Alphabet Game Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/552,945, which was filed on Feb. 13, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of alphabet game devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a game that provides users with an entertaining method of learning the alphabet. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in alphabet game devices. Generally, learning the alphabet can be a boring task. Learning the alphabet is the foundation of literacy, although many struggle to do so in an entertaining manner.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved alphabet game device that can help users learn the alphabet in an entertaining fashion. More particularly, there is a demand for an alphabet game device that provides users with an engaging game-style format.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an alphabet game device that provides users with an entertaining method of learning the alphabet. Further, there is also a long felt need in the art for an alphabet game device that presents in an engaging game-style format.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an alphabet game device. The device is a game that enhances the experience of learning the alphabet. The alphabet game device comprises a game board component that is configured in a rectangular shape and features a numerical alphabet across the top, and a pyramid shaped recess with tile spaces. Within the pyramid shaped recess, various tiles with indicia that correspond with the marked tile spaces can be placed to fill the shape of the recess. The alphabet game device of the present invention also comprises animal themed playing pieces, a book, and a guide that users can use while playing with the alphabet game device. The book and guide act as additional learning resources and contain simple stories and corresponding number codes to further enrich the learning experience. Accordingly, the device helps users learn the alphabet in an engaging game-style format.

In this manner, the alphabet game device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with an entertaining way to learn the alphabet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an alphabet game device. The device is a game that provides users with an entertaining method of learning the alphabet. The alphabet game device comprises a game board component and tiles inscribed with letters of the alphabet. The alphabet game device also comprises a book and guide that can be used in conjunction with the game board component and tiles. Thus, a user can learn the alphabet through repetition in an entertaining and engaging fashion.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device of the present invention encourages learning in any setting where learning of the alphabet takes place, whether at home, in a classroom, or otherwise. The alphabet game device provides an engaging game-style tool that can be used to learn the alphabet. The alphabet game device provides for learning of the alphabet via repetition. The alphabet game device includes a game board and tiles along with other optional features to facilitate learning.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device comprises a game board. The game board is typically configured in a rectangular shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art. In the present embodiment, the game board features a numerical alphabet. Typically, the game board component also comprises a pyramid shaped recessed area within which tiles can be placed, although any shape may be used.

In one embodiment, the pyramid shaped recess located on the top surface of the game board of the alphabet game device features a variety of tile spaces with tile space indicia that corresponds to indicia on the tiles. Any of the indicia located on any component of the alphabet game device can be engraved, painted, or created via any other means of inscription suitable for the purpose described.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device comprises a variety of playing pieces. In the present embodiment, the playing pieces are designed as a selection of animals, although any design, including but not limited to a variety of themes, shapes, patterns, or colors may be used.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device also comprises a book and guide that contain simple stories, activities, and puzzles to further engage the user and enhance the experience of learning the alphabet.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device in accordance with the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems and or designs, such as manufacturing enables or a user desires.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device is manufactured of wood, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the alphabet device including but not limited to a variety of wood, plastics, metal, etc.

It will also be appreciated that there are a corresponding number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the device and moreover, the alphabet game device can take many different forms as is known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, the alphabet game device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of learning the alphabet using the alphabet game device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an alphabet game device comprising a game board, tiles, playing pieces, a book, and a guide. The method also comprises placing the tiles within the pyramid shaped recess of the game board in the corresponding tile spaces. Further, the method comprises removing and replacing the tiles and referencing the corresponding book and guide that contain simple stories and corresponding number codes to further enrich the learning experience. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device and repetition to learn the alphabet.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters

refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the alphabet game device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of the alphabet game device of the present invention showing the game board, tiles, and playing pieces of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the alphabet game device of the present invention with the tiles elevated to show the tile spaces and tile space indicia within the pyramid shaped recess of the game board of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the alphabet game device of the present invention showing tiles of the device removed from the game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of one embodiment of the alphabet game device of the present invention showing tiles of the device removed from the game board in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 6 illustrates a drawing of the front view and a ¾ front view of the game board of the device with the tiles removed, as well as the front and back views of the playing pieces in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 7 illustrates an infographic describing the device and illustrating the components of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of learning the alphabet utilizing the alphabet game device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an alphabet game device that provides users with an entertaining method of learning the alphabet. Further, there is also a long felt need in the art for an alphabet game device that presents in an engaging game-style format.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel alphabet game device for learning the alphabet in an entertaining fashion. The alphabet game device comprises a game board component that is configured in a rectangular shape and features a numerical alphabet across the top, and a pyramid shaped recess with tile spaces. Within the pyramid shaped recess, various tiles with indicia that correspond with the marked tile spaces can be placed to fill the shape of the recess. The alphabet game device of the present invention also comprises animal themed playing pieces, a book, and a guide that users can use while playing with the alphabet game device. The book and guide act as additional learning resources and contain simple stories and corresponding number codes to further enrich the learning experience. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device while learning the alphabet.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the alphabet game device 100 of the present invention. The game board 110 is shown with tiles or pieces 120 placed within the pyramid shaped recess 112. One of the tiles or pieces 120 is removed to show an example of one of the tile spaces 116. There is tile space indicia 118 that corresponds with tile indicia 122 on each tile 120. Also shown in FIG. 1 is the numerical alphabet 114 inscribed or labeled on the top side of the game board 110. The numerical alphabet 114 is an alphabet inscription with numbers assigned to each letter, beginning with the letter A with 1, the letter B with 2, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 2, the alphabet game device 100 also features a variety of playing pieces 130. In this figure, two examples of playing pieces 130 are shown. In the present embodiment, the playing pieces 130 of the alphabet game device 100 are animal themed. The playing pieces 130 shown in FIG. 2 are stylized as a pig and a dog.

Shown in FIG. 3 is the alphabet game device 100 of the present invention with the tiles or pieces 120 elevated to show the tile spaces 116 and tile space indicia 118 within the pyramid shaped recess 112 of the game board 110. In use, each of the tiles or pieces 120 is placed in its corresponding tile space 116, matching the tile indicia 122 with the tile space indicia 118.

FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the game board 110, tiles or pieces 120, and playing pieces 130 of the device 100. In this figure, all tiles or pieces 120 are removed to show the tile spaces 116 within the pyramid shaped recess 112 of the game board 110.

Illustrated in FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the game board 110, tiles or pieces 120, and playing pieces 130 of the device 100. The tiles or pieces 120 are shown removed from the game board 110 in this figure. In use, the tiles or pieces 120 are repetitively removed and replaced from the game board 110 to reinforce knowledge of the alphabet.

FIG. 6 illustrates a drawing of the front view and a ¾ front view of the game board 110 of the device 100 with the tiles or pieces 120 removed, as well as the front and back views of the playing pieces 130. The playing pieces 130 can be utilized alongside the game board 110, tiles or pieces 120, a book 140, and a guide 150 to further engage learners.

FIG. 7 is an infographic that describes and illustrates the various components of the device 100. As mentioned within this figure, the alphabet game device 100 enables users to learn the alphabet in a hands-on, screen-free, and entertaining fashion. Additionally, the device 100 comprises an optional book 140 and guide 150 that contain simple stories and number codes that enhance the learning experience.

The alphabet game device 100 of the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems and or designs.

In one embodiment, the alphabet game device 100 is manufactured of wood, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the alphabet game device 100 including but not limited to a variety of wood, metal, heat-scalable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the alphabet game device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is lightweight and safe for children.

In yet another embodiment, the alphabet game device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 200. The game board 110 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the game board 110, or any other indicia 200 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 200 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be alphabet, literature or brand related.

It will also be appreciated that there are a corresponding number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the device 100 and moreover, the alphabet game device 100 can take many different forms as is known in the art.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of the method 300 of learning the alphabet using the alphabet game device 100. The method 300 comprises at 301 providing an alphabet game device comprising a game board, tiles, playing pieces, a book, and a guide. The method also comprises at 302 placing the tiles within the pyramid shaped recess of the game board in the corresponding tile spaces. Further, the method comprises at 303 removing and replacing the tiles and referencing the corresponding book and guide that contain simple stories and corresponding number codes to further enrich the learning experience. Finally, the method comprises 304 utilizing the device and repetition to learn the alphabet.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “alphabet game device”, “alphabet device”, “game device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the alphabet game device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the alphabet game device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the alphabet game device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-8 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the alphabet game device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the alphabet game device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the alphabet game device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.