GAME BOARD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a game board. Game boards are known in a variety of different shapes and sizes. One of the oldest known game boards, is a chessboard. The chessboard has grid of 64 boxes along which chess pieces are moved by hand.

[0002] For known game boards, the board itself is static and the pieces are moved one by one. There is no dynamic component in the game board, which changes the playing field, simply by carrying out a single action. Document US-A1-6022021 discloses a game board comprising:

• a base;
• a number of rotational elements with a central rotation axis, wherein the rotational elements are arranged evenly distributed on the base, wherein the rotation axes are parallel to each other, wherein the rotation axis of a rotational element has a uniform distance to the rotation axes of adjacent rotational elements; and
• a plurality of game pieces removably arranged on the rotational elements.

On the other hand, computer games are typically more dynamic. One action of a player could cause a complete change in the playing field. Such dynamic changes provide excitement in the game, as one player could think he is on the winning hand, a single action could change the whole playing field and make that another player suddenly is on the winning hand.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide a game board, which is more dynamic than the known game boards, like a chessboard.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention with a game board comprising:

• a base;
• a number of rotational elements with a central rotation axis, wherein the rotational elements are arranged evenly distributed on the base, wherein the rotation axes are parallel to each other, wherein the rotation axis of a rotational element has a uniform distance to the rotation axes of adjacent rotational elements, wherein the rotational elements comprise interlocking zones evenly distributed around the rotation axis for interlocking with adjacent rotation elements and wherein the rotational elements can be lifted from the base to change the rotational position of a rotational element; and
• a plurality of game pieces removably arranged on the rotational elements at least partially overlapping an interlocking zone.

[0005] With the game pieces arranged on the rotational elements, a change in the rotational position of the element, will change the position of a number of game pieces on the game board. Furthermore, because game pieces are arranged at least partially overlapping an interlocking zone, the position of game piece can be changed not only by one rotational element, but by each rotational element interlocking at the interlocking zone. As each rotational element has its rotational axis arranged at a different position on the base, rotating one element will move the game piece in another direction, than rotation another element.

[0006] With the dynamic movement of several game pieces by rotating a rotational element, a more dynamic game board is obtained providing more excitement in the game for the players.

[0007] The rotational elements could for example be gears, which interlock with their teeth. A game piece can be arranged on the teeth of a gear by for example pins extending from the game piece into holes in the teeth. Now, when a gear is lifted up along the rotation axis, the game pieces will also be lifted up. The pins of the game piece extending into the teeth of an adjacent gear will be pulled out. After changing the rotational position, the gear can be put down, such that the free pins of the game piece are inserted into the teeth of an adjacent gear.

[0008] In this way all game pieces arranged on a rotational element are moved all at once, changing the game board more drastic compared when only one game piece is moved such as with chess.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the game board according to the invention each rotational element comprises a number of equiangular segmented spirals evenly distributed around the rotation axis wherein the interlocking zone is formed by the equiangular segmented spiral.

[0010] Preferably, the equiangular segmented spirals approximate an archimedean spiral.

[0011] In this application an equiangular segmented spiral is a spiral out of segments, wherein successive segments make equal angles with each other and have decreasing lengths. So, for example the length of successive segments can be 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

[0012] The lengths of successive segments could also have lengths in a constant ratio, for example a ratio of 0.8 resulting in successive segment lengths of 5, 4, 3.2, 2.56, 2.048.

[0013] With the equiangular segmented spirals it is possible to have a larger interlocking zone on which a game piece can be arranged. Also, the equiangular segmented spiral can run along the circumference of the interlocking zone, such that when a rotational element is lifted from the base, the game piece present at the interlocking zone is optimally supported when being lifted together with the rotational element.

[0014] In another embodiment of the game board according to the invention a game piece is supported by one equiangular segmented spiral or at least two interlocking equiangular segmented spirals.

[0015] A game piece can preferably be supported by a single equiangular segmented spiral. At parts of the periphery, where the rotational element is bordering another rotational element, the spirals of both adjacent rotational elements will interlock, such that the game piece is supported by at least two equiangular segmented spirals.

[0016] In yet another embodiment of the game board according to the invention the segments of an equiangular segmented spiral are uniformly shaped, wherein successive segments make equal angles with each other and wherein the successive segments have decreasing lengths.

[0017] By having the segments uniformly shaped and only differing from each other in length, it is assured that segments of different lengths can be placed together. For example when the uniform shape is bar shaped, the elements can easily be positioned parallel to and abutting each other. The same applies, when the segments are for example arcuate.

[0018] The uniform shape allows for an optimal use of space at the interlocking zone of all the interlocking equiangular segmented spirals.

[0019] In still another embodiment of a game board according to the invention the length difference of successive segments is at least the thickness of the segments multiplied by the maximum number of equiangular segmented spirals interlocking at an interlocking zone.

[0020] Preferably, the angle between successive segments is smaller than 360° divided by the maximum number of equiangular segmented spirals interlocking at an interlocking zone.

[0021] If for example three spirals are interlocking at a interlocking zone, the angles between successive segments should at least be smaller than 120°.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the game board according to the invention the rotational elements comprise an upstanding edge bordering a game piece arranged on the rotational element for preventing the game piece of shifting of the rotational element.

[0023] The upstanding edge helps in centering a game piece in its position. The edge, when having the same height as the game piece, also provides for a smooth upper surface of the game board. The upper surface of game pieces and bordering upstanding edges will then be in the same plane.

[0024] Yet another preferred embodiment of the game board according to the invention further comprisies a number of stubs arranged to the base, wherein a rotational element is rotatingly arranged around each stub and wherein a number of ribs and corresponding grooves is arranged between the stub and the rotational element to provide discrete rotational positions.

[0025] The grooves and ribs allow for discrete positions, such that it is ensured that after rotating a rotational element, the element is put in a position, in which it properly interlocks with adjacent rotational elements, in particular in case of equiangular segmented spirals.

[0026] These and other features of the invention will be elucidated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a game board according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows a top view of interlocking rotational elements of the embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a single rotational element of the embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a detailed view of figure 2.

Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a second embodiment of a game board according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment 1 of a game board according to the invention. The game board 1 has a base 2 with a number of rotational elements 3, 5 evenly distributed over the base 2. A plurality of game pieces 4 is arranged on top of the rotational elements 3, 5.

[0028] Each rotational element 3, 5 can be lifted from the base 2 together with six game pieces 4, as is shown in figure 1 for rotational element 5. By changing the rotational position of the rotational element 5, the position of the six game pieces 4 is also changed.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a top view of interlocking rotational elements 3 of the embodiment of figure 1. The rotational elements 3 have a uniform distance p to the rotation axes 6 of adjacent rotational elements 3. As a result the rotational elements 3 interlock with each other at the interlocking zones 7 at which the game pieces 4 are arranged (as is shown in figure 1).

[0030] Figure 3 shows a top view of a single rotational element 3 of the embodiment of figure 1. Six equiangular segmented spirals 8 are arranged evenly and radially at the rotation axis 6. An edge plate 9 is furthermore arranged around the rotation axis 6 and provides upstanding edges 10 for positioning the game pieces 4.

[0031] Each spiral 8 has two segments 11, 12. Both segments 11, 12 are uniformly shaped as an arc form, whereas the first segment 11 is longer than the second segment 12. The angle α between both segments 11, 12 is 120°, which is 360° divided by three interlocking spirals 8 (see figure 4).

[0032] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of figure 2 in which it is more clear how the spirals 8 of three adjacent rotational elements 3 interlock at an interlocking zone 7. Due to the shape of the spirals 8, which approximate an archimedean spiral, the spiral segments 11, 12 can be nested into each other providing an interlocking action.

[0033] When a game piece 4 is arranged on the interlocking zone 7, each of the interlocking spirals 8 will support the game piece. If a rotational element 3 is lifted from the base 2 it will be clear that the spiral 8 attached to said rotational element 3 will lift the game piece 4 up even if the spirals 8 are interlocked. The rotational element 3 can then be rotated and lowered, such that a next spiral 8 will interlock with the other spirals 8 of the adjacent rotational elements 3. This allows for simple movement of the game pieces 4 over the game board 1 by rotation of the rotational elements 3.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a second embodiment 20 of a game board according to the invention. The game board 20 has a number of gears 21 with teeth 22 which interlock with each other. The gears 21 are positioned with their rotation axis 23 at uniform distance p to rotation axes 23 of adjacent gears 21.

[0035] Each tooth 22 is provided with a hole 24. Game pieces 25 are provided with pins at the bottom, such that the pieces 25 can be arranged to the teeth 22. At the interlocking zones , where the game pieces 25 are depicted in figure 5, each game piece 25 is connected to three adjacent gears 21.

[0036] When a gear 21 is lifted along the rotation axis 23, the attached game piece 25 will be lifted also. By rotating the gear 21, the position of the game piece 25 will also change. After lowering the gear 21, the game piece 25 will be again attached to teeth 22 of adjacent gears 21.

Claims

1. Game board (1; 20) comprising:

- a base (2);

- a number of rotational elements (3, 5) with a central rotation axis (6; 23), wherein the rotational elements (3, 5) are arranged evenly distributed on the base (2), wherein the rotation axes (6; 23) are parallel to each other, wherein the rotation axis (6; 23) of a rotational element (3, 5) has a uniform distance (p) to the rotation axes (6; 23) of adjacent rotational elements (3, 5), wherein the rotational elements (3, 5) comprise interlocking zones evenly distributed around the rotation axis (6; 23) for interlocking with adjacent rotation elements 3, 5) and wherein the rotational elements (3, 5) can be lifted from the base (2) to change the rotational position of a rotational element (3, 5); and

- a plurality of game pieces (4; 25) removably arranged on the rotational elements (3, 5) at least partially overlapping an interlocking zone (7).

2. Game board (1) according to claim 1, wherein each rotational element (3, 5) comprises a number of equiangular segmented spirals (8) evenly distributed around the rotation axis (6) wherein the interlocking zone (7) is formed by the equiangular segmented spiral (8).

3. Game board (1) according to claim 2, wherein the equiangular segmented spirals (8) approximate an archimedean spiral.

4. Game board (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a game piece (4) is supported by one equiangular segmented spiral (8) or at least two interlocking equiangular segmented spirals (8).

5. Game board (1) according to any of the claims 2 - 5, wherein the segments (11, 12) of an equiangular segmented spiral (8) are uniformly shaped, wherein successive segments (11, 12) make equal angles (α) with each other and wherein the successive segments (11, 12) have decreasing lengths.

6. Game board (1) according to claim 5, wherein the length difference of successive segments (11, 12) is at least the thickness of the segments (11, 12) multiplied by the maximum number of equiangular segmented spirals (8) interlocking at an interlocking zone (7).

7. Game board (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the angle (α) between successive segments (11, 12) is smaller than 360° divided by the maximum number of equiangular segmented spirals (8) interlocking at an interlocking zone (7) .

8. Game board (1; 20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational elements (3, 5) comprise an upstanding edge (10) bordering a game piece (4; 25) arranged on the rotational element (3, 5) for preventing the game piece (4, 25) of shifting of the rotational element (3, 5).

9. Game board (1; 20) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a number of stubs arranged to the base (2), wherein a rotational element (3, 5) is rotatingly arranged around each stub and wherein a number of ribs and corresponding grooves is arranged between the stub and the rotational element (3, 5) to provide discrete rotational positions.

Ansprüche

1. Brettspiel (1; 20), umfassend:

- eine Grundfläche (2);

- eine Anzahl von Drehelementen (3, 5) mit einer mittigen Rotationsachse (6; 23), wobei die Drehelemente (3, 5) auf der Grundfläche (2) gleichmäßig verteilt angeordnet sind, wobei die Rotationsachsen (6; 23) parallel zueinander sind, wobei die Rotationsachse (6; 23) von einem Drehelement (3, 5) einen einheitlichen Abstand (p) zu den Rotationsachsen (6; 23) der benachbarten Drehelemente (3, 5) aufweist, wobei die Drehelemente (3, 5) ineinandergreifende Zonen umfassen, die um die Rotationsachse (6; 23) gleichmäßig verteilt sind, zum Ineinandergreifen mit benachbarten Drehelementen (3, 5) und wobei die Drehelemente (3, 5) von der Grundfläche (2) zum Ändern der Drehposition von einem Drehelement (3, 5) angehoben werden können; und

- eine Vielzahl von Spielteilen (4; 25), die beweglich auf den Drehelementen (3, 5), eine ineinandergreifende Zone (7) mindestens teilweise überlappend, angeordnet sind.

2. Brettspiel (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei jedes Drehelement (3, 5) gleichmäßig verteilt um die Rotationsachse (6) eine Anzahl von gleichwinklig segmentierten Spiralen (8) umfasst, wobei die ineinandergreifende Zone (7) von der gleichwinklig segmentierten Spirale (8) gebildet wird.

3. Brettspiel (1) nach Anspruch 2, wobei sich die gleichwinklig segmentierten Spiralen (8) einer archimedischen Spirale nähern.

4. Brettspiel (1) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei ein Spielteil (4) von einer gleichwinklig segmentierten Spirale (8) oder mindestens zwei ineinandergreifenden gleichwinklig segmentierten Spiralen (8) gestützt wird.

5. Brettspiel (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 2 - 5, wobei die Segmente (11, 12) von einer gleichwinklig segmentierten Spirale (8) einheitlich gestaltet sind, wobei nachfolgende Segmente (11, 12) gleiche Winkel (a) miteinander herstellen und wobei die nachfolgenden Segmente (11, 12) abnehmende Längen aufweisen.

6. Brettspiel (1) nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Längenunterschied von nachfolgenden Segmenten (11, 12) mindestens die Dicke der Segmente (11, 12) multipliziert mit der maximalen Anzahl von gleichwinklig segmentierten Spiralen (8), die an einer ineinandergreifenden Zone (7) ineinandergreifen, ist.

7. Brettspiel (1) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei der Winkel (a) zwischen nachfolgenden Segmenten (11, 12) kleiner als 360°, dividiert durch die maximale Anzahl von gleichwinklig segmentierten Spiralen (8), die an einer ineinandergreifenden Zone (7) ineinandergreifen, ist.

8. Brettspiel (1; 20) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Drehelemente (3, 5) einen aufrecht stehenden Rand (10) umfassen, der ein auf dem Drehelement (3, 5) angeordnetes Spielteil (4; 25) begrenzt, zum Verhindern, dass Spielteil (4, 25) vom Drehelement (3, 5) geschoben wird.

9. Brettspiel (1; 20) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, weiter umfassend eine Anzahl von Zapfen, die auf der Grundfläche (2) angeordnet sind, wobei ein Drehelement (3, 5) drehbar um jeden Zapfen angeordnet ist und wobei eine Anzahl von Rippen und entsprechenden Rillen zum Bereitstellen unterscheidbarer Drehpositionen zwischen dem Zapfen und dem Drehelement (3, 5) angeordnet ist.

Revendications

1. Plateau de jeu (1 ; 20) comprenant :

- une base (2) ;

- un certain nombre d'éléments rotatifs (3, 5) avec un axe de rotation central (6 ; 23), dans lequel les éléments rotatifs (3, 5) sont répartis uniformément sur la base (2), dans lequel les axes de rotation (6 ; 23) sont parallèles les uns aux autres, dans lequel l'axe de rotation (6 ; 23) d'un élément rotatif (3, 5) a une distance uniforme (p) aux axes de rotation (6 ; 23) des éléments rotatifs adjacents (3, 5), dans lequel les éléments rotatifs (3, 5) comprennent des zones d'imbrication uniformément réparties autour de l'axe de rotation (6 ; 23) pour une imbrication avec les éléments rotatifs adjacents (3, 5) et dans lequel les éléments rotatifs (3, 5) peuvent être soulevés de la base (2) pour changer la position de rotation d'un élément rotatif (3, 5) ; et

une pluralité de pièces de jeu (4 ; 25) agencées de manière amovible sur les éléments rotatifs (3, 5) chevauchant au moins partiellement une zone d'imbrication (7).

2. Plateau de jeu (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque élément rotatif (3, 5) comprend un nombre de spirales segmentées équiangulaires (8) régulièrement réparties autour de l'axe de rotation (6) dans lequel la zone d'imbrication (7) est formée par la spirale segmentée équiangulaire (8).

3. Plateau de jeu (1) selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les spirales segmentées équiangulaires (8) se rapprochent d'une spirale d'Archimède.

4. Plateau de jeu (1) selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel une pièce de jeu (4) est supportée par une spirale segmentée équiangulaire (8) ou par au moins deux spirales segmentées équiangulaires (8).

5. Plateau de jeu (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 5, dans lequel les segments (11, 12) d'une spirale segmentée équiangulaire (8) ont une forme uniforme, dans lequel les segments successifs (11, 12) forment des angles égaux (a) les uns avec les autres et dans lequel les segments successifs (11, 12) ont des longueurs décroissantes.

6. Plateau de jeu (1) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel la différence de longueur des segments successifs (11, 12) correspond à au moins l'épaisseur des segments (11, 12) multipliée par le nombre maximal de spirales segmentées équiangulaires (8) s'emboîtant dans une zone d'imbrication (7).

7. Plateau de jeu (1) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel l'angle (a) entre des segments successifs (11, 12) est inférieur à 360° divisé par le nombre maximal de spirales segmentées équiangulaires (8) s'imbriquant dans une zone d'imbrication (7).

8. Plateau de jeu (1 ; 20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les éléments rotatifs (3, 5) comprennent un bord vertical (10) bordant une pièce de jeu (4 ; 25) agencée sur l'élément rotatif (3, 5) pour empêcher la pièce de jeu (4 ; 25) de décaler l'élément rotatif (3, 5).

9. Plateau de jeu (1 ; 20) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un certain nombre de tenons agencés sur la base (2), dans lequel un élément rotatif (3, 5) est agencé en rotation autour de chaque tenon et dans lequel un certain nombre de nervures et de rainures correspondantes est agencé entre le tenon et l'élément rotatif (3, 5) pour fournir différentes positions de rotation.

Drawing