US 4,991,836 A · Dynamic game apparatus and method using multiple magnets and a magnetic manipulator below them

Abstract

Several permanent magnets are on a playing surface, with all the magnetic field vectors perpendicular to the surface and oriented in common (pointing in the same direction) relative to the surface. A player positions a magnetic manipulator below the surface, and below a selected magnet on the surface, and controls the manipulator so that the selected magnet forms a predetermined array with at least one other magnet on the surface. The field of the manipulator interacts with those of the magnets on the surface to apply exclusively magnetic force or torque to the selected magnet or the other magnet on the surface, or both. The field vector of the manipulator may be oriented either (a) generally in common with those of magnets on the surface--to levitate the "other" magnet above the selected magnet by an interactive magnetic-wedge effect--or (b) generally parallel to that of the selected magnet, but in opposition, to repel the selected magnet above the other magnet. Magnetic-field sensors or mechanical-pressure sensors are mounted on the individual magnets, with visible or audible indicator devices, to announce various kinds of events related to progress of the game.

Claims56

Dependent claims

Game apparatus for use by a player and comprising:

a base defining a substantially continuous playing surface;
macroscopic permanent magnets supported directly and generally free to slide about on the substantially continuous playing surface, each magnet having a magnetic field vector that is substantially perpendicular to the surface where that magnet is supported;
the magnets having their respective field vectors oriented in common relative to the surface where, respectively, the magnets are supported;
and
a magnetic manipulator disposed below the surface, and generally below a first particular individual one of the magnets, and controlled by such player to cause said first particular one magnet individually to form a predetermined regular array, generally wherever on the substantially continuous playing surface the player chooses, with at least one other particular individual one of the magnets;
the field-vector orientation of each permanent magnet being the same after formation of the array as before.

3 more elements

A method for playing a game, comprising the steps of:

first positioning macroscopic permanent magnets directly on a playing surface, with the magnetic-field vector of each magnet substantially perpendicular to the surface where that magnet is positioned;
and orienting the magnets so that their respective field vectors are directed in common relative to the surface where, respectively, the magnets are positioned;
then disposing a magnetic manipulator below the playing surface, and generally below a first particular individual one of the magnets;
and
then controlling the manipulator to cause said first particular one magnet individually to form a predetermined regular array with at least one other particular individual one of the magnets;
and wherein:
the disposing step comprises positioning the manipulator with the magnetic field vector of the manipulator oriented substantially in common with the magnetic field vectors of the permanent magnets;
and
the controlling step levitates said other magnet above said first magnet to form the array.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dynamic game apparatus and method using multiple magnets and a magnetic manipulator below them

Life of this patent

Dynamic game apparatus and method using multiple magnets and a magnetic manipulator below them

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims56