[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for playing a game, and particularly to a game
representing a field of warfare.
[0002] An apparatus for playing a game is disclosed in DE-OS-2645 412, which comprises a
rectangular base enclosed by a frame, onto which blocks of square cross-section and
varying height can be placed to form a structure of different levels.
[0003] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for playing a game
comprising a base, a plurality of platforms adapted to be placed over said base, and
a set of playing pieces for placement on said platforms, characterised by said platforms
being divided into sub-sets of platforms, the platforms of each said sub-set having
a top surface of the same colour, and each said platform being slidably connected
to said base such that its height above the base can be varied so that a structure
of varying levels can be built up using said platforms.
[0004] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention each platform is connected
to the base by a vertical projection on the platform or base which slides coaxially
on a hollow vertical projection on the lower base or platform respectively.
[0005] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in detail below, by example
only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective/sectional view of a platform slidably mounted on part
of the base
Figure 2 shows a front elevation/sectional view of the base and a plurality of the
platforms arranged to form a surface of varying levels.
Figures 3 to 8 show examples playing pieces.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus for playing the game comprises a base
1, a plurality of platforms 10 adapted to be placed over said base, and a set of playing
pieces [not shown] adapted to be placed on the platforms. The platforms are divided
into sub-sets and the platforms of each sub-set have a top surface 4 of the same colour,
and these colours are different for different sub-sets.
[0006] Each platform 10 is slidably connected to the base 1 and, in the embodiment shown
in Figures 1 and 2, this is achieved by each platform 10 having a vertical cylindrical
projection 11 which slidably engages a corresponding hollow vertical projection 12
on the base 1. The fit between the projections 11 and 12 is such that relative movement
is easy but will not occur unless pressure is exerted on the platforms. Thus the height
of a platform above the base can be varied, so that a structure of different levels
can be formed as shown in Figure 2. This could represent, for example, a piece of
terrain comprising air, land and sea which could be, for example, white, green and
blue respectively, and the playing pieces could represent war machines, as is shown
in Figures 3 to 8. The rules for playing such a game are set out in the applicants'
co-pending European patent application No. 86309076.7, which corresponds to publication
no. 0 224 381.
[0007] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the platforms are of square cross section,
so that a structure can be formed without gaps between the platforms and which, provided
the number of platforms is sufficient, may cover the whole base. This structure then
represents the playing surface on which the playing pieces are placed.
[0008] As shown in Figure 2, the base which is generally square or rectangular may additionally
comprise a raised rim 2 so that, in the case where the whole base is to be covered
by platforms, additional support is given to the playing surface.
1. Apparatus for playing a game comprising a base, a plurality of platforms adapted
to be placed over said base, and a set of playing pieces for placement on said platforms,
characterized by said platforms being divided into sub-sets of platforms, the platforms
of each said sub-set having a top surface of the same colour, and each said platforms
being slidably connected to said base such that its height above the base can be varied
so that a structure of varying levels can be built up using said platforms.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each said platform is connected to said
base by a vertical projection on said base or platform which slides coaxially in a
hollow vertical projection on said platform or base respectively.
3. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein each said platform is square in plan view.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said platforms each have equal
height.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the platforms are of sufficient
number to cover the base.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the platforms are adapted to
make a structure without gaps between the platforms.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said base is rectangular and
surrounded by a rim.