US20160361625A1

US20160361625A1 - Game Board and Seating System

Info

Publication number: US20160361625A1
Application number: US15/179,274
Authority: US
Inventors: William Richard Ballard; Deborah Ann Ballard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-06-10
Filing date: 2016-06-10
Publication date: 2016-12-15

Abstract

A game board and seating system is used for playing chess and providing comfortable seating for users. The system includes a board frame, a first seat assembly, a second seat assembly, and an inclined game board. The board frame supports the inclined game board, the first seat assembly, and the second seat assembly. The inclined game board is used to play chess and attaches onto the board frame. The first seat assembly and a second seat assembly are used to comfortably seat users while playing. The first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are both mounted to board frame. The system also includes a plurality of game pieces and at least two piece-adjusting arms. Similar to a traditional chessboard, the game pieces are used to play chess. The at least two piece-adjusting arms are used to move hard to reach game pieces on the inclined game board.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/173,794 filed on Jun. 10, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to game boards and game equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inclined game board with integrated seating for players of the game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chess is a game that has been around for many years and is one of the most popular games ever created. Surprisingly throughout the years, the design of the chessboard has not seen much change at all. The most commonly used designs involve making chessboards out of wood, glass, or stone. Occasionally, one might also see a larger design, where the game pieces may require both hands to lift, but all of these designs are two-dimensional.
Accordingly, there is a present need for a new chessboard design which can make the game of chess more interesting to play. The present invention is a multi-dimensional chessboard that is designed to give users a unique chess-playing experience. The present invention includes adjustable seating that is integrated into the board, allowing users to play comfortably. The present invention features a large and inclined game board along with larger than normal game pieces which are used to enhance the game of chess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of the present invention with the game pieces being removed.

FIG. 3 is a right perspective view of the present invention with the game board and the right lateral panel being removed.

FIG. 4 is a left perspective view of the present invention with the game board and the right lateral panel being removed.

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the present invention with the game board, the second end panel, and the right lateral panel being removed.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded front view of the present invention showing how the inclined game board attaches to the board frame and how the seat attaches to the seat pivot bracket.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the base panel, the first seat assembly, and the second seat assembly.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing a piece-adjusting arm holding a game piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
With reference to FIGS. 1-2, the present invention is a game board and seating system. The present invention is designed to provide a unique means of playing chess through the use of an inclined game board 10. Further, the present invention includes seating for the users playing chess. The present invention comprises a board frame 1, an inclined game board 10, a first seat assembly 14, and a second seat assembly 15. The board frame 1 is used to support the inclined game board 10 and conceal portions of the first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15. The board frame 1 comprises a base panel 2, a first end panel 3, a second end panel 4, a left lateral panel 5, and a right lateral panel 6. The base panel 2 is used as a stable foundation for the rest of the board frame 1 and the inclined game board 10. The first end panel 3, the second end panel 4, the left lateral panel 5, and the right lateral panel 6 are perimetrically attached to the base panel 2. The first end panel 3, the second end panel 4, the left lateral panel 5, and the right lateral panel 6 are all used to structurally support the inclined game board 10. The inclined game board 10 is used to support a plurality of game pieces 29 which are used to play chess. The inclined game board 10 is perimetrically attached adjacent to the board frame 1. As a result, the inclined game board 10 is positioned opposite to the base panel 2 providing a unique playing surface which is designed to be new and intriguing for users to play on. The first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 are mounted onto the base panel 2. The first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 provide seating for two users playing the game. To position the users at opposite ends of the inclined game board 10, the first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 are oriented opposite to each other across the board frame 1. This mimics the positioning of opposing users playing with a traditional chessboard.
In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the first end panel 3 and the second end panel 4 are each mounted perpendicular to the base panel 2. The first end panel 3 and the second end panel 4 are positioned opposite to each other across the base panel 2. When playing chess, one user sits upon the first seat assembly 14, adjacent to the first end panel 3. The other user sits upon the second seat assembly 15, adjacent to the second end panel 4. The left lateral panel 5 is mounted to the base panel 2, the first end panel 3, and the second end panel 4. The right lateral panel 6 is mounted to the base panel 2, the first end panel 3, and the second end panel 4. The left lateral panel 5 and the right lateral panel 6 are designed as step-shaped so that the inclined game board 10 traverses from the first end panel 3 to the second end panel 4 in a shape that resembles a mirrored staircase. The left lateral panel 5 and the right lateral panel 6 are positioned opposite to each other across the base panel 2. This arrangement allows the inclined game board 10 to span the entire width of the board frame 1.
In reference to FIG. 3, the present invention further comprises a plurality of corner fasteners 24. The plurality of corner fasteners 24 is used to hold the board frame 1 together. The first end panel 3 is attached to the left lateral panel 5 by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners 24. Similarly, the first end panel 3 is attached to the right lateral panel 6 by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners 24. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, two corner fasteners attach the first end panel 3 to the left lateral panel 5 and two more corner fasteners attach the first end panel 3 to the right lateral panel 6. Across the base panel 2, the second end panel 4 is attached to the left lateral panel 5 by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners 24. The second end panel 4 is also attached to the right lateral panel 6 by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners 24. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, two corner fasteners attach the second end panel 4 to the left lateral panel 5 and two more corner fasteners attach the second end panel 4 to the right lateral panel 6.
In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the inclined game board 10 comprises a central platform panel 11, a first plurality of angled panels 12, and a second plurality of angled panels 13. The left lateral panel 5 and the right lateral panel 6 each comprise an intermediate section 7, a first stringer section 8, and a second stringer section 9. Together, the intermediate section 7, the first stringer section 8, and the second stringer section 9 support the various components of the inclined game board 10. The first stringer section 8 is positioned adjacent to the first end panel 3, while the second stringer section 9 is positioned adjacent to the second end panel 4. The intermediate section 7 is positioned in between the first stringer section 8 and the second stringer section 9. This arrangement is used to support the mirrored staircase shape of the inclined game board 10. The central platform panel 11 is attached to the intermediate section 7 of the left lateral panel 5 and the right lateral panel 6, opposite to the base panel 2. The staircase shape is mirrored across the central platform panel 11, making the central platform panel 11 the middle of the inclined game board 10. The first plurality of angled panels 12 is attached to the first stringer section 8 of the left lateral panel 5 and the right lateral panel 6. The second plurality of angled panels 13 is attached to the first stringer section 8 of the left lateral panel 5 and the right lateral panel 6. Together, the central platform panel 11, the first plurality of angled panels 12, and the second plurality of angled panels 13 create a continuous playing surface upon which chess may be played. A checkerboard pattern 25 is layered onto the central platform panel 11, the first plurality of angled panels 12 and the second plurality of angled panels 13. This is done to mark the inclined game board 10 to mimic the design of a common chessboard playing surface. Though the shape of the inclined game board 10 is different from a traditional chess board, the checkerboard pattern 25 allows the game to be played in a traditional manner.
In reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, the present invention further comprises a pivot track 26. The pivot track 26 is used to secure the first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 to the base panel 2. The pivot track 26 is centrally mounted onto the base panel 2. This allows the first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 to move symmetrically about the center of the base panel 2. The first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 each comprise a seat 16, a seat pivot bracket 17, and a seat slot 23. The seat slot 23 permits the seat pivot bracket 17 to extend outward from the board frame 1 and slide relative to the board frame 1. The seat slot 23 of the first seat assembly 14 traverses through the first end panel 3, while the seat slot 23 of the second seat assembly 15 traverses through the second end panel 4. The seat pivot bracket 17 is slidably and rotatably engaged with the pivot track 26 so the seat 16 may be positioned as needed by the user. The seat pivot bracket 17 of the first seat assembly 14 traverses through the seat slot 23 of the first seat assembly 14. Similarly, the seat pivot bracket 17 of the second seat assembly 15 traverses through the seat slot 23 of the second seat assembly 15. These arrangements allow the seat 16 of the first seat assembly 14 and the seat 16 of the second seat assembly 15 to be externally positioned at opposite ends of the board frame 1. The seat 16 is used to support the weight of a user and position the user so that the user is able to play the game. The seat 16 is attached adjacent to the seat pivot bracket 17, opposite to the pivot track 26. The seat 16 may be adjusted to meet the needs of each individual user and may be detached from the seat pivot bracket 17 for storage.
In reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the seat pivot bracket 17 comprises a pivot section 18, a height section 19, a proximal extension section 20, a distal extension section 21, and at least two caster wheels 22. The pivot section 18 is used to connect the seat pivot bracket 17 to the pivot track 26. The pivot section 18 is slidably and rotatably engaged with the pivot track 26. This allows the seat 16 to be moved to multiple angles and positions relative to the inclined game board 10. The proximal extension section 20 is perpendicularly connected to the pivot section 18, and the at least two caster wheels 22 are mounted onto the proximal extension section 20. Together, the proximal extension section 20 and the at least two caster wheels 22 allow the seat pivot bracket 17 to move within the board frame 1 with little resistance. The height section 19 is perpendicularly connected to the proximal extension section 20, opposite to the pivot section 18. The height section 19 is used to offset the distal extension section 21 from the base panel 2 so that the distal extension section 21 can be connected to the seat 16. The distal extension section 21 is perpendicularly connected to the height section 19. The proximal extension section 20 and the distal extension section 21 are positioned opposite to each other about the height section 19. This arrangement allows the distal extension section 21 to traverse through the board frame 1. The seat 16 is attached adjacent to the distal extension section 21, opposite to the height section 19. Due to the aforementioned arrangement, the seat 16 may be easily adjusted to meet the needs of the user.
In reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the present invention further comprises a first retaining bar 27 and a second retaining bar 28. The first retaining bar 27 and the second retaining bar 28 are used to limit the motions of the first seat assembly 14 and the second seat assembly 15 to prevent damage to the first end panel 3 and the second end panel 4.
The first retaining bar 27 is connected adjacent to the first end panel 3, while the second retaining bar 28 is connected adjacent to the second end panel 4. The first retaining bar 27 and the second retaining bar 28 are oriented towards each other. This arrangement allows the first retaining bar 27 and the second retaining bar 28 to act as buffers for the first end panel 3 and the second end panel 4 respectively. The seat pivot bracket 17 of the first seat assembly 14 is engaged with the first retaining bar 27 so that the seat pivot bracket 17 of the first seat assembly 14 is unable to contact the first end panel 3. Similarly, the seat pivot bracket 17 of the second seat assembly 15 is engaged with the second retaining bar 28 so that the seat pivot bracket 17 of the second seat assembly 15 is unable to contact the second end panel 4.
In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention further comprises a plurality of game pieces 29. The plurality of game pieces 29 is used to play the game. Though the preferred embodiment of the present invention is used to play chess, checkers or any other type of board game may be played using the present invention. The plurality of game pieces 29 is selectively positioned atop the inclined game board 10 by the users. The positioning of each game piece 29 is determined by the rules of the game and may also be dependent on moves made by each user.
In reference to FIG. 8, the present invention further comprises at least two piece-adjusting arms 30. The at least two piece-adjusting arms 30 are used to adjust the positioning of each of the plurality of game pieces 29 on the inclined game board 10. The at least two piece-adjusting arms 30 each comprise a handle 31 and a fork 32. The handle 31 is designed to be held by the user and acts as an extension of the user's arm. The fork 32 is connected adjacent to the handle 31 and is used to pick up and move individual game pieces. When moving game pieces, the fork 32 engages about a selected piece from the plurality of game pieces 29.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game board and seating system comprises:

a board frame;

an inclined game board;

a first seat assembly;

a second seat assembly;

the board frame comprises a base panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, a left lateral panel, and a right lateral panel;

the first end panel, the second end panel, the left lateral panel, and the right lateral panel being perimetrically attached to the base panel;

the first seat assembly being mounted onto the base panel;

the second seat assembly being mounted onto the base panel;

the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly being oriented opposite to each other across the board frame; and

the inclined game board being perimetrically attached adjacent to the board frame, opposite to the base panel.

2. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the first end panel being mounted perpendicular to the base panel;

the second end panel being mounted perpendicular to the base panel;

the first end panel and the second end panel being positioned opposite to each other across the base panel;

the left lateral panel being mounted to the base panel, the first end panel, and the second end panel;

the right lateral panel being mounted to the base panel, the first end panel, and the second end panel; and

the left lateral panel and the right lateral panel being positioned opposite to each other across the base panel.

3. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 2 comprises:

a plurality of corner fasteners;

the first end panel being attached to the first lateral panel by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners;

the first end panel being attached to the second lateral panel by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners;

the second end panel being attached to the first lateral panel by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners; and

the second end panel being attached to the second lateral panel by at least one of the plurality of corner fasteners.

4. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the inclined game board comprises a central platform panel, a first plurality of angled panels, and a second plurality of angled panels;

the left lateral panel and the right lateral panel each comprise an intermediate section, a first stringer section, and a second stringer section;

the first stringer section being positioned adjacent to the first end panel;

the second stringer section being positioned adjacent to the second end panel;

the intermediate section being positioned in between the first stringer section and the second stringer section;

the central platform panel being attached to the intermediate section of the left lateral panel and the right lateral panel, opposite to the base panel;

the first plurality of angled panels being attached to the first stringer section of the left lateral panel and the right lateral panel; and

the second plurality of angled panels being attached to the second stringer section of the left lateral panel and the right lateral panel.

5. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 4, wherein a checkerboard pattern being layered onto the central platform panel, the first plurality of angled panels, and the second plurality of angled panels.

6. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a pivot track;

the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly each comprise a seat, a seat pivot bracket, and a seat slot;

the pivot track being centrally mounted onto the base panel;

the seat slot of the first seat assembly traversing through the first end panel;

the seat slot of the second seat assembly traversing through the second end panel;

the seat pivot bracket being slidably and rotatably engaged with the pivot track;

the seat pivot bracket of the first seat assembly through the seat slot of the first seat assembly;

the seat pivot bracket of the second seat assembly traversing seat slot of the second seat assembly; and

the seat being attached adjacent to the seat pivot bracket, opposite to the seat anchor.

7. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 6 comprises:

the seat pivot bracket comprises a pivot section, a height section, a proximal extension section, a distal extension section, and at least two caster wheels;

the pivot section being slidably and rotatably engaged with the pivot track;

the proximal extension section being perpendicularly connected to the pivot section;

the height section being perpendicularly connected to the proximal extension section, opposite to pivot section;

the distal extension section being perpendicularly connected to the height section;

the seat being attached adjacent to the distal extension section, opposite to the height section;

the proximal extension section and the distal extension section being oriented opposite to each other about the height section; and

the at least two caster wheels being mounted onto the proximal extension section.

8. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a first retaining bar;

a second retaining bar;

the first retaining bar being connected adjacent to the first end panel;

the second retaining bar being connected adjacent to the second end panel;

the first retaining bar and the second retaining bar being oriented towards each other;

a pivot bracket of the first seat assembly being engaged with the first retaining bar; and

a pivot bracket of the second seat assembly being engaged with the second retaining bar.

9. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

a plurality of game pieces; and

the plurality of game pieces being selectively positioned atop the inclined game board, wherein the positioning of each game piece is determined by the rules of the game.

10. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

at least two piece-adjusting arms;

the at least two piece-adjusting arms each comprise a handle and a fork; and

the fork being connected adjacent to the handle.

11. A game board and seating system comprises:

a board frame;

an inclined game board;

a first seat assembly;

a second seat assembly;

a pivot track;

the first seat assembly being mounted onto the base panel;

the second seat assembly being mounted onto the base panel;

the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly being oriented opposite to each other across the board frame;

the inclined game board being perimetrically attached adjacent to the board frame, opposite to the base panel;

the pivot track being centrally mounted onto the base panel;

12. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

the first end panel being mounted perpendicular to the base panel;

the second end panel being mounted perpendicular to the base panel;

13. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 12 comprises:

a plurality of corner fasteners;

14. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 11 comprises:

the first stringer section being positioned adjacent to the first end panel;

the second stringer section being positioned adjacent to the second end panel;

15. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 14, wherein a checkerboard pattern being layered onto the central platform panel, the first plurality of angled panels, and the second plurality of angled panels.

16. The game board and seating system as claimed in claim 11 comprises: