3-DIMENSIONAL GAMING UNIT

Abstract

A 3-dimensional game comprising a base with at least one coupled protruding suspension apparatus. A gaming cube rotatable about an axis and coupled with the one or more protruding suspension apparatus. A plurality of pieces, wherein at least a set of first pieces and a second set are allocated to a first player and a second player. During alterative play between at least the first player and the second player, a single piece is movable in an orthogonal direction to one of a plurality of spaces on a plurality of faces of the gaming cube, such that a player aligns respective pieces in a straight first line on a distinct face to achieve a point. A completion of the game results in the first or second player accumulating at least two points, such that at least two sets of consecutive pieces are placed in a straight line on distinct faces.

Claims

1. A 3-dimensional game unit comprising: a base with one or more protruding suspension apparatus couple to the base; a gaming cube rotatably affixed via one or more pins coupled with the one or more protruding suspension apparatus such that the gaming cube is rotatable about an axis relative to at least the one or more pins and the one or more protruding suspension apparatus; a plurality of player pieces, wherein at least a set of first player pieces are allocated to a first player and a second set of player pieces are allocated to a second player; and during alterative play between at least the first player and the second player, a single, respective player piece is movable in a straight or orthogonal direction temporarily affixing to one of a plurality of spaces on or between a plurality of faces incorporated on the gaming cube, such that a player ultimately aligns consecutive, respective player pieces in a straight first row or line on a distinct face of the gaming cube to achieve a point; and a completion of the game results in the first or second player accumulating at least two points when the player ultimately aligns at least two consecutive, respective player pieces in a straight first row or line on at least two distinct faces.

2. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 1, wherein the first set of player pieces and second set of player pieces include a total of twelve player pieces per player.

3. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 1, wherein the gaming cube comprises six faces for gameplay and respective player piece movement.

4. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 3, wherein each face of the gaming cube includes a 44 grid of individual spaces, wherein each space includes a reception mechanism to receive, hold or retain a player piece of the one of the first or second player pieces.

5. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 1, wherein each face of the gaming cube includes a symmetrical dimensional grid of individual spaces, wherein each space includes a reception mechanism to receive, hold or retain a player piece of the one of the first or second player pieces.

6. The dimensional game unit of claim 5, wherein the number of the first set of player pieces and the second set of player pieces each include a total factor of 3 or 4 times the length of a face of the grid utilized on the gaming cube.

7. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 1, wherein the first or second player aligns at least the first row or line, the second row or line and a third row or line of respective player pieces, each on a distinct face of the gaming cube to ultimately score at least a first point, a second point, and a third point to win the game.

8. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 1, wherein the gaming cube is selectively rotatable about the axis between 0 and 360 degrees of view to the players.

9. The 3-dimensional game unit of claim 1, wherein the gaming cube is selectively rotatable about an alternative axis relative to alternative one or more pins and one or more protruding suspension apparatus, wherein all faces of the gaming cube are rotatably visible for view to the players.

10. A method of playing a 3-dimensional game unit comprising the steps of: providing a base and one or more protruding suspension apparatus coupled to the base; providing a gaming cube that is selectively rotatably affixed via one or more pins, which are coupled with the one or more protruding suspension apparatus, such that the gaming cube is rotatable about an axis relative to the at least one or more pins or the one or more protruding suspension apparatus; providing to at least two players a plurality of player pieces, wherein at least a set of first player pieces are allocated to a first player and a second set of player pieces are allocated to a second player; alternating play between the at least first player and the second player, wherein each respective player moves on of their, respective player pieces in a straight or orthogonal direction that temporarily affixing to one of a plurality of spaces on or between a plurality of faces incorporated on the gaming cube, such that a player ultimately aligns consecutive, respective player pieces in a straight first row or line on a distinct face of the gaming cube to achieve a point; and completing a game by at least one of the first or second player by accumulating at least two points when the player ultimately aligns at least two consecutive, respective player pieces in a straight first row or line on a first distinct face of the gaming cube and a second straight row or line on a second distinct face of the gaming cube.

11. A method of playing a 3-dimensional game unit comprising the steps of: providing a base and one or more protruding suspension apparatus coupled to the base; providing a gaming cube that is selectively rotatably affixed via one or more pins, which are coupled with the one or more protruding suspension apparatus, such that the gaming cube is rotatable about an axis relative to the at least one or more pins or the one or more protruding suspension apparatus; providing to at least two players a plurality of player pieces, wherein at least a set of first player pieces are allocated to a first player and a second set of player pieces are allocated to a second player; alternating play between the at least first player and the second player, wherein each respective player moves on of their, respective player pieces in a straight or orthogonal direction that temporarily affixing to one of a plurality of spaces on or between a plurality of faces incorporated on the gaming cube, such that a player ultimately aligns consecutive, respective player pieces in a straight first row or line on a distinct face of the gaming cube to achieve a point; and completing an advanced version of the game by at least one of the first or second player by accumulating at least three points when the player ultimately aligns three consecutive, respective player pieces in a straight first row or line on a first distinct face of the gaming cube, a second straight row or line on a second distinct face of the gaming cube, and a third straight row or line on a third distinct face of the gaming cube.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 3-dimensional game unit in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a 3-dimensional game unit in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a 3-dimensional game unit depicting player piece movement in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a 3-dimensional game unit depicting a point scoring example in accordance with examples of the present disclosure.

[0022] While embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring now to the figures, throughout which like numerals are used to designate like structure, a three-dimensional (3D) gaming unit according to the invention, in various non-limiting examples thereof, is generally indicated at 100. Those having ordinary skill in the related technology should readily appreciate that, although these embodiments of the 3D gaming unit(s) 100 are implemented with the structure described in detail below and shown in the drawings, any other suitable 3D gaming unit having rules different than the ones described below can be implemented with such structure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 3-dimensional gaming unit 100 in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In examples, 3D gaming unit 100 may include a base 102, which may be utilized to prop up, hold, rest, or remain the 3D gaming unit 100 stable while in use. One or more protruding suspension apparatus(es) 104 may be coupled to and protrude from the base 102. In examples a gaming cube 106 may be suspended between or within the protruding suspension apparatus(es) 104 via a coupling with one or more pin(s) 108. In examples, the coupling of the one or more pins 108 enable the gaming cube 106 to be fully rotatable about the pin(s) 108 and the one or more protruding suspension apparatus(es) 106.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a 3-dimensional game unit, which is rotatable, in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In examples, the gaming cube 106 may be rotatable on an axis X between 15, 45, 90, 180, 270, and 360 degrees, such that at least one of any one face 110 of the gaming cube 106 may be visible to a user at any given time. In examples, while a cube is depicted with a total of six individual but identical faces 110, the gaming cube 106 is not limited thereto and more or less faces 110 and alternative sizes, shapes and configurations are considered.

[0026] In examples, gaming cube 106 may comprise six corresponding, alike and uniform faces 106. In examples, each face comprises a plurality of indentations or spaces 112. Each indentation or space 112 may be configured to receive a player piece 114A or 114B for movement of player pieces 114A/B by each player. In examples, gaming cube 106 may comprise six faces 106, wherein each face 106 may comprise a 44 set of spaces 112. In examples, each player, for example a player 1 and a player 2 may be assigned to use player pieces 114A (indicated in white) and player 2 may be assigned to use player pieces 114B (indicated in black) or vise versa. It is to be noted that while the color of white and black may be used and an octangular shape of the player pieces are depicted, any and all colors, shapes, etc. of player pieces are considered and may be used. It is also to be noted that, while a 44 set of spaces 112 on each face 106 of gaming cube 106 may be depicted, additional, less, or alternative shapes, sizes, number of spaces associated with the gaming cube 106 are contemplated and considered.

[0027] As an exemplary tutorial, to begin, each player, player 1 and player 2, may control twelve player pieces 114A and 114B, respectively. Each player 1 and 2 may begin by occupying opposite corners of each face 110 of the gaming cube 106 with their respective player pieces 114A and 114B. In examples, each player 1 and player 2 may occupy all three adjacent spaces on the corners of the gaming cube 105, which is depicted in FIG. 1. It is up to the players to decide who moves first, whether someone flips a coin, rolls a dice, rock-paper-scissors, etc. It is to be understood that the number of player pieces 114A/B and starting positions may vary depending on the size and shape of the gaming cube 106, but the same or similar movements and rules herein will remain the same.

[0028] In examples, once it has been decided which player moves first, said player initiates and completes a move and then each player continues alternating one at a time to make a move with their respective pieces 114A/B. In examples, at the beginning of the game, technically, the first player to make a move only has four moves available for any player piece 114A/B on the gaming cube 106. In this instance, this is because each player may only move a piece 114A/B in a straight line. In examples, pieces 114A/B may move as many spaces as the player would like at that time (i.e. between indentations 112). However, player pieces 114A/B may not move through nor occupy the same space as another player piece 114A/B. Also, in examples, player pieces 114A/B may not move in a diagonal direction. In examples, there are additional rules players must consider and comply with. For example, if a player touches and lifts one of their respective pieces 114A/B out of a space 112, that piece must be played or otherwise moved so long as that moved and the player has released said piece 114A/B from the grasp or possession, that piece 114A/B has been played and the player may not change their mind to adjust or reposition the piece 114A/B. To avoid discouragement, the possible moves available to each player increases with every piece moved as each face 110 of the gaming cube 106 is available to attain victory.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 3, in examples, during play, while pieces may only move in a straight line, there are multiple faces of the gaming cube 106. The game is played on all faces of the gaming cube 106, which means player pieces 114A/B can be moved across all faces (between face-to-face-to-face). To give an example, a player piece 114A/B may move in a straight line around the edges of the gaming cube 106 onto or through one or more faces 106, which is illustrated by arrow 116. An example illustration is depicted in FIG. 3. This can be an integral aspect of the game for a player to score the most points and win, which will be discussed further below.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a 3-dimensional game unit depicting a scoring example in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As a depicted example, player 2 can be seen to have aligned four player pieces 114B in spaces 112 across a straight line or orthogonally on a face 110 of gaming cube 106 to receive a point in the game. It is to be understood that a point may not be awarded to a player for an arrangement of four player pieces diagonally. To reiterate, diagonal movement of pieces 114A/B are not permitted, nor are points awarded for diagonal alignments. In examples, while movement of pieces 114A/B across faces 110 of the gaming cube 106 are permitted, only a single face 110 of gaming cube 106 may be scored on by any player.

[0031] Meaning, once a player has scored a point, or aligned, in this example, four respective player pieces 114A/B in an orthogonal line on a face 110 of the gaming cube 106, no other points may be scored on that respective face 110 of gaming cube 106. In examples, once a point (i.e., a straight alignment of four player pieces) has been made on a face 110 of gaming cube 106, those pieces are considered locked in place and may not be moved. Thus, the point may not be taken away, changed or otherwise removed. Moreover, in examples, as previously described herein, player pieces 114A/B may not move or pass through those spaces locked by the player who has been awarded that point on that face 110 of the gaming cube 106. It is to be understood that players may still move through and onto a scored face, while complying with the rules described herein, as the game continues to be played. It should be noted that versions of the dimensional game unit are contemplated, such that the first set of player pieces and the second set of player pieces each can include a total factor associated with the gaming cube 106 grid face. For example, as depicted in a 44 grid. The total player pieces 114A/B for each player can include a total factor of 3 or 4 times the length (or width) of a face of the gaming cube grid utilized. In examples, a 44 grid face may result in twelve pieces to be utilized or considered for each player. In alternative examples, should a larger board be utilized, a 55 grid face gaming cube may result in 15 pieces to be utilized for each player. In additional examples, should a 66 grid face be utilized, 18 player pieces per player may be utilized. In these examples, the goal is to utilize the board grid, player pieces, strategy and entertainment such that that same rules described herein may apply and, to score a point, a straight line or row of corresponding player pieces withstanding the length (or width) of a face on the gaming cube may be locked in or blocked for the other players.

[0032] In examples, in order for a player to win the game a player must score two points. In examples, two score to points a player must align two separate sets of four orthogonal player pieces 114A/B of their respective player pieces on two separate faces 110 of the gaming cube 106. In examples, an alignment of one or more player pieces 114A/B that wrap around from one face 110 to another adjacent face 110 may not count as a point. Alignment of four respective player pieces 114A/B must have all player pieces 114A/B on a single respective face 110 of the gaming cube 106. It should be understood that while four player pieces 114A/B on a single face 110 of a 44 face gaming cube 106 is depicted, alternative, additional, or reduced amount of alignments, sizes, shapes, etc. are considered and may be adjusted to adapt the number of player pieces aligned to score a point or the number of points required to win a game on the gaming cube.

[0033] In an alternative or additional example, players may decide to play a more advanced version of the game. In examples, an advance version may require a player to be the first to score three points. As described above, the same rules may still apply as the first example version. However, the advance version may require a player to be the first player to align four respective player pieces 114A/B in a row, straight line, or orthogonal on three separate faces 110 of the gaming cube 106. In examples, this can make the game more complex and require additional thinking to align all of the twelve pieces 114A/B the respective player possesses on individual faces 110 of the gaming cube 106. Scoring two points in the first example of game play allows each player to have an additional four player pieces 114A/B to maneuver and utilize to ultimately win. However, the more advanced version limits that four player piece cushion by requiring a player to align all player pieces 114A/B in versions or straight lines of four while still occupying each aligned version of four player pieces 114A/B on separate faces 110 of the gaming cube 106. This can spice up the game for more intense, strategic, and exciting fun. It should be understood that while two versions of the game are depicted ad described, additional, fewer and alternative versions are contemplated, including more, less or alternative versions to win the game and/or score points.

[0034] It should be understood that other configurations are contemplated, which may be configured to alter the size, shape, configuration, etc. of the gaming unit (e.g., altering the number, size and shape of pieces, spaces, size and shape of the gaming cube, etc.). It should be understood that one or more additional or alternative pieces and spaces may be integrated into the gaming cube for alternative exploits of gaming, sizes, directions, shapes, color, etc. and is not limited to any single example depicted herein. In examples, it should be understood that the shapes and sizes of the features of the gaming cube, including height, depth, width, angles, etc. configured for the resulting 3D gaming unit and may be alternatively configured to adapt or alter the size and height for additional, fewer, or alternative implementations.

[0035] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0036] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features. The invention can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood be persons of ordinary skill in the art. Further, elements described with respect to ne embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. These combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.