APPARATUS FOR PLAYING AN OBSERVATIONAL CAME

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to apparatus for playing a game of observation.

Background to the invention and prior art known to the Applicant

An example of a conventional travel game might be a "travel bingo" requiring the use of pen and paper or a magnetic version of the game.

Such prior art games have numerous shortcomings:

A marked disadvantage of embodiments of the "pen and paper" format is that they are either designed for a single play, or, if an eraser is applied to one, the image will deteriorate in quality and therefore the aesthetic appeal of the product will lessen, resulting in a reduced likelihood of repeat play. Further, if a game package is sold with a number of single play cards, problems of disposal may be encountered and the cards may end up as polluting litter.

A further disadvantage of these products is that they tend not to be particularly appealing to children or could even be dangerous, since their components may include loose pieces which are often little more than the aforementioned pencil and paper.

Young children may lack the co-ordination to hold and handle small objects such as a pen, counters, or thin gaming cards, with the requisite degree of accuracy to fully enjoy the game. Further, the game may be disrupted or ruined completely by components being dropped, or by the child moving when the game is on its lap. This poses particular problems in the playing of multiplayer games. In the context of a moving vehicle such problems are at best undesirable, and at worst life - threatening.

Another problem with conventional forms of travel games is that the boards tend to be light and prey to vibration, being commonly made of thin, flat card, plastic, or metal. This creates four problems. First, vibrations tend to travel through the board and may disrupt the configuration of the pieces. Second, the flatness of the board means that it has to be put on a flat, stable surface itself. It cannot be played at an angle. This may be a particular problem in small or heavily laden cars, where space is short. Third, the board is not of a design which readily lends itself to being held in a manner advantageous for the playing of the game. Fourth, the flimsiness of the board makes in prone to damage. Arguably, the flimsiness also lends an undesirable aspect of disposability to the game

The relative flimsiness of the boards and the need to keep them in a single position means two player games using a single board are often rendered impractical. Although competitive games of bingo are possible with different scorecards, the experience is qualitatively different to playing on a single board.

A related problem concerns the interface between the counters and the board. A standard ways to fix the counters to the cards are via magnets, or by some sort of adhesive material. In the former case, the small size of the pieces tends to dictate the weakness of the magnets. In the latter case, the counters and / or playing surface to which they are attached tends to lose its adhesive properties with time, use and / or exposure to the environment. Thus the counters will begin to move during play in a moving car or other vehicle, due to the vibrations and other forces present on such a journey, impeding play and increasing the likelihood that counters will be lost, which would render the apparatus useless.

Summary of the invention

In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for playing a game of observation comprising a display unit which at the start of the game simultaneously displays a plurality of images symbolic of objects and/or animals and/or people likely to be identified during a predetermined category of outing; and means for the player or players to individually interact with a selected image to remove the selected image from sight or modify the display form of a selected image; the interaction according to the rules of the game occurring after the player or players has or have observed during the outing the corresponding objects and/or animals and/or people; whereby images of objects and/or animals and/or people which have not been observed continue to be displayed during the playing of the game whilst images of objects and/or animals and/or people which have been observed are removed from sight or their display form is modified.

Such apparatus may take the form of a mobile display unit or an object incorporating such a unit, the display perhaps resembling a gaming board, or it may take the form of a computer programme displayed on a portable games console, DVD player or other such device incorporating a video display unit. The mobility of the device will of course depend on the size and the shape of the unit, and also its relationship to its surroundings. It may be produced in "child - friendly" dimensions of size and weight, and have such properties as will allow it to be easily utilised for play by a child who wishes to rest the game on its lap while sitting on the back seat of a moving car. Other embodiments, such as those which may be attached to surfaces via adhesion means, are discussed below.

In a subsidiary aspect the apparatus comprises a case with a plurality of images which remain in position at least during a round of the game and means for individually covering said images as the game progresses.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it improves the protection of images from damage during the playing of the game and during the transportation prior to or after the game is played.

Furthermore, in non - computerised embodiments of the game, flaps, doors and shutters may be envisaged as points of interaction. These would be advantageous if fixed to a case

when compared tor detachable means of covering the images, which will tend to get lost, or may move or fall off during the game, thus disrupting it or ruining it entirely.

Another advantage of such flaps and the like is that they render the game useful for repeat play. This has significant advantages over a pen and paper version, which must either be disposable or deteriorate aesthetically if used in a manner where pen marks are removed from the gaming card repeatedly.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said images are located in recesses and said means for individually covering said images incorporate a plurality of pivotally hinged flaps equipped with projections projecting outward from said recesses.

This feature has the added advantage of being a particularly tactile design, the projecting portion being of such dimensions as to enable a small child to manipulate it better. A further advantage is that the recessed portions help to protect the images, which may be printed on paper or card, from damage. A further small advantage is that the recess design may shield the images from glare, enabling them to be seen more easily in bright conditions, and also in some cases to prevent ultra violet damage to the cards.

A different embodiment could have the flaps retracting into the body of the apparatus when manoeuvred into the open position. This carries a further advantage of keeping the flaps close to the body in the open position, thereby decreasing the chances that they will get damaged.

In a further subsidiary aspect, at least a part of one of the flaps is translucent. Translucency promotes continued recognition of a given symbol, because the image remains visible even after it has been spotted during a game. In an embodiment of the game where it was being used as a language learning tool, this will promote better recall from the player of words connected to pictures. Such embodiments may be for children, or may be observational games for adults, for example in the training of soldiers to spot aircraft in the sky by their silhouettes.

In a further subsidiary aspect, said means for individually covering said images are flaps which incorporate means for securing the flaps in a closed position and means for securing the flaps in an open position.

The securing means may, amongst other forms be in the form of a frictional contact between a flap and its surrounds, by a clip, peg or flange incorporated into the surrounds or by notches in the hinge in embodiments where the flap or similar is joined the rest of the apparatus by a hinge. Two positions are considered to be particularly advantageous, and one or both could be incorporated into the design of the game. The first position would be where the flap or similar is fully closed. This would be most useful when the game is not in use, if it was being stored or transported. Given that the flaps would be closed in a recess, they would not protrude from the body of the game and would be less likely to be damaged and broken off than if they moved about freely.

The second advantageous position is the flap or similar is completely open. The advantage here is that any ambiguity as to whether a given symbol has been spotted and thus removed from play generated by partially open flaps is cleared up by providing means to keep the flaps fully open. Thus it is possible to avoid disputes as to who has won a given multiplayer game. This is particularly advantageous when the players are children in a car, on a long journey.

A further advantage to securing flaps in either position is that it facilitates continuity of play during rough journeys where the configuration of the pieces might be threatened with disruption at any given point of the game. Such securing means thus facilitates the continuity of the game in such conditions.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the flaps are provided with handles to facilitate their manoeuvre. Handles would serve to make the flaps more easily manoeuvrable.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the means for individually covering the images is at least one counter, rather than flaps.

The advantages of using counters are multiple, and are to a large extent dependent on the nature of the counters. One example might be that counters of two or more distinctive

types could be used to play variants of the game, including those with multiple players, on a single board. The advantage of such variants might broadly be stated as a combination of aesthetic and tactile appeal, and also of interest, the combination of features being such as to facilitate the increasing of the lifespan of the game.

In a further subsidiary aspect, means for individually covering the images incorporates a plurality of counters equipped with a suction cup

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it combines the advantages achieve by a fixed flap with the advantages achieved by a removable counter.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the means for individually covering the images incorporate a plurality of counters shaped to have the contour of images of the game and where apertures in the case are so formed as to correspond to the shapes of a given counter to the extent that an aperture may only take a given shape of counter.

Such a variant would enable the player to achieve better recognition and understanding of the object. The advantage of such variants might broadly be stated to be a combination of aesthetic and tactile appeal, and also of interest, the combination of features being such as to facilitate the increasing of the lifespan of the game.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the images are part of a card which is removable from said case and a plurality of cards are stored in a slot in said case. The provision of removable and interchangeable cards opens up a wealth of possibilities. Most obviously, it allows different images to be put into the game which allow for the content of the game to be changed to suit the surroundings. A variety of these images may be provided with the game. Further, such images may be made available via digital means, for printing out as new cards. Further still, the game could be provided with software on disc, or means of accessing such software on the Internet or otherwise, in order that he may create personalised cards, which may for example all relate to a specific type of object, or may result to a specific journey.

In a further subsidiary aspect, means are provided to secure image - bearing cards placed within the slot in a given position. This is a most useful feature insofar as it may be used to

ensure that the images on the cards may be properly visible when the flaps are in the open position. Such a locking feature is useful on rough journeys to prevent the dislodging of the card, which may disrupt the game or damage the card. A further advantage of this feature is that it enables the slot to be used as a storage compartment for one or more cards. This has the advantage of keeping the unit compact and self - contained.

An alternative version of the storage and display concept discussed above dispenses with the slot in favour of a pivotal hinge between the front face and the back face of the invention. The invention could be opened in such a way that the card could be replaced. The front and the back faces of the invention might be held together by a frictional fit or a clip.

A further subsidiary aspect further comprises a variant with both flaps and an interior cavity, the interior cavity of the case accessible through the slot. The image - bearing card would feature portions which would interact with the flaps in such a manner as to move the flaps into a substantially uniform position upon their introduction into the slot. The advantage to this is that in the conventional game of travel bingo, one starts with all images uncovered; in the current invention, the equivalent position would be to have all flaps in the open position. The ease with which the invention may thus be made ready for play is not only useful on journeys, but is also helpful in that it allows games to be played in quick succession.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the apparatus incorporates sound producing means, means for storing a plurality of sounds and means for triggering said sound producing means when a selected image is removed from sight or its display form is modified by the player; whereby the sound produced corresponds to said image. Where the sounds do not have any relationship to the images at all, or that relationship is limited to the relationship defined by the game itself, the role of such sound effects is primarily to deepen the immersion of a player in the game. In a version where the sounds are words, there is a clear additional advantage in that it enables versions of the game to be built that aim to familiarise children with the relationship between images and their corresponding signifying words. It may also be used in speech therapy or as a general teaching aid.

A variation of the above subsidiary embodiment might further comprise a plurality of groups of sounds and means to select a specific group of sounds dependent upon the specific card whose images are being viewed. This would have the advantage of increasing the level of variation within the game, thus also increasing the lifespan and arguably the level of involvement in the game.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the apparatus incorporates at least one light which is triggered by the manoeuvring of the means for the player to individually interact with a selected image. Such a light may facilitate night time play, or may have significance in particular configurations of the game.

In a further subsidiary aspect, means for detecting when every image has been interacted with and means for permitting access to a prize once completion of the observation game has been achieved.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it precisely controls the dispensing of a prize even in small scale display unit.

The dispensation of some sort of prize would increase the appeal to children by giving the game an additional goal. In conventional versions of travel bingo, such as the pen and paper variety, there is no such provision of a prize. An additional effect of the provision of prizes is to inculcate into the player a quasi - Pavlovian response, which will increase the lifespan of the game. Such a technical effect could also be claimed for the provision of a light, if the light is configured in such a way as to reward the completion of the game with stimulus.

In a further subsidiary embodiment, the apparatus might include a version with means to attach the game to a surface, such as suction pads where the surface is for example a car window, or functionally hook like devices to allow the attachment of the apparatus to the back of a car headrest. An advantage of this is that the player may play the game without having to put it on a substantially flat horizontal surface such as his lap, therefore dispensing with the need to find a suitable surface in a cramped space such as a car and further decreasing the chances that the game will be dropped or similarly disrupted as a result, for example of the movement of the vehicle during motion, or as a second example,

the absent - minded movement of a player's legs when the game is balanced on his lap during play.

Still further embodiments may be largely translucent or transparent. This feature, when combined with the suction pads above, would allow the player to simultaneously view the game and the area behind the game, allowing for more flowing, dynamic play. This could be combined with silk screen graphics, to maximise the translucency effect while retaining features such as score indication and branding on the body of the apparatus. It would also increase the player's concentration on the game, since he would be able to look at both the game's play area and the world outside the window at the same time. This is also educational in that it further helps the player to become immersed in the game, and further teaches the player to learn to keep an eye on two places at once, therefore promoting concentration and multitasking skills.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention in plan view, seen from the front.

Figure 2 shows the top of the first embodiment in detail.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention in plan view, seen from the front.

Figure 4 shows the second embodiment in plan view, seen from the side.

Figure 5 shows a plurality of the second embodiment in plan view, seen from the side.

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention in plan view, seen from the front.

Figure 7 shows a circuit for the activation of an access door in a case in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows generally an apparatus for playing a game of observation, which in this embodiment is a mobile display unit 10. The mobile display unit 10 has a front face 12 which in this embodiment is partially circumscribed by a gripping surface 14. The mobile display unit features a number of image displaying apertures 16 through which may be viewed images 18, mounted on cards 120. The images are located at the bottom of recessed portions. Flap 128 is hinged at one extremity and at its free extremity incorporates a projection. When the flap is shut it is itself recessed within the aperture. Such cards 120 may be inserted, removed or otherwise manoeuvred in relation to the mobile display unit 10, via a slot 122 (not seen in figure 1 but visible in figure 2; in the top surface of the game 124). Such manoeuvring of the cards 120 may be facilitated by the placing of an indentation 126 in the front face 12 of the mobile display unit 10.

The image displaying apertures 16 have a number of features. The first notable feature is a flap128. This flap 128 has two principal positions: the closed position 130 and the open position 132. In the closed position 130, the image 18 is at least partially obscured by the flap 128. In the open position 132, the flap 128 does not obscure its concomitant image 16 at all. The mobile display unit 10 the flap 128 is translucent, facilitating the viewing of an image 18 through the flap 128.

The flap 128 is moved from the closed position 130 to the open position 132 by the exertion of the force required to push the flap 16 into the body of the mobile display unit 12. Force may be conveniently applied by the use of a small handle 136 which may also feature as a gripping surface 140. A bevelled edge around the aperture 16 act as a safety feature removing the sharp edge from the side of the aperture 16. A score indicator 146 is provided comprising a sliding mechanism which itself is comprised of a tubular shaped aperture 150 along which a button-shaped slider 152 may be slid in order that it may assume a relationship of contiguity with a number 154 equivalent to a given score in a game, sufficient to be able to tell the score from said relationship of contiguity. The numbers are embossed upon the body 12 of the mobile display units. The mobile display unit also features an aperture 156 through which a further portion of the card 120 may be viewed in order that the title of a given card 158 may be shown. The mobile display unit

10 also features a carrying loop which in this embodiment is of the lanyard variety 160 facilitating the easy and efficient carriage of the mobile display unit 10. A toggle 162 is provided.

Figure 2 is a diagram of the top surface of the first embodiment of the game. The top surface is indicated generally at 124. The surface is seen to have a slot 122 which is of sufficient size to securely hold a number of inserted cards 120. The indentation 126 in the body 12 mobile display unit 10 enables easy insertion, removal and other such manoeuvring of the cards 120. The display unit may feature a front faςade 12 of different material composition to the back portion 164.

Means are provided to ensure that if there is a number of cards in the slot less than the maximum number which may be placed there, the cards will be frictionally gripped to ensure that they remain in the storage and/or playing position. In this embodiment said means comprise a spring loaded plate 166 which presses the cards towards the inside front face 168 of the mobile display unit 10.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the mobile display unit 20. In this embodiment the cards 22 are inserted, removed or otherwise manoeuvred by manoeuvring the front portion 24 of the mobile display unit 20 by means of a pivotal hinge 26 in such a manner as to ensure that the cards 22 may easily be removed. The mobile display unit 20 is substantially transparent. The front face has a cut-out corner 28, which allows the observer to view the title of the card 210. The unit is held in the closed position and the hinge 26 is disabled by a deformable clip 212. In this embodiment the apparatus 20 has a textured back 214 (not shown) in order that the apparatus 20 may form a stronger attachment to a surface (not shown) upon which it is placed.

Figure 4 is a side view of the apparatus, here the doors 216 are positioned in the image displaying apertures 218, are shown to be pivotally hinged 220. Such hinges are kept either open or closed via the medium of a frictional fit. The hinges incorporate projections on both sides of the flap. The inner projection 224 may be formed to clip into an appropriately sized aperture in one of the playing module. The hinge may also incorporate a locking to mechanism to secure the flap in its open position. The apparatus comprises a plurality of modules which may be assembled as LEGO (registered trademark) with appropriately shaped projections or recesses in the mating faces of neighbouring modules.

In figure 5 the mobile display unit is shown to be of a conveniently stackable form in order that it might form part of a multi pack 222 for easy transport and handling.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the apparatus comprising a mobile display unit 30, wherein the body of the apparatus is translucent 32 in order that cards located in rear pocket may be viewed through the unit. The unit may be mounted to a surface such as the window of a car via the placement of suction cups 34, of which in this embodiment there are 4, one at each corner of a rectangular formed unit. Here a facility for games with multiple players is provided via further multicoloured suction cups 36, the colours corresponding to given players. The suction cups may be placed upon images 38 which may be viewed through the body 30 of the apparatus. The body 30 of the apparatus may be adorned with graphics such as a score indicator 310.

Figure 7 shows an automatic prize opening facility provided as part of the case of the game where a number of electrical contacts are provided on the individual flaps which when every flap is shut closes the circuit and a voltage is applied on an actuator which may then drive the opening of a door on the case to permit access to a prize.

The case may also have a circuit with a light source in parallel to a plurality of flap switch so that when any of the flaps are open the circuit is shut in order to allow current to pass through the light source.