US3825266A

US3825266A - Electronic game or educational device

Info

Publication number: US3825266A
Application number: US00321384A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Bissell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-01-05
Filing date: 1973-01-05
Publication date: 1974-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-23

Abstract

A game or educational device is provided employing an electronic circuit for enabling selection by a first player of one of a plurality of possible game plays. A ''''ready'''' light is provided in the circuit for indicating when selection of a game play by the first player has been accomplished. Switches are also provided for enabling selection by a second player of one of a plurality of possible game plays, and a ''''move'''' light is provided for indicating when the first and second players have selected different game plays. A ''''penalty'''' light is in the circuit to be illuminated instead of the ''''move'''' light when the first and second players select the same game play, and additional indicator lamps are provided for indicating the play selections of the players. A ''''lock-out'''' feature may also be employed whereby the second player must make his play selection within a predetermined time after the first player''s selection and after illumination of the ''''ready'''' light, or the additional indicator lamp associated with the second player''s selection will not light.

Description

United States Patent [191 Bissell ELECTRONIC GAME OR EDUCATIONAL DEVICE [76] Inventor: James D. Bissell, Rt. 1, Pfafftown,

22 Filed: Jan. 5, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 321,384

[52] U.S. Cl. 273/130 AB, 273/1 E [51] Int. Cl. A63f 9/14 [58] Field of Search 35/9 B, 22 R; 273/1 E,

273/130 AB, 138 A July 23, 1974 Primary ExaminerRichard C. Pinkham Assistant Examiner-I-Iarry G. Strappello Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Donald A. Kettlestrings [5 7 ABSTRACT A game or educational device is provided employing an electronic circuit for enabling selection by a first player of one of a plurality of possible game plays. A ready light is provided in the circuit for indicating when selection of a game play by the first player has been accomplished. Switches are also provided for enabling selection by a second player of one of a plurality of possible game plays, and a move light is provided for indicating when the first and second players have selected different game plays. A penalty light is in the circuit to be illuminated instead of the move" light when the first and second players select the same game play, and additional indicator lamps are provided for indicating the play selections of the players. A lock-out feature may also be employed whereby the second playermust make his play selection within a predetermined time after the first players selection and after illumination of the ready light, or the additional indicator lamp associated with the second players selection 'will not light.

15 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,029,834 2/1936 Prentice 273/94 R 2,562,179 7/1951 Dorf 35/9 B 2,844,374 7/1958 French 273/130 AB 3,100,352 8/1963 Bottssevoin... 35/9 C 3,314,172 4/1967 3,608,207 9/1971 3,735,982 5/1973 Gerfin 273/138 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 941,418 11/1963 Great Britain 273/1 E 747,794 12/1966 Canada 273/1 E X 1. ELECTRONIC GAME OR EDUCATIONAL DEVICE This invention relates to games and educational devices and more particularly to a board game employing an electronic circuit for enabling the selection of various game plays by the players and forindicating results based upon the plays selected.

Various types of electronic games and teaching devices are available. US. Pat. No. 3,608,207 describes such a teaching device. The game of this invention, however, provides for a versatility not present in most existing games. Furthermore, the electronic game of this invention is inexpensive to manufacture and is sturdy in construction so as to avoid the inconvenience of frequent repairs and maintenance.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game employing an electronic circuit whereby the game provides the players with options for a plurality of play selections.

Another object is to provide an electronic game of rugged and inexpensive construction.

A further object is to provide an electronic game and game circuit providing electronic means for indicating play results.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

To achieve these and other objects the present invention provides a-plurality of play selection switching I means in circuit with a plurality of play selection indicator means whereby the game players select the game plays by actuating the switching means and whereby the play results are indicated by the game play indicator means.

More specifically, the present invention includes an electronic game circuit having an electrical source, first switching means in circuit relationship'with the source for enabling selection of one of a plurality of possible game plays; first indicator means in circuit relationship with the first switching means for indicating when selection of a game play by use of the first switching means has been accomplished; second switching means in circuit with the first switching means for enabling selection of one of a plurality of possible game plays; second indicator means in circuit with the first and second switching means and with the first indicator means for indicating when the first and second switching means are actuated in a first predetermined manner; third indicator means in circuit with the second switching means, with the first indicator means and with the source for indicating when the first and second switching means are actuated in a second predetermined manner; fourth indicator means in circuit with the first and second switching means and with the source for indicating-play selections by the first .and second switching means; and circuit means in operative relationship with the first and second switching means, with the fourth indicator means and with the source for controlling indication by the fourth indicator means of the play selection as selected by actuation of the first switching means and for controlling indication by the fourth-indicator means of the play selection as selected by actuation of the second switching means.

. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples of preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the electronic circuit of this invention; and

FIG. 2 is a partial schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

With reference now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 the basic circuit utilized in the electronic game of this invention. The circuit of this invention includes an electrical source 10 coupled in circuit relationship with first switching means 12, and first indicator means 14 is in circuit relationship with the switching means 12 for indicating when selection of a game play by use of switching means 12 has been accomplished by a first player.

Second switching means 16 are also located in circuit relationship with first switching means 12 for enabling selectionof one of a plurality of possible game plays by a second player. Second indicator means 18 are also in circuit relationship with first and second switching means 12, 16 and with first indicator means 14 for indicating when the first and second switching means are actuated in a first predetermined manner. This will be explained in more detail infra. Third indicator means 20 are located in circuit with second switching means 16, with first indicator means 14 and with source 10 for indicating when the first and second switching means are actuated in a second predetermined manner.

Fourth indicator means 22, 24, 26 are in circuit with first and second switching means 12, 16 and with source 10 for indicating play selections made by actuating the first and second switching means. In addition, circuit means 28 are in circuit relationship with fourth indicator means 22, 24, 26 and with source 10 for controlling indication by the fourth indicator means of the play selection as selected by actuation of first switching means 12 and for controlling indication by the fourth indicator means of the play selection as selected by actuation of second switching means 16.

Each of first and second switching means 12 and 16 includes a first primary terminal 30, 30' in circuit with second indicator means 18. Similarly, each of the first and second switching means includes a second

primary terminal

32,32 in circuit relationship with source 10. In addition, a plurality of secondary contacts 34-34, 36-36, 38-38 are in selective circuit relationship with primary terminals 30-30 and 32-32 of first and second switching means 12 and 16, respectively; and

secondary contacts

34, 36, 38 are coupled to respective ones of secondary contacts 34', 36', 38 to form a plurality of pairs of secondary contacts.

Second primary terminal 32 of second switching means 16 is further connected in circuit with third indicator means 20 whereby an electric circuit is completed through the first and second switching means and through third indicator means 20 when corresponding ones of secondary contacts34-34', 36-36, 38-38 are placed in clos'edcircuit relationship with respect to primary terminals 30-32, 30 32 and source Circuit means 28, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, is a time delay circuit having a first electrical impedance 40 in circuit with second switching means 16. A second electrical impedance 42 is in circuit with first impedance 40 and with source hand a third electrical impedance 44 'is in circuit with impedances 40, 42 and with source 10. Third switching means 46 are also in circuit with indicator means 22, 24, 26 and with impedance 44 for controlling actuation of indicator means 22, 24, 26 whereby the time delay circuit 28 delays indication by indicator means 22, 24, 26 of the play selection chosen by the first player by actuation of first switching means 12. Time delay circuit 28 of FIG. I also prevents indication by indicator means 22, 24, 26 of the play selection as selected by actuation of second switching means 16 by the second player when the second switching means-is actuated by the second player later than a predetermined time after the first switching means is actuated by the first player. lmpedances 40 and 42 may include resistors and impedance 44 preferably includes a capacitor. Third switching means 46 preferably includes a three terminal controlled-rectifier having a first terminal 48 in circuit with

indicators

22, 24, 26, a second terminal 50 in circuit with source and a gate terminal 52 in circuit with resistors 40, 42 and with capacitor 44.

A fourth electrical impedance 54 may be placed in circuit between indicators22, 24, 26 and first terminal 48 of controlled-rectifier 46 for the purpose of preventing overload of

indicators

22, 24, 26. The value of impedance 54, which may be a resistor, would depend on the voltage rating of

indicators

22, 24, 26 and on the voltage drop across rectifier 46 at adjusted current value.

As here embodied,

indicators

22,24, 26 are preferably lamps or light bulbs and the number of lights used and-the number of pairs of secondary contacts 34-34,

36-36, etc. may vary depending. upon the number of An optional feature of the circuit of this invention is also illustrated in FIG. 1 wherein fourth switching means 56 is positioned in circuit between time delay 28 and second switching means 16 for enabling the time delay circuit to be selectively connected to one of first or second primary terminals 30' or 32 of second .switching means 16. Positioning of switch 56 in contact with primary terminal 30. will provide the circuit of this invention with a lock-out feature which will be described in more detail infra Positioning of switch 56 in contact with second primary'terminal 32 eliminates the lock-out feature of the circuit. Thus, the versatility of the game is further enhanced by this feature.

An alternative embodiment of this invention is illusrangement 28 having a switch 58 in circuit between

indicators

22, 24, 26 and source 10 whereby the play selections chosen by the players will be indicated by

lamps

22, 24, 26 only when switch 58 is closed.

In operation of the basic embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, each of two game players inputs the circuit by selecting and depressing one of a plurality of buttons or'switches 34-38, 34'-38' on re- 'spective sides of the game board (not shown). Buttons 34-38 are used to activate the circuitry concurrently with the play selection chosen by the first player. All

game plays are initiated by the first player controlling buttons 34-38. As previously discussed, any number of buttons or switches 34-38, 34'-38' may be provided.

When the first player depresses one of his buttons, ready light 14 will immediately flash on. The second player on the opposite side of the board having buttons 34-38' has a predetermined time period,'e.g., 3 seconds, to depress one of buttons 34-38' corresponding to his play selection. If the second player waits longer than the predetermined time period to depress one of his buttons, one of lights 22-26 will flash on indicating the first players selection and also indicating that the second player has been locked-out. The term locked-out means that should the second player now depress his button the circuit will not accept or display his play selection via lamps 22-26. When lock-out" occurs, and prior to any play selection by the second player, only ready lamp 14 and one of indicator lamps 22-26 will be illuminated. The-second player must then forfeit histurn. Since the lock-out advantage is always with the player positioned on the side of the board having buttons 34-38 (the first player), players should change sides after every game.

Should the second player depress one of his buttons 34-38', corresponding to his play selection, within the predetermined time interval before lock-out" occurs and if the play selected by the second player is different from the play selected by the first player, the ready light 14 will go out and move light 18, together with two play-selection lights 22-26, will flash on. The two play-selection lights will reveal the plays secretly selected by each player, and these two plays are used in executing the players moves on the game board according to the rules of the game then in play.

. Should both players make the same play selection, ready light 14 will go out, penalty light 20 will flash on, followed within the predetermined time period, e.g., three seconds, by a single one of playselection lights 22-26 indicating the play selected by both players. An appropriate penalty will then be imposed as determined by the rules of the particular game being played.

'If either player. depresses more than one of his play selection buttons 34-38 or 34'-38, the readout display formed by lights 22-26 will indicate a foul. In the case of a move condition three or more of lights trated in FIG. 2. This embodiment eliminates time delay circuit 28 and substitutes a simpler circuit ar- 22-26 will be illuminated to indicate a foul, and in the case of a penalty condition twoor more of lights 22-26 will be illuminated to indicate a foul. The lights associated with the foul will be dimmer than the light activated by the player depressing only one button, and

the rules governing fouls may vary from game to game.

In the circuit ready" mode, one of buttons 34-38 is depressed by the first player so as to complete an electrical circuit from the positive side of electrical source through second primary terminal 32 and through first primary terminal 30 of first switching means 12. The depressed button or contact 34-38 also connects the positive side of electrical source 10 to a respective one of fourth indicator means or lamps 22-26. It is to be understood, of course, that any number of buttons or contacts 34-38 and 34'-38' and associated lamps 22-26 may be used depending upon the game or educational application of the circuit. The games or educational devices made in accordance with this invention can be made as basic as two or three inputs per side and as complex as several hundred.

In the ready condition of the circuit one of contacts 34-38 completes the electrical circuit through

terminals

32 and 30 to place

lamps

14, 18 and in series across power source 10. Because the lamp ratings are different, the current and voltage provided is sufficient only to light the lowest current rated lamp in the series circuit, i.e., lamp 14. If, for example, power source 10 is a six volt battery, voltages across the lamps would be 0.1 volt across lamp 20; 5 volts across lamp l4 and 0.9 volt across lamp 18, and the only lamp having a rating falling within the range to be illuminated would be lamp 14, the ready lamp. In this example, ready lamp 14 has a rating of 2 volts, move lamp 18 has a rating of 3.2 volts and penalty lamp 20 has a rating of 3.2 volts.-

Because a 0.9 volt drop occurs across lamp 18, the voltage applied to time delay circuit 28 and to the gate circuit of SCR 46 via terminal 30' at zero time is 5.1 volts. The voltage across capacitor 44 at zero time is zero and it rises exponentially upon depression of one of buttons 34-38 and in a manner determined by the values of resistances 40 and 42 and by the value of capacitor 44. The capacitor voltage continues to rise until it reaches the gate voltage of SCR 46. In this example, the value of the SCR trigger voltage may vary between 0.5 and 0.75 volt depending on the SCR used. The voltage to the gate circuit is also limited by divider network 40, 42 to one volt in this example.

When capacitor 44 reaches the trigger voltage of SCR 46, the SCR will fire allowing, current to flow through a respective one of lamps 22-26 as selected by depression of one of buttons 34-38. In the example, lamp 22 is illuminated through contact 38. When the voltage to capacitor 44 is removed by releasing contact 38, capacitor 44 will discharge through resistor 42 returning the voltage stored across capacitor 44 to zero.

upon whether the same play selection is made by the first and second players. In any event, the second player would not have play-selection lamp 26 illuminated to indicate his selection made by depressing button 34'. The reason for this is that SCR 46 would have fired, placing the common circuit of

lamps

22 and 26 at 0.5 to 0.75 volt. Since the drop across lamp 20 is approximately 0.5 volt, the voltage across lamp 26 is almost zero and lamp 26 will not light.

In the move condition of the circuit, the first player selects contact or button 38, for example, corresponding to his play selection and thereby closes the circuit to power supply 10 through

terminals

32 and 30 as well as applying power to one side of lamp 22. If the second player makes his play selection by means of button 34, for example, within the predetermined time interval, e.g., 3 seconds, he will short-out or by-pass lamp 14 via

primary terminals

30 and 32 and will connect lamp 26 to an effective intersection of lamps l8 and 20. This will cause ready lamp 14 to be extinguished leaving

lamps

18 and 20 in series circuit. Since lamp 18 has a lower rating than lamp 20, the voltage drop, e.g., 5 volts, will occur across move lamp 18 causing it to be illuminated. Under these conditions, the charge across capacitor 44 applied through divider network 40, 42 cannot exceed 0.25 volt. Since 0.5 to 0.75 volt is required to fire SCR 46, the SCR will not fire and will leave the circuit to lamps 22-26 open.

Lamps

22 and 26 will then be effectively in series with each other and will be connected in parallel with respect to lamp 18. Accordingly, move lamp 18 and two

playselection lights

22 and 26 will be illuminated under these conditions and the SCR circuit will remain open. Since the voltage and current ratings of lamp 20 have not yet been met, lamp 20 will not be illuminated.

The same sequence outlined in the move condition will occur in the penalty mode except that when identical numbers are selected by the players the common wire contacts associated with each player will short out both ready lamp 14 and move lamp l8 placing penalty" lamp 20 directly across power source 10. The voltage across time delay circuit 28 will also be at the supply voltage. When capacitor 44 is charged to the trigger voltage of SCR 46, the SCR will fire closing the circuit to lamp 24, for example, if contacts 36 and 36' are depressed by the players. Lamp 24 will then be placed across power source 10 and in parallel circuit relationship with penalty light 20. Accordingly, ready light 14 will extinguish, penalty lamp 20 will flash on and within a preset time delay, e. g., 3 seconds, lamp 24 associated with the play selection made by both players will flash on.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of this invention wherein switch 58 is provided as circuit means 28. Thus, there is no time delay feature built into this alternative embodiment and the play selections are indicated by appropriate indicating lamps 22-26 upon depression of switch 58. With the exception of the time delay feature, operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is the same as that described for the basic embodiment in FIG. 1.

The present invention provides for a circuit that can be employed with an electronic game or with educational devices. The circuit of this invention is simple in design, is economical to produce and is reliable so as to avoid costly maintenance and repair. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described and departures may be made from such details without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. An electronic game circuit, comprising:

an electrical source;

first switching means in circuit relationship with said source for enabling selection of one of a plurality of possible game plays; first indicator means in circuit relationship with said .first switching means for indicating when selection of a game play by use of said first switching means has been accomplished; second switching means in circuit with said first switching means for enabling selection of one of a plurality of possible game plays; second indicator means in circuit with said first and second switching means and with said first indicator means for indicating when said first and second switching means are actuated in a first predetermined manner; third indicator means in circuit with said second switching means, said first indicator means and said source for indicating when said first and second switching means are actuated in a second predetermined manner; fourth indicator means in circuit with said first and second switching means and with said source for indicating play selections by said first and second switching means; and time delay circuit means in operative relationship with said first and second switching means, said fourth indicator means and with said source for delaying indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said first switching means and for controlling indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selectionas selected by actuation of said second switch ing means. 2. An electronic game circuit as in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second switching means includes:

said second primary terminal of said second switching means is further connected in circuit with said third indicator means whereby an electric circuit is completed through said first and second switching means and through said third indicator means when corresponding ones of said secondary contacts in said first and second switching means are placed in closed circuit relationship with the respective primary terminals of said first and second switching means.

4. An electronic game circuit as in claim 3 wherein each of said secondary contacts of said first and second switching means is associated with a game play selection.

5. An electronic game circuit as in claim 2 wherein said circuit means is a time delay circuit means including:

a first electrical impedance in circuit with said second switching means;

a second electrical impedance in circuit with said firstimpcdance and with said source;

a third electrical impedance in circuit with said first and second impedances and with said source; and

third switching means in circuit with said fourth indicator means and with said third impedance means for controllingactuation of said fourth indicator means, whereby said time delay circuit means delays indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said first switching means and prevents indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said second switching means when said second switching means is actuated later than a predetermined time after said first switching means is actuated.

6. An electronic game circuit as in claim 5 wherein said first impedance includes a first resistor, said sec-- ond impedance includes a second resistor and said third impedance includes a capacitor.

7. An electronic game circuit as in claim 6 wherein said third switching means includes a three terminal controlled-rectifier having a first terminal in circuit with said fourth indicator means, a second terminal in circuit with said source and a gate terminal in circuit with said first and second resistors and with said capacitor.

I 8. An electronic game circuit as in claim 7 further including a fourth electrical impedance in circuit between said fourth indicator means and said first terminal of said controlled rectifier.

9. An electronic game circuit as in claim 8 wherein said fourth impedance includes a third resistor.

10. An electronic game circuit as in claim 7 wherein said first, second, third and fourth indicator means are lights.

.11. An electronic game circuit as in claim 10 wherein each of said fourth indicator lights are in circuit between said controlled rectifier and a respective one of said secondarycontact pairs.

12. An electronic game circuit as in claim 11 wherein said first indicator light will fully light on a fraction of the electrical current required to fully light the second and third indicator lights, and wherein said second indicator light will fully light on a fraction of the electrical current required to fully light said third indicator light.

rendered operative to provide a loclcout feature when said fourth switching means is connected to said first primary terminal of said second switching means and whereby said circuit means is rendered inoperative to provide said lock-out feature when said fourth switching means is connected to said second primary terminal of said second switching means.

15. An electronic game circuit as in claim 1 wherein said circuit means include a switch in circuit between said fourth indicator means and said source.

* rlt

Claims

1. An electronic game circuit, comprising: an electrical source; first switching means in circuit relationship with said source for enabling selection of one of a plurality of possible game plays; first indicator means in circuit relationship with said first switching means for indicating when selection of a game play by use of said first switching means has been accomplished; second switching means in circuit with said first switching means for enabling selection of one of a plurality of possible game plays; second indicator means in circuit with said first and second switching means and with said first indicator means for indicating when said first and second switching means are actuated in a first predetermined manner; third indicator means in circuit with said second switching means, said first indicator means and said source for indicating when said first and second switching means are actuated in a second predetermined manner; fourth indicator meaNs in circuit with said first and second switching means and with said source for indicating play selections by said first and second switching means; and time delay circuit means in operative relationship with said first and second switching means, said fourth indicator means and with said source for delaying indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said first switching means and for controlling indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said second switching means.

2. An electronic game circuit as in claim 1 wherein each of said first and second switching means includes: a first primary terminal in circuit with said second indicator means; a second primary terminal in circuit relationship with said source; and a plurality of secondary contacts in selective circuit relationship with said primary terminals, said secondary contacts of said first switching means being coupled to respective ones of said secondary contacts of said second switching means to form a plurality of pairs of said secondary contacts.

3. An electronic game circuit as in claim 2 wherein said second primary terminal of said second switching means is further connected in circuit with said third indicator means whereby an electric circuit is completed through said first and second switching means and through said third indicator means when corresponding ones of said secondary contacts in said first and second switching means are placed in closed circuit relationship with the respective primary terminals of said first and second switching means.

5. An electronic game circuit as in claim 2 wherein said circuit means is a time delay circuit means including: a first electrical impedance in circuit with said second switching means; a second electrical impedance in circuit with said first impedance and with said source; a third electrical impedance in circuit with said first and second impedances and with said source; and third switching means in circuit with said fourth indicator means and with said third impedance means for controlling actuation of said fourth indicator means, whereby said time delay circuit means delays indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said first switching means and prevents indication by said fourth indicator means of said play selection as selected by actuation of said second switching means when said second switching means is actuated later than a predetermined time after said first switching means is actuated.

6. An electronic game circuit as in claim 5 wherein said first impedance includes a first resistor, said second impedance includes a second resistor and said third impedance includes a capacitor.

8. An electronic game circuit as in claim 7 further including a fourth electrical impedance in circuit between said fourth indicator means and said first terminal of said controlled rectifier.

11. An electronic game circuit as in claim 10 wherein each of said fourth indicator lights are in circuit between said controlled rectifier and a respective one of said secondary contact pairs.

13. An electronic game circuit as in claim 12 wherein said fourth indicator lights will fully light on the same amount of electrical current required to fully illuminate said first indicator light.

14. An electronic game circuit as in claim 2 further including fourth switching means in circuit between said circuit means and said second switching means for enabling said circuit means to be selectively connected to one of said first and second primary terminals of said second switching means, whereby said circuit means is rendered operative to provide a ''''lock-out'''' feature when said fourth switching means is connected to said first primary terminal of said second switching means and whereby said circuit means is rendered inoperative to provide said ''''lock-out'''' feature when said fourth switching means is connected to said second primary terminal of said second switching means.