US20120200040A1 - Toy and promotional element - Google Patents
Toy and promotional element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120200040A1 US20120200040A1 US13/366,940 US201213366940A US2012200040A1 US 20120200040 A1 US20120200040 A1 US 20120200040A1 US 201213366940 A US201213366940 A US 201213366940A US 2012200040 A1 US2012200040 A1 US 2012200040A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- playing piece
- playing
- shell
- piece
- top shell
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/02—Shooting or hurling games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00697—Playing pieces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
- A63F3/00173—Characteristics of game boards, alone or in relation to supporting structures or playing piece
- A63F3/00261—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards
- A63F2003/00264—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards with rotatable or tiltable parts
- A63F2003/00268—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards with rotatable or tiltable parts about a vertical axis, e.g. a disc
- A63F2003/00277—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards with rotatable or tiltable parts about a vertical axis, e.g. a disc with rotatable concentric parts
- A63F2003/0028—Details of game boards, e.g. rotatable, slidable or replaceable parts, modular game boards, vertical game boards with rotatable or tiltable parts about a vertical axis, e.g. a disc with rotatable concentric parts with rotatable disc and rings in one plane
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/02—Shooting or hurling games
- A63F2009/0295—Tiddley winks type games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F7/00—Indoor games using small moving playing bodies, e.g. balls, discs or blocks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/34—Games using magnetically moved or magnetically held pieces, not provided for in other subgroups of group A63F9/00
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to the field of toys and promotions. More particularly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a discus-like collectible piece that can be used as a playing piece in a game.
- children created game competitions by using conventional items such as fruit or plant seeds, glass marbles, and the like.
- items or elements When these items or elements are decorated, children can create their own private collections, exchange the items with friends, win or lose them while playing competitive games, and/or utilize the items in a variety of other enjoyable ways.
- Toy games As the market of toy games is very dynamic, there is a need to continuously innovate and create new games based on new ideas.
- One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a collectible playing piece, where the playing piece is generally discus-like in shape and comprises a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell.
- Each of the shells may include an outer face, an inner face, and an attachment face, and the top and bottom shells can be removably attached at their attachment faces so as to form a circumferential edge of the playing piece.
- the playing piece is adapted to stably land on either its top shell or its bottom shell when flipped onto a surface as a result of force being exerted or applied directionally downward on the edge.
- inventions of the disclosure relate to method of playing a game, where the game includes a set of rules for playing the game, a playing surface, and a plurality of generally discus-shaped playing pieces.
- Each of the playing pieces used in playing the game may have a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell which, when attached, form a circumferential edge of the playing piece.
- the method of playing the game comprises the following steps: placing, on the playing surface, a first playing piece and a second playing piece, each playing piece being placed with its top shell facing upwards; arranging the first playing piece partially underneath the second playing piece such that a portion of the edge of the first playing piece remains unobstructed by the second playing piece; applying a downward force on the portion of the edge of the first playing piece that remains unobstructed to cause each of the first playing piece and the second playing piece to flip upwards into the air and land on the playing surface in one of two orientations: with the top shell facing upwards or with the top shell facing downwards; and determining an outcome based on the orientation in which each of the playing pieces landed on the playing surface.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collectible playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell according to an embodiment described herein.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and the outer face of the top shell facing downwards.
- FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the bottom shell separated from the top shell and the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards.
- FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell.
- FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing an attachment face of the top shell.
- FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing an attachment face and an attachment ring of the bottom shell.
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one shell of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing an alternate attachment mechanism according to another embodiment described herein.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and including the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the top shell attached to the bottom shell using the attachment mechanism of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and including a removable insert piece.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 1 , showing the top shell connected with the bottom shell and including the removable insert piece of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell, where the top shell contains an aperture according to another embodiment described herein.
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 5A , showing the top shell containing the aperture separated from the bottom shell.
- FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 5A , showing a small embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell and a virtual image of the small embodiment created near the aperture in the top shell.
- FIG. 5D is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece of FIG. 5C , showing a reflective coating plated on the inner faces of the top and bottom shells according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell according to another embodiment described herein.
- FIG. 6B is an elevation view of the playing piece of FIG. 6A , with the top shell containing an aperture according to another embodiment described herein.
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B , showing the inner face of the top shell and the attachment receptacles contained on the attachment face of the top shell.
- FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the top shell facing downwards.
- FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the top shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the top shell facing downwards and the attachment face containing one of attachment receptacles facing upwards.
- FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B , showing the inner face of the bottom shell and attachment pins protruding from the attachment face of the bottom shell, and also showing a holographic icon area protruding from the inner face of the bottom shell and visible through the aperture contained in the top shell.
- FIG. 8B is an elevation view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards and showing the attachment pins protruding from the attachment face of the bottom shell facing upwards.
- FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the bottom shell of the playing piece of FIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards and some of the attachment pins facing upwards, and also showing the holographic icon area protruding from the inner face of the bottom shell.
- FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a stack of collectible playing pieces according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 10 is an elevation view of two collectible playing pieces with an attracting force between them according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 11 is an elevation view of two collectible playing pieces with a repelling force between them according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a collectible playing piece including top shell, a bottom shell, and a removable connecting ring between the shells according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for playing a game using at least one playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a playing piece being flipped from a playing surface into a gaming console according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing two playing pieces being flipped from a playing surface and landing on one of their top or bottom shells according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a playing piece, showing an array of micro lenses or prisms contained along the outer surface of the top shell according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece of FIG. 16A , showing interlaced printing embodied along the outer surface of the top shell at the focal locus of the micro lenses of prisms according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an accessory device adapted for use with a playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 18 illustrates example dimensions for a top shell of the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 19 illustrates example dimensions for a bottom shell of the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 20 illustrates example dimensions for an insert piece that may be included in the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 21A is a top view of a collectible playing piece attached to a connecting frame element according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 21B is an elevation view of the playing piece attached to the connecting frame element of FIG. 21A according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 21C is a top view of a playing piece cluster including a plurality of playing pieces attached to connecting frame elements according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 21D is a pictorial representation of one example use of the playing piece cluster of FIG. 21C .
- FIG. 22A is a top view of a playing piece accessory that may be used with the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 22B is an elevation view of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 22A .
- FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 22B .
- FIG. 23A is an elevation view of another playing piece accessory that may be used with the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a component of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 23A .
- FIG. 23C is a front view of an arrangement of two components of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 23A .
- FIG. 23D is an elevation view of an arrangement of two components of the playing piece accessory of FIG. 23A .
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to playing pieces and various methods of playing games with such playing pieces. As will be described in greater detail herein, these playing pieces may also be considered collectibles (e.g., collectible items) that can be purchased, sold, traded, won or lost, displayed, and the like. It should be understood that although embodiments of the present disclosure are described using the term “playing pieces”, numerous other terms or phrases may also be used in addition to or instead of “playing pieces” without departing from the intended meaning of the term. For example, the “playing pieces” described herein may also be referred to as “game pieces”, “toy pieces”, “collectible items”, “collectibles”, etc. The term “playing pieces” is used entirely for illustrative and simplicity purposes, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example playing piece 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
- the playing piece 10 is generally discus-shaped and includes a top convex shell 20 and a bottom convex shell 30 .
- the top shell (e.g., upper shell, cover, lid, etc.) 20 may be removably connected to (e.g., joined with, attached to, secured to, etc.) the bottom shell (e.g., lower shell, base, etc.) 30 using any of a variety of attachment mechanisms.
- the top shell 20 may be secured to the bottom shell 30 using a full circumferential attachment ring or protrusion extending outwards from an attachment face (e.g., surface) of the bottom shell 30 (e.g., attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of the bottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2E , which will be described in greater detail herein).
- an attachment face e.g., surface
- attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of the bottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2E , which will be described in greater detail herein.
- top and bottom shells comprising the playing piece 10 may be connected using a combination of two half-circumferential attachment rings, one extending outwards from an attachment face of the top shell 20 and another extending outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell 30 (e.g., attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of each of the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3C , which are described in greater detail herein).
- the two shells comprising the playing piece may be secured using a set of attachment pins protruding outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell and a corresponding set of attachment receptacles contained on an attachment face of the top shell (e.g., attachment pins 51 protruding outwards from attachment face 54 of bottom shell 50 and corresponding attachment receptacles 41 contained on attachment face 44 of top shell 40 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 8A-8C and FIGS. 7A-7C , respectively, all which will be further described in detail herein).
- a set of attachment pins protruding outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell and a corresponding set of attachment receptacles contained on an attachment face of the top shell e.g., attachment pins 51 protruding outwards from attachment face 54 of bottom shell 50 and corresponding attachment receptacles 41 contained on attachment face 44 of top shell 40 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 8A-8C and FIGS. 7A-7C
- the playing piece 10 is adaptable for use as a game piece in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games, and can also be used in conjunction with numerous accessory devices configured to enhance the enjoyment and/or competitiveness of such games. Further details regarding some of the games in which the playing piece 10 may be used, as well as some of the accessory devices, are provided below.
- the top shell 20 , the bottom shell 30 , or both shells of the playing piece 10 may be decorated with a graphic design, image, logo, symbol, print pattern, etc., or any combination or variation thereof so as to render the playing piece 10 distinct among a plurality of other such playing pieces comprising, for example, a set or group of playing pieces.
- the top shell 20 and/or the bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 may be decorated with a design particular to only that playing piece 10 , where the playing piece 10 is part of a series of (e.g., 20 , 30 , 40 , etc.) playing pieces that may be collected by an individual.
- the design decorating the top shell 20 and/or bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 will not be found decorating the shells of any other playing piece belonging to the same series.
- the outer face or surface of one or both of the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 comprises an array of transparent micro lenses or prisms combined with interlaced printing, which together create an illusion of depth and/or animation to a user viewing the playing piece 10 .
- FIGS. 16A and 16B An example of such an embodiment of the playing piece is illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B .
- FIG. 16A provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece 10 , where the outer surface of the top shell 20 contains an array of transparent micro lenses (or prisms) 70 and interlaced printing 72 is embedded in the area within the lenses 70 .
- the outer surface of the bottom shell 30 may similarly contain the array of micro lenses 70 and interlaced printing 72 , and this may be in addition to or instead of the top shell 20 also containing such micro lenses and printing.
- FIG. 16B provides an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece of FIG. 16A , where the portion is indicated by a broken-line circle in FIG. 16A .
- FIG. 16B shows additional detail of the micro lenses 70 and the interlaced printing 72 .
- the interlaced printing 72 may be embodied or embedded at the focal locus of the micro lenses 70 , as represented by the broken-lines.
- the interlaced printing 72 may be comprised of linear strips presenting numerous images of a single object, thereby creating a virtual three-dimensional image that can be perceived by a user looking at the playing piece 10 .
- FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various features of one embodiment of the example playing piece shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 2A and 2B provide perspective views of a top shell 20 and a bottom shell 30 , respectively, of the playing piece 10 .
- Each of FIGS. 2A and 2B shows only one of the shells of the playing piece 10 , with the counterpart shell having been separated and removed for purposes of illustration.
- the top shell 20 includes an outer (external or outward-facing) face/surface 28 , an inner (internal or inward-facing) face/surface 26 , and an attachment face/surface 24 .
- the bottom shell 30 similarly includes an outer face/surface 38 , an inner face/surface 36 , and an attachment face/surface 34 . Additionally, in at least the embodiment shown in FIGS.
- the bottom shell 30 includes a circumferential attachment ring or protrusion 32 , which extends outwards (or upwards in the case where the bottom shell 30 is oriented as shown in FIG. 2B ) from the attachment face 34 of the bottom shell 30 .
- FIG. 2C provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece 10 , showing the top shell 20 separated from the bottom shell 30 .
- the arrows shown in FIG. 2C indicate the respective directions in which the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 connect or attach to form the playing piece 10 .
- the attachment ring 32 (which may also be referred to as the “attachment protrusion”) of the bottom shell 30 extends into the opening of the top shell 20 , thereby securing the two shells in place and forming the complete playing piece 10 .
- FIGS. 2D and 2E are enlarged cross-sectional elevation views of portions of the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 , respectively, of the playing piece 10 .
- FIG. 2D shows a portion of the attachment face 24 of the top shell 20
- FIG. 2E shows a portion of the attachment face 34 and the attachment ring 32 of the bottom shell 30 .
- FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate features of another embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 1 .
- the top and bottom shells of the playing piece e.g., the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 as shown in FIG. 1
- the top and bottom shells of the playing piece are of similar construction with regard to portions of an attachment mechanism included as part of each shell.
- certain features that are similar across the top and bottom shells of the playing piece are identified using similar reference numerals in FIGS. 3A-3C .
- FIG. 3A provides a perspective view of one of the shells of the playing piece 10 , where the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 each include a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 (which also may be referred to as a “half-circumferential attachment protrusion”) that extends half the distance around the circumference of the shell and outwards from an attachment face 37 of the shell.
- a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 which also may be referred to as a “half-circumferential attachment protrusion”
- FIGS. 3B and 3C the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 are joined in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 2C , but with each of the shells including the half-circumferential attachment ring 39 that extends into the other shell to securely hold the two shells in place to form the playing piece 10 .
- FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate features of another embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4A provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece 10 where the top shell 20 is separated from the bottom shell 30 , and a removable insert piece 35 is included between the two shells.
- the removable insert piece 35 may be generally elliptical in shape and have a diameter similar to the largest diameter of the playing piece 10 such that the insert piece 35 substantially spans across the space between the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 .
- the arrows shown in FIG. 4A indicate the respective directions in which the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 connect or attach to form the playing piece 10 .
- an attachment ring of each shell similar to the attachment ring 39 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and described above extends into the counterpart shell, and thereby secures the two shells in place to form the complete playing piece 10 .
- the removable insert piece 35 may be generally transparent or clear, such that the inner surface of each of the shells may be visible from an aperture contained in the opposite shell (e.g., aperture 27 contained in top shell 40 of the playing piece shown in FIG. 5A , which is described in greater detail below).
- the removable insert piece 35 may contain a reflective coating on each of its two larger surfaces (e.g., the surface of the insert piece 35 that faces the space inside the top shell and the surface that faces the space contained inside the bottom shell).
- the removable insert piece contains a reflective coating on each of its two main surfaces
- a viewer may see a reflection of an image contained on the inner face of the top shell, a reflection of an image contained on the inner face of the bottom shell, or a split-image reflection of both such images contained on the inner faces of the shells.
- FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various features of another embodiment of the example playing piece shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the playing piece 10 in which the top shell 20 includes an aperture 27 through which a user may view various optical effects and virtual images produced within the playing piece 10 .
- FIGS. 5B-5D show cross-sectional elevation views of the playing piece 10 illustrated in FIG. 5A to provide additional details regarding such optical effects and/or virtual images.
- the playing piece 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 5A may include an attachment mechanism similar to the attachment mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C and described above.
- the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 of the playing piece 10 may each include a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 that extends outward from an attachment face 37 of the shell, and that together hold the two shells securely in place to form the playing piece 10 .
- the inner face 26 of the top shell 20 and the inner face 36 of the bottom shell 30 may both be plated with a reflective coating 62 .
- a small embodiment 33 represented in FIG. 5C as solid ellipsoid and in FIG. 5D as a half-ellipsoid
- the embodiment 33 may reflect off (e.g., the reflective coating 62 plated on) the inner faces 26 and 36 of the top shell 20 and bottom shell 30 , respectively, thereby creating a virtual image 21 (represented in FIG.
- the embodiment 33 attached to the inner face 36 of the bottom shell 30 may be a small icon, graphical image, or the like.
- the reflection of the embodiment 33 off of the reflective inner faces of the top shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 is represented as broken lines in FIGS. 5C and 5D .
- FIG. 5D provides an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece as shown in FIG. 5C to illustrate additional detail regarding the reflective coating 62 and the creation of the virtual image 21 near the aperture 27 in the top shell 28 .
- the virtual image 21 of the embodiment 33 can be observed (e.g., by a user or viewer of the playing piece 10 ) near the aperture 27 of the top shell as though the virtual image 21 is floating in the space within the playing piece 10 and/or floating in the space slightly above the aperture 27 in the top shell 20 (e.g., in the space outside of the playing piece 10 ). Accordingly, depending on the location of the aperture 27 in the top shell 20 , the virtual image 21 may be observed as a three-dimensional virtual image floating above the playing piece 10 .
- the aperture 27 may be located at any of a variety of places in the top shell 20 of the playing piece 10 , and the aperture 27 may also differ in size across embodiments.
- the top shell 20 may include multiple apertures 27 located at different positions throughout the top shell 20 of the playing piece 10 so as to provide a user with a variety of optical effects.
- the aperture 27 may be centrally-located in the top shell 20 or may be asymmetrically off-center within the top shell 20 .
- One advantage of the aperture 27 being asymmetrically off-center in the top shell 20 is that such a configuration provides better visibility of a virtual image created when an icon is placed within the shells.
- Another advantage of the aperture being off-center is that more surface area is available on the outer face 28 of the top shell 20 for decorative purposes and uses.
- the playing piece 10 may include a transparent connecting ring configured to securely connect the top and bottom shells and enable additional light to enter the space between the two shells.
- a transparent connecting ring is shown in FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 12 provides an exploded perspective view of the playing piece, showing the top shell 20 containing aperture 27 , the bottom shell 30 , and a transparent connecting ring 60 between the two shells as described above.
- the transparent connecting ring 60 enhances the visibility of any icon or image contained on the inner face of the bottom shell 30 .
- the playing pieces 10 may be formed from any suitable material that provides the desired weight properties, and may have any suitable dimensions that enables the playing pieces 10 to be collected in a practical manner and/or used as game pieces in the variety of games described herein.
- the curvature of each playing piece 10 is selected so as to create a flipping effect when force is exerted downwards on the edge areas of the playing pieces. Force may be exerted by a user (e.g., a player or participant in a game involving the playing piece 10 ) or by application of an accessory device or mechanism.
- the curvature radius is generally about 42 millimeters. In any of the embodiments described herein, the radius of the curvature of the playing piece 10 should not exceed 70 millimeters or be smaller than 30 millimeters.
- the playing piece is comprised of a top shell containing an aperture (e.g., top shell 20 in the embodiment of the playing piece shown in FIG. 5A )
- the top shell may be of the dimensions provided in FIG. 18 .
- the bottom shell may be of the dimensions shown in FIG. 19 .
- the removable insert piece may be of the dimensions provided in FIG. 20 .
- FIGS. 18-20 are exemplary in nature, and that variations to these dimensions are contemplated within one or more of the embodiments described. As such, the illustrative dimensions shown in FIGS. 18-20 are not in any way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather are provided for purposes of example.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B provide elevation views of a playing piece according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
- the playing piece 10 comprises a top convex shell 40 and a bottom convex shell 50 , with each of the shells having incorporated into its structure an exterior flange (e.g., rim, lip, etc.) 48 a and 48 b .
- an exterior flange e.g., rim, lip, etc.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B when the top shell 40 and bottom shell 50 are brought together, the exterior flanges 48 a and 48 b form an extended edge around the circumference of the playing piece 10 .
- the circumferential edge formed by the flanges 48 a and 48 b of the top shell 40 and the bottom shell, respectively, allow the playing piece 10 to be more easily grasped, flipped, launched, rolled, etc. when being used in a variety of games.
- the version of the playing piece 10 shown in FIG. 6B includes an aperture 27 (not clearly illustrated in the view provided) in the top shell 40 and, in at least some embodiments, also contains a holographic icon area (not shown) located on the inner face of the lower shell 50 , as will be described below in relation to FIGS. 8A-8C .
- FIGS. 7A-7C and 8 A- 8 C provide various views of the top shell 40 and the bottom shell 50 of the embodiment of the playing piece 10 as shown in FIG. 6B .
- FIG. 7A provides a perspective view of the top shell 40 of the playing piece shown in FIG. 6B , where the top shell 40 is oriented with its outer surface facing downwards and hidden from view.
- the top shell 40 includes aperture 27 , flange 48 a , attachment face (e.g., surface) 44 , and a plurality of attachment receptacles 41 contained on the attachment face 44 . Additional details about each of these features of the top shell 40 are shown in FIG. 7B , which provides an elevation view of the top shell 40 , and FIG. 7C , which provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the top shell 40 .
- FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of the bottom shell 50 of the playing piece shown in FIG. 6B , where the bottom shell 50 is oriented with its outer surface facing downwards and hidden from view.
- the bottom shell 50 includes flange 48 b , attachment face (e.g., surface) 54 , and a plurality of attachment pins 51 contained on the attachment face 54 and protruding outwards from the bottom shell 50 .
- the bottom shell 50 also includes a holographic icon area 55 , which may be adapted to provide a holographic image visible to a viewer through the aperture 27 included in the top shell 40 . Additional details about each of these features of the bottom shell 50 are shown in FIG. 8B , which provides an elevation view of the bottom shell 50 , and FIG. 8C , which provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the bottom shell 50 .
- the playing piece (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 , 5 A, 6 A, 6 B, 12 , etc.) may be balanced between the top shell and the bottom shell, and each of the top shell and the bottom shell may be balanced around its respective axis such that the playing piece is uniformly balanced at its center.
- playing piece being balanced this manner is that multiple playing pieces can be stacked one on top of the other so as to form a stack of playing pieces.
- FIG. 9 An example of such a stack of playing pieces is shown in FIG. 9 , where playing pieces 10 a , 10 b , 10 c , and 10 d are shown stacked one on top of the other.
- the playing piece may include one or more magnets, magnetic pieces, and/or magnetized components or materials.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate example playing pieces 10 a and 10 b , where each of the playing pieces 10 a and 10 b includes some type of magnet or variation thereof.
- FIG. 10 shows the playing pieces 10 a and 10 b being pulled towards each other by an attracting (magnetic) force
- FIG. 11 shows the playing pieces 10 a and 10 b being pushed apart from each other by a repelling (magnetic) force.
- the magnets may be contained or positioned in the top shell, the bottom shell, or both shells (either separate magnets in each shell or one or more magnets spanning both shells) of each of the playing pieces 10 a and 10 b.
- the playing pieces may also be used as game pieces in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games. While some of these games are primarily based on using manual force to flip the playing piece up off of a playing surface and having the playing piece land back down on the playing surface in one of two orientations (e.g., with the top shell facing downwards or the bottom shell facing downwards), certain other games include the use of one or more accessory devices or components.
- the playing pieces may be flipped from a playing surface towards a specific target or into a selected container or other designated area using a handheld launching, flipping, shooting or rolling device, or any other similar such propulsion device suitable for use in the particular game and with the playing pieces.
- FIGS. 14 and 17 illustrate two examples of such accessory devices and components.
- FIG. 14 shows a playing piece arena or stage 70 , which may be adapted to receive one or more playing pieces flipped from a playing surface (e.g., by a player involved in a game being played).
- the arena 70 includes a target receptacle 75 (e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.) into which participants can attempt to flip their playing pieces during a game.
- a target receptacle 75 e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.
- FIG. 17 provides a perspective view of a playing piece launcher 80 .
- the launcher 80 includes a launch pad 85 upon which a playing piece may be placed prior to being launched.
- the launch pad 85 may include a dimple or divot adapted to provide greater steadiness to a playing piece that is going to be launched using the launcher 80 .
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of playing a game using at least one playing piece (e.g., the example playing piece 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1 , 5 A, 6 A, 6 B, 12 , etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the game illustrated in FIG. 13 and described in detail below is exemplary in nature and is not in any way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Instead, numerous other similar games or variations thereof may also be played using one or more of the playing pieces described herein in addition to or instead of the game shown.
- FIG. 15 shows two playing pieces 10 A and 10 B arranged on a playing surface 15 being flipped upwards into the air as a result of a downward force being applied or exerted to an edge of playing piece 10 A.
- the downward force may be applied to the edge or rim formed by exterior flanges 48 a and 48 b of the top shell 40 and bottom shell 50 , respectively. It should be noted that the downward force may be applied or exerted by a player or by application of an accessory device or mechanism.
- FIG. 15 also illustrates an example trajectory and landing orientation of each of the playing pieces 10 A and 10 B.
- the trajectory of playing piece 10 A is represented as a series of broken-line playing pieces following the indicated path of travel for playing piece 10 A.
- the trajectory of playing piece 10 B is represented as a series of broken-line playing pieces following the indicated path of travel for playing piece 10 B.
- the game playing method of FIG. 13 starts at step 1300 with two players (indicated in FIG. 13 as “Player 1 ” and “Player 2 ”) each selecting a playing piece. For example, referring to FIG. 15 , Player 1 may select playing piece 10 A and Player 2 may select playing piece 10 B.
- step 1305 the two playing pieces are placed on the playing surface 15 with their top shells 20 facing upwards.
- Player 1 moves her playing piece 10 A slightly underneath Player 2 's playing piece 10 B.
- step 1310 may be performed such that playing pieces 10 A and 10 B are in the arrangement shown in FIG. 15 , where playing piece 10 B is stacked on top of playing piece 10 A.
- playing pieces 10 A and 10 B may be arranged in a slightly different manner than that shown in FIG. 15 when performing step 1310 .
- Player 1 exerts a downward force on the (unobstructed) edge of playing piece 10 A in a manner that causes both of the playing pieces to flip upwards off of the playing surface 15 and into the air.
- the downward force may be exerted or applied by Player 1 using her hand(s) or by application of one or more accessories or devices (e.g., a hammer-like device designed for use with the playing pieces).
- step 1320 a determination is made as to whether Player 2 's playing piece 10 B landed back down on the playing surface 15 in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10 B is facing downwards. If the top shell 20 of playing piece 10 B is facing downwards in step 1320 , then in step 1325 it is determined whether Player 1 's playing piece 10 A landed back down on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10 A is also facing downwards.
- step 1325 If it is found in step 1325 that Player 1 's playing piece 10 A also landed on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10 A is facing downwards, then the process moves to step 1345 where Player 1 's turn is over and Player 2 takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320 .
- step 1330 Player 1 receives 1 point and continues with her turn as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320 .
- step 1320 If in step 1320 it is determined that the top shell 20 of Player 2 's playing piece 10 B is not facing downwards, then the process goes to step 1335 , where it is determined whether Player 1 's playing piece 10 A landed on the playing surface in an orientation where the top shell 20 of playing piece 10 A is facing downwards. If the top shell 20 of playing piece 10 A is found to be facing downwards in step 1330 , then in step 1340 Player 1 's turn ends and Player 2 receives 1 point and also takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320 .
- step 1325 or step 1335 it is found that Player 1 's playing piece 10 A and Player 2 's playing piece 10 B both landed with their top shells 20 facing upwards (“yes” in step 1335 ) or both landed with their top shells 20 facing downwards (“yes” in step 1325 ), then the game moves to step 1345 where Player 1 's turn ends and Player 2 takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect to steps 1305 through 1320 .
- step 1350 in which the first player to receive 3 consecutive points during a given turn wins the round and receives the other player's playing piece.
- Various alternatives may be used to determine which player wins the round in addition to or instead of the first player to receive 3 points consecutively during a turn.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative arrangement for playing a game using one or more playing pieces (e.g., one or more of the example playing pieces 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1 , 5 A, 6 A, 6 B, 12 , etc.) of the present disclosure.
- the example arrangement shown in FIG. 14 includes an accessory device that may be used as a component of a game played using such an arrangement.
- this accessory device is a playing piece arena or stage 70 , which may be adapted to receive one or more playing pieces 10 flipped (e.g., by a player involved in the game) from the playing surface 15 .
- the arena 70 may include a target receptacle 75 (e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.) into which participants attempt to flip their playing piece 10 .
- a target receptacle 75 e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.
- the arena 70 may include a plurality of such target receptacles 75 , of similar or varying size, a deflector piece or pad adapted to deflect the playing piece 10 in the direction of the target receptacle 75 , and/or a variety of other such features that enhance the enjoyment, competitiveness, or skill level involved when playing a game using the arena 70 .
- an additional hook or loop may be added to a playing piece (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in FIG. 1 ) to create a key-chain or a charm for a bracelet or a necklace.
- Such promotional items can be created so as to have any of the various optical effects and/or visual illusions described in the above embodiments of the playing piece.
- promotional slogans may be created by decorating the external surfaces of the playing piece or creating a hidden image on one or more of the internal surfaces, which results in a virtual image being produced.
- the top and bottom shells can be detached (e.g., disconnected) from each other so as to enable easy access to the inner space.
- various features of the playing piece may be changed or altered to provide new characteristics to the playing piece.
- the shells of the playing piece may be detached in order to replace a hidden internal image or, in some embodiments, to hide a small item such as a candy or a toy icon.
- At least some of the embodiments of the playing piece described above can be produced by injecting one or more plastic shells and connecting them together using ultrasonic welding or other connecting means.
- the inner space of the playing piece can be filled with, for example, foamed compound or the like, without affecting the weight of the playing piece.
- a variety of techniques may be utilized for decorating the external and/or internal surfaces of the shells comprising the playing piece.
- the surfaces of the playing piece may be decorated using Tampon printing, engraving, embossing, labeling, as well as other techniques known by those skilled in the art.
- FIGS. 21A-21D provide various views of a connecting frame element that may be used in conjunction with one or more of the embodiments of the playing piece described herein (e.g., playing piece 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1 , 5 A, 6 A, 6 B, 12 , etc.).
- FIG. 21A provides a top view of the playing piece 10 inserted into the connecting frame element 85 .
- the playing piece 10 may be clipped or snapped into the frame element 85 , turned (e.g., wound or screwed) into the connecting frame element 85 , or otherwise inserted into the frame element 85 in a manner such that the playing piece 10 is secured in place.
- each of the connecting frame elements 85 may be connected to one another in a suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. Additional details of the playing piece 10 inserted into the connecting frame element 85 are shown in the cross-sectional elevation view of FIG. 21B .
- connecting frame elements 85 may be used to create a playing piece cluster 88 comprising a plurality of the playing pieces 10 .
- the playing piece cluster 88 which may be a group, string, or other arrangement of the playing pieces 10 may be formed by connecting together corresponding connecting frame elements 85 containing the playing pieces.
- a user e.g., a child
- FIGS. 22A-22C and 23 A- 23 D show various views of two optional accessory items or devices that may be used with one or more of the various embodiments of the playing piece described herein (e.g., one or more of the playing piece 10 as shown in for example, FIGS. 1 , 5 A, 6 A, 6 B, 12 , etc.).
- FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate a playing piece arena 90 that includes a variety of components that can be used to play a number of different games with the playing pieces 10 .
- the arena 90 includes playing piece slots 92 , which are formed in the general shape of the playing piece 10 to securely hold the playing piece in place, one or more ramps 94 , a landing area 98 , and a target bowl 96 .
- FIG. 22B provides an elevation view of the playing piece arena 90 , and shows how the playing pieces 10 may sit in the playing piece seats 92 oriented around the circumference of the arena 90 .
- FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the arena 90 , where the portion is indicated as “cross-section A” in FIG. 22B .
- the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 22C provides additional details of the landing area 98 and also further illustrates how the playing piece 10 sits in the playing piece seat 92 .
- FIGS. 23A-23D illustrate various views of a playing piece stadium 100 comprised of a top or upper bowl 105 and a bottom bowl 110 .
- the bottom bowl 110 may sit in a base 115
- the top bowl 105 may include a removable playing surface 120 .
- the removable playing surface 120 may include a center area 125 made of an elastic or similar material suitable for a playing piece to bounce or reflect off of.
- the collectability of the playing pieces may be enhanced by incorporating rarity aspects.
- rarity relates to the limited distribution or availability of certain variations of the playing pieces. For example, playing pieces having a particular design (e.g., promotional logo, fictional character or personality, etc.) or including one or more additional features or enhancements as compared with other similar playing pieces, may be made more desirable by limiting their availability.
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Abstract
Collectible playing pieces and methods of playing games with such collectible pieces are provided. The playing piece is generally discus-shaped and includes a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell. The top shell may be connected or attached to the bottom shell using any of a variety of attachment mechanisms. The top shell, the bottom shell, or both shells of the playing piece may be decorated with a graphic design, image, logo, symbol, print pattern, etc., so as to render the playing piece distinct among a plurality of other such playing pieces comprising, for example, a set or group of playing pieces. The playing piece can be manually flipped into the air during a game so as to land on a playing surface in one or more orientations.
Description
- The present application claims priority to Patent Application No. 211112 filed in Israel on Feb. 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to the field of toys and promotions. More particularly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a discus-like collectible piece that can be used as a playing piece in a game.
- At one time, children created game competitions by using conventional items such as fruit or plant seeds, glass marbles, and the like. When these items or elements are decorated, children can create their own private collections, exchange the items with friends, win or lose them while playing competitive games, and/or utilize the items in a variety of other enjoyable ways. As the market of toy games is very dynamic, there is a need to continuously innovate and create new games based on new ideas.
- This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in a simplified form in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This Summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. This Summary merely presents some of the concepts of the disclosure as a prelude to the Detailed Description provided below.
- One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a collectible playing piece, where the playing piece is generally discus-like in shape and comprises a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell. Each of the shells may include an outer face, an inner face, and an attachment face, and the top and bottom shells can be removably attached at their attachment faces so as to form a circumferential edge of the playing piece. Additionally, the playing piece is adapted to stably land on either its top shell or its bottom shell when flipped onto a surface as a result of force being exerted or applied directionally downward on the edge.
- Other embodiments of the disclosure relate to method of playing a game, where the game includes a set of rules for playing the game, a playing surface, and a plurality of generally discus-shaped playing pieces. Each of the playing pieces used in playing the game may have a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell which, when attached, form a circumferential edge of the playing piece. The method of playing the game comprises the following steps: placing, on the playing surface, a first playing piece and a second playing piece, each playing piece being placed with its top shell facing upwards; arranging the first playing piece partially underneath the second playing piece such that a portion of the edge of the first playing piece remains unobstructed by the second playing piece; applying a downward force on the portion of the edge of the first playing piece that remains unobstructed to cause each of the first playing piece and the second playing piece to flip upwards into the air and land on the playing surface in one of two orientations: with the top shell facing upwards or with the top shell facing downwards; and determining an outcome based on the orientation in which each of the playing pieces landed on the playing surface.
- Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the Detailed Description given below. However, it should be understood that the Detailed Description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this Detailed Description.
- These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a study of the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collectible playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell according to an embodiment described herein. -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the top shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and the outer face of the top shell facing downwards. -
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bottom shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the bottom shell separated from the top shell and the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards. -
FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell. -
FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the top shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing an attachment face of the top shell. -
FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the bottom shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing an attachment face and an attachment ring of the bottom shell. -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing an alternate attachment mechanism according to another embodiment described herein. -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and including the attachment mechanism ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the top shell attached to the bottom shell using the attachment mechanism ofFIG. 3A . -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the top shell separated from the bottom shell and including a removable insert piece. -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 1 , showing the top shell connected with the bottom shell and including the removable insert piece ofFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell, where the top shell contains an aperture according to another embodiment described herein. -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 5A , showing the top shell containing the aperture separated from the bottom shell. -
FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 5A , showing a small embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell and a virtual image of the small embodiment created near the aperture in the top shell. -
FIG. 5D is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece ofFIG. 5C , showing a reflective coating plated on the inner faces of the top and bottom shells according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a playing piece including a top shell and a bottom shell according to another embodiment described herein. -
FIG. 6B is an elevation view of the playing piece ofFIG. 6A , with the top shell containing an aperture according to another embodiment described herein. -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the top shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 6B , showing the inner face of the top shell and the attachment receptacles contained on the attachment face of the top shell. -
FIG. 7B is an elevation view of the top shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the top shell facing downwards. -
FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the top shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the top shell facing downwards and the attachment face containing one of attachment receptacles facing upwards. -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the bottom shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 6B , showing the inner face of the bottom shell and attachment pins protruding from the attachment face of the bottom shell, and also showing a holographic icon area protruding from the inner face of the bottom shell and visible through the aperture contained in the top shell. -
FIG. 8B is an elevation view of the bottom shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards and showing the attachment pins protruding from the attachment face of the bottom shell facing upwards. -
FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional elevation view of the bottom shell of the playing piece ofFIG. 6B , showing the outer face of the bottom shell facing downwards and some of the attachment pins facing upwards, and also showing the holographic icon area protruding from the inner face of the bottom shell. -
FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a stack of collectible playing pieces according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 10 is an elevation view of two collectible playing pieces with an attracting force between them according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 11 is an elevation view of two collectible playing pieces with a repelling force between them according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a collectible playing piece including top shell, a bottom shell, and a removable connecting ring between the shells according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for playing a game using at least one playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a playing piece being flipped from a playing surface into a gaming console according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing two playing pieces being flipped from a playing surface and landing on one of their top or bottom shells according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a playing piece, showing an array of micro lenses or prisms contained along the outer surface of the top shell according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 16B is an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece ofFIG. 16A , showing interlaced printing embodied along the outer surface of the top shell at the focal locus of the micro lenses of prisms according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an accessory device adapted for use with a playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 18 illustrates example dimensions for a top shell of the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 19 illustrates example dimensions for a bottom shell of the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 20 illustrates example dimensions for an insert piece that may be included in the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 21A is a top view of a collectible playing piece attached to a connecting frame element according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 21B is an elevation view of the playing piece attached to the connecting frame element ofFIG. 21A according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 21C is a top view of a playing piece cluster including a plurality of playing pieces attached to connecting frame elements according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 21D is a pictorial representation of one example use of the playing piece cluster ofFIG. 21C . -
FIG. 22A is a top view of a playing piece accessory that may be used with the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 22B is an elevation view of the playing piece accessory ofFIG. 22A . -
FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece accessory ofFIG. 22B . -
FIG. 23A is an elevation view of another playing piece accessory that may be used with the playing piece according to one or more embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a component of the playing piece accessory ofFIG. 23A . -
FIG. 23C is a front view of an arrangement of two components of the playing piece accessory ofFIG. 23A . -
FIG. 23D is an elevation view of an arrangement of two components of the playing piece accessory ofFIG. 23A . - The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.
- In the drawings, the same reference numerals and any acronyms identify elements or acts with the same or similar structure or functionality for ease of understanding and convenience. The drawings will be described in detail in the course of the following Detailed Description.
- Various examples of the invention will now be described. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the invention may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the invention can include many other obvious features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to playing pieces and various methods of playing games with such playing pieces. As will be described in greater detail herein, these playing pieces may also be considered collectibles (e.g., collectible items) that can be purchased, sold, traded, won or lost, displayed, and the like. It should be understood that although embodiments of the present disclosure are described using the term “playing pieces”, numerous other terms or phrases may also be used in addition to or instead of “playing pieces” without departing from the intended meaning of the term. For example, the “playing pieces” described herein may also be referred to as “game pieces”, “toy pieces”, “collectible items”, “collectibles”, etc. The term “playing pieces” is used entirely for illustrative and simplicity purposes, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
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FIG. 1 illustrates anexample playing piece 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the playingpiece 10 is generally discus-shaped and includes a topconvex shell 20 and a bottomconvex shell 30. The top shell (e.g., upper shell, cover, lid, etc.) 20 may be removably connected to (e.g., joined with, attached to, secured to, etc.) the bottom shell (e.g., lower shell, base, etc.) 30 using any of a variety of attachment mechanisms. - In one example, the
top shell 20 may be secured to thebottom shell 30 using a full circumferential attachment ring or protrusion extending outwards from an attachment face (e.g., surface) of the bottom shell 30 (e.g.,attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of thebottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 2A-2E , which will be described in greater detail herein). In another example, the top and bottom shells comprising the playingpiece 10 may be connected using a combination of two half-circumferential attachment rings, one extending outwards from an attachment face of thetop shell 20 and another extending outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell 30 (e.g.,attachment ring 32 extending outwards from attachment face 34 of each of thetop shell 20 andbottom shell 30 as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 3A-3C , which are described in greater detail herein). - In yet another example, the two shells comprising the playing piece may be secured using a set of attachment pins protruding outwards from an attachment face of the bottom shell and a corresponding set of attachment receptacles contained on an attachment face of the top shell (e.g., attachment pins 51 protruding outwards from attachment face 54 of
bottom shell 50 andcorresponding attachment receptacles 41 contained onattachment face 44 oftop shell 40 as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 8A-8C andFIGS. 7A-7C , respectively, all which will be further described in detail herein). - In addition to being a collectible item, the playing
piece 10 is adaptable for use as a game piece in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games, and can also be used in conjunction with numerous accessory devices configured to enhance the enjoyment and/or competitiveness of such games. Further details regarding some of the games in which theplaying piece 10 may be used, as well as some of the accessory devices, are provided below. - According to embodiments described herein, the
top shell 20, thebottom shell 30, or both shells of the playingpiece 10 may be decorated with a graphic design, image, logo, symbol, print pattern, etc., or any combination or variation thereof so as to render theplaying piece 10 distinct among a plurality of other such playing pieces comprising, for example, a set or group of playing pieces. For example, thetop shell 20 and/or thebottom shell 30 of the playingpiece 10 may be decorated with a design particular to only that playingpiece 10, where the playingpiece 10 is part of a series of (e.g., 20, 30, 40, etc.) playing pieces that may be collected by an individual. In such a scenario, the design decorating thetop shell 20 and/orbottom shell 30 of the playingpiece 10 will not be found decorating the shells of any other playing piece belonging to the same series. - In at least one embodiment, the outer face or surface of one or both of the
top shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 comprises an array of transparent micro lenses or prisms combined with interlaced printing, which together create an illusion of depth and/or animation to a user viewing theplaying piece 10. An example of such an embodiment of the playing piece is illustrated inFIGS. 16A and 16B .FIG. 16A provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playingpiece 10, where the outer surface of thetop shell 20 contains an array of transparent micro lenses (or prisms) 70 and interlacedprinting 72 is embedded in the area within thelenses 70. As described above, in another embodiment the outer surface of thebottom shell 30 may similarly contain the array ofmicro lenses 70 and interlacedprinting 72, and this may be in addition to or instead of thetop shell 20 also containing such micro lenses and printing. -
FIG. 16B provides an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece ofFIG. 16A , where the portion is indicated by a broken-line circle inFIG. 16A .FIG. 16B shows additional detail of themicro lenses 70 and the interlacedprinting 72. In an embodiment of the playing piece such as that shown inFIG. 16B , the interlacedprinting 72 may be embodied or embedded at the focal locus of themicro lenses 70, as represented by the broken-lines. Furthermore, the interlacedprinting 72 may be comprised of linear strips presenting numerous images of a single object, thereby creating a virtual three-dimensional image that can be perceived by a user looking at the playingpiece 10. -
FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate various features of one embodiment of the example playing piece shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 2A and 2B provide perspective views of atop shell 20 and abottom shell 30, respectively, of the playingpiece 10. Each ofFIGS. 2A and 2B shows only one of the shells of the playingpiece 10, with the counterpart shell having been separated and removed for purposes of illustration. As shown inFIG. 2A , thetop shell 20 includes an outer (external or outward-facing) face/surface 28, an inner (internal or inward-facing) face/surface 26, and an attachment face/surface 24. As illustrated inFIG. 2B , thebottom shell 30 similarly includes an outer face/surface 38, an inner face/surface 36, and an attachment face/surface 34. Additionally, in at least the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A-2E , thebottom shell 30 includes a circumferential attachment ring orprotrusion 32, which extends outwards (or upwards in the case where thebottom shell 30 is oriented as shown inFIG. 2B ) from theattachment face 34 of thebottom shell 30. -
FIG. 2C provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playingpiece 10, showing thetop shell 20 separated from thebottom shell 30. The arrows shown inFIG. 2C indicate the respective directions in which thetop shell 20 andbottom shell 30 connect or attach to form the playingpiece 10. When thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 are brought together in the direction indicated by the arrows, the attachment ring 32 (which may also be referred to as the “attachment protrusion”) of thebottom shell 30 extends into the opening of thetop shell 20, thereby securing the two shells in place and forming thecomplete playing piece 10. -
FIGS. 2D and 2E are enlarged cross-sectional elevation views of portions of thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30, respectively, of the playingpiece 10. In particular,FIG. 2D shows a portion of theattachment face 24 of thetop shell 20 andFIG. 2E shows a portion of theattachment face 34 and theattachment ring 32 of thebottom shell 30. -
FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate features of another embodiment of the playing piece shown inFIG. 1 . According to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3A-3C , the top and bottom shells of the playing piece (e.g., thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 of the playingpiece 10 as shown inFIG. 1 ) are of similar construction with regard to portions of an attachment mechanism included as part of each shell. As such, certain features that are similar across the top and bottom shells of the playing piece are identified using similar reference numerals inFIGS. 3A-3C . -
FIG. 3A provides a perspective view of one of the shells of the playingpiece 10, where thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 each include a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 (which also may be referred to as a “half-circumferential attachment protrusion”) that extends half the distance around the circumference of the shell and outwards from anattachment face 37 of the shell. As shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C , thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 are joined in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 2C , but with each of the shells including the half-circumferential attachment ring 39 that extends into the other shell to securely hold the two shells in place to form the playingpiece 10. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate features of another embodiment of the playing piece shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 4A provides a cross-sectional elevation view of the playingpiece 10 where thetop shell 20 is separated from thebottom shell 30, and aremovable insert piece 35 is included between the two shells. According to at least one embodiment, theremovable insert piece 35 may be generally elliptical in shape and have a diameter similar to the largest diameter of the playingpiece 10 such that theinsert piece 35 substantially spans across the space between thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30. The arrows shown inFIG. 4A indicate the respective directions in which thetop shell 20 andbottom shell 30 connect or attach to form the playingpiece 10. When thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 are brought together in the direction indicated by the arrows, an attachment ring of each shell similar to theattachment ring 39 shown inFIGS. 3A-3C and described above extends into the counterpart shell, and thereby secures the two shells in place to form thecomplete playing piece 10. - In at least one embodiment, the
removable insert piece 35 may be generally transparent or clear, such that the inner surface of each of the shells may be visible from an aperture contained in the opposite shell (e.g.,aperture 27 contained intop shell 40 of the playing piece shown inFIG. 5A , which is described in greater detail below). In another embodiment, theremovable insert piece 35 may contain a reflective coating on each of its two larger surfaces (e.g., the surface of theinsert piece 35 that faces the space inside the top shell and the surface that faces the space contained inside the bottom shell). In such an embodiment where the removable insert piece contains a reflective coating on each of its two main surfaces, a viewer may see a reflection of an image contained on the inner face of the top shell, a reflection of an image contained on the inner face of the bottom shell, or a split-image reflection of both such images contained on the inner faces of the shells. -
FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate various features of another embodiment of the example playing piece shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the playingpiece 10 in which thetop shell 20 includes anaperture 27 through which a user may view various optical effects and virtual images produced within the playingpiece 10.FIGS. 5B-5D show cross-sectional elevation views of the playingpiece 10 illustrated inFIG. 5A to provide additional details regarding such optical effects and/or virtual images. As shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C , the playingpiece 10 according to the embodiment ofFIG. 5A may include an attachment mechanism similar to the attachment mechanism illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3C and described above. For example, thetop shell 20 and thebottom shell 30 of the playingpiece 10 may each include a half-circumferential attachment ring 39 that extends outward from anattachment face 37 of the shell, and that together hold the two shells securely in place to form the playingpiece 10. - Referring to the views of the playing
piece 10 shown inFIGS. 5C and 5D , in accordance with at least one embodiment, theinner face 26 of thetop shell 20 and theinner face 36 of thebottom shell 30 may both be plated with areflective coating 62. When a small embodiment 33 (represented inFIG. 5C as solid ellipsoid and inFIG. 5D as a half-ellipsoid) is attached to (e.g., securely placed on, inserted on, etc.) the reflectiveinner face 36 of thebottom shell 30, theembodiment 33 may reflect off (e.g., thereflective coating 62 plated on) the inner faces 26 and 36 of thetop shell 20 andbottom shell 30, respectively, thereby creating a virtual image 21 (represented inFIG. 5C as an empty ellipsoid and inFIG. 5D as an empty half-ellipsoid) near the aperture of thetop shell 20. In different arrangements, theembodiment 33 attached to theinner face 36 of thebottom shell 30 may be a small icon, graphical image, or the like. The reflection of theembodiment 33 off of the reflective inner faces of thetop shell 20 and the bottom shell 30 (e.g., inner faces 26 and 36 plated with reflective coating 62) is represented as broken lines inFIGS. 5C and 5D . -
FIG. 5D provides an enlarged cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the playing piece as shown inFIG. 5C to illustrate additional detail regarding thereflective coating 62 and the creation of thevirtual image 21 near theaperture 27 in thetop shell 28. Thevirtual image 21 of theembodiment 33 can be observed (e.g., by a user or viewer of the playing piece 10) near theaperture 27 of the top shell as though thevirtual image 21 is floating in the space within the playingpiece 10 and/or floating in the space slightly above theaperture 27 in the top shell 20 (e.g., in the space outside of the playing piece 10). Accordingly, depending on the location of theaperture 27 in thetop shell 20, thevirtual image 21 may be observed as a three-dimensional virtual image floating above the playingpiece 10. - In different embodiments, the
aperture 27 may be located at any of a variety of places in thetop shell 20 of the playingpiece 10, and theaperture 27 may also differ in size across embodiments. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment thetop shell 20 may includemultiple apertures 27 located at different positions throughout thetop shell 20 of the playingpiece 10 so as to provide a user with a variety of optical effects. For example, theaperture 27 may be centrally-located in thetop shell 20 or may be asymmetrically off-center within thetop shell 20. One advantage of theaperture 27 being asymmetrically off-center in thetop shell 20 is that such a configuration provides better visibility of a virtual image created when an icon is placed within the shells. Another advantage of the aperture being off-center is that more surface area is available on theouter face 28 of thetop shell 20 for decorative purposes and uses. - Additionally, in at least one embodiment of the playing piece shown in
FIG. 5A , the playingpiece 10 may include a transparent connecting ring configured to securely connect the top and bottom shells and enable additional light to enter the space between the two shells. An example of such a transparent connecting ring is shown inFIG. 12 . In particular,FIG. 12 provides an exploded perspective view of the playing piece, showing thetop shell 20 containingaperture 27, thebottom shell 30, and a transparent connectingring 60 between the two shells as described above. Among other advantages, the transparent connectingring 60 enhances the visibility of any icon or image contained on the inner face of thebottom shell 30. - The playing
pieces 10 may be formed from any suitable material that provides the desired weight properties, and may have any suitable dimensions that enables the playingpieces 10 to be collected in a practical manner and/or used as game pieces in the variety of games described herein. The curvature of each playingpiece 10 is selected so as to create a flipping effect when force is exerted downwards on the edge areas of the playing pieces. Force may be exerted by a user (e.g., a player or participant in a game involving the playing piece 10) or by application of an accessory device or mechanism. In an embodiment where the playingpiece 10 has a diameter of about 50 millimeters, the curvature radius is generally about 42 millimeters. In any of the embodiments described herein, the radius of the curvature of the playingpiece 10 should not exceed 70 millimeters or be smaller than 30 millimeters. - In at least some of the embodiments in which the playing piece is comprised of a top shell containing an aperture (e.g.,
top shell 20 in the embodiment of the playing piece shown inFIG. 5A ), the top shell may be of the dimensions provided inFIG. 18 . - Additionally, in some embodiments of the playing piece described herein, the bottom shell may be of the dimensions shown in
FIG. 19 . - Further, in embodiments of the playing piece in which a removable insert piece (e.g.,
removable insert piece 35 as shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B ) is included, the removable insert piece may be of the dimensions provided inFIG. 20 . - It should be understood that the dimensions for various components of the playing piece provided in
FIGS. 18-20 are exemplary in nature, and that variations to these dimensions are contemplated within one or more of the embodiments described. As such, the illustrative dimensions shown inFIGS. 18-20 are not in any way intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but rather are provided for purposes of example. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B provide elevation views of a playing piece according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The playingpiece 10 comprises a topconvex shell 40 and a bottomconvex shell 50, with each of the shells having incorporated into its structure an exterior flange (e.g., rim, lip, etc.) 48 a and 48 b. As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B , when thetop shell 40 andbottom shell 50 are brought together, theexterior flanges piece 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the circumferential edge formed by theflanges top shell 40 and the bottom shell, respectively, allow theplaying piece 10 to be more easily grasped, flipped, launched, rolled, etc. when being used in a variety of games. The version of the playingpiece 10 shown inFIG. 6B includes an aperture 27 (not clearly illustrated in the view provided) in thetop shell 40 and, in at least some embodiments, also contains a holographic icon area (not shown) located on the inner face of thelower shell 50, as will be described below in relation toFIGS. 8A-8C . -
FIGS. 7A-7C and 8A-8C provide various views of thetop shell 40 and thebottom shell 50 of the embodiment of the playingpiece 10 as shown inFIG. 6B . -
FIG. 7A provides a perspective view of thetop shell 40 of the playing piece shown inFIG. 6B , where thetop shell 40 is oriented with its outer surface facing downwards and hidden from view. As shown inFIG. 7A , thetop shell 40 includesaperture 27,flange 48 a, attachment face (e.g., surface) 44, and a plurality ofattachment receptacles 41 contained on theattachment face 44. Additional details about each of these features of thetop shell 40 are shown inFIG. 7B , which provides an elevation view of thetop shell 40, andFIG. 7C , which provides a cross-sectional elevation view of thetop shell 40. -
FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of thebottom shell 50 of the playing piece shown inFIG. 6B , where thebottom shell 50 is oriented with its outer surface facing downwards and hidden from view. As shown inFIG. 8A , thebottom shell 50 includesflange 48 b, attachment face (e.g., surface) 54, and a plurality of attachment pins 51 contained on theattachment face 54 and protruding outwards from thebottom shell 50. In at least the embodiment shown inFIG. 8A , thebottom shell 50 also includes aholographic icon area 55, which may be adapted to provide a holographic image visible to a viewer through theaperture 27 included in thetop shell 40. Additional details about each of these features of thebottom shell 50 are shown inFIG. 8B , which provides an elevation view of thebottom shell 50, andFIG. 8C , which provides a cross-sectional elevation view of thebottom shell 50. - In the various embodiments of the playing piece described herein, the playing piece (e.g., playing
piece 10 as shown in, for example,FIGS. 1 , 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) may be balanced between the top shell and the bottom shell, and each of the top shell and the bottom shell may be balanced around its respective axis such that the playing piece is uniformly balanced at its center. One of the advantages of the playing piece being balanced this manner is that multiple playing pieces can be stacked one on top of the other so as to form a stack of playing pieces. An example of such a stack of playing pieces is shown inFIG. 9 , where playingpieces - In some embodiments, the playing piece may include one or more magnets, magnetic pieces, and/or magnetized components or materials.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrateexample playing pieces pieces FIG. 10 shows the playingpieces FIG. 11 shows the playingpieces FIGS. 10 and 11 , the magnets may be contained or positioned in the top shell, the bottom shell, or both shells (either separate magnets in each shell or one or more magnets spanning both shells) of each of the playingpieces - In addition to being collectibles, the playing pieces (e.g., playing
piece 10 as shown in, for example,FIGS. 1 , 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) may also be used as game pieces in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games. While some of these games are primarily based on using manual force to flip the playing piece up off of a playing surface and having the playing piece land back down on the playing surface in one of two orientations (e.g., with the top shell facing downwards or the bottom shell facing downwards), certain other games include the use of one or more accessory devices or components. For example, the playing pieces may be flipped from a playing surface towards a specific target or into a selected container or other designated area using a handheld launching, flipping, shooting or rolling device, or any other similar such propulsion device suitable for use in the particular game and with the playing pieces. -
FIGS. 14 and 17 illustrate two examples of such accessory devices and components.FIG. 14 , various features of which will be described in greater detail below, shows a playing piece arena orstage 70, which may be adapted to receive one or more playing pieces flipped from a playing surface (e.g., by a player involved in a game being played). In at least the arrangement shown inFIG. 14 , thearena 70 includes a target receptacle 75 (e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.) into which participants can attempt to flip their playing pieces during a game. - Additionally,
FIG. 17 provides a perspective view of aplaying piece launcher 80. Thelauncher 80 includes alaunch pad 85 upon which a playing piece may be placed prior to being launched. In at least one embodiment, thelaunch pad 85 may include a dimple or divot adapted to provide greater steadiness to a playing piece that is going to be launched using thelauncher 80. -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of playing a game using at least one playing piece (e.g., theexample playing piece 10 as shown in for example,FIGS. 1 , 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the game illustrated inFIG. 13 and described in detail below is exemplary in nature and is not in any way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Instead, numerous other similar games or variations thereof may also be played using one or more of the playing pieces described herein in addition to or instead of the game shown. - In the following description of the game playing method of
FIG. 13 , reference will be made to the diagram shown inFIG. 15 for purposes of example and illustration. As will be described in greater detail below,FIG. 15 shows two playingpieces surface 15 being flipped upwards into the air as a result of a downward force being applied or exerted to an edge of playingpiece 10A. In a scenario where playingpiece 10A is of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B , the downward force may be applied to the edge or rim formed byexterior flanges top shell 40 andbottom shell 50, respectively. It should be noted that the downward force may be applied or exerted by a player or by application of an accessory device or mechanism. -
FIG. 15 also illustrates an example trajectory and landing orientation of each of the playingpieces piece 10A is represented as a series of broken-line playing pieces following the indicated path of travel for playingpiece 10A. Similarly, the trajectory of playingpiece 10B is represented as a series of broken-line playing pieces following the indicated path of travel for playingpiece 10B. - The game playing method of
FIG. 13 starts atstep 1300 with two players (indicated inFIG. 13 as “Player 1” and “Player 2”) each selecting a playing piece. For example, referring toFIG. 15 ,Player 1 may select playingpiece 10A andPlayer 2 may select playingpiece 10B. - In
step 1305, the two playing pieces are placed on the playingsurface 15 with theirtop shells 20 facing upwards. Instep 1310,Player 1 moves herplaying piece 10A slightly underneathPlayer 2'splaying piece 10B. In at least one embodiment of the game method ofFIG. 13 ,step 1310 may be performed such that playingpieces FIG. 15 , where playingpiece 10B is stacked on top of playingpiece 10A. In other embodiments of the game method, playingpieces FIG. 15 when performingstep 1310. - In
step 1315,Player 1 exerts a downward force on the (unobstructed) edge of playingpiece 10A in a manner that causes both of the playing pieces to flip upwards off of the playingsurface 15 and into the air. The downward force may be exerted or applied byPlayer 1 using her hand(s) or by application of one or more accessories or devices (e.g., a hammer-like device designed for use with the playing pieces). - In
step 1320, a determination is made as to whetherPlayer 2'splaying piece 10B landed back down on the playingsurface 15 in an orientation where thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10B is facing downwards. If thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10B is facing downwards instep 1320, then instep 1325 it is determined whetherPlayer 1'splaying piece 10A landed back down on the playing surface in an orientation where thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10A is also facing downwards. - If it is found in
step 1325 thatPlayer 1'splaying piece 10A also landed on the playing surface in an orientation where thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10A is facing downwards, then the process moves to step 1345 wherePlayer 1's turn is over andPlayer 2 takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect tosteps 1305 through 1320. On the other hand, if it is instead found instep 1325 thatPlayer 1'splaying piece 10A did not land on the playing surface in an orientation where thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10A is facing downwards (e.g., the top shell of playingpiece 10A is facing upwards), then instep 1330Player 1 receives 1 point and continues with her turn as described above with respect tosteps 1305 through 1320. - If in
step 1320 it is determined that thetop shell 20 ofPlayer 2'splaying piece 10B is not facing downwards, then the process goes to step 1335, where it is determined whetherPlayer 1'splaying piece 10A landed on the playing surface in an orientation where thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10A is facing downwards. If thetop shell 20 of playingpiece 10A is found to be facing downwards instep 1330, then instep 1340Player 1's turn ends andPlayer 2 receives 1 point and also takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect tosteps 1305 through 1320. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , if in eitherstep 1325 orstep 1335 it is found thatPlayer 1'splaying piece 10A andPlayer 2'splaying piece 10B both landed with theirtop shells 20 facing upwards (“yes” in step 1335) or both landed with theirtop shells 20 facing downwards (“yes” in step 1325), then the game moves to step 1345 wherePlayer 1's turn ends andPlayer 2 takes a turn in a similar manner as described above with respect tosteps 1305 through 1320. - The game playing method of
FIG. 13 continues untilstep 1350 in which the first player to receive 3 consecutive points during a given turn wins the round and receives the other player's playing piece. Various alternatives may be used to determine which player wins the round in addition to or instead of the first player to receive 3 points consecutively during a turn. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative arrangement for playing a game using one or more playing pieces (e.g., one or more of theexample playing pieces 10 as shown in for example,FIGS. 1 , 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.) of the present disclosure. The example arrangement shown inFIG. 14 includes an accessory device that may be used as a component of a game played using such an arrangement. In one embodiment, this accessory device is a playing piece arena orstage 70, which may be adapted to receive one ormore playing pieces 10 flipped (e.g., by a player involved in the game) from the playingsurface 15. For example, thearena 70 may include a target receptacle 75 (e.g., chamber, cup, slot, goal, etc.) into which participants attempt to flip theirplaying piece 10. - It should be understood that numerous other components may also be included as part of the
arena 70 in addition to or instead of thetarget receptacle 75. For example, thearena 70 may include a plurality ofsuch target receptacles 75, of similar or varying size, a deflector piece or pad adapted to deflect theplaying piece 10 in the direction of thetarget receptacle 75, and/or a variety of other such features that enhance the enjoyment, competitiveness, or skill level involved when playing a game using thearena 70. - It should be understood that various structural additions and/or alterations may be made to one or more of the embodiments of the playing piece described herein so as to create a variety of promotional items. For example, an additional hook or loop may be added to a playing piece (e.g., playing
piece 10 as shown inFIG. 1 ) to create a key-chain or a charm for a bracelet or a necklace. Such promotional items can be created so as to have any of the various optical effects and/or visual illusions described in the above embodiments of the playing piece. Further, promotional slogans may be created by decorating the external surfaces of the playing piece or creating a hidden image on one or more of the internal surfaces, which results in a virtual image being produced. - In the various embodiments of the playing piece described above, the top and bottom shells can be detached (e.g., disconnected) from each other so as to enable easy access to the inner space. As such, various features of the playing piece may be changed or altered to provide new characteristics to the playing piece. For example, the shells of the playing piece may be detached in order to replace a hidden internal image or, in some embodiments, to hide a small item such as a candy or a toy icon.
- At least some of the embodiments of the playing piece described above can be produced by injecting one or more plastic shells and connecting them together using ultrasonic welding or other connecting means. In one or more embodiments, it is preferable to leave the inner space of the playing piece empty so as to maintain a lightweight embodiment which, among other things, sounds interesting when hitting or landing on the ground. However, in one or more other embodiments, the inner space of the playing piece can be filled with, for example, foamed compound or the like, without affecting the weight of the playing piece.
- A variety of techniques may be utilized for decorating the external and/or internal surfaces of the shells comprising the playing piece. For example, the surfaces of the playing piece may be decorated using Tampon printing, engraving, embossing, labeling, as well as other techniques known by those skilled in the art.
-
FIGS. 21A-21D provide various views of a connecting frame element that may be used in conjunction with one or more of the embodiments of the playing piece described herein (e.g., playingpiece 10 as shown in for example,FIGS. 1 , 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.). -
FIG. 21A provides a top view of the playingpiece 10 inserted into the connectingframe element 85. Depending on the embodiment of the playingpiece 10 used with the connectingframe element 85, the playingpiece 10 may be clipped or snapped into theframe element 85, turned (e.g., wound or screwed) into the connectingframe element 85, or otherwise inserted into theframe element 85 in a manner such that the playingpiece 10 is secured in place. Furthermore, each of the connectingframe elements 85 may be connected to one another in a suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. Additional details of the playingpiece 10 inserted into the connectingframe element 85 are shown in the cross-sectional elevation view ofFIG. 21B . - As shown in
FIG. 21C , connectingframe elements 85 may be used to create aplaying piece cluster 88 comprising a plurality of the playingpieces 10. The playingpiece cluster 88, which may be a group, string, or other arrangement of the playingpieces 10 may be formed by connecting together corresponding connectingframe elements 85 containing the playing pieces. For example, as shown inFIG. 21D , in at least one embodiment a user (e.g., a child) may clip several of the playingpieces 10 into the connectingframe elements 85 so as to create aplaying piece cluster 85 in the form of a variety of clothing items and/or accessories, such as a chain or other such personal exhibition. -
FIGS. 22A-22C and 23A-23D show various views of two optional accessory items or devices that may be used with one or more of the various embodiments of the playing piece described herein (e.g., one or more of the playingpiece 10 as shown in for example,FIGS. 1 , 5A, 6A, 6B, 12, etc.). -
FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate aplaying piece arena 90 that includes a variety of components that can be used to play a number of different games with the playingpieces 10. As shown inFIG. 22A , thearena 90 includes playingpiece slots 92, which are formed in the general shape of the playingpiece 10 to securely hold the playing piece in place, one ormore ramps 94, alanding area 98, and atarget bowl 96. -
FIG. 22B provides an elevation view of theplaying piece arena 90, and shows how the playingpieces 10 may sit in the playing piece seats 92 oriented around the circumference of thearena 90.FIG. 22C is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of thearena 90, where the portion is indicated as “cross-section A” inFIG. 22B . The enlarged cross-sectional view ofFIG. 22C provides additional details of thelanding area 98 and also further illustrates how the playingpiece 10 sits in theplaying piece seat 92. -
FIGS. 23A-23D illustrate various views of a playing piece stadium 100 comprised of a top orupper bowl 105 and abottom bowl 110. In at least one embodiment, thebottom bowl 110 may sit in abase 115, and thetop bowl 105 may include aremovable playing surface 120. Theremovable playing surface 120 may include acenter area 125 made of an elastic or similar material suitable for a playing piece to bounce or reflect off of. - The collectability of the playing pieces may be enhanced by incorporating rarity aspects. As used in the present context, rarity relates to the limited distribution or availability of certain variations of the playing pieces. For example, playing pieces having a particular design (e.g., promotional logo, fictional character or personality, etc.) or including one or more additional features or enhancements as compared with other similar playing pieces, may be made more desirable by limiting their availability.
- The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of alternative materials.
- With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
- While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims (28)
1. A collectible playing piece for a game, the playing piece being generally discus-shaped and comprising a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell, each of the shells including an outer face, an inner face, and an attachment face, wherein the top and bottom shells are attached at their attachment faces so as to form a circumferential edge of the playing piece, and wherein the playing piece is adapted to stably land on the top shell or the bottom shell when flipped onto a surface by having force applied directionally downward on the edge.
2. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the attachment face of the bottom shell includes an attachment ring extending fully around the circumference of the bottom shell and protruding outwards from the bottom shell, the attachment ring being adapted to securely hold the top shell and the bottom shell in place when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached.
3. The playing piece of claim 2 , wherein the top shell is adapted to receive the attachment ring protruding outwards from the attachment face of the bottom shell when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached.
4. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the attachment face of the top shell includes an attachment ring extending partially around the circumference of the top shell, and the attachment face of the bottom shell includes an attachment ring extending partially around the circumference of the bottom shell in an orientation opposite that of the attachment ring included on the top shell.
5. The playing piece of claim 1 , further comprising an insert piece that may be inserted between the top shell and the bottom shell, the insert piece being generally disc-shaped and including a first face and a second face.
6. The playing piece of claim 5 , wherein the insert piece is transparent in appearance.
7. The playing piece of claim 5 , wherein one or both of the first face and the second face of the insert piece are reflective.
8. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the top shell includes one or more apertures that allow for visibility into the playing piece when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached.
9. The playing piece of claim 8 , wherein at least one of the apertures is located asymmetrically off-center in the top shell.
10. The playing piece of claim 8 , wherein the inner face of the bottom shell contains an image that, when viewed through the one or more apertures in the top shell, appears as a three-dimensional image.
11. The playing piece of claim 8 , wherein the inner face of the bottom shell contains a holographic image that is visible through the one or more apertures in the top shell.
12. The playing piece of claim 1 , further comprising a transparent connecting ring that provides a connection between the top shell and the bottom shell and is adapted to provide additional illumination within the playing piece when the top shell and the bottom shell are connected.
13. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the attachment face of the bottom shell includes a plurality of attachment pins, and the attachment face of the top shell includes a corresponding plurality of attachment receptacles adapted to receive the plurality of attachment pins when the top shell and the bottom shell are attached and securely hold the top shell and the bottom shell in place.
14. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein one or both of the outer face of the top shell and the outer face of the bottom shell include an array of micro lenses containing a plurality of interlaced images.
15. The playing piece of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of interlaced images is located at the focal locus of the micro lenses.
16. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the inner faces of the top and bottom shells are reflective, the top shell includes an aperture located at the center of the shell, and the playing piece further comprises an embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell such that a virtual image can be observed near the aperture of the top shell.
17. The playing piece of claim 16 , wherein the virtual image can be observed near the aperture of the top shell as though the virtual image is floating in the space within the playing piece.
18. The playing piece of claim 16 , wherein the embodiment attached to the inner face of the bottom shell is a graphical image located on the inner face of the bottom shell.
19. The playing piece of claim 16 , wherein the top shell includes at least one aperture located asymmetrically off-center of the shell.
20. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the top shell and the bottom shell have different curvatures.
21. The playing piece of claim 1 , wherein the top shell is removably attached to the bottom shell to form the playing piece.
22. The playing piece of claim 21 , wherein an inner space of the playing piece may be accessed by detaching the top shell from the bottom shell.
23. A plurality of playing pieces of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of playing pieces are adapted to be stacked one on top of the other.
24. At least two of the playing pieces of claim 1 , wherein the at least two playing pieces are adapted to be partially stacked such that both of the playing pieces are flipped into the air by having force applied directionally downward on the edge of one of the playing pieces.
25. A method of playing a game including rules for playing the game, a playing surface, and a plurality of discus-shaped playing pieces, each playing piece having a top convex shell and a bottom convex shell which, when attached, form a circumferential edge of the playing piece, the method comprising:
placing, on the playing surface, a first playing piece and a second playing piece, each playing piece being placed with its top shell facing upwards;
arranging the first playing piece partially underneath the second playing piece such that a portion of the edge of the first playing piece remains unobstructed by the second playing piece;
applying a downward force on the portion of the edge of the first playing piece that remains unobstructed to cause each of the first playing piece and the second playing piece to flip upwards into the air and land on the playing surface in one of two orientations: with the top shell facing upwards or with the top shell facing downwards; and
determining an outcome based on the orientation in which each of the playing pieces landed on the playing surface.
26. The method of claim 25 , wherein a point is awarded to a player associated with the first playing piece if, when the playing pieces land, the top shell of the first playing piece is facing upwards and the top shell of the second playing piece is facing downwards.
27. The method of claim 25 , wherein a point is awarded to a player associated with the second playing piece if, when the playing pieces land, the top shell of the second playing piece is facing upwards and the top shell of the first playing piece is facing downwards.
28. The method of claim 25 , wherein no points are awarded if, when the playing pieces land, the top shells of the first playing piece and the second playing piece are both facing upwards or are both facing downwards.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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IL211112A IL211112A0 (en) | 2011-02-08 | 2011-02-08 | Toy and promotional element |
IL211112 | 2011-02-08 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120200040A1 true US20120200040A1 (en) | 2012-08-09 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/366,940 Abandoned US20120200040A1 (en) | 2011-02-08 | 2012-02-06 | Toy and promotional element |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120200040A1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL211112A0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012107818A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140265125A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | David Howell | Game Piece and Methods of Making and Using Same |
WO2017116348A1 (en) * | 2015-12-28 | 2017-07-06 | Dizayn Matbaacilik Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi | Pogs with improved functionality and endurance and production method thereof |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1077712A (en) * | 1962-11-05 | 1967-08-02 | Robert Colin Harvey Webb | A game |
GB9201397D0 (en) * | 1992-01-23 | 1992-03-11 | Townsend Charles P | Greetings card game set |
CN2337625Y (en) * | 1998-08-17 | 1999-09-08 | 欧普康光电(厦门)有限公司 | Rotary disk capable of transferring laser indicating light block type |
GB0716321D0 (en) * | 2007-08-21 | 2007-10-03 | Jjb Games Ltd | Game play apparatus |
KR100883966B1 (en) * | 2008-09-17 | 2009-02-17 | 심정숙 | Color baduk particles |
-
2011
- 2011-02-08 IL IL211112A patent/IL211112A0/en unknown
-
2012
- 2012-02-06 WO PCT/IB2012/000199 patent/WO2012107818A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-02-06 US US13/366,940 patent/US20120200040A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140265125A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | David Howell | Game Piece and Methods of Making and Using Same |
WO2017116348A1 (en) * | 2015-12-28 | 2017-07-06 | Dizayn Matbaacilik Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi | Pogs with improved functionality and endurance and production method thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012107818A1 (en) | 2012-08-16 |
IL211112A0 (en) | 2011-04-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |