Interactive Object-Tactile Searching Board Game Kit

Abstract

The present invention is a board game kit designed for an interactive object-tactile searching and trading game. The kit comprises a storage box with an opaque housing and an aperture that enables players to reach inside and retrieve objects without looking at the objects. A plurality of object cards depict stored objects, which guide players to locate the objects through touch or tactile signals. Players utilize slotted category boards for securing retrieved objects. A plurality of coins function as in-game currency, enabling players to earn rewards and engage in negotiation-based trading to acquire needed objects. The game is played by drawing an object card, searching for the corresponding object within the box, placing successfully found objects onto a player's board, earning coins, and trading objects to complete a category board. The winner is determined as the first player to collect all required objects and accumulate a predetermined number of coins.

Claims

1. A board game kit for playing a game comprising: a plurality of cards; a plurality of objects; a board; and a container; wherein said container having an aperture for passing a player's hand therethrough; wherein said container retaining said plurality of objects therein; wherein said container having an opaque housing; wherein each of said plurality of cards having a visually identifiable object on a surface of said each of said plurality of cards; and further wherein each of said visually identifiable object corresponding to at least one of said plurality of objects initially retained in said container.

2. The board game kit for playing a game of claim 1, wherein playing the game includes drawing one of said plurality of cards having said visually identifiable object and tactilely searching for a matching one of said plurality of objects in said container.

3. The board game kit for playing a game of claim 2, wherein said tactilely searching having a time limit.

4. The board game kit for playing a game of claim 3, wherein the matching one of said plurality of objects is placed on a player's said board.

5. The board game kit for playing a game of claim 4, wherein said plurality of objects are selected from the group consisting of miniature toys, sports items, household items, animals, and tools.

6. A method of playing a board game, the method comprising the steps of: providing a board game kit having a plurality of cards, a plurality of objects, a board, and a container, wherein said container having an aperture for passing a player's hand therethrough, further wherein said container having an opaque housing; retaining said plurality of objects in said container; selecting a card from said plurality of cards; identifying an object on a surface of said selected card; tactilely searching an interior of said container to find an object from said plurality of objects; and matching said object to said identified object on the surface of said selected card, wherein each of said visually identifiable object corresponding to at least one of said plurality of objects initially retained in said container.

7. The method of playing the board game of 6, wherein playing the board game includes drawing one of said plurality of cards having said visually identifiable object and tactilely searching for a matching one of said plurality of objects in said container.

8. The method of playing the board game claim 7, wherein said tactilely searching having a time limit.

9. The method of playing the board game of claim 7, wherein the matching one of said plurality of objects is placed on a player's said board.

10. The method of playing the board game of claim 9, wherein said plurality of objects are selected from the group consisting of miniature toys, sports items, household items, animals, and tools.

11. The method of playing the board game of claim 9, wherein said playing the board game alternates play between a plurality of players until one of said plurality of players has tactilely searched and matched all of said plurality of objects on their said board.

12. The method of playing the board game claim 11, wherein said tactilely searching having a time limit.

13. A method of playing a board game, the method comprising the steps of: providing a board game kit having a plurality of cards, a plurality of objects, a board, a container, and a plurality of coins, wherein said container having an aperture for passing a player's hand therethrough, further wherein said container having an opaque housing; passing a predetermined number of said plurality of coins to each player of said board game; retaining said plurality of objects in said container; selecting a card from said plurality of cards; identifying an object on a surface of said selected card; tactilely searching an interior of said container to find an object from said plurality of objects; matching said object to said identified object on the surface of said selected card, wherein each of said visually identifiable object corresponding to at least one of said plurality of objects initially retained in said container; and alternating play between a plurality of players until one of said plurality of players has tactilely searched and matched all of said plurality of objects on their said board.

14. The method of playing the board game of 13, wherein playing the board game includes drawing one of said plurality of cards having said visually identifiable object and tactilely searching for a matching one of said plurality of objects in said container.

15. The method of playing the board game claim 14, wherein said tactilely searching having a time limit.

16. The method of playing the board game of claim 14, wherein the matching one of said plurality of objects is placed on a player's said board and another one of said plurality of coins is passed to the player.

17. The method of playing the board game of claim 16, wherein said plurality of objects are selected from the group consisting of miniature toys, sports items, household items, animals, and tools.

18. The method of playing the board game of claim 17 further comprising a step of accumulating coins for each matching of said plurality of objects to reach a predetermined number of coins.

19. The method of playing the board game of claim 18 further comprising a step of trading a number of coins from a first player for an object of a second player on said second player's board.

20. The method of playing the board game of claim 19, wherein said tactilely searching having a time limit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a board game kit of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the storage box showing the exemplary stored objects inside the box or container in accordance with the disclosed structure;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of playing the categories and coin game using the kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a trading and negotiation flow between players while playing the categories and coin game using the kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0021] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0022] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a board game kit that offers an interactive experience beyond traditional board and card games. There is a long-felt need for a family-friendly game that accommodates multiple players and prevents exclusion in group settings. Additionally, there is a long-felt need for a board game that features a set of cards in which players draw a card and then attempt to search (i.e., tactilely) for the item inside a box. Furthermore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a board game that incorporates trading and negotiation mechanics, enabling players to strategize and interact dynamically with each other rather than passively following linear gameplay. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need for a game that enables several friends and family members to play the game for hours of fun and entertainment. Also, there is a long-felt need in the art for a board game that includes blind picking objects from a box, thereby enhancing tactile recognition skills. Finally, there is a long-felt need for a versatile and easy-to-understand game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and which replaces old games at different social events.

[0023] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a board game apparatus for interactive object-tactile searching. The board game apparatus for interactive object-tactile searching and trading includes a storage box configured to store a plurality of objects, the storage box includes an opaque housing to prevent visibility of stored objects, and an aperture positioned on a front wall for enabling a player to reach inside and identify objects through touch. A plurality of object cards are included in the apparatus wherein each object card depicts a stored object and directs a player to locate the object inside the box. A plurality of category boards are included wherein each category board has designated slots for placing collected objects during gameplay. A plurality of coins function as in-game currency to facilitate object trading and negotiation among players.

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a board game kit of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The board game kit 100 of the present invention is a fun and engaging game played using a plurality of cards, objects, a board, a box, and a plurality of coins. The categories and coins family game kit 100 includes a box or container 102 configured to store a plurality of small objects of different types and shapes. The box or container 102 has an opaque housing 104 and the front wall 106 of the box or container 102 includes an aperture 108 to enable users or players to reach inside the box or container 102 for tactile searching of a stored object therein. The box or container 102 is generally square or rectangular but can be of any geometric shape and size. Preferably, the box or container 102 is made from wood or plastic and can have dimensions of 12 (L)10 (W)6 (H) to accommodate all the objects. The box or container 102 may have a plurality of compartments for separating objects therein.

[0026] The playing kit 100 includes a plurality of object cards 110 wherein each card of the plurality of object cards 110 represents an object stored inside the box or container 102. The front surface 112 of each object card has an image 114 of an object printed or embossed thereon. In some embodiments, both of the opposite surfaces 112, 116 of each card may have an image of the same object. In use and playing the game using the kit 100, when a player draws an object card, the user is required to search (i.e., tactilely) for the corresponding object inside the box or container 102 by reaching through the aperture 108. Each object card 110 is a thick laminated card having GSM value between 300 and 500. The card may have a glossy or matte finish for protection against wear and tear.

[0027] A plurality of slotted boards 118 are included in the kit 100 wherein each player playing the categories and coin game using the kit 100 receives a slotted or category board 118. The board 118 includes a plurality of slots 120 for accommodating and securing an object in each of the plurality of slots. The goal of a player to win the game is to complete the board corresponding to the player with all the required objects slotted on the board 118. The kit 100 also includes a plurality of coins 122 wherein the coins are used for rewards in the game. Each coin of the plurality of coins 122 can be used as a currency for negotiation among the players and in the preferred embodiment, at the beginning of each game, each player playing the game is provided with, for example, three coins.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the storage box showing the exemplary stored objects inside the box or container in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the box or container 102 stores a plurality of objects 202, wherein each object is associated with at least one object card (as illustrated and described in FIG. 1). The objects can be of different sizes and types to accommodate the requirements of various users. The objects can be made from one or more plastic, wood, rubber or fabric and each object is non-toxic, child safe, and BPA free. The objects can be in the form of miniature toys, sports items, household items, animals, tools, and more. In the preferred embodiment, the storage box or container 102 is used for storing object cards 110, slotted boards 118, and coins 122 when the kit 100 is not used for playing the game.

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a process of playing the categories and coin game using the kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the game box or container 102 is filled with a plurality of objects 202 and each player is provided with a slotted board and, for example, three coins (Step 302). Then, a first player (from the plurality of players) draws an object card and simultaneously a timer (optional) is initiated (Step 304). A predetermined timer value can be decided for the game as per the preferences of players.

[0030] Upon initiation of the timer, the first player reaches into the box or container 102 without looking through the aperture 108 (Step 306) for tactile searching the object displayed by the drawn object card. The player feels for the objects using touch (i.e., tactile signals) and it is determined if the player finds the object (Step 308). If the first player correctly finds the object, the first player places the object on their board and earns one coin (Step 310). If the first player does not correctly find the object, the object is returned to the box or container 102, the player is awarded no coin, and turn is passed to the subsequent player (Step 312).

[0031] In a non-limiting example, a player may draw a card of a toy car and the player reaches into the box blindly for tactile searching a toy car. When the player identifies a toy car through tactile signals, the player pulls out the toy car from the box and places the toy car on the category or slotted board and simultaneously earns one coin.

[0032] For winning a game, a player must collect all the objects on their category board and the same player must also have a predetermined number of coins (i.e., ten or more coins). Once both conditions are met, the game ends, and the player is declared the winner.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a trading and negotiation flow between players while playing the categories and coin game using the kit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. During the game, players can trade objects with each other for coins to complete their category boards faster in order to win the game. Initially, a player draws an object card and finds the object as described in FIG. 3 (Step 402). Any other player (buyer) may need the found object from the player (seller) to win the game or increase the chances of winning the game and accordingly, offers coins to buy the item from the player (Step 404). Then, the players negotiate and based on the negotiation, the buyer pays the coins and takes the object. Alternatively, the buyer may not be able to purchase the object if the buyer and the seller disagree on the number of coins to be paid (Step 406).

[0034] In a non-limiting example, a first player draws an object card that says, Mini Soccer Ball and finds the corresponding mini soccer ball from the box or container 102. A second player may notice that the second player also needs a Mini Soccer Ball on the corresponding slotted board. Thereafter, the negotiation starts where the second player may offer three coins for the Mini Soccer Ball and if the first player agrees, the second player gives three coins to the first player and places the mini soccer ball on their board.

[0035] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit, category-based board game system, categories and coins family game kit, board game kit, and kit are interchangeable and refer to the interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit 100 of the present invention.

[0036] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other configurations of the interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the interactive object-tactile searching and trading board game kit 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0037] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0038] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.