RECONFIGURABLE BY RETRIEVABLE UNLOCKING ELEMENTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] In general, the present invention pertains to the art of games. In particular, the invention relates to systems and methods of gaming kits and methods of playing with housings reconfigurable by retrievable unlocking elements.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is believed that the current state of the art is represented inter alia by the following patent literature: US5713552, US6616141 , US2003234200, US2004149754 and US2014015388, by the same inventor of the present invention.

[0003] Jill BOLLMAN in US2002111106, which is believed to be the closest prior art, teaches a box with pre-printed graphics for children. The box of US2002111 106 is for holding contents during delivery to a user contains play graphics associated with a play activity of a child, thus encouraging reuse of the box as a toy by children. One box of US2002111106 contains pre-printed play graphics on the inside of the box and is of sufficient size so as to allow a significant portion of the child to enter the box while the child performs the play activity. Another box of US200211 1106 contains at least some graphics to be used to reconfigure the box according to a predetermined configuration associated with the play activity. The box in US20021 11106 is reconfigured for play, either alone or in combination with one or more other boxes. The play graphics in US2002111106 may supplement or supplant the original logos on the box.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided a gaming kit including: (a) a housing configurable into at least: a boxing configuration and gaming configuration, the housing including: (I) a reconfigurable container configured to accommodate constituents of the gaming kit, in the boxing configuration of the reconfigurable housing;

(II) a retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable container, configured for providing access to interior of the reconfigurable housing, at least in the boxing configuration;

(III) at least one movable portion, wherein the movable portion is configured to be moved, in the gaming configuration; (b) a retrieving device including: (I) a handle configured for manual grip; (II) a fastener configured to attach retrievable articles; (III) a connector configured to connect between the handle and the fastener; (c) a securing mechanism configured to secure the reconfigurable housing in the boxing configuration; (d) at least one retrievable article, wherein the retrievable article including an unlocking element; wherein the unlocking element is configured to alter the securing mechanism; thereby facilitating transformation of the reconfigurable housing from the boxing configuration into the gaming configuration.

[0005] In some embodiments, the retrieving device of the gaming kit is configured to provide a range of degrees of freedom, in motion for the fastener relative to the handle.

[0006] In some embodiments, wherein the of the retrieving device includes at least one element selected from group consisting of: a magnet, hook-and-loop fastener, clamp and hook.

[0007] In some embodiments, the gaming kit further includes a seal, configured of obstruct the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable container.

[0008] In some embodiments, the gaming kit further includes a tamper indicative seal, configured of provide an indication that the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable container has been accessed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable container further includes a fastener element, associated with the retrieving aperture, configured to affix a retrievable article to the retrieving aperture.

[0010] In some embodiments, the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable housing further includes a pipe portion extending inwardly from the retrieving aperture, into the reconfigurable container housing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable housing further includes a pipe portion extending inwardly from the retrieving aperture, into the reconfigurable container housing, wherein a diameter of the pipe portion is too small to insert a hand or palm therethrough.

[0012] In some embodiments, the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable housing further includes a pipe portion extending inwardly from the retrieving aperture, into the reconfigurable container housing, wherein a length of the pipe portion effectively precludes retrieving the at least one retrievable article other than by the retrieving device.

[0013] In some embodiments, wherein the at least one retrievable article further includes a plush toy, wherein the plush toy is retrievable from the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable container in a depleted configuration and wherein the plush toy is fillable by filler element or material. [0014] In some embodiments, the reconfigurable housing further includes a dedicated compartment, configured to accommodate the retrieving device.

[0015] In some embodiments, the at least one movable portion of the reconfigurable housing includes a door-like shaped element, and wherein the securing mechanism includes a door lock shaped element. [0016] In some embodiments, the at least one movable portion of the reconfigurable housing includes a door-like shaped element, rotatable on a hinge portion, wherein in the boxing configuration the door-like shaped element is aligned essentially to coincide with a face of the reconfigurable housing thereby rendering the container essentially closed; whereas in the gaming configuration, the door-like shaped element is angularly turned on the hinge portion thereby rendering the container essentially open.

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one movable portion of the reconfigurable housing includes a polygonally shaped element, wherein in the boxing configuration the polygonally shaped element is disposed essentially as a lid on top of the container, thereby rendering the container essentially closed; whereas in the gaming configuration, the polygonally shaped element is disposed essentially as a pedestal at bottom the container, thereby rendering the container essentially open.

[0018] In accordance with some embodiments and aspects of the present invention, there is provided method of playing with the gaming kit, including retrieving said unlocking element from said container; locking said securing mechanism by said unlocking element; reconfiguring said housing into a gaming configuration by: moving, disposing or redisposing said movable portion of said reconfigurable housing; thus rendering said reconfigured container usable as a toy rather than as packaging..

[0019] In some embodiments, wherein the retrieving of the unlocking element from the container further includes releasing the unlocking element from its enclosure.

[0020] In some embodiments, the unlocking of the securing mechanism includes unlocking a padlock like lock with a key.

[0021] In some embodiments, rendering the container usable as a toy rather than as packaging includes opening and/or closing a door-shaped movable portion of the container or disposing a polygonally shaped movable portion essentially at bottom of the container.

DEFINITIONS

[0022] By "operationally connected" and "operably coupled", as used herein, is meant connected in a specific way (e.g., in a manner allowing water to move and/or electric power to be transmitted) that allows the disclosed system and its various components to operate effectively in the manner described herein.

[0023] Whenever in the specification hereunder and particularly in the claims appended hereto a verb, whether in base form or any tense, a gerund or present participle or a past participle are used, such terms as well as preferably other terms are to be construed as actual or constructive, meaning inter alia as being merely optionally or potentially performed and/or being only performed anytime in future. The terms essentially and substantially, or similar relative terms, are to be construed in accordance with their ordinary dictionary meaning, namely mostly but not completely. [0024] As used herein, the term“or” is an inclusive“or” operator, equivalent to the term“and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; whereas the term “and” as used herein is also the alternative operator equivalent to the term“and/or,” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] It should be understood, however, that neither the briefly synopsized summary nor particular definitions hereinabove are not to limit interpretation of the invention to the specific forms and examples but rather on the contrary are to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0027] FIG 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the gaming kit of the invention;

[0028] FIG 2 is detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the retrieving device of the gaming kit of the invention;

[0029] FIG 3 is detailed perspective view of an exemplary retrievable article of the gaming kit; [0030] FIG 4 a top plan view of an embodiment of a reconfigurable housing of the invention in a flattened state;

[0031 ] FIG 5 is a back view of an embodiment of a reconfigurable housing of the invention; [0032] FIG 6 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a reconfigurable housing of the invention;

[0033] FIG 7 is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a reconfigurable housing of the invention, in a boxing configuration; [0034] FIG 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a reconfigurable housing of the invention, in a gaming configuration;

[0035] FIG 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of method of playing with gaming kit of the invention.

[0036] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown merely by way of example in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily complete and components are not essentially to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles underlying the present invention.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of actual implementation are described in this specification. It should be appreciated that various features or elements described in the context of some embodiment may be interchangeable with features or elements of any other embodiment described in the specification. Moreover, it will be appreciated that for the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with technology- or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another, and the effort of such a development might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0038] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 1 , showing a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of gaming kit 10A. Gaming kit 10A comprises reconfigurable housing 12A, configurable into at least: a boxing configuration and gaming configuration, as will be elaborated below. Gaming kit 10A further comprises retrieving device 14 and at least one retrievable article 16.

[0039] Reconfigurable housing 12A comprises container 18A, configured to accommodate various constituents of gaming kit 10A, at least in the aforementioned boxing configuration of reconfigurable housing 12A. In some examples, container 18A comprises a sheeted of material, such as cardboard or polymeric sheet, manufactured in a flattened state, by cutting a preset layout in the sheeted of material.

[0040] Referring to FIG 4 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of container 18A in a flattened state. The layout of container 18A, typically cut from a cardboard sheet by a stencil, is transformable into the assembled configuration by folding about axes 13. The flattened pattern of container 18A defines aperture 15, optionally roundly shaped, used as a retrieving aperture, as will be explained below. The flattened pattern of container 18A further defines a movable portion, optionally door-like shaped portion 22A.

[0041] Referring now to FIG 5 and 6, respectively, shows back and front views of reconfigurable housing 12A. In some embodiments, container 18A comprises dedicated compartment 19. Dedicated compartment 19 of container 18A is preferably configured to accommodate retrieving device 14, shown in FIG 2.

[0042] Reconfigurable housing 12A further comprises retrieving aperture

40. Retrieving aperture 40 is typically disposed on a front face of container 18A, of reconfigurable housing 12A. Retrieving aperture 40 is configured to provide access to the interior of container 18A, of reconfigurable housing 12A, at least in the boxing configuration.

[0043] In some embodiments, retrieving aperture 40 further comprises seal 20, configured of obstruct retrieving aperture 40 in reconfigurable housing 12A. Seal 20 optionally comprises of disk-shaped element. Seal 20 is optionally made of materials such as cardboard or polymeric sheet. In some preferred embodiments, seal 20 is tamper indicative, configured of provide an indication that retrieving aperture 40 in reconfigurable housing 12A has been accessed and/or opened. [0044] In some embodiments, retrieving aperture 40 comprises a cylindrical or polygonal pipe portion (not shown), so that the pipe portion extends inwardly from the front face of container 18A, into reconfigurable housing 12A. In some examples the diameter if retrieving aperture 40 is too small to insert a hand or palm therethrough.

[0045] In some embodiments, retrieving aperture 40 with a pipe portion (not shown), extending inwardly from the front face of container 18A, further comprises a fastener element (not shown), such as the hook portion of hook-and-loop fastener, configured to affix a retrievable article, such as a plush toy or a tillable fabric toy, relative to the retrieving aperture. In some examples the length of the pipe portion extending inwardly from the front face of container 18A of retrieving aperture 40 is sufficient to effectively preclude retrieving the retrievable articles, such as article 16, from reconfigurable housing 12A other than by dedicated retrieving device, such retrieving device 14.

[0046] Reconfigurable housing 12A comprises at least one movable portion 22A. Movable portion 22A of reconfigurable housing 12A of gaming kit 10A shown in FIG 5 and 6 comprises of door-shaped movable portion 22, typically rotatable upon folding axis 23. Movable portion 22A optionally forms a continuum with reconfigurable housing 12A.

[0047] Reconfigurable housing 12A of gaming kit 10A further comprises securing mechanism 24A, configured for securing movable portion 22A, at least in the boxing configuration. Gaming kit 10A yet further comprises unlocking element 34, such as a key, shown in FIG 1 and 3. Unlocking element 34 is configured to unlock securing mechanism 24A. Upon unlocking securing mechanism 24A of gaming kit 10A, housing 12A is releasable from boxing configuration and reconfigurable into gaming configuration, by opening portion 22A and further using housing 12A reconfigured as a toy house rather than as packaging.

[0048] Referring now to FIG 2 shows retrieving device 14, including handle 30, optionally embodying a disk like shape, configured for manual grip. Handle 30 is optionally made of plastic polymer. Retrieving device 14 further comprises fastener 26. Fastener 26 comprises an element configured to attach retrievable articles 16, typically such as a magnet, hook-and-loop fastener, clamp and hook. Retrieving device 14 further comprises connector 28, configured to connect between handle 30 and fastener 26. Connector 28 optionally embodies a rubber band or chain.

[0049] Referring now to FIG 3 shows retrievable article 16, including affixing element 36. Affixing element of retrievable article 36 is configured to connect retrievable article 16 to fastener 26 of retrieving device 14, shown in FIG 2. Retrievable article 16 further comprises at least unlocking element 34. Unlocking element 34 as aforesaid is configured to unlock securing mechanism 24A. Retrievable article 16 further optionally comprises bag 32, configured to enclose unlocking element 34.

[0050] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 7 and 8, showing perspective views of another embodiment of gaming kit 10B, respectively in a boxing and gaming configurations. The embodiment of gaming kit 10B shown in FIG 7 and 8 illustrate various features and elements that may be interchangeable with features and elements of any other embodiment described in the specification. Gaming kit 10B, similarly to gaming kit 10A, further comprises retrieving device 14, set forth supra and shown in FIG 2, as well as at least one retrievable article 16, described above and shown in FIG 3.

[0051] Gaming kit 10B comprises polygonally shaped movable portion 22B of reconfigurable housing 12B. In the boxing configuration, shown in FIG 7, polygonally shaped movable portion 22B of gaming kit 10B is disposed essentially on top of container 18B, as a lid of reconfigurable housing 12B, thereby rendering container 18B essentially closed. Whereas in the gaming configuration, shown in FIG 8, polygonally shaped movable portion 22B is disposed essentially at bottom of container 18B, as a stage or pedestal, thereby while container 18B is essentially open.

[0052] Reconfigurable housing 12B of gaming kit 10B further comprises securing mechanism 24B, configured for securing movable portion 22B, at least in the boxing configuration, shown in FIG 7. Gaming kit 10B yet further comprises unlocking element (not shown), such as a key, shown in FIG 1 and 3. The unlocking element (not shown) is configured to unlock securing mechanism 24B. Upon unlocking securing mechanism 24B of gaming kit 10B, housing 12B is releasable from the boxing configuration, shown in FIG 7, and reconfigurable into the gaming configuration, shown in FIG 8, by disposing polygonally shaped movable portion 22B essentially at bottom of container 18B, as a stage or pedestal, and further using housing 12B reconfigured as a toy house rather than as packaging.

[0053] In some embodiments a retrievable article of gaming kit 10B comprises miniature doll 21 , mountable on top of retrieving aperture 40, optionally on a crock or pedestal element, affixable in retrieving aperture 40 in the gaming configuration, shown in FIG 8, while polygonally shaped movable portion 22B is disposed essentially at bottom of container 18B.

[0054] In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to FIG 9, showing flowchart 50 of an embodiment of method of playing with the gaming kit of the invention, such as gaming kit 10A, shown through FIG 1 and 6, as well as gaming kit 10B shown in FIG 7 and 8. The embodiment of method shown in FIG 9 includes various features and elements that may be interchangeable with features and elements of any other embodiment described in the specification.

[0055] The method of playing with the gaming kit of the invention, such as gaming kit 10A, shown through FIG 1 and 6, as well as gaming kit 10B shown in FIG 7 and 8, exemplified by flowchart 50 commences with unboxing phase. The unboxing phase comprises optional step 52, of removing the seal, such as seal 20, and revealing the retrieving aperture in the container, such as retrieving aperture 20 in container 18A.

[0056] The unboxing phase of method exemplified by flowchart 50 comprises step 54, of retrieving the unlocking element from the container, such as retrieving unlocking element 34 from container 18A, shown through FIG 1 and 6. In some embodiments step 54, of retrieving the unlocking element from the container, optionally further comprises releasing the unlocking element from its enclosure, such as releasing unlocking element 34 from bag 32.

[0057] The unboxing phase of method exemplified by flowchart 50 proceeds to step 56, of unlocking the securing mechanism, such as unlocking securing mechanism 24B of reconfigurable housing 12B, shown in FIG 7 and 8. In some embodiments step 56, of unlocking the securing mechanism, optionally comprises unlocking padlock like securing mechanism with a key, such as unlocking padlock like securing mechanism 24B with unlocking element 34.

[0058] The unboxing phase of method exemplified by flowchart 50 concludes and the gaming phase of the method begins, at step 58 including moving, disposing or redisposing the movable portion of the reconfigurable housing. Examples of step 58 of moving, disposing or redisposing the movable portion of the reconfigurable housing include opening and closing door-shaped movable portion 22A, typically by rotating upon folding axis 23, as shown through FIG 1 and 6, and/or disposing polygonally shaped movable portion 22B essentially at bottom of container 18B, like a stage or pedestal, as shown in FIG 7 and 8.

[0059] The gaming phase of the method exemplified by flowchart 50 continues at step 60, of reconfiguring the housing into the gaming configuration and using the reconfigured housing as a toy rather than as packaging.

[0060] In some embodiments the retrievable article of the gaming kit further comprises a plush toy. In some embodiments the retrievable article of the gaming kit further comprises a plush toy, retrievable from the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable housing in a depleted configuration and tillable by filler element or material further retrievable from the retrieving aperture in the reconfigurable housing.

[0061] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow: