Transforming Game Piece

Abstract

An automatically transforming game piece having a body portion coupled between a base portion and a crown portion is provided. An internal actuation assembly and transformation control assembly cooperate to automatically transform the game piece between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. The actuation assembly may include magnetic elements, gears, and biasing members that coordinate movement of portions of the game piece between configurations.

Claims

1. An automatically transforming game piece comprising: a body portion having an upper end and a lower end; a base portion coupled to the lower end of the body portion; a crown portion coupled to the upper end of the body portion; and an actuation assembly operatively positioned within at least one of the base portion or the body portion and configured to cause the game piece to automatically transform between at least a first configuration and a second configuration; wherein the actuation assembly includes a transformation control assembly extending through the body portion and operatively coupled to at least one movable element of the base portion and at least one movable element of the crown portion, such that activation of the actuation assembly causes coordinated movement of the movable elements to transform the game piece between the first and second configurations.

2. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises an inner housing and one or more outer base panels movably coupled to the inner housing, the one or more outer base panels being configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position during transformation.

3. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 2, wherein each outer base panel includes an arm extending into the inner housing and engaging at least one gear of the actuation assembly, the at least one gear being rotatably configured to drive movement of the outer base panels.

4. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 3, wherein the at least one gear includes one or more slots configured to receive pins positioned on the arms of the outer base panels, wherein rotation of the at least one gear moves the pins along the slots and causes the base panels to move radially outward or inward.

5. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the crown portion comprises at least one support member and one or more crown panel members movably coupled to the support member and configured to move relative thereto during transformation.

6. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 5, further comprising a crown cap enclosing at least a portion of the support member and crown panel members, and an indicator member extending through the crown cap to visually indicate a transformed state.

7. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the actuation assembly comprises: a carrier comprising one or more magnetic members; and a retention member configured to retain the game piece in a first configuration until a magnetic field acts upon the magnetic members to release the retention member and initiate transformation.

8. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 7, wherein the retention member comprises one or more arcuate arms configured to engage notches formed in an inner surface of the inner housing to maintain the first configuration.

9. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 7, further comprising a game board having one or more magnetic portions, wherein placement of the game piece on the magnetic portion of the game board causes movement of the magnetic members, thereby releasing the retention member and triggering transformation.

10. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the transformation control assembly comprises: a base spline gear positioned within the base portion; an intermediary spline gear axially aligned with and coupled to the base spline gear; a base shaft extending through the spline gears; a crown shaft coupled to the base shaft; and a biasing member positioned between the base and intermediary spline gears and a coupling area between the base shaft and crown shaft, wherein the biasing member stores energy to drive expansion or contraction of the game piece during transformation.

11. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 10, wherein the base spline gear and the inner housing are keyed together to rotate in unison.

12. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the transformation is initiated by mechanical pressure applied to the crown portion.

13. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the transformation changes at least one of: the height of the game piece; the diameter of the base portion; or the configuration of the crown portion.

14. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the transformation corresponds to a change in character or rank of the game piece in a game, such as transforming a pawn into a queen in a chess game.

15. The automatically transforming game piece of claim 1, wherein the actuation assembly and transformation control assembly are entirely self-contained within the game piece and require no external power source.

16. A method of transforming a game piece between at least a first configuration and a second configuration, the method comprising: providing a game piece having a base portion, a body portion, a crown portion, and an internal actuation assembly; actuating the actuation assembly in response to one of (a) placement of the game piece on a magnetic location, or (b) application of mechanical pressure to the crown portion; releasing a retention member to permit a biasing member to expand; and causing coordinated movement of base panels and crown panels via a transformation control assembly to change the configuration of the game piece.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein actuating the actuation assembly includes magnetically attracting a carrier having one or more magnetic members to displace the retention member from engagement with the inner housing.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising returning the game piece to its first configuration by re-engaging the retention member within the inner housing.

19. A game system comprising: a game board having at least one magnetically active location; and at least one automatically transforming game piece according to any of claims 1-15; wherein placement of the game piece on the magnetically active location of the game board triggers transformation of the game piece between configurations.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the accompanying drawings:

[0017] FIG. 1A is an illustration of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 1B is an illustration of transformation of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 1C is an illustration of a first configuration and second configuration of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention illustration.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a base of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention illustration.

[0022] FIGS. 4-5 are exploded views of a transformation actuation assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a transformation actuation assembly and base of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a crown assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0025] FIGS. 8-9 are perspective views of a crown assembly, transformation actuation assembly, and base of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0026] FIGS. 10-12 are exploded views of a crown assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a crown portion of a crown assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a base assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a base assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 16-18 are exploded views of an actuator control assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0031] FIGS. 19A-19B are partial cutaway views of a crown assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention in a first position or configuration and a second position or configuration, respectively.

[0032] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a game piece and an actuator control assembly of an automatically changing game piece of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 21A and 21B are side views of an actuation assembly of the present invention in open and closed states.

[0034] FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of an actuation assembly of the present invention in open and closed states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention outlines an example embodiment of automatically changing game pieces that are able to automatically transform or change from at least a first configuration to a second configuration. Any number of changes or configurations are possible. The number of changes or configurations may represent any number of game piece characters, characteristics, and the like.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-22B, the automatically transforming game piece is indicated or illustrated as numeral 10. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 1A, game piece 10 is configured to at least partially change or transform from one or a first shape or configuration to another or second configuration or shape. As particularly illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 1B, game piece 10 includes a body portion 12, a base portion 14, and a crown portion 16 operatively coupled together wherein at least one of body portion 12, base portion 14, and crown portion 16 are capable of transforming.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, game piece 10 is capable of being used in conjunction with a game board 90. In one example embodiment, transformation of game piece 10 may be accomplished upon placement or movement to one or more spots on game board 90.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 4, an example game piece 10 is depicted in an exploded view to illustrate an example configuration of its example components, assemblies, and pieces. In this example embodiment, game piece 10 includes a body portion 12 comprising one or more tubular body segments 14 coupled together by various coupling members (e.g., tab members 16). Tubular body segments 14 define an axially extending channel or interior.

[0039] Body portion 12 is coupled to a base portion 20 that is configured to rest upon a surface such as a tabletop or a game board. In one example embodiment, base portion 20 includes an inner housing 22 having one or more outer base panels 24 that are movably coupled to inner housing 22. Base portion 20 may also include a top or cover 26 coupled to a portion of inner housing 22 and configured to receive a portion of body portion 12. Base panels 24 and cover 26 selectively cover or enclose at least a portion of inner housing 12. Each base panel 24 includes an arm 25 that extends into a portion of inner housing 22 Game piece 10 may also include crown portion 30 coupled to body portion 12 and positioned on an opposite end from base portion 20. In one example embodiment, crown portion 30 comprises at least one inner frame or support member 32a that is configured to receive and support one or more crown panel members 34 that are configured to move with respect to frame or support member 32a. Support member 32a may also include another support member 32b nested within or on support member 32a. A portion of crown panel members 34 are coupled to and movable with respect to both support members 32a and 32b. Crown portion 30 may also comprise crown cap portion 36 that selectively encloses support members 32a and 32b in conjunction with crown panel members 23. Crown portion 30 may also comprise an indicator member 38 that extends through crown cap portion 34 and is coupled to support member 32a, 32b, or one or more crown panel members 34. A crown collar member 37 may be positioned between support member 32a and body 12.

[0040] An actuation assembly 40 can be operatively positioned or housed in an interior of inner housing 22. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 2, one example embodiment of actuation assembly 40 comprises a carrier 42 having or more saddles or recesses 44 configured to receive and hold one or more magnetic members 46. Carrier 42 comprises one or more posts 48 extending from its side surface that are configured to mate with a portion of inner housing 22. Rotational movement of carrier 42 causes rotational movement of inner housing 22. A gear 50 having one or more slots 52 is positioned between inner housing 22 and carrier 42. An arm portion of each base panel extending through inner housing 22 extends into a respective slot 52 of gear 50. When inner housing 22 rotates arm portions of base panels travel in its respective slot 52 causing base panels to move or travel inwardly into and outwardly away from inner housing 22.

[0041] In one example embodiment, actuation assembly 40 also comprises a retention member 60 positioned below carrier 42. Retention member 60 comprises one or more arms or arcuate members 62 that are configured to mate with or engage one or more recess formed in an inner surface of inner housing 22. Retention member 60 and arcuate members 62 aid in retaining game piece 10 in one or more configurations until a particular action or event occurs (e.g., movement of game piece 10 to a particular location on a game board. Retention member 60 may comprise one or more holes or openings configured to mate with carrier 42.

[0042] Actuation assembly 40 is operatively coupled to a transformation assembly coupled to a transformation control assembly 70 that extends out of base portion 20, through body portion 12, and into crown portion 30. Transformation control assembly 70 comprises a base spline gear 72 having an end positioned through an opening extending through a top of inner housing 22. Base spline gear 72 includes an intermediary spline gear 76 that is axially aligned and mated in an upper opening extending through base spline gear 72. A base shaft 78 is positioned in and extending through base spline gear 72 and intermediary spline gear 76. Base shaft 78 is axially aligned with and coupled to a crown shaft 80 by a coupling member 84. Crown shaft 80 is biased by a spring member 88 positioned between base gear 72 and coupling member 84.

[0043] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 13, base panel 24 may comprise an arm 25 extending or projecting away from the panel 24 and into inner housing 22. In one embodiment, arm 25 includes a pin 29 extending therein and extending at least partial beyond arm 25. Pin 29 is configured to engage slot 52 of gear 50 as it travels between transformative states. FIG. 14 illustrates the positioning of base panels 24, arms 25 aligned with holes or openings extending through inner housing 22, and orientation of pins 29.

[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates an underside of game piece 10. An inner surface 100 of inner housing 12 is illustrated depicting location of notches 102 formed in inner surface 100. Notches 102 receive arms 62 of retention member 60. Notches 102 retain arms 62 until a predetermined force or energy is externed on actuation assembly 40 (e.g., movement of magnetic members 46), Movement of magnetic members 46 cause retention members to become dislodged from notches 102 permitting spring member 88 to extend causing spline gears 72 and 76 to rotate and move body segments 16 and panels 24 and 34 to move from a first state to a second state.

[0045] FIG. 15 also illustrates position of spline gear 72 positioned inner housing 22. Inner housing 22 and spline gear 72 are keyed, whereby rotation of inner housing 22 causes rotation of spline gear 72. Rotation of spline gear 72 permits rotation of intermediary spline gear 76. Rotation of spline gears 72 and 76 control expansion or contraction of spring member 88.

[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates the positioning of carrier 42 in inner housing 22 and the distance panels 24 and 34 move from inner housing 22 and support members 32a and 32b when in a transformed state. As particularly illustrated, extensions 46 of carrier 42 fit into notches or recesses 104 formed in inner housing 22. In this way, when carrier rotates because of alignment of magnet member 46, inner housing 22 also rotates. Rotation of inner housing 22 causes gear 50 to rotate and engage pins 29, which move base panels 24 in and out. Rotation of housing 22 also causes spline gears 72 and 76 to rotate causing crown panels 34 to move in and out.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, game piece 10 can be moved from a first state (e.g., left piece) to a second state (e.g., right piece) by pressing down on the top of crown portion 30. As illustrated in the figures, the present invention has been depicted as transforming or promoting a pawn into another chess piece (e.g., a queen). While chess game pieces have been used for illustrative purposes, as mentioned above, game pieces of any game are similarly transformable by the present invention.

[0048] In another example embodiment, when game piece 10 is placed on a magnetic space on game board 90, carrier 42 containing magnet members 46 pulls on retention member 60, flexing it enough to release base shaft 78, which is under spring tension by spring member 88. Spring member 88 then pushes up on coupling member 84, allowing the crown shaft 80 to telescope in an upwardly direction. Telescoping out game piece neck or support member 32a and/or 32b, and expanding head/crown portion 30 by the outward movement of crown plates 34. Upward movement of base shaft 78, pulls up spindle gear 76, causes spindle gear 72 to rotate, gear 50 rotates with spindle gear 72 allowing base portion to expand in diameter by the outward movement of base plates 24.

[0049] In yet another example embodiment of the present invention, game piece 100 may also include crown portion 300 coupled to body portion 120 and positioned on an opposite end from base portion 200. In one example embodiment, crown portion 300 comprises at least one inner frame or support member 320 that is configured to receive and support one or more crown panel members 340 that are configured to move with respect to frame or support member 320. Support member 320 may comprise a generally upright support or post having one or more arms 322 nested within or on support member 320. A portion of crown panel members 340 are coupled to and movable with respect to both support members 320 and arms 322. Crown portion 300 may also comprise crown cap portion 360 that selectively encloses support members 320 and arms 322 in conjunction with crown panel members 340.

[0050] Cap portion 360 may also act as an indicator by extending in an upwardly direction to a long axis of game piece 100. A crown collar member 370 may be positioned between support member 320 and body 120. The collar member 370 may comprise one or more collar panels 372 that are pivotally or rotatably coupled to a portion of game piece 100, whereby when arms 322 rotate upwardly during transition, they are configured to release or unengaged collar panels 372 to permit their rotational or pivoting movement in a downwardly direction.

[0051] Similarly, game piece 100 may also include one or more body panels 260 that are pivotally or rotationally coupled to body portion 120. Body panels 260 are able to rotate or pivot between a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 19A and an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 19B. Movement or transformation of game piece 100 is accomplished by a similar actuation assembly 40 described in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] In one example embodiment, crown portion 500 comprises at least one inner frame or support member 520 that is configured to receive and support one or more crown panel members 540 that are configured to move with respect to frame or support member 520. Support member 520 may comprise a generally upright support or post having one or more arms 322 nested within or on support member 320. A portion of crown panel members 340 are coupled to and movable with respect to both support members 320 and arms 322. Crown portion 300 may also comprise crown cap portion 360 that selectively encloses support members 320 and arms 322 in conjunction with crown panel members 340.

[0053] Cap portion 360 may also act as an indicator by extending in an upwardly direction to a long axis of game piece 100. A crown collar member 370 may be positioned between support member 320 and body 120. The collar member 370 may comprise one or more collar panels 372 that are pivotally or rotatably coupled to a portion of game piece 100, whereby when arms 322 rotate upwardly during transition, they are configured to release or unengaged collar panels 372 to permit their rotational or pivoting movement in a downwardly direction.

[0054] Similarly, game piece 100 may also include one or more body panels 260 that are pivotally or rotationally coupled to body portion 120. Body panels 260 are able to rotate or pivot between a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 19A and an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 19B. Movement or transformation of game piece 100 is accomplished by a similar actuation assembly 40 described in other embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] In still another example embodiment of the present invention, game piece 400 may also include crown portion 500 coupled to body portion 600 and positioned on an opposite end from base portion 700. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 20, one example embodiment of actuation assembly 900 comprises a carrier 920 having or more saddles or recesses 940 configured to receive and hold one or more magnetic members 960. In one embodiment, magnetic members 960 are contained within magnet housing 964 that is positionable within saddles or recesses 940. Magnet housing 964 may include one or more arms or ribs 966 extending outwardly from its outer surface. The arms or ribs 966 are configured to sit or rest in grooves 968 formed into saddles or recesses 940.

[0056] As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 21A-22B, the actuation assembly 900 also includes one or more catches 970a and 970b that are movably or slidably positioned in one or more channels 972 formed in an outer surface of carrier 920. The catches 972a and 972b and channels 974 are positioned generally opposite each other about the outer surface of carrier 920. Each catch 972a and 972b includes at least one axially extending bore 976 (illustrated by broken lines) configured to receive a biasing or spring member 978.

[0057] Actuation assembly 900 also comprises one or more rods 980a and 980b that are configured to be positioned in holes 982a and 982b formed in carrier 920. As particularly illustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B, magnet cups or holders 964 are positioned above rods 980a and 980b, which are positioned on or in a portion of catches 972a and 972b. As magnets 960 are attracted to another magnet member (e.g., in a game board), magnets 960 and magnet cups 964 are pulled in a downward direction causing rods 980a and 980b to travel along an inclined surface 967 of arms 966 moving catches 970a and 970b apart or away from each other. This movement or transition of game piece 400 is considered a triggered open event or an open state. When a magnetic field is removed the springs 978 force catches 972a and 972b back toward each other, as illustrated in FIG. 22B. This movement or transition of game piece 400 is considered a triggered closed event or a closed state. Rotational movement of the game piece is accomplished by similar operation and components of other embodiments described herein.

[0058] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.