Apparatus for playing

• US 4,666,160 A
• Filed: 07/31/1985
• Issued: 05/19/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1980
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Clarence Q. Hamilton
• Original Assignee: Clarence Q. Hamilton
• Inventors: Hamilton, Clarence Q.
• Primary Examiner(s): Oechsle, Anton O.
• Application Number:
  US06/760,987
• Time in Patent Office: 657 Days
• Field of Search: 273/241, 273/242, 273/256, 273/272
• US Class Current: 273/242
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/00066 with play money with real coins or paper money A63F2250/13
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/00526 for playing different games, e.g. with playing surfaces on opposite sides of the board A63F2003/00968 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/0094 convertible into a suitcase
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/00965 containing a set of board games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2250/1063 Timers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00176 Boards having particular shapes, e.g. hexagonal, triangular, circular, irregular
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00643 Electric board games; Electric features of board games electric word or number games A63F3/0421; computer chess G06F; electric raffle games A63F3/081
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00697 Playing pieces
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/02 Chess; Similar board games

Abstract

Disclosed are two interrelated sets of adult skill-oriented games derived from Vectorial and Mancala-like intelligence. In respect to their structural elements and behavioral dimensions these games evidence numerous improvements over the state of the art. The essential, linking feature common to all games of the invention is the rapid qualitative and quantitative transference of pieces, as defined, within a restricted, vectorial field or matrix with a view toward establishing certain winning formations, values or results. Speed--the Mach Factor--accounts for up to 50% of the total values in the games. Part I of the games of the invention declares what I call Vectorial games and game-systems. This group is divided into three categories: miniature Mancala-like games, pyramidic games and tangramatic games. Part II relates to games which evidence new and improved formats, apparatus and methods for making and playing traditional Mancala type games. Several examples illustrate a variety of simulated scenarios, utility functions, methods of play and commercially feasible embodiments e.g. boards, encasements, video-cartridges, hand-held computers and the like. Finally, a new and improved notation system is disclosed. All in all, the various aspects of the invention, together with the standardization of play at professional levels, should lead to the local and international re-vitalization of interest in Vectorial and Mancala-like games.

Claims

1. Apparatus for making and playing Vectorial, Mancala-like and other types of direction, formation and transfer-oriented games wherein the structural dimensions include a playing field matrix with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 rows of cells in which a plurality of playing pieces are deposited, lifted and transferred to successive cells with a view to strategically establishing certain capturing positions, as defined, said apparatus comprising:

a. a board or game case with one or more built-in timing devices for recording time used by each player in completing the games;

two or more storage compartments for storing a plurality of differentiated playing pieces; and

a centrally-located ridge which divides the receptacle areas into left and right homeboards;

b. a geometrically and graphically designed game matrix which forms the playing field for the particularized game, with said matrix consisting of two separate receptacle areas with a plurality of cells on either side of a centrally-located transactions and/or value line area;

c. a plurality of color-coded and otherwise differentiated playing pieces of diverse shapes and forms, as required, and of sufficiency to allow for each player placing a set in each designated initial set-up cell, as prescribed by the rules governing play;

d. a plurality of "question and answer" cards containing instructions which cause unexpected advances or reversals and which are picked after each capturing move, as defined by the rules governing play;

e. a stack of play money notes, or chips, of varying denominations, which is used to settle financially-related transactions arising from capture and/or question and answer cards selection;

f. a doubling device which is used to initiate and increase bets before and during the course of play;

g. a tabulated scoring pad on which each player records moves, value of captures, fines, and bonuses; and

h. a set of rules and regulations governing all aspects of play from the initial set-up requirements to usage of a descriptive notation system to record moves and outcomes.