TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to target-type games and articles associated therewith. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to target type games with collectable game components that can be projected towards a target or a playing surface.

BACKGROUND

Various games having collectable components are popular among a plurality of age groups. Examples include trading card games having rules and methods of play, so-called "milk cap" games like Pogs, Tazos, Flippos, etc., and other outdoor or indoor games having small, easily storable and transportable components. Such collectables typically incorporate artistic renditions of imaginary characters, events and objects or other subject matter, depending on the intended player age groups.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter is directed to a game in which players can take turns deploying game components by projecting them onto a playing platform. The game components can be associated with a kit comprising a carrier platform configured to hold the game components, such that when not in use the game components can be assembled on the carrier, forming an article having a decorative function or a construction having a rudimentary three dimensional shape, such as an item of jewelry (e.g. bracelet), toy, etc.

The "playing platform" can be a floor, a tabletop, a manhole cover or other suitable surface indoors or outdoors.

In accordance with an example, the playing platform can be further constituted by an aiming object such as bull's-eye, playing board, rings, receptacles and the like configured for collecting the game components and constitutes a projectile target in the game. The receptacle in accordance with an example is collapsible. In accordance with yet an example the receptacle is an erect structure, e.g. conical and can constitute a peg to allow the players to project thereover quoits constituted by the carriers configured to hold thereon the game components. In accordance with yet an example the receptacle can comprise a peg like protrusion extending from its base to allow the players to project thereover quoits constituted by the carrier platforms.

The receptacle can be made from any desired material. In accordance with an example, the receptacle is provided with light emitting elements. In accordance with another example, the receptacle is provided with radiating/glowing or light reflecting surfaces etc. In accordance with an example, the receptacle/playing platform can be associated with an audio generating system to indicate successful deployment of a game component therethrough. According to another example, the receptacle can be associated with a counting system to indicate the number of successful hits/projections towards the receptacle. The counting system can be configured to recognize and associate the game components with the respective player.

In accordance with an example, the carrier platform can be in the form of substantially circular bracelets. Such bracelets can be a closed loop bracelet or an open loop bracelet. In accordance with an example, in its cross section the carrier can have an airfoil geometry, e.g. to decrease drag and increase lifting capabilities.

In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter the carrier platform is in the form of a bracelet, configured to fit the arm of a child, e.g. provided with an adjustable portion which facilitates adjustment of the bracelet's diameter. Such adjustment can be used to fit the arm of a child as the child grows, or for children in various dimensions. Alternatively, the diameter can be adjusted to switch the bracelet from its structure in which it functions as a bracelet to be worn by a child to a structure configured to function as quoits. The adjustment can be in the form of snapping ends, ends provided with locking arrangement such as magnets, etc. According to another example, the carrier platform can be configured for attachment to another carrier platform. The carrier platform can be fitted in accordance with this example with connecting elements. The connecting elements can form part of the carrier platform structure or can be detachably attachable elements to the carrier platform. Such an attachment configuration can facilitate for example attachment of two or more carrier platforms to form a stable, three- dimensional structure, e.g. to constitute a vertical target.

In accordance with another example, the carrier platform can comprise a supporting surface, e.g. for vertically placing the carrier platform on the "playing surface", to allow targeting the opening therein, e.g. as a target hoop. According to another example, the carrier platform can be fitted with supporting elements to support the carrier platform in an upright, vertical configuration, at various distances from the playing surface.

The term "vertical" as used herein refers to a position in which the opening in the carrier platform is configured to extend at an angle to the playing surface and in accordance with a specific example to extend at about 90 degrees and defining a target through which the game components can pass.

The carrier platform is configured to hold the game components thereon in a detachably attachable manner. The carrier platform can be made from any suitable material such as plastic, rubber, wood, metal, textile material which can be reinforced and/or hardened, or any composite material. The carrier platform can be imparted with either flexible or bendable characteristics, or can be formed from substantially non-flexible material. In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, the carrier platform can be fitted with illumination elements, such as LEDs etc.

The term "projecting" as used herein refers to imparting motion to game components by, without limitation, throwing, tossing, rolling, blowing, kicking, sliding, ejecting, dropping, bouncing, launching, shooting, propelling the game pieces onto the playing surface.

The term "game component," as used herein, includes, among other things, game chips, game pieces, game tokens, and discs that can be projected towards a target. In accordance with an example, the game components are three dimensional perforated or slit elements configured to be threaded, snapped or otherwise attached to the carrier platform. In accordance with an example, the game components are configured to engage like game components.

The game component can be composed of any suitable material available for the manufacture of toys and games, e.g. plastics, silicones, rubbers of various types etc. The game components can be imparted with either flexible or bendable characteristics, or can be formed from substantially non- flexible material.

The game components can comprise an outer appearance having any geometrical shape, and can be provided with any sensory characteristic, including tactile (such as texture, weight, softness, rigidity, etc), visual (such as color), audio (either comprising an audio component, or producing a sound when engaging the playing platform or other game components) and the like. The game component can be made from edible material. The game components can be configured to engage like game components.

The game components can be part of a set of game components all associated for example with a specific theme. The game components or the sets thereof can be collectable and tradable. A player can acquire a large collection through purchase or trading. The game can be played with all the collection of the player or with a predetermined number of game components for each player. The variations in the game play will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. For example, it can be decided by the players that only a specific type of game components are used for a specific game, or that a game component having certain characteristics can be used as a wild game component, and its worth in trade, function or score can be decided by the players.

The game components can have for example artistic renditions of animal or human characters, e.g. animal kingdom or from popular culture, mythology, specific sporting event, etc, and comprise markings relating to certain events, geographical indications or other subject matter which can be related to a theme of a chosen game. The game component can also comprise trademark or brand indication thereon. In some embodiments of the present invention, other indicia on the game components can signify various parameters for the game or the player, such as for example a distance within which a game component should be deployed to the target site (e.g. in order to obtain the full score for the move). In accordance with one example, indicia on the game components can be cross-referenced to a rule set associated with the game. Such a rule set can provide the information about various indicia on the different game components. Alternatively, players can decide upon the game rules. Different indicia can be provided for different game components so that various game components can interact differently or can be used for games with different game rules.

The indicia can further constitute a code, such that a specific code when introduced into a computerized system, e.g. a website or a computerized application on a hand-held device associated with the game component, said website/application can have a user account associated with registering of the player and his game components and can display a virtual replica of the geometrical shape representing the game component and the virtual replica can be manipulated by a user accessing the website/application through the user account and the game component can be provided with a subset of features associated with the replica. It should be appreciated that the term "coded" is used in its broadest sense and can be used to refer to a verbal or numerical code, serial number, a two or three dimensional matrix code such as quick response code or an optical machine readable code such as barcode, code can further reference a tag embedded in the game component or any other member of the play kit, the tag can be for example a radio-frequency identification system etc. The code can be used in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter to track the game component through at least part of its life, including but not limited to tracking its life history, its geographical locations, its ownership data, etc.

According to an example of the disclosed subject matter, each game component can be associated with a musical tone or note, such that when the game components are checked into the computerized system, a tune is produced, by randomly mixing the sounds of each of the virtual game components. The game component of the disclosed subject matter can function as recreational or teaching articles to be used by children. According to an example, the game component is adapted with an opening configured to receive a writing utensil therein. The game component can be used for decoration, personalization of identification purposes or for example to constitute a cushioning element when fitted over a writing utensil.

The game components can also be configured to be used with kitchen utensils such a cutlery, a tooth brush, on a shoe (e.g. shoe lace), a clothing article, hats, etc.

When used in a game play, after each player's turn, players can determine whether the most recently deployed game component reached its target and the winner of the game can be determined for example by the largest number of the components at the target site of that player. The object of the game is to retain or acquire the highest number of game components or game points, e.g. by cross referencing the game pieces with a point scale. The game components can also for example be color-coded each color being associated with a specific score for the game component when at the target site.

While it will be appreciated that the game can be played in any desired manner using the disclosed game play components and/or the kit, the following are some examples (in overview) for possible game steps.

1) Each player selects a group of game components to play the game with and the kit elements to be used during the game. The group can be selected from a player's collection of game components for example.

2) Decision is reached on the type of the target to be used in the game, including whether or not a receptacle is used and in which capacity, e.g. if it is used as a target container or as a peg for the carrier platform; the receptacle can be substituted in accordance with an example by the carrier platform, which when placed on the playing surface defines the target boundary;

3) The deployment order is determined. 4) Each player deploys a game component in the turn order determined. Deployment can comprise projecting the game component piece onto a play surface towards the target.

5) Each player can then deploy the remainder of her or his game pieces in the turn order. Deployment can comprise strategic considerations related to predefined characteristics of the game components, e.g. their value. The aim of the game can be to engage the target, e.g. to place the game component within the receptacle or the target zone if the carrier platform is used for a target.

6) The winner can be decided for example when one of the players engages the target, and that player will have the choice of collecting the game components that did not engage the target. Alternatively, after all game pieces have been deployed, the total point value for each player is determined by the number of game components of that player in the target zone. The player with the highest score collects the game components that are left on the playing surface.

7) The player with the highest total of point values (i.e., the highest score) can be considered as the victorious player.

According to another example of the disclosed subject matter, the kit thereof can be employed in the game, including a receptacle, at least one carrier platform and a plurality of game components.

1) Each player selects a group of game components to play the game with and the kit elements to be used during the game. The group can be selected from a player's collection of game components for example.

2) Decision is reached on the type of target to be used in the game, including whether or not a receptacle is used and in which capacity, e.g. if it is used as a peg for the carrier platform, it will be appreciated that the receptacle can in itself be used as a peg or alternatively comprise a peg.

3) The deployment order is determined.

4) Each player decides on a pre set amount of game components which can form part of the winners lot. These game components can be either placed aside or in/on the receptacle. 5) Deployment can comprise projecting the carrier platform onto the target, such that the carrier platforms constitute quoits and the receptacle constitutes a peg. The aim is to toss the quoit over the peg so as to engage the peg. The goal is to engage the peg and win the game components of the loosing players.

6) The player with the highest total of point values associated with the game components (i.e., the highest score) can be considered as the victorious player.

The results of the game can then be uploaded to the virtual system, e.g. using the code provided on the game component, the winner updates his virtual collection by adding the newly acquired game components, which will remove said components from the loosing players virtual collection. This insures that the history of the game component is continuously monitored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1A to ID are plan side views of various game components for some examples in accordance with the disclosed subject matter:

- Fig. 1A illustrates a game component having a generally circular cross section provided with a slit like opening;

- Fig. IB illustrates a game component having a hinge;

-Fig. 1C illustrates a game component having an opening extending therethrough;

-Fig. ID illustrates a game component having a generally rectangular cross section fitted with an opening extending therethrough.

Figs. 2A to 2C illustrate a game component in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, where Fig. 2A is a perspective front view, Fig. 2B is a bottom perspective view and Fig. 2C is a side view; Fig. 3 illustrates a plurality of game components of Fig. 2, fitted on a carrier in the form of a circular bracelet;

Figs. 4A to 4D illustrate various carriers in the form of substantially circular bracelets in accordance with examples of the disclosed subject matter, where Fig. 4A illustrates a closed loop bracelet which in its cross section seen in Fig. 4B has an airfoil geometry; Fig. 4C illustrates a slit circular bracelet configured with a hinge to facilitate opening and closing thereof; Fig. 4D illustrates a circular, open end bracelet configured to hold varying diameters when closed;

Figs. 5A to 5B illustrate a collapsible receptacle in accordance with one example of the disclosed subject matter, where in Fig. 5A the receptacle is shown in a perspective front view when erected, in 5B in a perspective front view when collapsed;

Figs. 6A to 6D illustrate a collapsible receptacle in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter fitted with peg and configured for the game of quoits, where in Fig. 6A the receptacle is seen in a perspective front view in its erected position, in Fig. 6B the receptacle is seen in a perspective front view in its collapsed position with the peg left erected; and Fig. 6C, shows a cross section of the receptacle of Fig. 6A; and Fig. 6D illustrates the receptacle fully collapsed;

Figs. 7A and 7B, are a perspective front view of receptacles in accordance with further examples of the disclosed subject matter, where in Fig. 7A, the peg portion and the receptacle base are formed to resemble an animal; and in Fig. 7B, the receptacle is further fitted with a tab having an aperture;

Figs. 8 illustrates a carrier platform in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter, in an operative configuration;

Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate a carrier platform in a top view and a side view, respectively, in accordance with yet an example of the disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 10 illustrates two carrier platforms connected to form a triangular arch in accordance with another example of the disclosed subject matter; and

Fig. 11 illustrates a carrier platform of Fig. 3 provided with two supporting elements to support the carrier platform in an upright configuration, in accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to Figure 3 illustrating a carrier platform in the form of a circular bracelet generally designated 100, the bracelet being fitted with a plurality of game components generally designated 200. As seen in this illustration, the game components are configured to be movably held over the carrier platform 100 by virtue of having an opening 220 extending through the game component 200 and is corresponding in its dimensions to the dimensions of the bracelet 100, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. The game components are further provided with a slit 210 extending to the width of the game component and connected to the opening 220 which facilitates snapping of the game components 200 over the bracelet 100. As seen in this example, the game components are shaped to resemble an animal character, with the slit resembling its mouth opening.

Figures 1A through ID schematically illustrate a plan side view of the game component in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Fig. 1A illustrates a game component similar to game component 200, having a generally spherical configuration with a round outer surface 350, having a slit 310 and an opening 320. The slit 310 facilitates snapping of the game component 300 over a carrier platform (e.g. 100 in Fig. 3 and Figs. 4A and 4B) such that the carrier platform is snugly received within the opening 320. According to one example seen in Figs. 3 to 4B, the shape of the opening corresponds and conforms to the shape of the carrier bracelet. According to the examples of openings 220, 320 and those discussed with reference to Figs. IB through ID, the opening seen in plan view has a shape corresponding to that of the cross section of the carrier platform seen in Fig. 4B. The shape in this example is a shape of an airfoil, increasing the drag reducing and lifting characteristics of both the game component 300 and the carrier platform 100, rendering these with aerodynamic properties when projected towards a target (not seen).

It will be appreciated that while the game component of Fig. 1A is formed from a substantially flexible and bendable material facilitating the opening of the slit to pass the carrier platform therethrough, other examples are also envisioned, such as seen in Fig. IB. In accordance with this example, the game component is provided with a hinge element 430 fitted between the two parts 415 and 417 of the game component 400. In accordance with this example, the game component 400 can be made from a non flexible material and can be devoid of a visible slit opening when the two parts 415 and 417 of the game component 400 are brought into a closed position (not shown), such that the edges 410A and 410B are brought into contact. The hinge can be an integral, so-called live hinge or an integrated hinge, hingedly connecting the two parts 415 and 417.

According to yet an example of the disclosed subject matter, the game components can be devoid of a slit altogether, such that the game components are threaded over the carrier platform. Examples of these are illustrated in Figs. 1A and ID, the two differing in the shape of their outer surface, when in Fig. 1A the outer shape is round and in the example of Fig. ID the outer shape is rectangular.

It will be appreciated, that other shapes of openings can be formed and the carrier platforms can have either conforming or non conforming shapes. It will be further appreciated, that while the game components are discussed in association with carrier platform, other carrying elements are envisioned, such as writing utensils, cutlery, tooth brush, etc, on which the game components can be mounted when not used in game play.

Figs. 2A to 2C, illustrate yet an example of a game component, generally designated 200'. The game component 200' is similar to that discussed with reference to Figs. 1A and 3, with a difference being in that the outer shape of the game component 200' resembles a piglet and the bottom side of the game component is engraved with an indicia 225. In this example the indicia is a numeric sequence 225 associated with a virtual replica of the game component in a computerized application forming a virtual world.

It should be appreciated that the overall shape of the component can vary from that as shown. That is the overall shape or the silhouette defined by the outer shape 350, 450, 550, 650, may take any form other than that described, including a round shape, an oblong shape, etc. In all configurations however, the game component comprises a three dimensional, volumetric shape having an opening extending therethrough so as to facilitate engagement e.g. with a carrier platform.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 4A to 4D, illustrating a carrier platform 100 similar to that seen in Fig. 3, seen here in plan view, having a circular configuration. The carrier platform constitutes a wearable bracelet when not in use in a game play and is configured to carry and hold the game components discussed herein (e.g. Fig. 3). When in use, the carrier platform can be used, depending on the game chosen, as a target or a quoit. As discussed herein, the carrier platform 100 is shaped to hold aerodynamic characteristics, contributing thereto when used as a quoit. Seen in Fig. 4B in cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 4A, the band 110 is in the shape of an airfoil. In this example, the platform is a closed loop, which entails the game components to be snapped thereover.

In accordance with the example illustrated in Fig. 4B, the carrier platform 100' is formed from two hingedly connected parts 150A and 150B. It will be appreciated that there can be provided more than one hinges connecting more than two parts of the platform. The hinge 130 in this example is an integral, so-called living hinge, although it should be appreciated that the hinge can be non integral, from the same or different material. To lock the two parts 150A and 150B to each other, the hinge can for example be biased to close or in accordance with certain example, the free ends of the hinged parts 150A and 150B can be provided with a locking arrangement, e.g. a magnet attached to the ends 120A and 120B for locking the two ends to each other.

The example of Fig. 4D illustrates a bracelet 170, being adjustable in its width. In this example the bracelet is an open loop bracelet, with the ends thereof comprising locking arrangement. One end 180 of the bracelet 170 comprises a locking button 185 while the other end 190 comprises an opening/loop for locking over said button member 185, when the latter is threaded therethrough.

Another example of the carrier platform is illustrated in Fig. 8, in which the carrier platform generally designated 100" is similar to that described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, with the difference being in that the carrier platform of the present disclosure is provided with a planar supporting surface 105. In accordance with this example, the carrier platform 100" is a ring shaped element which when placed vertically on the supporting surface 105 thereof constitutes a hoop like target for vertically placing on the "playing surface". In a game, the hoop like target can be used to allow targeting the opening therein, e.g. as a target hoop by the game components.

Another example is illustrated in Fig. 11 where the carrier platform 100 is similar to that discussed with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, and is fitted with two supporting elements 103A and 103B to support the carrier platform in an upright, vertical configuration, at a distance from the playing surface. In accordance with this example, the supporting elements 103A and 103B are in the form of elongated support posts 104A and 104B provided at their one end with a snapping engagement 105A and 105B for engaging the platform carrier 100 at its sides. The supporting elements are each further provided with base members 106A and 106B to stabilize the supporting elements and the carrier platform 100 against tipping over.

In accordance with another example, the carrier platform can be configured for attachment to another carrier platform. Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate a carrier platform designated 160 comprising a male 162 and female 164 connector components fitted on the carrier platform 160. In accordance with this example with connecting elements, the connector components are formed on the carrier platform structure and facilitate attachment of two or more like carrier platforms to form a stable three-dimensional structure, e.g. to constitute a vertical target as seen in Fig. 10. As seen in Fig. 9B, the carrier platform structure further comprises a planar supporting surface 165, similar to that discussed with reference to Fig. 8. It will be appreciated that same results can be achieved using different types of connector components, which can form part of the platform structure or be detachably attachable thereto. In accordance with yet an example, the carrier platform in accordance with the disclosed subject can be split into two, such that when in use to carry the game components the carrier is in one piece and when used as a target, e.g. as in the configuration of Fig. 10, the carrier structure can be split into two.

The receptacle in accordance with the disclosed subject matter will be described with reference to Figs. 5 A to 7B. In accordance with the illustrated examples, the receptacle generally designated 700 and 700' comprises a base 710, a top ring 720 and a plurality of intermediate rings 730A and 730B disposed therebetween. The rings are circumferentially attached to each other with a soft, flexible material 740, constituting the peripheral wall 750 of the receptacle 700 which extends continuously from the base to the top ring.

It will be appreciated, that the flexible material can also be defined as being pliable, bendable and/or foldable. It will be appreciated that the receptacle can be formed from the same material in its entirety, however with the connections between the rings being thinner than the portions forming the rings and the base.

The top ring 720 is of a greater diameter than the base to encircle the base in the collapsed configuration (seen in Fig. 5B), and the diameters of the remaining rings extending between the base 710 and the top ring 720 decrease towards the base 710. Thus, when in a collapsed configuration seen in Fig. 5B, the top ring 720 forms the outermost edge of the collapsed receptacle 700 encircling the remainder of the rings 730A and 730B, consecutively, it is fully collapsed and received within each following ring.

Fig. 6A illustrates a receptacle 700' similar to receptacle 700 discussed with reference to Fig. 5A and 5B (and similar elements will be designated by same numerals with added " ' ", with the difference being in that the receptacle 700' further comprises a peg member 770 extending upwards from the base 710' towards the top ring 720'. When collapsed, the receptacle can be fully collapsed, as seen in Fig. 6C or with the peg member left erected as seen in Fig. 6B.

In accordance with an example of the disclosed subject matter, the receptacle is fitted with a volumetric chamber at its bottom side, as seen in Fig. 6D. The chamber is constituted by downwardly extending from the base circumferential collar. The chamber can be used for various purposes, such as for storing game components, various accessories, electronic components, e.g. for audio or visual effects, such as sound, illumination etc. the base can further be fitted with wheeling arrangement, a vacuum pump, or other arrangements for affixing the receptacle to a surface. The receptacle can be further provided with an eyelet 770, e.g. for connecting it to a key chain or for connecting accessories thereto, seen in Fig. 7B. The outer appearance and the dimensions of the receptacle can be as shown, and the overall shape of the component can vary from that as shown. That is, the overall shape or the silhouette may take any form other than that described, including a rectangular shape, an oblong shape, etc. In all configurations, however, the receptacle is formed with a base having a circumferentially extending wall.

It will be appreciated that the articles discussed herein can form together a target game kit. Therefore, to conform to the game steps discussed herein, the outer diameter of the receptacle d is smaller than the inner diameter of the carrier platform to facilitate engagement of the carrier platform with the receptacle, e.g. when the carrier platform constitutes a quoit.