Dynamic game apparatus and method using multiple magnets and a magnetic manipulator below them
US4991836A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1989 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2003/00671
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.