WO2020070365A1

WO2020070365A1 - Modular game

Info

Publication number: WO2020070365A1
Application number: PCT/ES2019/070664
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano VUGA
Original assignee: Vuga Stefano
Priority date: 2018-10-03
Filing date: 2019-10-02
Publication date: 2020-04-09
Also published as: ES1225596U; ES1225596Y; EP3862059B1; EP3862059A1; EP3862059A4

Abstract

The modular game consists of a series of parts, each part having at least three pairs of faces disposed in different planes. Each pair of faces is formed by a first face having a protuberance that projects outwards from the part and a second face symmetrically opposed to the first face having a cavity whose shape is complementary to the shape of the protuberance of the first face, in order to enable the coupling together of various parts such that they are disposed aligned along at least three different axes. The game makes it easier to understand vector space, as well as basic algebraic rules, to provide training for future students.

Description

MODULAR GAME

This application claims priority of the utility model in Spain (ES) n °

U201831509, filed on October 3, 2018.

DESCRIPTION

This description refers to modular sets consisting of pieces that can be coupled to each other to compose multiple structures in space.

STATE OF THE ART

Construction kits are known consisting of multiple pieces configured to fit together in order to form various figures in two or three dimensions. These types of games develop various skills in children, as well as the coordination of body parts, the senses such as sight and touch, and especially the imagination.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

A new modular game is proposed that goes beyond the construction of figures in space, which makes it easier to understand vector space, as well as basic algebraic rules, to provide training for future students. The present modular set consists of a series of pieces that can be coupled together. Each of the pieces of the modular game can be three-dimensionally symmetrical, for example, inscribable in a sphere. Each piece has at least three pairs of faces arranged in different planes, for example, six faces in a cube-shaped configuration, although many other geometric shapes are possible. The faces of each piece of the modular set can be flat, for example, or they can be curved, constituting, for example, pieces in the form of a sphere, or present another configuration. The pieces of the present modular set can be hollow or solid, or partially hollow, as desired. Other shapes and configurations are also possible as long as they are solid pieces, either totally or partially hollow. Each pair of faces of each piece of the present modular set is formed by a first face that presents a projection which projects outwards from the piece, and a second face symmetrically opposite the first face, which presents a cavity whose shape is complementary to the shape of the protrusion of the first face. This configuration of projections and cavities allows coupling several parts to each other by inserting the projection of one part in the cavity of a different part. Once the pieces are coupled together, they are arranged aligned on at least three different axes in space. The shape of the shoulder and the corresponding cavity shape of each face pair can be the same or different between the face pairs.

The cavities formed in the faces of the game pieces may have more or less depth as desired. Thus, for example, the cavity of at least one of the faces of the part can extend along at least part of a dimension of the part, for example, along all or part of the width, from the height, length, or diameter of the part, depending on the particular geometry of the part. It is envisaged that a cavity of the part can be formed defining a slot or female track adapted for the insertion of a corresponding male projection on another face of another part. The formation of grooves as a particular case of cavities in the pieces allows the coupling of pieces to each other, making a displacement between them to the total fit of the pieces, forming a compact and stable structure of various pieces in three dimensions without empty spaces, that is, without discontinuity. In some cases it is envisaged that the slot may have at least one internal projection. This internal projection can be suitably configured to retain parts temporarily coupled to each other in position, with the possibility of releasing them when desired. For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the projection has a suitable coupling surface, such as a curve, or formed by two inclined planes, for example, for easy disengagement of the parts.

According to a preferred example of the described modular kit, the projection and the cavity of the faces of the part are in the shape of a letter. Many other ways are possible. In particular, it is preferred that each pair of faces in a piece has a first face with a projection and a second face with a cavity, the projection and cavity having a complementary shape corresponding to the letter X in a first pair, the letter And in a second pair, and the letter Z in a third pair. This configuration makes it possible to couple several pieces arranged together aligned on at least three different axes x, y, z in space, as indicated above. In any In this case, the faces of each pair of faces can be arranged opposite each other in the piece. Other arrangements of the faces of each pair in the part are possible.

With the configuration described, three letters protrude from three of the faces of each piece, that is, one letter X, Y, Z for each face, and on the other three faces of the piece, either opposite or adjacent to each other, there are formed cavities with shapes corresponding to said letters X, Y, Z. Each letter is therefore repeated twice in each piece, once protruding from it as a highlight and once entering it as a cavity or groove. In the preferred, but not the only, case, where the letters are X, Y and Z, as indicated above, a face of one piece can be coupled to a corresponding face of another piece, thus constituting a matrix of pieces for different recreational and demonstrative applications of the directions of the vector space.

In the described modular kit, faces of different pieces, whose projection and cavity have the same shape to fit one into the other and couple several pieces together aligned on at least three axes, may have the same color characteristic, or relief, or texture. That is to say, each face in which there is a unique letter can be assigned the same color, relief, or texture, for example, although other finishes are possible to differentiate faces with different projection shapes and cavities. In the example above, a first color can be applied for the face that has the highlight with the letter X and for the face that has the cavity with the letter X, a second color for the face that has the highlight with the letter Y and for the face that has the cavity with the letter Y, and a third color for the face that has the highlight with the letter Z and for the face that has the cavity with the letter Z. As indicated, alternatively to the color, it can be used relief, texture, other finishes, etc.

It is also envisaged that at least one face of the part has one or more holes for inserting other different parts. Said holes may be formed, for example, in the center of each face of the part and, in particular, in an area of at least one of the projections, such as a central area.

With the described configuration, it is possible to create a series of sets for the realization of activities of composition of parts of a model or of original layout sets, according to the directions corresponding to three axes x, y, z in space. This arrangement allows a numerical and numerical-algebraic visualization in three-dimensional space that advantageously facilitates the understanding of space. vector defined by the specific three-dimensional orientation in three axes x, y, z in space and a magnitude determined by the number of parts coupled together along the same axis.

Other objects, advantages, and features of embodiments of the present modular kit will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description, or may be derived by practicing this description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various non-limiting examples of the present modular set will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a part of the present modular kit, from a point of view where three faces of the part are shown with respective projections;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the part of the first example of Figure 1, from another point of view where three other faces of the part with respective complementary cavities are shown;

Figure 3 is a perspective view, from the point of view of Figure 1, of the present modular kit with several pieces of the first example of Figures 1 and 2 coupled together forming a vector structure in space;

Figure 4 is a perspective view, from the point of view of Figure 2, of the modular set of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second example of a part of the present modular kit, from a point of view where three faces of the part are shown with respective projections;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the part of Figure 5, from another point of view showing faces of the part of the second example with respective complementary grooves;

Figure 7 is a perspective view, from the point of view of Figure 5, of the present modular kit with various pieces of the second example of Figures 5 and 6 coupled together forming a vector structure in space;

Figure 8 is a perspective view, from the point of view of Figure 6, of the example of the modular kit of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third example of a piece of the present modular kit, from a point of view where projections are shown; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the part of the third example of Figure 9, from another point of view where respective complementary cavities are shown; Figure 11 is a perspective view, from the point of view of Figure 9, of the present modular kit with various pieces of the third example of Figures 9 and 10 coupled together forming a vector structure in space; Y

Figure 12 is a perspective view, from the point of view of Figure 10, of the modular kit of Figure 11.

DETAILED EXHIBITION OF EXAMPLES

Three non-limiting examples of the present modular kit are shown in Figures 1-12 of the drawings. In all of the examples, the part has been designated together by reference number 100. Many other examples of parts 100 of shapes and configurations other than those described below are possible.

In all the examples shown in the cited figures 1-12, each piece 100 can be hollow, solid, or partially hollow. In the first and second examples shown in Figures 1-8, part 100 has a cubic geometry, with six flat faces 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, three of which, 1 10, 120, 130 , have respective projections 11 1, 121, 131 with different shapes, which project outward, and the other three opposite faces 140, 150, 160, have respective grooves 141, 151, 161 in a complementary way to the shape of the projections 1 11, 121, 131. Thus, the projections 11 1, 121, 131 of one piece 100 are intended to fit into grooves 141, 151, 161 of another piece 100. Despite the position described for the projections 1 11 , 121, 131 and cavities 141, 151, 161 in pairs of opposite faces 1 10-140, 120-150, 130-160 of part 100, both projections 11 1, 121, 131 and cavities 141, 151, 161 can be formed on adjacent faces 1 10, 120, 130,

140, 150, 160. In the third example of Figures 9-12, part 100 has a substantially spherical geometry with shoulders 11 1, 121, 131 and respective grooves

141, 151, 161 in a complementary way. This third example can be considered a particular case of parts with infinite faces or defined by curved surfaces.

In the examples described and shown in Figures 1-12, faces of different parts, whose projections 1 11, 121, 131 and cavity 141, 151, 161 have the same shape to fit each other in order to coupling several pieces 100 to each other can have the same characteristic of color, or relief, or texture. Also, in the examples of Figures 1-12, each shoulder 11 1, 121, 131 and / or each cavity 141, 151, 161 of part 100 has, in a substantially central part thereof, a hole 170 to receive the protrusion from other pieces than pieces 100. For example, if the structure to be built with pieces 100 is in the form of a tree, these other types of pieces may be in the form of leaves, insects, etc.

In the first example illustrated in Figures 1-4 of the drawings, three adjacent faces 1 10, 120, 130 of part 100 have respective projections 11 1, 121, 131 which have the shape of letters X, Y, Z, respectively , as shown in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings. The projections 1 11, 121, 131 project outwardly from the respective faces 110, 120, 130 a certain distance. Correspondingly, and as shown in Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings, the other three opposing adjacent faces 140, 150, 160 of part 100 have respective cavities 141, 151, 161 in a complementary way to the shape of the projections 11 1, 121, 131, respectively, formed within said respective faces 140, 150, 160 of part 100.

The configuration of projections 11 1, 121, 131 and cavities 141, 151, 161 in a complementary way allows coupling several pieces 100 to each other so that they are arranged aligned on at least three different axes in the space x, y, z, such as shown in Figures 3 and 4 of the first example. In other words, in each part or cube 100 there are six faces 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 with projections 1 11, 121, 131 and cavities 141, 151, 161 with corresponding shapes according to a nomenclature + X, -X, + Y, -Y, + Z, -Z, in the first example shown in Figures 1-4 of the drawings. According to said nomenclature, + X is the X-shaped shoulder 1 1 1 of face 1 10, -X is the X-shaped cavity 141 of face 140, + Y is the Y-shaped shoulder 121 of face 120, -Y is the Y-shaped cavity 151 of face 150, + Z is the Z-shaped shoulder 131 of face 130, and -Z is the Z-shaped cavity 161 of face 160, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. In this way, the pieces 100 of the first example can only be coupled to each other through the face pairs 110-140, 120-150 and 130-160 according to the cited nomenclature + X-X, + Y-Y, + Z-Z.

Therefore, the essence of the pieces 100 of the first example shown in Figures 1-4 is the arrangement of projections 1 1 1, 121, 131 in the form of three letters X, Y, Z projecting from three adjacent faces 1 10, 120, 130 corresponding to part 100, a letter X, Y, Z for each face 1 10, 120, 130. These highlights 1 1 1, 121, 131 in letters X, Y, Z are intended to be inserted into corresponding cavities 141, 151, 161 formed on faces 140, 150, 160 of a different piece 100. Each letter X, Y, Z is therefore repeated twice in the same piece 100, once protruding from it, as a highlight 1 1 1, 121, 131, and once entering it, as a cavity 141, 151, 161. In this way, it is possible to couple different pieces 100 aligned to each other on three different axes x, y, z in the space constituting a matrix of pieces 100 for different playful and demonstrative applications of the vector space, defined by orientations and modules .

In said first example illustrated in Figures 1-4, each face 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 in which there is a unique letter X, Y, Z can be assigned a color. Thus, a first color can be applied for the face 1 10 that has the projection 1 11 with the letter X and the same color for the face that has the cavity 141 with the letter X, a second color for the face 120 that has the projection 121 with the letter Y and the same color for the face 150 that has the cavity 151 with the letter Y, and a third color for the face 130 that has the projection 131 with the letter Z and the same color for the face 160 that has cavity 161 with the letter Z.

In a second example shown in Figures 5-8 of the drawings, the projections 1 1 1, 121, 131 are shaped, other than letters, and have lateral notches 190 that are curved or configured by two inclined planes, such as shown in Figures 5 and 6, to receive a corresponding shoulder 180; 180 'to be described later with reference to figure 6. For its part, in this second example, the cavities are configured as grooves 141, 151, 161, two of which 141, 161 are formed on respective edges of corresponding faces 140, 160 of part 100, and the third groove 151 is formed in a central part of the corresponding face 150, as shown in figure 6. The shape of the grooves 141, 151, 161 is such that it allows receiving respective projections 1 11, 121, 131 of another piece 100, moving inside them until the pieces 100 are coupled to each other. To releasably lock two different pieces 100 in position at least the lateral grooves 141, 161 include an internal projection 180; 180 ', as indicated above and as shown in FIG. 6. In particular, and according to the example described in FIG. 6, a side slot 141 has an internal protrusion 180 in the form of a triangular prism with two inclined planes 181, 182, and the other lateral groove 161 has a semi-cylinder-shaped internal projection 180 'with a curved surface 183. This configuration of the internal projections 180 and 180' is complementary to the corresponding notches 190 formed in the projections 11 1, 121, 131, such as indicated above with reference to Figure 5. This configuration of projections 1 11, 121, 131 with notches 190 and lateral grooves 141, 161 with internal projections 180 and 180 'facilitates releasable coupling between parts 100.

In a third example shown in Figures 9-12, part 100 has a substantially spherical geometry with complementary ridges 1 11, 121, 131 and opposing cavities 141, 151, 161 which have the shape of letters X, Y, Z The projections 1 11, 121, 131 of one piece 100 project out of the sphere a certain distance to fit within the cavities 141, 151, 161 of another piece 100, as shown in Figures 1 1 and 12. of the drawings.

With the described configuration, it is possible to create a series of games for the realization of activities of composition of parts of a model or of original layout games, strictly according to three axes x, y, z in space, facilitating the understanding of vector space a through the orientation determined by said x, y, z axes in space and the magnitude determined by the number of pieces 100 coupled together along the same x, y, z axis.

In a game example, each player has a plurality of pieces 100 at the start of the game, for example, seven. Play can continue until all players complete their rounds. The game can be played by teams if the number of players is even. If a face 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of one piece 100 cannot be attached to another face 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of another piece 100, the player looks to see if there is another piece 100 with a face 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the same color or with a projection 1 11, 121, 131 or a cavity 141, 151, 161 in the same way as that of the part 100 where it is to be connected. If there isn't, the turn passes. The objective is thus to build a structure using all 100 pieces avoiding being blocked or eliminated by another player, so that the first player who runs out of 100 pieces wins.

Although only particular examples of the invention have been described herein, the person skilled in the art will understand that other alternative embodiments and / or uses are possible, as well as obvious modifications and equivalent elements. Furthermore, the present description covers all possible combinations of the specific examples that have been described. The scope of this description should not be limited to specific examples, but should be determined only by an appropriate reading of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Modular set consisting of a series of pieces, each piece presenting at least three pairs of faces arranged in different planes, each pair of faces being formed by a first face that has a projection that projects out of the piece, and a second face symmetrically opposite the first face and that has a cavity whose shape is complementary to the shape of the projection of the first face, to allow the coupling of several pieces to each other so that they are arranged aligned on at least three different axes .

Game according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of the projection and the corresponding cavity of each pair of faces is different between the pairs of faces.

Game according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cavity of at least one of the faces extends along at least part of a part dimension, defining a slot.

Game according to claim 3, characterized in that said groove extends along the entire said dimension of the piece.

Game according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said groove has at least one internal projection suitable for retaining in position a corresponding projection of another part inserted in it.

Game according to claim 5, characterized in that said projection protrudes from the interior of the groove according to a concave surface.

Game according to claim 5, characterized in that the said projection protrudes from the interior of the slot according to two inclined planes.

Game according to any of claims 1-7, characterized in that the pieces are three-dimensionally symmetrical.

9. Game according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that at least some of the faces of the piece are formed by flat surfaces.

10. Set according to any of claims 1-9, characterized in that the pieces are cubic.

1 1. Game according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that at least some of the faces of the piece are formed by curved surfaces.

12. Game according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the pieces are spherical.

13. Game according to any of claims 1-12, characterized in that the pieces are hollow.

14. Set according to any of claims 1-12, characterized in that the pieces are solid.

Game according to any of claims 1-14, characterized in that the projection and the cavity of the faces are shaped like a letter.

16. Set according to claim 15, characterized in that each pair of faces of the piece comprises a first face with a projection and a second face with a cavity, the projection and cavity having a complementary shape corresponding to the letter X in a first pair, to the letter Y in a second pair, and to the letter Z in a third pair, so that several pieces arranged together aligned on at least three different axes X, Y, Z can be coupled.

17. Set according to any of claims 1-16, characterized in that the faces of different pieces, whose projection and cavity have the same shape to fit one another and thus couple several pieces with each other arranged aligned in at least three axes, have the same color characteristic, or relief, or texture.

18. Kit according to any of claims 1-17, characterized in that at least one face of the piece has one or more holes for inserting other pieces.