Spaceballs

• US 5,653,593 A
• Filed: 10/30/1995
• Issued: 08/05/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James Berlinski
• Original Assignee: James Berlinski
• Inventors: Berlinski, James
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirsch, Paul J.
• Application Number:
  US08/544,966
• Time in Patent Office: 645 Days
• Field of Search: 434/171, 434/159, 434/172, 446/431, 446/437, 273/58 R, 273/128 A
• US Class Current: 434/159
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 7/40 Balls or other moving playing bodies, e.g. pinballs or discs used instead of balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/0098 Word or number games A63F3/0415, A63F3/0421, A63F3/0423 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/12 Three-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 1/36 the elements being connectible by corresponding projections and recesses

Abstract

This invention comprises an instructional and game device wherein two elements of the device may be fitted together to form a non-continuous ball which may be bounced, rolled, spun or thrown. The elements comprise, for example, the letters of the alphabet wherein a large "A" and a small "a" may be fitted together to form a discontinuous spherical ball. The letters are formed in a particular rounded format around the exterior edge and include a centrally located notched internal member where the elements are locked together. The individual elements are generally flat and may be readily stacked for packaging. Various constructions or combinations may be built with the letters. Also, the elements may be made in the shape of numerals so that various combinations of numerals or numerals and letters may be fit together into a discontinuous spherical design.

Claims

1. A spaceball game apparatus comprising;

a first member from a set of alphabetical, numerical and mathematical symbols, each of said symbols having an expandable notch and being formed substantially in the shape of an alphabetical or numerical character, or having a mathematical symbol associated therewith,

said first member including a curved outer periphery and an internal portion having an expandable notch, and at least a second member of said symbols also including a curved outer periphery and an internal portion having an expandable notch,

said notch of said first member being engageable with the notch of said second member to form a spaceball having a discontinuous outer periphery which functions as a game device,

wherein said symbols may further be used to spell words and/or teach arithmetic.

2. A spaceball game device in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

each letter of the alphabet forms a stylized member having a curved outer periphery forming the outer surface of a discontinuous sphere in conjunction with a second stylized alphabet letter coupled thereto and having a curved outer periphery.

3. A spaceball game device in accordance with claim 2 wherein:

the stylized members each comprise a flat upper surface and a flat bottom surface parallel thereto and downwardly extending parallel sides joining said surfaces to permit ease of stacking and the spaceball configuration is asymmetrical.

4. A spaceball game device in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

the first and second members are of unequal non-symmetrical shape.

5. A spaceball game device in accordance with claim 2 wherein:

a plurality of alphabet members and numeral members are connected to form predetermined designs.

6. A spaceball game device in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

the first member is a letter and the second member is a number.

7. A spaceball game device in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

the device comprises a resilient material; and

,

the internal notched portions are coupled at right angels, said notched portions each expanding to grip the opposing member and said notch terminating a predetermined distance into the internal portion.