Language selection

Search

Patent 2957096 Summary

Third-party information liability

Some of the information on this Web page has been provided by external sources. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. Content provided by external sources is not subject to official languages, privacy and accessibility requirements.

Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2957096
(54) English Title: BOARD GAME AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE BOARD GAME
(54) French Title: JEU DE PLATEAU ET PROCEDE PERMETTANT DE JOUER A CE JEU DE PLATEAU
Status: Deemed Abandoned and Beyond the Period of Reinstatement - Pending Response to Notice of Disregarded Communication
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A63F 7/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • BABRAS, SHIVALI (India)
  • KHARE, MAYURI (India)
  • JOSHI, VAIDEHI (India)
  • LAHANE, ASHWINI (India)
  • MERCHANT, ARWA (India)
(73) Owners :
  • ANINDITA TOY COMPANY (P) LTD
(71) Applicants :
  • ANINDITA TOY COMPANY (P) LTD (India)
(74) Agent: BROUILLETTE LEGAL INC.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2015-08-03
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2016-02-11
Examination requested: 2020-08-03
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/IN2015/000306
(87) International Publication Number: IN2015000306
(85) National Entry: 2017-02-03

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
2498/MUM/2014 (India) 2014-08-04

Abstracts

English Abstract

Disclosed is a board game capable of being played by two or more players and method of playing the board game. The board game comprises a board member having plurality of boxes configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes includes at least two triangles which form at least one diagonal path thereon. Further, each box of the plurality of boxes placed in proximity with other box and/or on the sides of the board member (10) to form vertical and horizontal paths there between. Further, the board game includes a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets. Each set includes at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of first blockers, at least one second blocker and at least one master blocker, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first, second and master blocker. Furthermore, the board game includes at least one joker and at least one flipper.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un jeu de plateau convenant à deux joueurs ou plus, et un procédé permettant de jouer à ce jeu de plateau. Ledit jeu de plateau comprend un élément de plateau sur le dessus duquel se trouve une pluralité de cases. Chaque case de la pluralité de cases comporte au moins deux triangles qui forment sur elle au moins un chemin transversal. En outre, chaque case est placée à proximité d'une autre case et/ou sur les côtés de l'élément de plateau (10) de manière à ce que des chemins verticaux et horizontaux soient formés entre elles. De plus, le jeu de plateau inclut une pluralité de pièces de jeu divisées en un minimum de deux ensembles. Chaque ensemble comprend au moins deux pièces de jeu, et chaque joueur se voit attribuer un ensemble de pièces de jeu pour jouer au jeu. De plus, le jeu de plateau comporte une pluralité de premiers bloqueurs, au moins un deuxième bloqueur et au moins un bloqueur principal, chaque joueur se voyant attribuer au moins un bloqueur parmi les premiers bloqueurs, un deuxième bloqueur et un bloqueur principal. En outre, le jeu de plateau comprend au moins un joker et au moins un déflecteur.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


We claim:
1. A board game capable of being played by two or more player's, the
board game comprising:
a board member having plurality of boxes configured thereon, each box
having at least one diagonal path configured thereon, each box of the
plurality of
boxes placed in proximity with other boxes and/or on the sides of the board
member
to form vertical arid horizontal paths there between, the board member having
a
pointer configured on the edge thereof to define the direction of the game
play;
a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets, each set having
at
least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more players is
assigned
one set of the playing pieces for playing the game;
a plurality of first blockers, wherein each player of the two or more players
is
assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers;
at least one joker capable of being placed on the board member at start of the
game along with the playing pieces, wherein the joker is capable of moving by
any
player playing the game;
at least one flipper capable of being placed on the board member at start of
the game along with the playing pieces, the flipper capable of acting as a
joker from
one of it's side and as a blocker from it's other side, wherein the flipper is
capable of
moving by any player playing the game;
a plurality of second blockers, wherein each player is assigned least one
second blocker of the plurality of second blockers;
at least one master blocker capable of being placed on the board member at
start of the game along with the plurality of playing pieces. wherein the at
least one
master blocker is capable of being moved by any player playing the game;
21

wherein each player of one or more player/s has to move the playing pieces
along the paths such that at least two playing pieces with or without anyone
of the
joker and joker side of the flipper forms a row in any one of diagonal,
vertical, and
horizontal direction, and formation of the row of the at least two playing
pieces with
or without anyone of the joker and flipper is prevented by placing or moving
any one
of the at least one first blocker, the second blocker, blocker side of the
flipper and a
master blocker by the other player of the one or more player in between the at
least
two playing pieces or any other suitable position on the board member, and
wherein each player of one or more players can move the playing pieces
along the paths so as to form a row of at least two stacks in any one of
diagonal,
vertical, and horizontal direction by making a defined formation of at least
two
playing pieces adjacent to each other and then stacking the at least two
playing pieces
in the formation on each other to form individual stacks wherein each stack
consists
of at least two playing pieces.
2. The board game as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board member is
made of any one of plastic, wood and paper.
3. The board game as claimed in claim 1, wherein each set of plurality of
playing pieces, blocker, the second blocker, master blocker, joker and flipper
is
distinctly colored.
4. A method of playing a board game, the board game capable of being
played by two or more players, the board game having a board member, a
plurality of
first blockers, and a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two
sets, wherein
each set includes at least two playing pieces, at least one joker, at least
one flipper, at
least one second blocker, at least one master blocker, the method comprising:
22

assigning the set of plurality of playing pieces to each player of the two or
more players;
assigning at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers to each
player
of the two or more players;
placing the joker and the flipper on the board member;
placing each playing piece of the at least two playing pieces of the set by
each
player one by one on sides of the board member except corners thereof,
making a single move at a time by each player of the playing piece , the joker
or the flipper in any one of horizontal, vertical and diagonal direction along
paths on
the board thereby trying to make a single row of his/her playing pieces; and
obstructing the formation of the row of the at least two playing pieces of a
player by any of the one or more other players by placing the blockers there
between
during their turn for playing the game, wherein once the plurality of blockers
are
placed on the board by the players, the plurality of blockers can be used by
any
player playing the game for obstructing the formation of other player/s row or
for
formation of one's own row.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of blockers
can be used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game for jumping
into
another location or area by placing it over another adjacent blocker.
6. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plurality of first
blockers, the second blocker and the at least one master blocker can be made
inactive
by any player of one or more players to prevent the formation of at least two
in a row.
7. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inactive blocker is
capable of being moved only after two playing pieces of that row are moved out
of
the formation.
23

8. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein use of the joker to form
rows along with the playing pieces and swapping it with the playing piece once
the
row is formed.
9. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the joker can be used by
any player of one or more player/s playing the game to miss-a-turn of the
other player
by placing it over the one of plurality of first blockers.
10. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the flipper moves one step
at a time by flipping it on every turn thereby acting as a joker and blocker.
11. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second blocker can be
used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game for jumping his
playing
pieces into the other area by placing the playing piece over the second
blocker
adjacent to the playing piece.
12. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the master blocker can be
used by any player of one or more player/s playing the game to stack his own
playing
pieces over the master blocker and becoming the master winner.
13. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein any player of one or more
player/s can capture a playing piece by placing a blocker over the playing
piece
wherein the playing piece becomes inactive for at least one next turn.
14. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein positive and negative
markings can be earned by any player of one or more player/s by blocking other
players or by getting blocked by other players respectively.
24

15. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the direction of the game
is reversed each time a player completes the formation of a row.
16. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein each player of one or more
player/s can move the playing pieces along the paths so as to form a row of at
least
two stacks in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction by
making a
defined formation of at least two playing pieces adjacent to each other and
then
stacking the at least two playing pieces in the formation on each other to
form
individual stacks wherein each stack consists of at least two playing pieces.
17. A method of playing a board game, the board game capable of being
played in teams.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
BOARD GAME AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE BOARD GAME
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to board game, and more particularly, the
present
invention relates to a board game and method of playing the board game.
Background of the invention
For centuries, board games have been an extremely popular form of
entertainment for
people of all ages. These types of board games have been designed for two or
more
players. Many games like Othello, Chess and Corridor involve skill and a
little luck.
Other type of popular board games genre includes Connect 4 from 'Hasbro, Tic-
Tac-
Toe, and Corridor.
An early variant of Tic-Tac-Toe was played in the Roman Empire around first
century BC. It was called Terni Lapilli and inStead of having any number of
pieces,
each player only had three pieces, thus they had to move the pieces around the
empty
spaces to keep playing. The Tic-Tac-Toe's grid markings have been found
chalked
all over the Rome. However, according to Claudia Zaslavsky's book, the Tic-Tac-
Toe game and other three-in-a row games from ancient Egypt to the modern
computer could have originated back in ancient Egypt. Another closely related
ancient game is three men's Morris which is also played on a simple grid and
requires three pieces in a row to finish.
Another popular board game is Connect four, also known as Captain's Mistress,
Four
Up, Plot Four, Find Four, Four play, Four in a Row and Four in a Line.
Specifically,
US Patent No. 7900925 discloses a Connect Four board game which is a two-
player
1

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
game in which the players first choose a color and then take turns dropping
colored
discs from the top into a seven-column, six-row vertically suspended grid. The
colored discs fall straight down, occupying the next available space within
the
column. The object of the Connect FOur game is to connect four of one's own
discs
of the same color next to each other vertically, horizontally, or diagonally
before your
opponent before one's opponent can do likewise.
= The Connect four was created for players from age 7 and older and has an
expected
playing time of 10 minutes. However, the connect four is limited because only
one
type of game can be played. Also, the number of players is limited to 2.
Further, the
-15 conventional Connect four games is unidirectional which requires
dropping the discs
in vertical direction thereby restricting the strategic element of the game
play.
Accordingly, there exist needs to provide a board game which is more
entertaining
and which overcomes above-mentioned drawbacks.
=
Objects of the invention
An object of the present invention is to provide a strategy based board game
which is
easy to understand.
Another object .of the present invention is to provide a board game which has
a
variety of play therein and does not have limitation of players to play the
game.
Summary of the invention
Accordingly, the present invention provides.a board game capable of being
played by
two or more players. The board game comprises a board member having plurality
of
2

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
boxes configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes includes at least
two
triangles configured diagonally thereon to form at least one diagonal path.
Further,
each box of the plurality of boxes placed vertically and horizontally in
proximity with
other boxes to form vertical and horizontal paths there between. Further, the
board
game includes a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets.
Each set
includes at least two playing pieces of the same color, wherein each player of
the two
or more players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the
game.
Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of first blockers of a color
other
than the colors of the playing pieces wherein each player of the two or more
players
is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers.
=
The board game also includes at least one joker capable of being placed on the
board
member at start of the game along with the playing pieces. The joker is
capable of
moving by any player playing the game. Further, the board game includes at
=least one
. flipper capable of being placed on the board member at start of the game
along with
= 20
the playing pieces. The flipper is capable of moving by any player playing the
game.
The flipper acts as a joker as well as blocker when flipped and vice versa.
= Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of second blockers.
Furthermore,
the board game includes at least one master blocker.
Typically, each player of two or more players has to move the playing pieces
along
the vertical, horizontal and diagonal paths such that a row of at least two
pieces is
formed in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction which
contains any
one of at least two playing pieces, and at least one playing piece along with
the joker
and/or the flipper with it's joker side up or vice versa i.e. the flipper with
its joker
= side up and/or the joker. The formation of the row of the at = least two
pieces is
prevented by placing the at least one blocker. = The flipper with it's blocker
side up,
the at least one second blocker of the plurality second blockers or the at
least one
3

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
master blocker by the other player of the one or more players in between the
at least
two pieces or any other suitable position on the board member.
Furthermore, the blocker, the joker, the flipper, the second blocker and
master
blocker move in all the directions.
Also, typically, each player of two or more players has to form stacks of at
least two
pieces by moving the pieces along the vertical, horizontal and diagonal paths
to make
a formation of at least 4 playing pieces or at least one playing piece along
with the
joker and/or the flipper with its joker side up adjacent to each other.
Furthermore, each player of two or more players has to form a row of at least
two
stacks in a row in any one of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal direction
which should
contain at least two stacks or at least one stack along with the 'joker and/or
the flipper
with it's joker side up or vice versa i.e. the flipper with it's joker side up
and/ or the
joker. Formation of the row of the at least two stacks is prevented by placing
the at
least one blocker or the flipper with it's blocker side up by the other player
of the one
or more players in between the at least two stacks orally other suitable
position on
the board member.
Brief description of the drawings
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a board member of a board game in
accordance
with the-present invention;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a board member of the board game of
figure 1;
4

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
Figure 3 shows another schematic view of the board member of the board game of
figure 1 and the moves along with directions, the playing pieces can make on
the
board member;
Figure 4 shows a cross sectional view of a playing piece of the plurality of
playing
pieces of the board game of figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 5 shows an example of the playing pieces placed on the board member for
two
players with a set of four playing pieces for each player;
Figure 6 shows an example of the playing pieces placed on the board member at
the
beginning of the game for six players with a set of four playing pieces for
each
player;
Figure 7 shows an example of the board game wherein a first blacker for
obstructing
formation of a row of four playing pieces is used;
Figure 8 shows an example of the board game wherein a row is formed by the
playing pieces, joker and flipper;
Figure 8a shows an example of the board game wherein the joker and the flipper
are
swapped with the playing piece in the completed formation;
Figure 9 shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with it's
blacker
side up is used to block the formation;
5

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931 PCT/1N2015/000306
Figure 10 shows an example of the board game wherein joker is placed over the
blocker to miss-a-turn and lands to the next available empty space;
Figure 11 shows an example of the board game wherein first blocker is placed
over
the first blocker and jumps to the next available empty space;
Figure 12 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing piece is
placed
over the second blocker;
Figure 13 shows an example of the board game wherein the first blocker has
become
= inactive at the blocking position after returning to the blocking position
twice;
Figure 14 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces are
positioned adjacent to a master blocker;
Figure 14a shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces that
were
adjacent to the master blocker are stacked onto the master blocker;
Figure 15 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces are
adjacent to each other in a formation to get stacked;
Figure 15a shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces have
formed stacks of two;
Figure 15b shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces have
formed a row of four stacks;
6

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
Figure 15c shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces, the
joker
and the flipper are adjacent to each other in a formation to get stacked;
Figure 15d shows an example of the board game wherein the joker and the
flipper are
swapped with the playing piece in the completed formation of the row;
Figure 15e shows an example of the board game wherein the row is formed by
stacks, joker and the flipper;
Figure 15f shows an example of the board game wherein the joker and the
flipper are
swapped with the stacks in the completed formation;
= =
Figure 16 shows an example of the board game wherein the movement / flipping
of
flipper is shown from blocker side up to joker side up and joker side up to
blocker
side up;
=
Figure 16a shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with its
joker
side up flips on to the blocker landing with its blocker side up and flips to
the next
empty space landing with its joker side up;
Figure 16b shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper with its
blocker
side up goes over the blocker with its joker side up and jumps to the next
empty
space with its blocker side up;
Figure 17 shows an example of the board game wherein an arrow on the board
member is shown which indicates the direction of play;
7

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
Figure 18 shows an example of the board game wherein the playing piece is
captured
by placing the blocker over it; and
Figure 19 shows an example of the board game wherein all the elements of the
game
play are shown.
Detailed description of the invention
The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the
problems
and shortcomings associated, with the prior art, techniques and approaches are
overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred
embodiment.
The present invention provides a board game and a method for playing the board
game. The board game is capable of being played by two or more players thereby
allowing more variety for playing the game. Also, each player can play with a
set of
at least two playing pieces of the same color each thereby allowing more
variety for
= playing the game. Further, the board game is multidirectional thereby
allowing more
variety for playing the game. The board game involves competition between two
or
more players to build a desired pattern on the board meinber while preventing
the
= other players from building the desired pattern. =
= Referring to figures 1-19, there is shown a board game (100), in
accordance with an
aspect of the present invention. The board game (100) is capable of being
played by
two or more players, each player playing with a set of two or more pieces. The
board
game (100) includes a board member (10), a plurality of playing pieces (20)
(alternatively referred as 'the playing pieces (20)' throughout the
description), a
plurality of first blo_ckers (30) (alternatively referred as 'the first
blockers (30)
throughout the description), at least one joker (40) (alternatively referred
as 'the
8

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
joker(40) throughout the description), at least one flipper (50)
(alternatively referred
as 'the flipper (50) throughout the description), the plurality second
blockers (60)
(alternatively referred as 'the second blocker (60) throughout the
description), at least
one master blocker (70) (alternatively referred as 'the master blocker (70)
throughout
the description), and a pointer/arrow (80).
The board member (10) as shown in figure 2 is generally a square shaped board.
However, it may be evident to those skilled in the art that any other shaped
board
member (10) such as triangular, rectangular, hexagonal and the like may be
used. The
board member (10) is smade of material selected from plastic, wood, metal,
paper or
any other material known in the art. In preferred embodiment. the board member
(10)
is made of plastic material.
The board member (10) includes a plurality of boxes (12) configured thereon.
Each
box of the plurality of boxes (12) includes at least two triangles to form at
least one
diagonal path (16) thereon. For example, the box (12a) as shown in figure 1
includes
two triangles (14a, 14b) configured thereon. In an embodiment, the box (12a)
includes four triangles'(not shown) configured thereon. Specifically, each box
of the
plurality of boxes (12) is placed in proximity with other boxes and/or on the
sides of
the board member (10) to form vertical and horizontal paths (18a and 18b)
there
between. The paths (16, 18a and 18b) allow the player to move the playing
piece of
the plurality of playing pieces (20 in figure 4) there through in the game.
In preferred embodiment, when the board member (10) is made of plastic
material,
the plurality of boxes (12) are moulded thereon. The gaps between adjacent
triangles
and boxes act as the paths (16, 18a and 18b) for travel of the pieces. In case
of
wooden based board member, the boxes (12) along with paths are machined
thereon.
9

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/IN2015/000306
In case of paper based board member, the boxes (12) along with paths are
printed
thereon.
As shown in figure 3, the paths (16, 18a and 18b) allows for variance in the
number
of paths on which the playing pieces (20) can be moved. The playing pieces
(20) can
be moved in two or three directions when the playing piece is in a corner and
in three
or five directions when the playing piece is on a side and in four or eight
directions
when the playing piece is in location other than a corner or a side. The
directions are
vertically up and down, horizontally right and left and diagonally at 45
degrees, 135
= degrees, 225 degrees and 315 degrees with the horizontal respectively.
The plurality of playing pieces (20) are divided into at least two sets (22).
In
preferred embodiment, the plurality of playing pieces (20) includes at least
six sets,
wherein each set is assigned to each player of the at least six players.
Further, each
set (22) includes at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two
or more
players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Each
set of
plurality of playing pieces (20) is distinctly colored so as to identify which
set of
playing pieces belongs to which player. The player can choose a color of the
playing
pieces at the beginning of the game. During the game, the player can move only
assigned playing pieces on the board member (10).
Figure 4 shows a playing piece (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the
present
invention.
In an embodiment, the plurality of playing pieces (20) are designed in a T-
shape. The
T-shaped playing pieces fit into paths (16, 18a and 18b) of the board member
(10)
with T-slot configuration thereon and move in the paths on the board member
(10)
and cannot be removed.

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/11s12015/000306
In another embodiment, the plurality of playing pieces (20) are designed in a
way to
be inserted from top in the paths (16, 18a and 18b) and can move in the paths
on the
board member (10).
The joker (40) is capable of being placed on the board member (10) at start of
the
game along with the playing pieces. Specifically, the joker (40) is capable of
moving
by any player playing the game.
Further, the flipper (50) is capable of being placed on the board member (10)
at start
of the game along with the playing pieces (20). Each flipper (50) is capable
of acting
as a joker from one side and blocker from other side as shown in figure 16.
The
flipper (50) is capable of being moved by any player playing the game. Also,
each
player is assigned at least one second blocker of the plurality second
blockers (60).
Specifically, each player of two or more player/s can move the playing pieces
(20)
along the paths so as to form a row of at least two stacks in any one of
diagonal,
= vertical, and horizontal direction by making a defined formation of any
one of at least
two playing pieces (20), the joker (40) and the flipper (50) adjacent to each
other as
shown in figures 15, 15a, 15b, 15e, 15d, 15e and 15f. In an embodiment, the
row is
formed by stacking the at least two playing pieces (20) in =the formation on
each other
to form individual stacks wherein each stack consists of at least two playing
pieces
(20).
= Further, each player of one or more player/s can move the first blocker
(30), the
second blocker (60) onto another blocker and jump it to the next available
empty
space to prevent a player of one or more players from completing the
formation.
11

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
Furthermore, each player of one or more player/s can move the joker (40) along
the
paths so as to form a row along with at least one playing piece (20) of the
set and
later swap it with the at least one playing piece (20) of the set. Figure 8a
shows an
example of the board game wherein the joker (40) and the flipper (50) are
swapped
with the playing piece in the completed formation.
Moreover, each player of 'one or more player/s can move the joker (40) onto
the
blocker (30, 60) as shown in figure 10 to miss a turn of a player Of one or
more
players and place it to the next available empty space.
Also, each player of one or more player/s can move the flipper (50) by
flipping it
along the paths so as to form a row with at least one playing piece (20) of
the set and
later swap it with any other playing piece (20) of the set or to block the
formation of
the row of another player of the one or more players by flipping it in between
the at
least two playing pieces or any other suitable' position on the board member
(20).
Figure 16a shows an example of the board game wherein the flipper (50) with
its
joker side up flips on to the blocker landing with its blocker side up and
flips to the
next empty space landing with its joker side up. Figure = 16b shows an example
of the
board game wherein the flipper with its blocker side up goes over the Mocker
with its
joker side up hence.missing next players turn and jumps to the next empty
space with
its blocker side up.
Each player of one or more player/s can move their own playing piece (20) onto
the
= second blocker (60) and jump it to the next available empty space. Figure
12 shows
an example of the board game, wherein the playing piece (20) is placed over
the
=, second blocker (60).
12

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
Further, each player of one or more player/s can make the first blocker (30),
the
second blocker (60) or the master blocker (70) inactive (i.e. it cannot be
moved) if
any of these are moved twice to the blocking position of formation of a row.
This
inactive blocker can be moved only after two playing pieces of that row are
moved
. o.ut of the formation. Figure 13 shows an example of the board game
wherein the
blocker has become inactive at the blocking position.
Furthermore, the direction-of the game is reversed each time a player
completes the
formation of a row. The direction of play is indicated by the pointer/arrow
(80) as
shown in figure 17.
Moreover, each player of one or more player/s can capture the playing piece
(20) by
putting the blocker (30, 60) over the playing piece (20).
Also, each player of one or more player/s can stack their pieces (20) on to
the master
blocker (70) when all the playing pieces (2Q) are adjacent to the master
blocker (70)
and become a master winner. Figure 14 shows an example of the board game
wherein
the playing pieces (20) are positioned adjacent to the master blocker (70) and
Figure
14a shows an example of the board game wherein the playing pieces (20) that
were
adjacent to the master blocker (70) are stacked onto the master blocker (70).
In a
preferred embodiment, there is only one master blocker (70).
Additionally, each player of one or more player/s get positive markings each
time
they block the other player from making a formation of row and negative
markings
when they get blocked by the other players.
In an embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the flipper
(50).
13

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
In another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the joker
(40).
In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the
joker
(40) and the flipper (50).
In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the
second
blocker (60).
In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of the
master
blocker (70).
In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played between teams.
In an embodiment, the board game (100) is played without use of any of the
plurality
of first blockers (30).
In another embodiment, the board game (100) is configured in 3D format to have
more entertaining effect.
In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played electronically by
developing an application for cell phone, computers and the like.
In yet another embodiment, the board game (100) is played in stacking method
to
form a row of stacks.
The objective of playing the board game (100) is to form a row of playing
pieces (20)
assigned to the player. The row can be formed in any one diagonal, vertical
and
. horizontal direction before opponent player/s can do likewise. The
formation of the
14

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/02015/000306
row by one player may be blocked by other opponent player or next player by
putting
anyone of the first blocker (30), the second blocker (60), the master blocker
(70) and
the flipper (50) with it's blocker side up in-between or moving the joker (40)
away
from the formation before the formation of the row thereby stopping the other
player
of finishing his game. If a player is near to the objective of achieving his
at least tw-o
playing pieces in a row, then the other player(s) can use the first blocker
(30), the
second blocker (60) or the master blocker (70) to block the pattern. Once any
one of
the plurality of first blockers (30) are placed on the board member (10), the
plurality
of first blockers (30) can be moved by any player to block or create path for
the
assigned playing pieces (20). The joker (40) and the flipper (50) can be moved
by any
player to block or create path or to form a row.
Another object of the board game (100) is to become a master winner by
stacking
one's own playing pieces (20) on the plurality of master blocker (70) after
positioning them adjacent to the master blocker (70).
Specifically, the joker (40) and the flipper (50) are placed on the board at
the
beginning of the game. Specifically, each player of the two or more players is
assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first blockers (30). For
example, when
there are five or more players playing the game, one first blocker (30) is
assigned to
each player. However, when there are four or less than four players, two first
blockers (30) are assigned to each player. There are eight blockers in the
board game
(100), in preferred embodiment.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of playing a board
gaiiie.
The method-of playing board game is described now in conjunction with the
figure 1
depicting the board game (100). As shown in figure 1, the board game (100)
includes
the board member (10), the plurality of first blockers (30), and a plurality
of playing

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
pieces (20) divided into at least two sets, wherein each set includes at least
four
playing pieces, at least one joker (40), at least one flipper (50), at= least
one second
blocker (60), and at least one master blocker (70). The method includes
assigning the
set of plurality of playing pieces (20) to each player of the two or more
players.
= 10 Further, the method includes assigning at least one =blocker
of the plurality of first
blockers (30) to each player of the two or more players. Each player can
select a
color of his/her own choice. The first blockers (30) are allocated according
to number
of players. For example, when there are six players playing the game, one
first
blocker (30) is assigned to each player. However, when there are four or less
than
four players, two first blockers (30) are assigned to each player. There are
maximum
= eight blockers in the board game (100), in preferred embodiment.
Further, the method includes placing of the joker (40), the master blocker
(70) and
= the flipper (50) on the board member (10) at the beginning of the game.
Furthermore, the method includes placing each playing piece of the at least
four
playing pieces of the set (22) by each player one by one on sides of the board
= member (10) except corners thereof. Specifically, the players start
placing their
playing pieces one by one sequentially on the sides of the board member (10)
at a
location of his/her choice except the four corners of the board member (10).
However, each player has to ensure that his/her four playing pieces are on
four sides
of the board member (10). For example, the player places each of his playing
pieces
on each side of the board. Example of placement of the playing pieces is shown
in
figures 5 and 6.
Thereafter, the method includes making a single move of one playing piece at a
time
of the playing pieces/set (22) assigned to each player sequentially or the
joker (40) or
16

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/11S12015/000306
the flipper (50), in any one of diagonal, vertical and horizontal. direction
along paths
(16, 18a and 18b) on the board member (10) thereby trying to make a single row
of
the playing pieces. Specifically, the player has to get all his playing pieces
near to
each other by making his way. The objective of playing the board game (100) is
to
form a row of his/her playing pieces in any one diagonal, vertical= and
horizontal
direction first while blocking other players from achieving their goal by
using
blockers (30), the second blocker (60), the master blocker (70), the joker
(40), the
flipper (50) or his/her playing pieces and becoming a master winner by
stacking
playing pieces (20) onto the master blocker (70). The first blockers (30), the
second
blocker (60), the master blocker (70) and the flipper (50) can also be used to
create
path for movement of one's own playing pieces (20).
=
Still further, the method includes obstructing the forMation of the row of the
four
playing pieces of the player by next player by putting the blockers (30, 60)
there
between during their turn for playing the game. Wherein, once any Or all of
the
blockers (30, 60) are placed on the board member (10) by the players, any or
all of
the blockers (30, 60) can be used by any player playing the game for
obstructing the
= formation of the row of the opponent player.
However, use of the plurality of first blockers (30) in the board game (100)
is
mandatory. Even if the player completes the task of making- four playing
pieces in a
row and still has his any or all the first blockers left, the player has to
use the blockers
in the immediate next round/s and then leave the game. The game is played
until the
player achieves four playing pieces in a row either horizontally, vertically
or
diagonally. The player who achieves the objective of making four playing
pieces in a
row wins the game and game continues till the second last player achieves the
four
playing pieces =in a row.
17

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
In preferred embodiment, the objective of board game is to make one's own
pattern
of four playing pieces in a row first, while obstructing the other players
from making
their pattern. The player can block the movement of other players' playing
pieces by
moving his/her respective playing pieces in front of other players' playing
pieces as
shown in the figure 7 by using the blockers (30). Specifically, blocking of
the playing
pieces forces the opposite player to make more moves to make a pattern.
AccOrdingly, the present invention includes making and blocking of pattern/s
which
makes the game more strategic.
Following strategy helps a player to win the board game (100).
1. Placing the set of playing pieces (22) close to each other on four sides of
the board
member (10) so that in minimal moves, for example, the pattern of four playing
pieces in a row is achieved.
2. Placing the set of playing pieces (22) on the end of diagonal paths (16)
where they
can be moved in 5 directions. This also minimizes the number of moves needed
to
achieve pattern of, for example, four playing pieces in a row.
3. Using a blocker by the player if the adjacent (next) player is nearing
making of
his/her pattern of, for example, four playing pieces in a row. Other players
need not
waste their blocker. Saving the blocker acts as an advantage that the other
player can
use the blocker when most needed.
4. A player can also hide the usability of his/her blocker (whether he has
used his
blocker or not) from other players. This creates confusion for other players
whether
to use their own blockers or not.
5. Keeping of the joker and the flipper near one's own playing pieces so as to
increase the chances of formation of the rows.
6. Keeping of one's own playing pieces around the master blocker.
7. Once all the blockers are on the board, chances of making patterns
increases
18

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/1N2015/000306
8. Sometimes a move is repeated so as to achieve the objective of making a row
of
four playing pieces, then an alternative- solution must be found in order to
avoid .
waste of moves.
7. As also apparent, a game or set of games can be completed in a short period
of
time or can be extended for hours, which is dependent upon individual
strategies and
kind of skills an individual pats in. There can be substantial skills involved
in the
play. For example, the game can involve the skill of blocking an opponent to
prevent
a win or blocking an opponent to win and the like.
The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art of abstract
strategy
pattern building games by expanding the limitations of number of factors that
are
characteristic of that prior art.,Particularly, the number of players that can
play the
board game (100) together is increased. Also, a set of playing pieces can be
at least
two or more. Further, the number of directions in which row of at least two
playing
pieces can be formed is increased. The board game (1.0_0) is not only
restricted to
. making of a row of at least two playing pieces using the plurality of
playing pieces
(20), but also to not let the others make a row of at least two playing pieces
using the
playing pieces as well as the blockers (30). Also, the board game (100) allows
the
player to place his playing pieces as desired and also on any side of the
board
member (10) which is unknown to the f)rior art. Consequently, the difficulty
and the
level of enjoyment are increased.
= The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not
intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms
disclosed, and
obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
= teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the
principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby
enable
19

CA 02957096 2017-02-03
WO 2016/020931
PCT/11N2015/000306
others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various
embodiments
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
It is
understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are
contemplated as
circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover
the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of
the
present invention.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

2024-08-01:As part of the Next Generation Patents (NGP) transition, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) now contains a more detailed Event History, which replicates the Event Log of our new back-office solution.

Please note that "Inactive:" events refers to events no longer in use in our new back-office solution.

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Event History , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Event History

Description Date
Application Not Reinstated by Deadline 2023-02-03
Time Limit for Reversal Expired 2023-02-03
Letter Sent 2022-08-03
Deemed Abandoned - Failure to Respond to Maintenance Fee Notice 2022-02-03
Letter Sent 2021-08-03
Common Representative Appointed 2020-11-07
Letter Sent 2020-08-12
Inactive: COVID 19 - Deadline extended 2020-08-06
Request for Examination Received 2020-08-03
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2020-08-03
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2020-08-03
Inactive: COVID 19 - Deadline extended 2020-07-16
Inactive: COVID 19 - Deadline extended 2020-07-16
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2018-01-30
Inactive: Notice - National entry - No RFE 2017-02-14
Inactive: Cover page published 2017-02-13
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2017-02-07
Small Entity Declaration Determined Compliant 2017-02-07
Inactive: IPC assigned 2017-02-07
Application Received - PCT 2017-02-07
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2017-02-03
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2016-02-11

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2022-02-03

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2020-07-30

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Patent fees are adjusted on the 1st of January every year. The amounts above are the current amounts if received by December 31 of the current year.
Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
Basic national fee - small 2017-02-03
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - small 02 2017-08-03 2017-07-13
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - small 03 2018-08-03 2018-06-11
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - small 04 2019-08-06 2019-07-25
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - small 05 2020-08-03 2020-07-30
Request for examination - small 2020-08-24 2020-08-03
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
ANINDITA TOY COMPANY (P) LTD
Past Owners on Record
ARWA MERCHANT
ASHWINI LAHANE
MAYURI KHARE
SHIVALI BABRAS
VAIDEHI JOSHI
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

To view selected files, please enter reCAPTCHA code :



To view images, click a link in the Document Description column (Temporarily unavailable). To download the documents, select one or more checkboxes in the first column and then click the "Download Selected in PDF format (Zip Archive)" or the "Download Selected as Single PDF" button.

List of published and non-published patent-specific documents on the CPD .

If you have any difficulty accessing content, you can call the Client Service Centre at 1-866-997-1936 or send them an e-mail at CIPO Client Service Centre.


Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Drawings 2017-02-02 24 866
Claims 2017-02-02 5 164
Abstract 2017-02-02 2 112
Description 2017-02-02 20 709
Representative drawing 2017-02-12 1 27
Cover Page 2017-02-12 2 73
Notice of National Entry 2017-02-13 1 193
Reminder of maintenance fee due 2017-04-03 1 111
Courtesy - Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2020-08-11 1 432
Commissioner's Notice - Maintenance Fee for a Patent Application Not Paid 2021-09-13 1 561
Courtesy - Abandonment Letter (Maintenance Fee) 2022-03-02 1 552
Commissioner's Notice - Maintenance Fee for a Patent Application Not Paid 2022-09-13 1 550
Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) 2017-02-02 9 503
International search report 2017-02-02 1 80
National entry request 2017-02-02 6 187
Declaration 2017-02-02 2 58
Maintenance fee payment 2017-07-12 1 26
Amendment / response to report 2018-01-29 1 27
Maintenance fee payment 2018-06-10 1 26
Maintenance fee payment 2019-07-24 1 26
Maintenance fee payment 2020-07-29 1 27
Request for examination 2020-08-02 3 94