US4592553A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Matrix category game
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-12-26
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Granted: 1986-06-03
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Expires: 2004-12-26
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is directed to a matrix category game which includes an apparatus for playing as well as a method of playing. The apparatus includes a plurality of playing sheets having vertical columns and horizontal rows, each with a set of descriptive headings. At least one set of headings is color coded and the other is directed to various subject categories. A set of dice is included which has a letter of the alphabet on each facet and each die of which is color coded to correspond to the colors on the playing sheet. A writing instrument is provided for marking the playing sheet and instructions are included. Various subject categories are chosen from a list of categories and are inserted in one set of category headings. The dice are then rolled and the letter that faces upward on each one is written on the corresponding color descriptive heading. Each player must then write on a playing sheet an answer under each category and begins with the letter designated. A timer is used and the player who acquires the most points within the predetermined time wins the game.
Inventors
- 👤 William R. Mammen
- 👤 Joseph P. Pietrowsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:26
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F9/00; A63F9/18; A63F3/00; A63F3/04; A63F3/0423
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
230 words
Apparatus for playing information games, comprising: (a) a plurality of individual playing sheets having at least 3 horizontal rows and at least 3 vertical columns arranged so as to form a matrix of boxes equal to the number of horizontal rows multiplied by the number of vertical columns, said individual playing sheets further having a set of descriptive headings at the top of each column, and a second set next to each row, at least one set of descriptive headings being related to colors; (b) a set of at least 3 dice, each having 6 facets with each facet containing a letter of the alphabet, each of said dice being of a different color than the other dice and each such color corresponding to the colors of the descriptive headings of said individual playing sheets; (c) a list of categories containing general categories of information for game play for insertion into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (d) means for marking said individual playing sheets including the insertion of categories from said list of categories into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets and for insertion of letters of the alphabet from said dice into the other set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (e) means for timing players playing said information games; and, (f) instructions for playing information games therewith.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
230 words
Apparatus for playing information games, comprising: (a) a plurality of individual playing sheets having at least 3 horizontal rows and at least 3 vertical columns arranged so as to form a matrix of boxes equal to the number of horizontal rows multiplied by the number of vertical columns, said individual playing sheets further having a set of descriptive headings at the top of each column, and a second set next to each row, at least one set of descriptive headings being related to colors; (b) a set of at least 3 dice, each having 6 facets with each facet containing a letter of the alphabet, each of said dice being of a different color than the other dice and each such color corresponding to the colors of the descriptive headings of said individual playing sheets; (c) a list of categories containing general categories of information for game play for insertion into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (d) means for marking said individual playing sheets including the insertion of categories from said list of categories into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets and for insertion of letters of the alphabet from said dice into the other set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (e) means for timing players playing said information games; and, (f) instructions for playing information games therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said individual playing sheets has an equal number of vertical columns and horizontal rows.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said individual playing sheets have at least 5 vertical columns and at least 5 horizontal rows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein colors on said individual playing sheets and on said dice correspond to varying degrees of difficulty of play and represent correspondingly different playing points for purposes of scoring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said individual playing sheets have vertical columns with a set of descriptive headings for insertion of categories and have horizontal rows with descriptive headings with predesignated colors and for insertion of letters of the alphabet from said dice.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said individual playing sheets have an equal number of vertical columns and horizontal rows.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said individual playing sheets have at least 5 vertical columns and at least 5 horizontal rows.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein colors on said individual playing sheets and on said dice correspond to varying degrees of difficulty and play and represent correspondingly different playing points for purposes of scoring.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
237 words
An apparatus for playing information games, comprising: (a) a plurality of individual playing sheets having at least 3 horizontal rows and no more than 7 horizontal rows, and an equal number of vertical columns arranged so as to form a matrix of boxes equal in number to the square of the number of horizontal rows, said individual playing sheets further having a set of descriptive headings at the top of each column, and a second set next to each row, at least one set of descriptive headings being related to colors; (b) a set of at least 3 dice, each having 6 facets with each facet containing a letter of the alphabet, each of said dice being of a different color than the other dice and each such color corresponding to the colors of the descriptive headings of said individual playing sheets; (c) a list of categories containing general categories of information for game play for insertion into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (d) means for marking said individual playing sheets including the insertion of categories from said list of categories into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets and for insertion of letters of the alphabet from said dice into the other set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (e) means for timing players playing said information games; and, (f) instructions for playing information games therewith.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
237 words
An apparatus for playing information games, comprising: (a) a plurality of individual playing sheets having at least 3 horizontal rows and no more than 7 horizontal rows, and an equal number of vertical columns arranged so as to form a matrix of boxes equal in number to the square of the number of horizontal rows, said individual playing sheets further having a set of descriptive headings at the top of each column, and a second set next to each row, at least one set of descriptive headings being related to colors; (b) a set of at least 3 dice, each having 6 facets with each facet containing a letter of the alphabet, each of said dice being of a different color than the other dice and each such color corresponding to the colors of the descriptive headings of said individual playing sheets; (c) a list of categories containing general categories of information for game play for insertion into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (d) means for marking said individual playing sheets including the insertion of categories from said list of categories into one set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets and for insertion of letters of the alphabet from said dice into the other set of descriptive headings on said individual playing sheets; (e) means for timing players playing said information games; and, (f) instructions for playing information games therewith.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said individual playing sheets have at least 5 vertical columns and at least 5 horizontal rows.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein colors on said individual playing sheets and on said dice correspond to varying degrees of difficulty of play and represent correspondingly different playing points for purposes of scoring.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said individual playing sheets have vertical col
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-06-02 | 1989-12-02 | 1990-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-02 | 1993-12-02 | 1994-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-02 | 1997-12-02 | 1998-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |