Game apparatus utilizing controllable audio signals

• US 4,496,149 A
• Filed: 11/10/1982
• Issued: 01/29/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert B. Schwartzberg
• Original Assignee: Robert B. Schwartzberg
• Inventors: Schwartzberg, Robert B.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lastova, MaryAnn Stoll
• Application Number:
  US06/440,544
• Time in Patent Office: 811 Days
• Field of Search: 273/1 R, 273/1 E, 273/1 GC, 273/213, 273/58 E, 273/58 D, 273/237, 273/DIG. 27, 273/58 G, 46/232, 46/256, 46/262, 446/11, 446/86, 446/117, 446/177, 446/176, 446/196, 446/484
• US Class Current: 273/454
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2454 with LED
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2472 Buzzer, beep or electric bell
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2477 Tone generators, oscillators
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/2494 Battery, e.g. dry cell
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32

Abstract

There is disclosed a game apparatus employing a container having located therein an electronic circuit capable of emitting a repetitive audio signal of a controllable volume and repetition rate. The container includes a compartment in which a prize or award is placed by the players. The container is then hidden by one of the players who selects the repetition rate and volume to thereby cause audio signals to propagate. The participants then attempt to locate the container in response to the emitted signals and the first participant who finds the container has access to the prize. The degree of difficulty is determined by the volume and repetition rate of the signal as controlled by the player hiding the same.

Claims

1. A game apparatus employing an object capable of emitting an audible signal to enable one successful player of a plurality of players to locate the object, when hidden, by responding to the sound emanating from said object, comprising:

a housing manifesting said object and having an internal hollow, said housing being of a box-like configuration with an opened top and having a cover member pivotally secured to said housing for selectively covering said opened top,

an oscillator circuit located in the hollow of said housing and operative when energized to provide an output signal manifesting a repetitive waveform of an adjustable amplitude and rate;

control means positioned in said housing and coupled to said oscillator circuit to selectively adjust the amplitude and rate of said waveform wherein said control means includes a first control means for independently varying the amplitude of said oscillator circuit and a second control means for independently varying the rate of said oscillator whereby a player can select both the amplitude and frequency of the waveform according to his preference, said oscillator providing a ramp voltage output signal where the duration between ramps is controlled by said second control means,

sound producing means responsive to said ramp output signal to produce an audible signal according to said ramp waveform, and

repository means located in said housing for retaining an award deposited therein by a player as an incentive to said successful player capable of locating said housing by responding to the sound emitted from said housing.

2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, further including a battery located within said housing and coupled to said oscillator circuit for energizing the same.

3. The game apparatus according to claim 2, further including visual indicator means selectively coupled in circuit with said battery and operative when selected to provide a visual indication manifesting a proper battery condition.

4. The game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said visual indicating means is a light emitting diode (LED).

5. The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sound producing means is a piezoelectric buzzer.