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(11) | EP 1 155 720 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Set of elements to define an object usable for playing purposes |
| (57) Object (1) is made of a disk element (3) onto the top of which is placed a cover
element (4) ans a cup element underneath (5). Both of which are transparent. The connection
of the three elements is immovable. The disk element (3) is provided with tracks (P)
flowing into a central hole (30), through which a marble (2) can travel to pass from
a first zone (Z1) at the start of the game, to a zone (Z2) below, at the end of the
game, and occupy, once stopped, a position (50) amidst a series of available positions,
shaped by the cup element (5). Through a score grid (G) it is possible to distinguish the position (50) reached, and assign a game value to it. For repeating the game you just have to turn the object upside down in order to bring again the marble (2) back to the first zone (Z1), through the central hole (30) and with the help of conveying organs (37) shaped by the disk element (3). |
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention can be described as a game with a random outcome, using materials like dice, for instance.
[0002] The features of the invention are described as follows, in accordance with what the inventor expects and with the aid of the attached drawing tables, in which:
- fig. 1a shows the object seen from the front;
- fig. 1b shows the object in vertical section;
- fig. 2, 3 and 4 show as many sections according to plan II-II, III-III, IV-IV of fig. 1b.
[0003] Referring to the above mentioned figures it was indicated with number 1 the set of elements that defines the object concerned, composed of a disk element 3, fit for supporting on one side the cover element 4 and, on the other, a cup element 5.
[0004] The cover element 4 and the cup element 5, made preferably of transparent material, are joined immovably to the disk element 3, for instance through pressure, in correspondence of respective little channels 34, 35 and, in the said joining condition, define, in the respective internal space between those and the mentioned disk element 3, a first zone Z1 of start of game and a second zone Z2 of end of game below the first.
[0005] The mentioned first and second zones (Z1 and Z2), are made communicating with each other through a gauged central hole 30, made in the very same disk element 3 and fit to allow the travelling of the bouncing marble 2, freely contained in the mentioned object 1, from the first to the second zone and vice versa, depending on modalities explained later on. Disk element 3 forms, in the façade 31 turned to the first zone Z1, a series of tracks P that define paths suitable to lead the marble 2 towards the central hole 30.
[0006] In the illustrated example, not limitative, tracks P are constituted by a series of rings 33a, 33b, 33c concentric to the central hole 30 and of decreasing height towards the latter.
[0007] The diameter of those rings 33a, 33b, 33c and their own height are calculated in relation to the diameter of the marble 2, so that it can roll, on the upper edge of each ring, in go-between position and with a side containment constituted by the cover element 4 for ring 33a of bigger diameter and by the ring immediately outer for the others.
[0008] With regard to that, see positions 2a, 2b, 2c of marble 2 indicated by the hatching in fig. 1b.
[0009] The cover element 4 can be equipped, in the inner side surface, with one or more jutting notches 40, bound to hinder marble 2 engaged on ring 33a of wider diameter, and to favour the deviation of the marble towards the most internal rings.
[0010] The position of jutting notch 40 can be highlighted on the outside of the cover element 4 through a corresponding marking 41, in relief as in the example or coloured.
[0011] The position of the jutting notch 40 can be modified varying the angular position of the cover element 4 linked to the disk element 3.
[0013] The bottom 5a of the cup element results convex towards the inside and shapes, in the inner side, a series of prints 50 (for instance 6 disposed as a crown and angularly equidistant), fit for the constitution of as many positions for the partial housing of the mentioned marble 2, coming, by fall, from the mentioned central hole 30 of the disk element 3.
[0015] To recognise every post 50 it is provided a score grid G, associated to the cup element 5, comprising a series of references R, each of which in line with a corresponding position 50 and personalised with different symbols of numbers, letters or other.
[0016] The score grid G, in the shape of the illustrated realisation, is printed on a strip 6 of flexible transparent material, wound as a ring and inserted inside the cup element 5, practically in touch with the inner side surface of the latter.
[0017] According to a preferred shape of realisation, in the cup element 5 and in the disk 3 one are provided with related grooves 56, 36 fit for holding the lower edge and the upper one of the strip 6.
[0018] Of course the score grid 6 can be made in other ways, for instance through serigraphy on the cup element 5, or through self-adhesive strips or else.
[0019] Besides the disk element 3 conforms, in the facade 32 turned towards the mentioned second zone Z2, the conveying organs 37, basically funnel shaped, able to lead the marble 2 towards the mentioned central hole 30.
[0020] The conveying organs 37 comprise, advantageously, of some radial cross-sections 38 destined to constitute as many obstacles for marble 2, and fit to favour a rapid entrance, by the latter, in the mentioned central hole 30.
[0021] Object 1 is usable for game purposes by holding it vertically shaking it and by making the marble 2 move into the first zone Z1 to start the game.
[0022] Marble 2 after having followed through tracks P, in a more or less regular and prolonged way, enters, due to gravity, in the central hole 30 and passes in the zone Z2 below of end of game, inside the cup element 5.
[0023] After a series of movements and rebounds, the marble 2, has exhausted the kinetic energy, and goes to occupy, with totally random chance, one of the positions 50, that stabilise sufficiently its position to allow the reading of the relative score given by grid G.
[0024] That score can, for instance, be added to the previous points using the projecting notch 40 which is in an angular position in comparison with the score grid G, obtained through rotating the cover element 4.
[0025] To repeat the game you just have to turn upside down the object 1, and the marble 2, lead by the conveying means 37, enters the central hole 30 and goes rapidly back in the first zone Z1 for the start of the game.
[0027] In case of numeric symbols you can have an outcome similar to a throw of dice or of a little ball in a roulette, but the chances are wide and varied, it is possible, for instance, to draw up a forecast coupon using suitable symbols and reporting the results of the game, out of randomness.
[0028] In accordance with a variation object 1 can contain more than one marbles 2, for example with different colours, in order to obtain other types of game finalities.
[0029] It is very interesting to notice how the proposed item 1 constitutes, basically, a container with cover for various products, exploiting the useful volume of the cup element 5 and the seal of the disk element 3 on it.
[0030] Closing with a removable top or a seal the central hole 30, and keeping the marble 2 in the first zone at the start of the game Z1, it is possible to propose the object 1 as a package for different types of products. In this way the customer might get hold of item 1 in an indirect way, simply by buying the product contained inside.
[0031] After the consumption of the product within the item 1 can be utilised for games as described above.
[0032] Therefore the positive features of the set of elements described are evident, particularly with regard to the limited cost of production which makes it, without any doubt, useful for the above mentioned employment as a container having a promotional use: the sale of a contained product.
[0033] It must also be noted, however, that the above description is only by way of example and does not set limits. Modifications (to the elements composing object 1) considered useful for production needs or for particular game purposes are possible if in accordance with the patent rights, as claimed below.
1. Set of elements to define an object 1 usable for game purpose, characterised by the fact of comprising: a disk element 3 fit to support, on one side, a cover element 4 and,
on the other, a cup element 5 in transparent material, to define respectively, in
the spaces comprised between the mentioned elements 4, 5 and the mentioned disk element
3, a first zone Z1 of start of game and a second zone Z2 of end of game beneath the
first one, made communicating through a gauged central hole 30, made in the same disk
element 3 and fit to allow the travel of a marble 2 freely contained in the object
1, a series of tracks P, obtained in the façade 31 of the mentioned disk element 3
turned towards the mentioned first zone Z1 of start of game, with the said tracks
P made to define paths able to lead the mentioned marble 2 towards the above mentioned
central hole 30; a series of positions 50, shaped by the mentioned cup element 5 in
the said second zone Z2 of end of game, each of which is due to be occupied by the
mentioned marble 2, coming from the mentioned central hole 30, according to a random
chance; conveying organs 37, shaped by the said disk element 3 in the façade 32 turned
towards the mentioned second zone Z2 of end of game, made to favour the entrance of
the said central hole 30 by the mentioned marble 2, for the coming back of the latter
towards the mentioned first zone Z1 of start of game, determined at the turning upside
down of the above mentioned object 1.
2. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the said cover element 4 is made in transparent material.
3. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the said marble 2 is a bouncing one.
4. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the said tracks P are constituted by a series of rings 33a, 33b, 33c concentric
to the said central hole 30 and of decreasing height towards the latter, each of them
due to support, in correspondence of their own upper edge, the mentioned marble 2
in the rolling phase.
5. Set of elements in conformity with claim 4 characterized by the fact that the diameter and the height of each of the said rings 33a, 33b, 33c are fixed
in relation to the diameter of the mentioned marble 2, in order to support the latter
in go-between position and with a side containment that, from time to time, is constituted
by the mentioned cover element 4 for ring 33a of wider diameter and from the ring
immediately outer for the others.
6. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the mentioned positions 50 are defined by as many prints, made in the bottom
5a of that cup element 5 and provided for the partial housing of the mentioned marble
2.
7. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the mentioned posts 50 are disposed as a crown and result angularly equidistant.
8. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the bottom 5a of the said cup element 5 results convex towards the inside.
9. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact of providing a score grid G, associated to the said cup element 5 and comprising
a series of references R, each of which in line with a correspondent mentioned position
50 and personalized with suitable symbology.
10. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the said score grid G is printed on a strip 6 of flexible transparent material,
wound as a ring and inserted inside the cup element 5, practically in touch with the
inner side surface of the latter.
11. Set of elements in conformity with claim 9 characterized by the fact that the said score grid G is impressed on the mentioned cup element 5.
12. Set of elements in accordance with claim 9 characterized by the fact that the said score grid G is printed on strips of self-adhesive material.
13. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact of providing in the inner side surface of the said cover element 4, at least one
jutting notch 40, due to hinder the mentioned marble 2 to deviate it towards the said
disk element 3 centre.
14. Set of elements in conformity with claim 13 characterized by the fact of providing a marking 41 made to highlight on the outside of the said cover element
4 the angular position of a mentioned relative jutting notch 40.
15. Set of elements in conformity with claim 14 characterized by the fact that the mentioned marking 41 is in relief.
16. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 characterized by the fact that the said conveying organs 37 are basically funnel shaped.
17. Set of elements in conformity with claim 1 or 16 characterized by the fact that the said conveying organs 37 comprise radial baffles 38 due to constitute as
many obstacles for the said marble 2 in order to deviate the latter towards the entrance
of the mentioned central hole 30.
18. Set of elements in conformity with preceding claims characterized by the fact of providing the presence, in the inside of the object 1, of two or more marbles
2.