Board Game Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/698,071, which was filed on Sep. 24, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of board game devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a board game designed to simulate the American voting experience. 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 board game devices. Generally, voter suppression in the United States is a significant issue with a complex history comprised of various methods that limit the ability of certain groups to vote. Stringent voter ID laws can disenfranchise voters who do not have access to the required identification, often affecting low-income, elderly, and minority populations disproportionately. Accordingly, closing or reducing the number of polling places, particularly in minority or low-income areas, can lead to long lines and travel difficulties, discouraging people from voting. Further, restricting access to early voting and absentee ballots can disproportionately affect those who cannot easily vote on Election Day, such as people with inflexible job schedules or those with disabilities.

Accordingly, a board game constructed in accordance with the invention can be used to easily educate the population on these discriminations within the voting process. Further, it is often necessary for people to be educated on this topic if anything is going to be done to diminish the problem. Further, these discriminations need to be made public so that the voting populace can do something about them. Accordingly, a board game is an easy and fun way to educate many people about certain voter topics.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved board game device that educates users on the issues of voter suppression. More particularly, there is a demand for a board game device that users can enjoy and play with others while also learning.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a board game device that provides users with a board game that highlights the complexities of voting rights and the impact of voter suppression in the United States. There is also a long felt need in the art for a board game device that features several iconic American figures, statues, and symbols on the board that help educate people as they play the game. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that prevents people from getting discouraged about voting to ensure they vote in different elections within their community and country. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that offers hours of fun and educational entertainment for adults capable of voting. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that provides a game board adorned with a central spinner, various statues including a male protagonist and the Statue of Liberty, a United States mailbox, and a green dollar sign, along with chips in multiple colors and player cards. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that frames the act of voting as a powerful civic duty and an expression of citizenship in the United States.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a board game device. The device is a modified board game which is designed to simulate the American voting experience. The board game device comprises a body component that is configured in a flat, rectangular shape which can be folded into a box. The game is intended for two to four players. Players use the central spinner to dictate where they can go on the board game device and can pick up cards when necessary to further dictate player movement across the board. Through the game, players must navigate the barriers to polling and voting, with spaces on the board representing various hindrances that players must overcome, thereby awarding points either negatively or positively based on their reactions to certain voting scenarios. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.

In this manner, the board game device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that provides a board game which educates people on the issues of voter suppression. The device is a simulated American voting experience in a board game. The device can comprise a central spinner, statues, chips, and player cards, etc.

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 a board game device. The device is a modified board game which is designed to simulate the American voting experience. The board game device comprises a body component that is configured in a flat, rectangular shape which can be folded into a box. The game is intended for two to four players. Players use the central spinner to dictate where they can go on the board game device and can pick up cards when necessary to further dictate player movement across the board. Throughout the game, players must navigate the barriers to polling and voting, with spaces on the board representing various hindrances that players must overcome, thereby awarding points either negatively or positively based on their reactions to certain voting scenarios. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.

The board game embodying the present invention requires a player to achieve a large number of points by moving around the board and correctly reacting to the scenarios in order to win the game. Once a player accumulates the predetermined number of points to win the game, the game is over. The game may be played by 2 to 4 players.

The equipment used to play the game embodying the present invention includes a game board with a central spinner and player cards to dictate the movement around the board. The board of the present invention is shown specifically in the figures. The equipment further includes statues and chips to distinguish between players and to keep score. The equipment can be stored in a container, such as a box, if desired.

More specifically, the method of playing the game embodying the present invention comprises initiating the game by choosing statues, colored chips, or other suitable objects, etc., to designate certain players. Once designated, the first player spins the central spinner to dictate where their chip or object will move around the board. Thus, at the beginning of each player's turn, the player spins the central spinner.

After spinning the central spinner, the player then uses the information from the spinner to move around the board. There are rectangular spaces in blocks around the edge of the rectangular board which each comprise a scenario relating to voting in the United States.

In one embodiment, players are each designated a chip of a specific color or other suitable object which indicates their movement throughout the board. After spinning, the chip is moved to a specific rectangular block on the board where the player, designated to that chip, must respond to the scenario listed on the rectangular block.

After responding to the scenario, the player accumulates a certain number of points depending on their response. The specifics of the points that are either positively or negatively added are described in the instructions of the game or can be determined by the other players playing the game.

In one embodiment, the game continues to progress as previously described with each player spinning the central spinner and moving around the edge of the board. At each scenario, the points each player accumulates are notated and totaled.

In one embodiment, some rectangular blocks prompt players to choose one of the 200 various player cards which are provided with the game. These player cards also dictate movement around the board but can also dictate points received by players or the skipping ahead or falling behind of certain blocks.

Play ends when a player reaches a certain number of points that was predetermined by all of the players or when all the players have completed one rotation around the board.

In one embodiment, the player with the most points accumulated at the end of the game is the winner.

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

In yet another embodiment, a method of playing a board game about voting rights is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a board game device comprising a board, central spinner, chips of various colors, and player cards. The method also comprises assigning one of the chips of various colors to each player. Further, the method comprises spinning the central spinner. The method also comprises moving one of the chips of various colors to certain rectangular blocks on the board following the rules of the board game device. Finally, the method comprises accumulating a large number of points based on responding correctly to certain scenarios to win the game.

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 board game device of the present invention showing the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the board game device of the present invention showing the central spinner in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the board game device of the present invention showing various rectangular blocks on the board in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

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

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the board game device of the present invention showing how the game board is set up in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of playing a board game about voting rights 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 is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that provides users with a board game that highlights the complexities of voting rights and the impact of voter suppression in the United States. There is also a long felt need in the art for a board game device that features several iconic American figures, statues, and symbols on the board that help educate people as they play the game. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that prevents people from getting discouraged about voting to ensure they vote in different elections within their community and country. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that offers hours of fun and educational entertainment for adults capable of voting. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that provides a game board adorned with a central spinner, various statues including a male protagonist and the Statue of Liberty, a United States mailbox, and a green dollar sign, along with chips in multiple colors and player cards. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a board game device that frames the act of voting as a powerful civic duty and an expression of citizenship in the United States.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel board game device. The board game device comprises a body component that is configured in a flat, rectangular shape which can be folded into a box. The game is intended for two to four players. Players use the central spinner to dictate where they can go on the board game device and can pick up cards when necessary to further dictate player movement across the board. Throughout the game, players must navigate the barriers to polling and voting, with spaces on the board representing various hindrances that players must overcome, thereby awarding points either negatively or positively based on their reactions to certain voting scenarios. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points. The present invention also includes a novel method of playing a board game about voting rights. The method includes the steps of providing a board game device comprising a game board, central spinner, chips of various colors, and player cards. The method also comprises assigning one of the chips of various colors to each player. Further, the method comprises spinning the central spinner. The method also comprises moving one of the chips of various colors to certain rectangular blocks on the board following the rules of the board game device. Finally, the method comprises accumulating a large number of points based on responding correctly to certain scenarios to win the game.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the board game device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the board game device 100 is an improved board game device 100 in which players 200 spin a central spinner 102 to determine their movement around a board 104. Players 200 earn points based on what they land on the board 104 and how they respond. The board game device 100 educates players 200 on the ideals of voting rights and the impact of voter suppression in the United States.

Further, the board game device 100 comprises a central spinner 102 and a game board 104 on which the game is played. Specifically, the board game device 100 comprises a central spinner 102 which can contain specific words (i.e., words related to voting 106) to dictate movement around the board 104 or it can also contain numerical values (i.e., numbers 108) to dictate movement around the board 104. The board 104 can be approximately 22 inches square and able to be folded into a container 206, but may also be any suitable size as is known in the art. The board 104 also contains rectangular blocks 110 (or other suitable shaped blocks) around the outer perimeter 112 of the board 104 and which each contain a scenario 114 relating to voting rights within the United States. Players 200 move around the outer perimeter 112 of the board 104 and earn points based on how they respond to each scenario 114 they land on. The goal of the game is to accumulate the most points.

The rules of the game of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference being made to the accompanying Figures.

The board game device 100 embodying the present invention requires a player 200 to achieve a specified value of points, as hereinafter explained, in order to win the game. Once a player 200 or team of players accumulates the predetermined number of points to win the game, the game is over. The game may be played by 2 to 4 players 200.

The equipment used to play the board game device 100 embodying the present invention includes a central spinner 102 with either words 106 related to voting or numerical values 108 on it to dictate movement and a board 104 on which the game is played. The central spinner 102 of the present invention is shown generally in the figures. The equipment further includes rectangular blocks 110 which outline the outer perimeter 112 of the board 104 and include voting scenarios 114 as well as player cards 202 to further dictate movement and chips 204 of various colors to distinguish between players 200. The equipment can be stored in a container 206, such as a box or other suitable container, if desired.

Furthermore, the points for each player 200 are recorded on a scoresheet/scorecard 116 or other suitable score keeping device as is known in the art. The scorecard 116 can be a conventional paper and pencil scorecard 116 that a user/player 200 writes on to tally the scores after each scenario 114. Or the scorecard 116 can be a digital scorecard 118 accessed through a smartphone 208 or other suitable smart device as is known in the art, such as a tablet, a smart watch, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, the method of playing the board game device 100 embodying the present invention comprises initiating the game by choosing a first player 200, which can be done by simply designating one player 200 to begin play. Once designated, the first player 200 chooses which of the chips 204 of various colors they would like to signify them or other suitable object, such as a statue, token, etc. Thus, at the beginning of each player's turn, the player 200 chooses who they are on the board 104 and then can begin to move around the outer perimeter 112 of the board 104.

Play continues until a player 200 has accumulated a predetermined number of points set by all players 200 or until players 200 travel one full circle around the board 104. Positive points are awarded according to how players 200 respond to certain voting scenarios 114 that are present on each of the rectangular blocks 110 on the board 104. Negative points may also be awarded depending on the response of the player 200 to the voting scenarios 114. Specifically, the points are awarded based upon specific game rules which are either determined by the other players 200 as the game continues or are predetermined in a set of game instructions 300 which are provided with the board game device 100.

After the first player 200 designates one of the chips 204 of various colors for themselves, they can then move around the board 104. To initiate movement, the first player 200 must spin the central spinner 102. Once a player 200 spins the central spinner 102, they are provided either a word related to voting 106 or a numerical value 108 either of which can dictate how many rectangular blocks 110 the player 200 can move through. The chip 204 of various colors for the first player 200 then lands on a specific rectangular block 110 which contains a voting scenario 114. The first player 200 must respond to the voting scenario 114 and is awarded a certain number of points for their response. That player's turn is over and he/she must stop moving their chip 204 of various colors. Each player 200 then continues to spin the central spinner 102 and be awarded a certain number of points for their response to a voting scenario 114, based on a rule from the board game device 100. Once a player 200 reaches a certain number of points or rounds on the board 104, the game is over and the player 200 with the most points wins. Further, the score of each response can be kept on the scorecard 116.

As shown in FIG. 4, the total points achieved by the player 200 on each turn are added to any point total existing for that player 200 if he/she ends his turn and takes the points. The next player 200 then takes his turn to repeat the above-described process, and so forth.

Movement on the board 104 can also be dictated by player cards 202. Rather than a voting scenario 114 on every rectangular block 110, some rectangular blocks 110 can contain a prompt for the player 200 to pick up a player card 202. This player card 202 can contain various ways to further dictate movement for the player 200 around the board 104. This can either allow the player 200 to gain extra points or lose more points. There are approximately 200 various player cards 202 which are provided with the board game device.

Furthermore, the board game device 100 also comprises a plurality of indicia 400. The central spinner 102, the board 104 and/or the player cards 202 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the central spinner 102, the board 104 and/or the player cards 202, or any other indicia 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 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 voting, game, or brand related.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, an example of the rules that are utilized during the game to score points include the following: a player 200 trying to respond correctly to various voting scenarios 114. Players 200 can achieve this by landing their designated chip 204 of various colors on voting scenarios 114 which are present on certain rectangular blocks 110 placed on the outer perimeter 112 of the board 104. A player 200 can also land their chip 204 of various colors on rectangular blocks 110 which prompt them to pick up a player card 202. The player card 202 dictates further movement for the player 202 around the board 104 which can either increase or decrease the number of points that player 200 gains during their turn.

Other modifications and additions to these rules may be developed or decided upon by the players 200, all within the scope of the present invention. Further, after each response to a voting scenario 114, the player 200 receives points that are determined according to a hierarchy of points and is able to mark off those points on their scorecard 116. The point total is cumulative after each turn.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of playing a board game about voting rights. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a board game device comprising a board, central spinner, chips of various colors, and player cards. The method also comprises at 602, assigning one of the chips of various colors to each player. Further, the method comprises at 604, spinning the central spinner. The method also comprises at 606, moving one of the chips of various colors to certain rectangular blocks on the board following the rules of the board game device. Finally, the method comprises at 608, accumulating a large number of points based on responding correctly to certain scenarios to win the game.

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 “board game device”, “game device”, “voting game device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the board game device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board 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 board game device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the board game device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the board game device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the board 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.