Amusement devices: games – Board games – pieces – or boards therefor – Game board structure
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-20
2002-06-04
Layno, Benjamin H. (Department: 3711)
Amusement devices: games
Board games, pieces, or boards therefor
Game board structure
C273S447000, C273S280000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06398222
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus for playing a board game for use particularly but not exclusively, by more than one player, playing either individually or in teams; furthermore, said apparatus is intended to be used by individuals of any age and/or individuals with limited motor ability for recreation and/or as an educational tool and/or as a therapeutic means.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Board games have worldwide popularity and are played by all cultures to assist in recreational activity and education. Typically a board game will comprise a selectively sized and shaped playing surface which provides the means on which the board game is played. Additionally, accessory parts to the board game are provided in the form of counters, instruction cards, die, play figures etc. The playing of the board game is dictated by a set of rules or instructions which refer to the movement, or otherwise, of selected accessory parts around the playing surface. Broard games typically also contain play cards which include instructions, questions, forefits and the like which participants have to complete to progress the game. Board games are traditionally played by more than one person either as a group of individuals or in teams of defined size. Classic board games include Monopoly™, Scrabble™ and Trivial Pursuit™. These board games have universal appeal and can be played by both the relatively young and old alike. Numerous variations of these classical board games exist and even with the advances in computer technology and computer games, they still retain a niche of popularity amongst families and groups inclined to take part in a this form of recreational activity.
Board games do not solely function as an alternative recreational activity. Many board names such as, for example, the above identified games, provide teaching means to improve a child's, numeracy, literacy and general knowledge. Indeed many of these games exist as junior versions of the adult form of the board game, for example, Junior Scrabble™.
Additionally, there is increasing evidence that games may play an important role in the social development of children, promoting team work and communication between children which will serve them in adulthood There is also evidence that game play may also have an important role in physical and mental therapy of all age groups suffering a wide range of physical and mental ailments.
For example, autism is a disease that affects the functioning of the brain resulting in abnormal behaviour patterns,(e.g. those areas of the brain controlling reasoning, social interaction and communication skills is markedly affected in autism suffers). Autistic individuals therefore have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction, play or leisure activities. Children suffering from autism show, amongst other things, retarded language development. show little interest in making friends and do not initiate spontaneous and/or imaginative and/or pretend play. Current medical opinion is that a cure for autism seems unlikely. Efforts are therefore focused on providing therapy to alleviate the symptoms of autism. Experience has shown that individuals with autism respond well to highly structured and specialised education regimes. This would include some level of communication therapy and social skill development which may be provided on a group basis. The playing of games may be an informal means to promote communication and social interaction thereby improving an individuals social and communicative skills.
Additionally it is become apparent that we are living in an ageing population. Older people (older people refer to those individuals of a pensionable age) are representing a much greater percentage of the population. In the UK there are over 10 million older people which represent approximately 20% of the population. In England in 1996 approximately 250,000 older people were in residential homes (either local authority, voluntary or private) being cared for by care workers. Additionally over 90,000 older people were housed in private retirement homes which provide secure residence and communal activities. It is evident that a significant number of older people are the responsibility of the local authorities which provide both housing, entertainment and medical supervision for their residents.
Further, it is inevitable that, although life expectancy is increasing, chronic diseases of old age still occur, for example and not by way of limitation, rheumatism, arthritis, stroke, neuro degenerative disease, depression, senile dementia, Alzhiemers disease and Parkinson's disease all represent complaints that many older people may experience during old age. Although some medicines exist to alleviate these conditions they still represent a considerable problem to the older person and the carers employed to look after them. Stroke victims, for example, can experience wide ranging symptoms such as paralysis, slurred speech and memory problems. The administration of medicines can help with certain symptoms. However physical therapy also has a role in rehabilitating sufferers of stroke.
It is also becoming apparent that an older person requires mental stimulation to retain mental agility. The majority of a person's life is dedicated to some form of full or part time employment which would ordinarily require some mental activity with respect to completing tasks and problem solving. Those who live alone can join various clubs to maintain friendships and interests and those in residential homes usually have some form of communal meeting place where activities are arranged for those who wish to take part. It is important that these activities provide both enjoyment and mental stimulation if they are to benefit those that take part. Activities such as Bingo and Quiznights although popular can become unexciting and routine if they are the only activities offered.
Accordingly there is a need for games and the like which are designed specifically to achieve the above entertainment, learning and rehabilitation needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
We have now suprisingly found an apparatus in the form of a board game which provides a dual function by providing in the first instance a means to test the visual acuity and physical co-ordination of an individual and in the second instance a means to test visual acuity, physical co-ordination and mental agility. It will also be evident that these alternate uses of the apparatus of the invention may be applicable to all age groups and various abilities.
It is an object of the invention to provide a means to encourage interactive behaviour.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a board game that functions as an educational tool.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a board game that promotes physical therapy and/or physical rehabilitation.
It is yet still a further object of the invention to provide a board game that promotes mental agility of individuals.
Accordingly the broadest aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for playing a board game comprising: a board adapted to provide at least one playing surface wherein said playing surface is provided with at least one feature adapted in a manner that a participant may cast a suitably sizes and shaped projectile around and/or into the feature; and wherein the board is adapted to move.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for playing a board game comprising;
i. a board adapted to provide at least one playing surface wherein said playing surface is provided with at least one feature as hereinbefore defined providing at least one selectively positioned and optionally detachable geometric shape around which and/or into which a participant casts a suitably sized and shaped projectile; and optionally or additionally provides or is adapted so as to provide means to demarcate the playing surface into a selected number of zones which represent an alternative playing surface onto which said projectiles
Jacobson & Holman PLLC
Layno Benjamin H.
Mendiratta Vishu K
LandOfFree
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