Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a race game
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-30
2003-08-12
Nguyen, Kim (Department: 3713)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a race game
C700S091000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06604996
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to methods of conducting a competition, and in particular is a method of conducting a competition utilizing a slotless-micro-race-track system and remote control motorized racing vehicles, said method further involving the authorizing of dealers to practice said method of conducting a competition.
BACKGROUND
It is known to provide slotless-micro-race-track systems and remote control motorized racing vehicles thereon for the purpose of conducting a competition in which each, (typically a plurality), of the contestants are provided controls for remotely controlling one of such motorized racing vehicles. The competition per se. involves allowing each contestant to remotely control his or her assigned motorized racing vehicle so that it proceeds around the slotless-micro-race-track. Typically a winner of the competition is identified as the contestant who's motorized racing vehicle completes some selected number of laps in a manner judged comparatively superior amongst the contestants, (eg. typically the fastest). It is noted that slotless-micro-race-track systems and remote control motorized racing vehicles appropriate for use in practice of the present invention method, are available from Micro-Reality Motorsports of
Continuing, it is further noted that businessmen, (eg. potential competition sponsors), are always looking for ways to make the best use of marketing dollars to the end that customers are drawn to their facilities. Thus is identified a potential impetus and need for a method of conducting a competition.
With the foregoing insight, the present invention is disclosed as a method for conducting a competition by a sponsor involving a slotless-micro-race-track system and remote control motorized racing vehicles, which, as a side benefit, might lead to beneficial marketing exposure of said sponsor to a relevant public, which can include a television audience.
With the present invention in mind a Search of Patents was conducted. By far the most relevant Patent found was U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,377 to McVean et al. Said Patent describes a method of conducting a racing event, and a hybrid sporting event and game show based on the sporting event. The sporting event involves mounting robotic jockeys onto live hackney ponies in a racing event made up of one or more races. The robotic jockeys are remote controlled, and players are provided race cards that contain pairings of a race horse identification and an indicium identifying the animal in a corresponding race. Players can win individual races or an entire event depending on the outcome of races and the content of the race cards held, and other factors. Race cards can be distributed in advance of a race event at the race event location, or at a remote location such as supermarkets. The event, said 377 Patent describes, can be broadcast live and winners can be present at a race event or in the broadcast audience.
Another Patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,293 to Goyette, describes a board game with focus on an auto racing game apparatus and method of play. While said 293 Patent identifies the concept of auto racing, it does not suggest application of a slotless race track and remote control motorized racing vehicles. Another such board game having as its focus a method of playing a racing game, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,605 to Hoffman.
Additional Patents which describe systems and/or methods of playing a game are disclosed because the inventors are aware of them:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,502 to Nakagawa;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,263 to Hayashida et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,429 to Keller Jr.;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,873 to Jacobsen;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,226 to Yi;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,366 to Gohlke; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,228 to Pedersen.
Even in view of the identified known prior art there remains need for a method of conducting a competition utilizing a slotless-race-track system and remote control motorized racing vehicles.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method of conducting a competition which, in preferred practice, involves a sequence of “qualifying” rounds leading-up to a “championship” round. At the first level(s) of rounds sponsors, (who typically want to draw attention to themselves for, perhaps, marketing purposes), will typically provide contestants access to a slotless-micro-racing-track system which comprises remote control motorized racing vehicles and allow said contestants to participate in one or more racing events. Contestants participate by remotely controlling motorized racing vehicles on the slotless-micro-racing-track system. Alternatively, it is noted, preliminary round event winners can be determined by a lottery or drawing or some other means. Winners of preliminary round events then proceed to additional rounds of competition, typically involving other preliminary round event winners, and contestants are hoping to win their way through some number of such preliminary round events and thereby earn the right to participate in a “championship” round. Typically a “championship” round will involve participation in a racing event against a sponsor selected celebrity, (eg. a championship NASCAR race driver), and will be televised.
In one embodiment then, the present invention is a method of conducting a competition by a sponsor which comprises, as a first step, the providing of a slotless-micro-racing-track system. A preferred slotless-micro-racing-track system, it is noted, is available from Micro-Reality Motorsports of 1500 S.W. 7th St., Atlantic, Iowa 50022, and has a plurality of functionally interconnectable track sections thereby enabling configuration into a variety of continuous shapes. Said shapes can be selected from the group consisting of: (round, oval, tri-oval, “D” shaped, square, rectangular and possibly even an “8” shape), for instance. Said slotless micro-racing-track system further comprises a plurality of remote control racing vehicles, each including a remote control unit for each of said placed remote control motorized racing vehicles. A next step can involve placing such a slotless micro-racing-track system at a sponsor selected location, such as a business location to which is to be attracted patrons, and configuring it into a desired shape by functionally interconnecting sections thereof. This is followed by placing at least one remote control motorized racing vehicle(s) thereon, and placing a remote control unit for each of said placed remote control racing vehicles near-thereby. Said present invention method further comprises selecting a sponsor designated person, defining a criteria for involvement in, and advertising the sponsoring of an event open to persons who meet said criteria, wherein said event comprises a chance to operate a remote control motorized racing vehicle against said sponsor * designated person who also operates a remote control motorized racing vehicle, during said event. Said method further involves actually selecting at least one person who meets the defined criteria and selecting a time, and as said event, producing an, optionally televised, show originated at a location selected by the sponsor. Said event optionally comprises locating the slotless-micro-racing-track system at the business location of the sponsor of said event and comprises the staging of a race event between said sponsor designated person and said selected at least one other person. The competition, of course, further involves selecting some criteria as how to determine a winner in said racing event, and conducting said event to the end that a winner is identified.
It is noted that the defining of a criteria and advertising the sponsoring of an event open to persons who meet said criteria, can, though not necessarily, involve requiring patronage at a place of business to which said sponsor wishes to attract patrons, and/or can involve a drawing and/or can involve the staging of a race involving at least two persons appearing at said sponsor's identified location whereat is placed a slotless-micro-racing-track system.
A particu
Namanny Keith E.
Namanny Kenny D.
Namanny Kerry T.
Nguyen Kim
Welch James D.
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