Game device, particularly for searching the static balance of a body

Abstract

A game device, particularly aimed at reaching the static equilibrium of a body, comprises a stationary base (7), a support body (2), backing means (6) for supporting the body (2) on the base (7), allowing free swinging or tilting thereof, a plurality of seats (4) associated to the body (2), a plurality of pieces (5) of predetermined weights, which may be removably inserted in the seats (4) in such positions as to hold the body (2) in a static equilibrium position (P). Control means (8) are provided, which selectively interact with the body (2) to hold it at least temporarily in the equilibrium position (P) upon insertion of the pieces (5), both / either to limit its inclination relative to the base (7), thereby preventing said pieces (5) from coming out and falling from the seats (4) and / or to check if the equilibrium position (P) has been reached.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the field of games and entertainment and is directed to a game device, particularly aimed at reaching static equilibrium by one or more players, according to the preamble of claim 1. [0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a game device comprising a support base, a substantially flat board, with a plurality of seats being appropriately arranged over the top surface of the board, connection means associated to the base for supporting the board while allowing it to freely swing or tilt about at least one transverse axis, a plurality of pieces which can be inserted in the seats in a predetermined arrangement to hold the board in a static equilibrium position. PRIOR ART [0003] Gravity-based games have long been known, especially for young players, which utilize equilibrium or lack of equilibrium conditions, caused by the use of different weights, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,043,554. [0004] From U.S. Pat. No. 3,1...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An object of the present invention is to obviate the above drawbacks, by providing a game device which may be simply and readily used even by young or elderly people.

[0008] A particular object is of providing a game device which allows to memorize step by step the equilibrium or non-equilibrium condition that has been just reached without risk of losing it due to the board being turned over.

[0009] A further object is of providing a game device that allows to simply and effectively check if the arrangement of the pieces on the board provides an equilibrium condition.

[0011] Thanks to this arrangement, the players may seek the equilibrium of the support body in a relatively easy and stepwise manner, without losing the memory of the previous steps.

[0018] It shall be noted that the arrangement of the pieces that is susceptible to hold the body in the equilibrium position may be determined by a mathematical algorithm based on the calculation of the weight moments relative to the center of gravity of the body. This algorithm may be of such a complex level, sometimes resembling a puzzle, as to attract and challenge the players and enhance their mnemonic and associative skills and forcing them to memorize the weight of the various pieces and the various colors associated thereto.

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, above a certain swinging angle, the pieces may come out from their seats and fall down, thereby completely losing their original arrangement and forcing the players to start anew their seek for the equilibrium condition.

Furthermore, in these prior art devices, once a quasi-equilibrium position has been reached, the board cannot be temporarily disposed in a horizontal position to check if equilibrium may be approached by adding additional pieces.

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