Sound-emitting toppling game element and method for playing a game

• US 5,725,409 A
• Filed: 02/08/1995
• Issued: 03/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scott R. Brunton
• Original Assignee: Scott R. Brunton
• Inventors: Brunton, Scott R.
• Primary Examiner(s): SHAPIRO, PAUL
• Application Number:
  US08/386,301
• Time in Patent Office: 1,126 Days
• Field of Search: 273/459, 273/301, 273/460, 273/293, 446/2, 446/325, 446/397, 446/404, 84/600
• US Class Current: 446/2
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/247 audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/28 Chain-reaction games with toppling pieces; Dispensers or positioning devices therefor

Abstract

A game element, a game and a method for playing a game employing a plurality of game elements. The game element comprising a body that is disposed in contact with a playing surface and in an upright position relative to the surface. Incorporated in the body is a sound emission assembly which emits a sound component directly from the body when the body moves from the upright position in a predetermined displacement. The game comprising a plurality of game elements having respective sound components and being disposed uprightly to form an array so that, when toppled in cascade, they emit the respective sound components sequentially along the array to generate one or more sound sequences. The method comprising the steps of: (i) selecting the shape of an array to erect; (ii) selecting a sound sequence to be emitted; (iii) selecting a plurality of game elements according to the sound sequence and the sound components associated with such elements; (iv) erecting the selected array by placing the selected game elements uprightly in adjacent positions; and (v) initiating cascade toppling of the erected array, so that the selected sound sequence is emitted along the array by emission of the respective sound components when each game element topples.

Claims

1. A game element for disposition on a surface by a user, comprising:

a body, said body being disposed in contact with the surface in an upright position relative to the surface; and

a sound emission assembly incorporated in said body, said assembly emitting a sound component directly from said body when said body moves from said upright position in a predetermined displacement, said sound emission assembly including sound production circuitry and a sound actuation mechanism, said sound production circuitry producing and emitting said sound component and said sound actuation mechanism sensing said movement of said body and, in response thereto, enabling said sound production circuitry, said body including a side, and said body is uprightly disposed by placing said side in contact with the surface, and said sound actuation mechanism comprises a mechanical switch disposed on said side, said mechanical switch being depressed when said body is upright and extending when said body is moved from said upright position in said predetermined displacement, such that said extension of said switch enables said sound production circuitry.

2. The game element of claim 1, wherein said disposition of said mechanical switch is selectable on said side.

3. A game for play by a user on a surface, comprising a plurality of game elements having respective sound components, said game elements being disposed uprightly to form an array and, when toppled in cascade, emitting said respective sound components sequentially along the array to generate one or more sound sequences, a plurality of said game elements including lights and said lighted game elements are selectively placed in said array so as to produce a selected light sequence.