion;

spinning a third spinning wheel having a plurality wedges, each wedge having an instruction, until the third spinning wheel comes to rest upon a wedge corresponding to an indicated instruction;

complying with the indicated instruction.

3. The travel game as in claim 2, wherein the indicated instruction comprises one of the following instructions:

i. lose a turn;

ii. spin again;

iii. move the respective token forward one space;

iv. move the respective token forward two spaces;

v. move the respective token forward three spaces;

vi. move the respective token forward four spaces;

vii. move the respective token forward five spaces; or

viii. move the respective token forward six spaces.

4. The travel game as in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of instructions gives directions as to the movement of the respective token of the respective player along the path.

5. The travel game as in claim 1, further comprising the step of:

selecting a plurality of chosen spaces on the path;

placing an imprinted requirement on each of the chosen spaces of the path; and wherein

the turn further includes the step of complying with the requirement imprinted on a space where the token lands.

6. The travel game as in claim 5, further comprising the steps of:

providing a fourth spinning wheel divided into a plurality of wedges, each respective wedge bearing a respective imprinted requirement;

choosing at least one space of the path to require spinning the fourth spinning wheel when a token lands on the at least one space of the path; and,

the turn further includes the steps of

spinning the fourth spinning wheel; and,

complying with the respective imprinted requirement.

7. The travel game as in claim 6, wherein at least one of the respective imprinted requirements compels movement of the token to at least one of

a first predesignated space along the path; or,

a second predesignated space along the path.

8. The travel game as in claim 7, further comprising the step of dividing the respective imprinted requirements on the fourth wheel into a first subset and a second subset; and the turn includes one of the following steps

moving the player's respective token to the first predesignated area when the respective imprinted requirement is in the first subset; or,

moving the player's respective token to the second predesignated area when the respective imprinted requirement is in the second subset.

9. The travel game as in claim 1, further comprising the step of limiting the turn to a preselected amount of time.

10. The travel game as in claim 1, wherein the game board includes a first portion bearing the path and a second portion bearing the spinning wheels.

11. The travel game as in claim 10, further comprising the step of connecting the first and second portions of the game board at a common folding edge allowing the game board to be selectively positionable between an open unfolded position for playing the game, and a closed and folded position for storing the game.

12. The travel game as in claim 10, wherein the first and second portions of the game board comprise a unitary, monolithic one-piece structure.

13. The travel game as in claim 1, further comprising the step of magnetizing the game so that the tokens are magnetically attracted to the game board.

14. A travel game comprising the method steps of:

providing at least a first player and a second player, and providing each respective player with a token;

providing a first random indicator and a second random indicator;

configuring the first random indicator so that it can select one condition from a plurality of conditions;

configuring the second random indicator so that it can select one criterion from a plurality of criteria;

allowing the players to alternate completing a turn; and wherein,

a turn includes

activating the first random indicator so that it selects a single condition;

activating the second random indicator so that it selects a single criterion;

visually scanning an environment to locate a single item within a that meets both the condition and the criterion.

15. The travel game as in claim 14, the turn further comprising the steps of:

providing a third random indicator so that it can select one instruction from a plurality of conditions;

activating the third random indicator to reveal an indicated instruction;

complying with the indicated instruction.

16. The travel game as in claim 14, further comprising the steps of

providing a fourth random indicator configured to select a single requirement from a plurality of requirements;

landing a player's token on a space designated to require the respective player to activate the fourth random indicator;

activating the fourth random indicator to reveal a single requirement;

complying, by the player, with the single requirement.

17. The travel game as in claim 16, wherein the requirements consist of a first subset of requirements and a second subset of requirements; and further including one of

moving the respective player's token to a first designated space on the path when the requirement is within the first subset; and,

moving the respective player's token to a second designated space on the path when the requirement is within the second subset.

18. The travel game as in claim 14, wherein the first and second random indicators comprise at least one of

a die, a spinning wheel, or an electronic selector.

19. A travel game comprising the method steps of:

providing at least a first player and a second player;

assigning a respective token to each respective player;

providing a first spinning wheel, a second spinning wheel, and a third spinning wheel;

dividing each of the first, second,and third spinning wheels into a plurality of wedges;

assigning a condition to each wedge of the first wheel;

assigning a criterion to each wedge of the second spinning wheel;

assigning an instruction to each wedge of the third spinning wheel;

allowing the players to alternate completing a turn; and wherein,

a turn includes

spinning the second spinning wheel having a plurality of criteria until it comes to rest upon a wedge corresponding to an indicated criterion; and one of the following steps:

i. after locating a single item that bears both the indicated criterion and the indicated condition, spinning the third spinning wheel so that it indicates a single instruction, then complying with the instruction; or

ii. concluding the turn after failing to locate a single item that bears both the indicated condition and the indicated criterion.

20. The travel game as in claim 19, further including the steps of:

designating at least one first preselected space on the path that requires a respective player to spin a fourth spinning wheel that randomly directs the respective token to one of a first space on the path or a second space on the path.