Universal puzzle game stand

Abstract

The utility model relates to the entertainment industry, in particular to board games, and can be used as a universal gaming stand or a universal gaming platform, a tablet for various types of puzzle games in the genre of jigsaw puzzles, mosaics and similar games that require the creation of a single figure or picture from multiple fragments.The universal stand for games is made in the form of a frame in which rods are fixed, located at an equal distance from each other, on the rods in equal quantities and at equal distances from each other, game elements are located, containing on their bases game edges, made with the possibility of rotation and fixing the position relative to the base of the game element, and two side edges, in which end elements are built in, placed on the rods, made with the possibility of rotation and fixing the position of the game element on the rod, wherein the possibility of rotation and fixing the positions is realized by a locking mechanism based on the force of friction.This utility model expands the arsenal of technical means for board game devices that require players to assemble a single figure or picture from multiple fragments; it also creates a universal gaming stand designed for puzzle games, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and is convenient for practical use. It also enables the game to be played by visually impaired or blind individuals. 2 items, 2 figs.

Description

[0001] This utility model relates to the entertainment industry, specifically board games, and can be used as a universal game stand or universal gaming platform, or tablet, for various types of puzzle games, such as jigsaw puzzles, mosaics, and similar games that require players to assemble a single figure or picture from multiple fragments. In its classic form, the game stand is designed for puzzle games involving the assembly of a flat picture. In other embodiments, the game stand is designed for puzzle games that feature a jigsaw puzzle with various three-dimensional shapes.

[0002] The game stand is based on the movement / rotation of the game element and the rotation of the edges of the game element with the image / picture on it in accordance with the overall picture being assembled during the game.

[0003] Document RU 2707590 C1, November 28, 2019, describes a board game that can be used for board games such as chess, shogi, checkers, and others (i.e., it is universal). The game comprises a board with a playing field divided into movable squares, alternating in color and forming longitudinal and transverse rows; two identical sets of chess pieces of different colors; and mechanisms for moving movable sliders with locking brackets. It is stated that the introduction of movable squares into the game of chess expands the possibilities of board games on chessboards, provides a greater number of game situations that contribute to the game's entertainment and excitement, and enhances the gameplay effect.

[0004] From document SU 1734806 A1, May 23, 1992, a board game is known that can be used in spatial chess, checkers, Go, renju, tic-tac-toe, corners, and other similar games (i.e., it is universal). The game comprises vertical parallel planar posts with parallel horizontal guides, a playing field formed by a system of game layers placed one above the other in the guide posts, movable along them and having locks for removable game pieces installed so that they can be rearranged within the layer and between layers. Each layer is a rectangular frame with thread-like elements stretched within it parallel to the side walls of the frame in mutually perpendicular directions and at equal distances from each other, with the locks for the game pieces located at the intersections of the threads.

[0005] From document RU 2019120726 A, dated January 11, 2021, a cellular game board with movable cells of the playing field is known, comprising a board base, a playing field made in the form of movable cells alternating in color and forming longitudinal and transverse rows, profile supports, and mechanisms for moving movable sliders with locking brackets. It is made of separate, interconnected blocks comprising a block body, a row of movable cells alternating in color, a mechanism for moving a movable slider with a locking bracket, and that the blocks are made of "through," "neutral," and "blind" types. Pivoting levers are equipped with movable rods mounted on the upper part of the block body. The lateral faces of the movable cells of the playing field are made in a color different from the surface color of the cellular game board. The movable cells are mounted on the block body without compression springs. A lifting bracket is installed in the movable slider.

[0006] Document RU 2732738 C1, September 22, 2020, describes a game with sliding sliders and rods. The game, xiangqi, consists of a gameboard marked with vertical and horizontal lines at regular intervals, as well as diagonal lines in the palaces, and a set of red and black playing pieces with inscriptions. The gameboard has holes at the intersections of the vertical and horizontal lines and numerical indicators for the horizontal lines. It contains devices for moving sliding sliders and rods, and the playing pieces have central holes.

[0007] However, the specified gaming devices are portable board games and are not adapted for gaming stands and panels as stationary, autonomous (without electricity), year-round, all-weather, or universal for a variety of games, including the ability to combine several types of games in a single gaming stand, with a rotating and sliding mechanism for the game elements, with fixed positions of the game elements and edges. Also known are gaming stands installed in outdoor children's playgrounds, designed for individual games, such as tic-tac-toe, panels with mathematical operations, which are simple games where the rotation of the game element occurs without a mechanism for locking its edge.

[0008] The known stands are not intended for various puzzle games that require assembling a figure or picture from multiple fragments by changing the position (rotation, movement) of the game pieces and rotating the faces with images (pictures) located on the game piece to form a single picture / figure being assembled during the game. Furthermore, the known stands do not fulfill the purpose of a universal game stand, embodying the ability to select a picture to be assembled from several variations determined by the face variations of the game pieces in a puzzle game that involves assembling a single picture from multiple fragments on a single playing field.

[0009] The purpose of the utility model is to eliminate the above-mentioned shortcomings and to enable the development of new design and construction solutions in the field of production of gaming stands, panels or platforms based on the proposed technical solution.

[0010] The objective of this utility model is to provide a universal play stand that can be placed and used in indoor and outdoor areas (streets, parks, courtyards, playgrounds, buildings, etc.), is year-round and weatherproof, and can be stationary or portable, even without a power source. Furthermore, the play elements can be designed in various shapes and integrated into the stand's structure. Therefore, the play elements don't need to be carried around; they are always present in the stand, preventing loss and eliminating the need for storage. Furthermore, the proposed play stands can be either universal, allowing for various themed displays to be displayed simultaneously on a single stand, or specialized, designed for a specific game (plot, theme).

[0011] The technical result of this utility model consists of expanding the arsenal of technical means in the field of board game devices that require the assembly of a single figure or picture from multiple fragments; creating a universal gaming stand designed for puzzle games, which can be used in both outdoor and indoor areas, while being convenient for practical use; and enabling the ability to play the game for visually impaired or blind individuals.

[0012] The stated technical result is achieved by a universal puzzle game stand based on assembling a complete picture from multiple pieces. The stand is designed as a frame on supports, in which axes / rods are fixed at equal distances from one another. Game elements are arranged on the rods in equal numbers and at equal distances from one another, each having playing / working and lateral / technical faces, which are designed to rotate relative to the axes / rods and be secured / fixed in the desired position. Rotating game elements can also be designed with rotating playing / working faces located on the bases of the game elements. In this case, the rotation of the faces is independent of the rotation of the game element.

[0013] The rods in the stand frame can be attached either horizontally or vertically. These rods can be rods, tubes, or other similar elements, and can be round, square, or of other cross-sections. The number of rods and the number of play elements placed on them is unlimited.

[0014] Each game element is secured to the rod and can be rotated relative to the rod and secured to the rod by a locking mechanism. Each game element is secured to the rod via bushings designed to prevent movement of the game element relative to the rod. Friction, particularly that generated by the spring and ball pressing against the end elements, ensures rotation and fixation of the game element on the rod.

[0015] The game pieces can be cubes, parallelepipeds, prisms, pyramids, octahedrons, and other three-dimensional shapes, with their bases serving as the sides of the game pieces. The game pieces comprise playing faces (faces with a printed design to form a complete picture) and side faces (located on both sides), which contain end pieces mounted on rods that rotate and secure the game piece to the rod and the desired playing face position using a friction-based locking mechanism.

[0016] For example, if a game element is shaped like a cube, it has 4 playable / active faces; if a game element is shaped like an octahedron, it has 6 playable / active faces. Thus, the game stand embodies the versatility of play, allowing the creation of a single assembled picture / image, or four, six, or more, each with a different theme.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments of the proposed utility model, the mechanism for fixing the position of the edges of the gaming elements may be based on friction, in particular, ball spring locks. In one embodiment of the utility model, the end elements located on the gaming element are provided with recesses in the form of openings for implementing the locking mechanism, wherein the number of recesses in the openings of the end elements of the gaming element is equal to the number of playing / working edges of the gaming element.

[0018] The mechanism for fixing the game elements can be implemented as follows. The game element has a blind hole containing a spring and a ball. The blind hole corresponds to recesses on the inside of the end pieces, into which the ball is pressed under the pressure of the spring, thereby fixing the position of the game element. The cubes are locked in the desired position, ensuring high-quality play. The position of the game element is changed by rotating the game element, with slight manual pressure on the game element. This causes the hole, along with the game element, to shift and rub (both up and down), and the ball, under the pressure of the spring, enters another hole in the end piece. The game element is again fixed in the desired position for play, facing the desired side (see Fig. 2).

[0019] The playing / working edges of the game elements may have their own color, pattern, as well as tactile symbols in the form of indentations or bulges, visual symbols that are an indicator of the corresponding designation of the edge of the game element.

[0020] The stand can be made from universal materials used for the production of products intended for placement in indoor and outdoor areas, in particular, from plastic, glass, plexiglass, wood, rubber, metal.

[0021] The stand can be used for puzzle games that require players to assemble a single figure or picture from multiple pieces, such as jigsaw puzzles and mosaics. Stands can be made in various sizes and with varying numbers, sizes, and shapes of rods and game pieces on the playing field. Accordingly, stands can come in various formats and sizes. The number of game pieces is unlimited and can be any size depending on the stand model (e.g., an 8x8 stand contains 64 game pieces, a 10x20 stand contains 200 pieces, a 30x50 stand contains 1500 pieces, etc.).

[0022] The proposed utility model is a universal gaming stand comprising a frame in which rods of identical cross-sections are fixed horizontally or vertically, spaced equally apart. Game elements, each with playing / working faces secured with bushings, are arranged on the rods in equal numbers and spaced equally apart. The playing / working faces of the gaming element are capable of rotation relative to the rod, and the playing / working faces of the gaming element are capable of axial rotation relative to the side (base) of the gaming element to change and secure the position of the playing face on a die. The die is secured to the rod by friction, for example, by means of locking elements (locking mechanisms).

[0023] The terms "locking elements" and "locking mechanisms" define various options for securing a game element to a core and a facet of the game element. Specifically, a friction-based mechanism, ball spring locks, bearing elements, and other mechanisms that ensure the securement of the game element and its facet can be used.

[0024] The universal game stand device can be designed with a rotating mechanism and locking elements of varying designs to ensure rotation and locking of game elements on vertical or horizontal rods. Specifically, when vertically securing the rods to the frame, a mechanism based on gravity or friction can be used. Specifically, the locking element of the game element's edges is realized through rotation and a spring that presses a locking ball, or through friction against each other under its own weight, or other options as the game element moves around the rod.

[0025] Game elements can be fixed on the rod on one or both sides using retaining or spacer rings, hardware, and intermediate bushings.

[0026] The game elements (parts) can be multicolored and / or single-color textured decorative composite fragments that correspond to the concept of the assembled picture or the composition of a particular story. The fragments correspond to the edge of the game element and can be applied to the edge of the element in any conventional manner, and can also be applied to the base of the game element (rectangle, rhombus, triangle, trapezoid, or other polyhedron). Moreover, the game elements of the stand with an applied image or relief are adapted to a specific theme being assembled.

[0027] The number and colors of the edges, textures, size of the game elements, as well as symbols and tactile details located on the rotating / flipping game elements, do not limit the scope of possible design options and implementation of the proposed utility model and can be any.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows the general diagram of the proposed universal gaming stand.

[0029] Figure 2 shows the design of a game element, shaped like a cube containing four playing / working faces and end elements on the lateral / technical sides, and demonstrates its functionality when placed in a game stand. Movement by rotation of the game element around a rod is shown, where the locking mechanism of the game element's face, necessary for the player to assemble an overall thematic picture from its component fragments during the game, is realized by rotation and a spring that presses a locking ball.

[0030] The diagram in Fig. 2 shows the implementation of a gaming element with the ability to change the position of a game face on the gaming element by rotating the face itself, independently of the rotation of the dice. This is achieved as follows. Rotating game faces (rotating planes) are located on the sides / bases of the gaming element. Their position creates a specific face value (correct or incorrect relative to the overall picture), allowing the assembly of a single picture by selecting its small elements, rotating the gaming element and / or its faces. The end elements are rigidly "seated" on the rod, not allowing free rotation. End elements with a base for dice rotation are built into the gaming element on two sides. The dice rotates on the end elements, which are located on an axis.The cube has a recess to accommodate a spring that holds / pushes the ball, which in turn fits partially into small indentations on the inside of the end piece. The number of indentations on the end piece corresponds to the number of playing / working faces of the game piece. This ensures the necessary fixation of the game piece's position.

[0031] The rotation of the game face occurs due to the free fixation of the rod of the rotating face in the face of the cube (game element), and the mechanism for fixing the position of the rotating game face is based on the force of friction, which ensures the alignment of the bulges or depressions made on the inner side of the game face with the corresponding depressions or bulges made on the outer side of the base of the game element.

[0032] The utility model is implemented as follows.

[0033] The playing edges of game pieces can be marked not only with color, pattern, relief, and texture, but also with tactile symbols, such as indentations and / or bumps, or without indentations and / or bumps. These symbols also indicate the compatibility of the corresponding edges. This allows for tactile determination of the shape and relief of the picture fragment on the edges and the possibility of matching the corresponding individually designed pieces to create a single picture. This makes the game accessible to people with low vision or who are blind.

[0034] The game elements and the structure of the game stand can be made of any material that implements and ensures the possibility of placing and operating the proposed game stand in open and closed areas, in any weather conditions and time of year, in particular, but not limited to, plastic.

[0035] The proposed design of a universal gaming stand for playing puzzle games is made in the functional and structural unity of its constituent structural elements, ensuring the possibility of achieving a single technical result.

[0036] The proposed gaming stand has been sufficiently tested and used for its universal purpose and performance in practical use by various users, including the blind or visually impaired.

[0037] Examples of practical implementation of the utility model, not limiting possible options for its implementation.

[0038] Example 1. The puzzle stand design includes vertical rods and rotating game elements—cubes fixed to the rods, as shown in Fig. 2, measuring 20x20, with 400 pieces. The playing faces of the cubes rotate relative to the die. Each playing face of the cube depicts a fragment of the overall design of one of four possible pictures in this stand design. Rotating / moving the game element—the cube—and selecting the desired face of the cube, as well as locking its position, allows the player to select the desired face status for the game with its corresponding value (picture detail, symbol, tactile element, etc.).

[0039] Example 2. The design of the mosaic game stand includes horizontal rods and rotating game pieces—octahedra—mounted on the rods, as shown in Fig. 2, measuring 30x30, with 900 pieces. The playing faces of the game piece rotate relative to it. Each playing face of the octahedron features a fragment of the overall design of one of the six possible paintings within this stand design. Rotation / movement, positioning of the game piece, selection of the desired face, and locking their position allow the selection of the desired face status with its corresponding meaning (picture detail, symbol, tactile element, etc.) for the game.

[0040] Thus, the utility model expands the arsenal / range of technical means in the field of board game devices. It creates a universal gaming stand designed for implementing various types of puzzle games based on assembling a single image from multiple fragments by changing their position, in both indoor and outdoor areas. It is also convenient for practical use. It allows the game to be played by people with low vision or who are blind. It ensures high game quality, as well as enhances aesthetic and tactile perception.

Claims

1. A universal stand for games based on the creation of a single image from a plurality of its fragments, made in the form of a frame in which rods are fixed, located at an equal distance from each other, on the rods in equal quantities and at equal distances from each other are located game elements, containing on their bases game edges, made with the possibility of rotation and fixing the position relative to the base of the game element, and two side edges, in which end elements are built in, placed on the rods, made with the possibility of rotation and fixing the position of the game element on the rod, wherein the possibility of rotation and fixing the positions is realized by a locking mechanism based on the force of friction.

2. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the rods in the frame are fixed horizontally.

3. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the rods in the frame are fixed vertically.

4. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the mechanism for fixing the game elements on the rod, based on the force of friction, is a recess made in the game element, with a spring and a ball placed in it, interacting with recesses made on the inner side of the end element, which has a base.

5. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the rotation and fixing of the position of the game faces is performed independently of the rotation and fixing of the position of the game element.

6. A universal stand according to paragraph 5, characterized in that the mechanism for fixing the position of the rotating playing edge, based on the force of friction, ensures the alignment of the bulges or depressions made on the inner side of the playing edge with the depressions or bulges made on the outer side of the base of the playing element.

7. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the game elements can be made in the form of cubes, parallelepipeds, prisms, pyramids, octahedrons, and their bases are the sides of the game elements.

8. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the bases and edges of the game elements have an individual color design, relief, contour, texture and / or tactile symbols in the form of tactile depressions or bulges, or visual symbols that are an indicator of the corresponding design of the edge of the game element.

9. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the stand can be made from a material selected from plastic, glass, plexiglass, wood, rubber, or metal.

10. A universal stand according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the stand can be used for playing puzzles and mosaics.

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